Greetings
Some weeks are busier than others. Some weeks it feels like the hits just keep coming. It's like the bad things keep popping up. At each turn, it seems some difficult circumstances loom. We recently had one of those weeks.
I found myself thinking, “What's next?” I wanted the pieces to just settle so we could start to dig out.
Paul started his letters with something like this, “Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, Jesus Christ.” I've read these statements numerous times and just passed by thinking “there is the greeting from Paul”. But, in this tumultuous week, Paul's words hit me differently.
Many of the early churches he was writing to were facing trials, tribulations, and persecution. I wonder how much comfort they received in Paul's greeting to this letter he sent to them. I hope it was a reminder of the ultimate peace our Lord Jesus Christ provides.
John records the words of Jesus in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” In all circumstances, Jesus has given us His peace. There is nothing in this world that we need to fear. Our hearts are to be at peace.
When the circumstances of life try to rattle us. Seek peace. Seek grace. The Lord willingly gives us both.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
I found myself thinking, “What's next?” I wanted the pieces to just settle so we could start to dig out.
Paul started his letters with something like this, “Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, Jesus Christ.” I've read these statements numerous times and just passed by thinking “there is the greeting from Paul”. But, in this tumultuous week, Paul's words hit me differently.
Many of the early churches he was writing to were facing trials, tribulations, and persecution. I wonder how much comfort they received in Paul's greeting to this letter he sent to them. I hope it was a reminder of the ultimate peace our Lord Jesus Christ provides.
John records the words of Jesus in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” In all circumstances, Jesus has given us His peace. There is nothing in this world that we need to fear. Our hearts are to be at peace.
When the circumstances of life try to rattle us. Seek peace. Seek grace. The Lord willingly gives us both.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt
Tagged with Peace
Recent
Archive
2024
1 Comment
Thirty-seven years ago, my wife and I were married at Westside Christian Church. The pastor then was Max Smith. My wife Ellen and I loved Max so much. He baptized me there in 1987. We moved away from Bradenton in 1990, but we have never forgotten precious Max Smith and the wonderful church family we had at Westside. I was thinking about the church today (as I often do) and decided to look for you online. I stumbled upon this blog entry. I don't believe our God works in coincidences. I believe He has an active hand in our lives. Your blog entry, the only one I randomly clicked on, was a very timely blessing. I believe it was meant for me to find. We have been going through a string of difficult trials over the past few years. It does seem like "the hits just keep coming." I actually have used that exact phrase. Your blog entry was encouraging. I wanted to let you know that. We live in Knoxville, Tennessee now. We have two grown daughters, but so far, no grandkids. We sometimes talk about moving back to Bradenton at some point. They say you can't look back, and you certainly can't turn back the clock, but at least Westside is still there. I hope someday we can at least stop by for a visit. May God richly bless your church and your life. I will pray that He bestows His peace, strength, and guidance upon you and your family as you endeavor to lead the congregation at Westside. Feel free to reach out to me at any time. I provided my email address in the form, but I'll repeat it here: tilmerwrightjr@gmail.com