Me: Good morning, Papa Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Ruah (Hebrew for Wind/Spirit)! “I delight with you in your ways, laws, and order” (Romans 7:22). Coming back to you gives me hope and perspective. Thank you for seeking me out, Lord. I am more blessed than an earthly king.
The Lord: Why?
Me: Because, my life has meaning even when it seems meaningless and even causes anti-meaning.
The Lord: Anti-meaning?
Me: Yes, when my actions create negative meaning to others. For example, when I move too close or quickly in relationships, I tend to hurt others and then myself. It seems unavoidable.
The Lord: Yes. It is unavoidable, still it is good to keep at pursuing peace.
- “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, TNIV)
- “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, TNIV)
- “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11, TNIV)
Me: So, even the Scriptures confirm that peace can be invaded beyond our best efforts to keep it.
Jesus: Yes, and I came to change that, but not through normal methods. My way is set apart.
- “Think not that I came to bring peace. I tell you, no, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51-2)
- “My peace I give you not as the world gives so give I you.” (John 14:27)
- I am your peace. As Paul explains:
“For he (Jesus) himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” (Ephesians 2:14–19, TNIV)
Jesus: Let me be your peace and their peace too.
Me: That makes sense, and it
Jesus: Yes, and it is Mine. It is too big to solve as the world solves: by brains, methods, might
Me: Yes, bigger than me, but I can listen and respond and grow in your Spirit and your Word. As James writes:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13–18, TNIV)
Me: So, what am I learning?
Jesus: To quit trying to figure it out and to take it as it comes. Proactively, love and serve. Responsively, quiet down and listen. Sometimes, no words are best.
Me: Once, when I was told that I was being robotic and following a script, I could feel the truth of that, for as I was projecting calm, I was actually angry, not meek. I realized that I was indeed speaking from my script rather than going deeper and listening.
The Lord: Yes. Good! Just know that we are with you. We are helping you hear. Fear not Little-Faith; fear not Little-John; it is Papa’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Did my sharing connect with you? Questions or comments? Please comment below.
Giv’m Heaven!
John Parker
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