BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Devotion for Wednesday December 21, 2016

Topic: BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS  

Text: Matthew 5 verse 9                         

God is the author of peace and lover of concord. This informs His decision to come down to the earth to die for us. He desires us to live peaceful with one another. This made Jesus to speak peace to His disciples on many occasions. In John 14:27a, He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” He also urged us to speak peace to any home we are entering (Matthew 10:13). In John 20:21, Jesus commissioned His disciples with peace.

From the above, it is pertinent to note that peace is very vital in our daily lives. Jesus asserts that peacemaking is a character found in God and if anyone follows after that, it means such person is a child of God. When Christ came, He made peace with His blood on the cross and reconciled the enemies of God through His death (Ephesians 2:14–18). Our justification grants us peace and makes us peace makers through the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19).

There is a connection between purity of heart and peacemaking. Here in our text is a challenge for us to love peace, and to labour after peace. We are to promote it amongst others; to become, not only peaceable, but peace-makers. How peaceable are you in your office, school, etc or as a boss, parent, and teacher in relation to your subordinates? It is only when we are peaceable (Hebrews 12:14) that we can truly be, peacemakers. Today, I challenge you to go out to that person that offended you or you offended to make peace. This may be your last opportunity. Don’t procrastinate about it.     

Food for Thought: Psalm 34:14

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 9

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

PEACEABLE FRUITS: Devotion for Wednesday January 13, 2016

PEACEABLE FRUITS       Wednesday January 13, 2016

Text: Hebrew 12:4 – 11        Memory verse: v 11

It is Robin Sharma’s opinion that, “All great work requires daily practice and endless patience.” Daily practices with patience are the things that can bring out the best in great men of exploits. The writer of this epistle exhorts us on the need for training and discipline in the life of Christians which will definitely lead to peaceable fruits of righteousness. The writer noted that from the gentle and moderate degree, and measure of their sufferings: they have not yet resisted unto shedding of blood in striving against sin (12:4). They were reminded that they have not suffered as much as some have suffered, noting that the essence of all these is to pass through the chastising of the Lord (12:5) which comes out of His (God’s) love for us (Hebrews 12:5–11).

Beloved, the chastisement of God yields, like a good tree, the good fruit of righteousness (Galatians 5:22, 23). It brings out the best in us just as passing of gold in fire makes it shine better. It’s never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by God, but His discipline is a sign of His deep love for us. When God corrects us, see it as proof of His love, and ask Him what He is trying to teach you. What discipline are you going through at this moment? Therein are lessons that will lead you to righteousness. Do not resist it.

Food for Thought: Hebrew 12:6

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to yield to your chastisement for my own good