A man got a letter.  The envelope was merely a piece of paper sack taped up.  The address was scrawled in crayon.  And there was no indication of importance.  He put it aside while he opened the “important” envelopes.  After going through all the letters he had, he threw the junk away.  You guessed it…….. there was a million dollar check in that ole piece of paper sack.  He found out about it later and you can imagine how he felt. 

Be careful how you treat the message of God when you think the one containing it is worthless and base.  It is possible the words spent on your behalf are worth more than you can imagine.   “Humble yourself before the Lord.  And do not rely on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him.  And in due time, He will lift you up.”

By His Grace.

To some it is given to live as they wish.
They eat what they will and then clean the dish.
To others life holds a bit more restraint.
They eat what they can and with no complaint.
A few are held back and forced to receive.
Their plate filled with hope that they might believe.

The peace of God does not look like the peace men speak of.  God’s peace cannot be seen.  There is no handshake or smile to see.  No joyous voice the ear can receive.  We walk by faith.  And this is God’s design.  When God says “Peace to you.”, the world looks on the receiver with envy and hatred.  The kingdom of heaven is within and the signs of it are obscure from the world.  There is no written treaty that a man might hang up on the wall. 

The world will send gifts to those it desires peace from.  And such gifts are easy to behold.  But the gift of God is eternal life, and a calmness of heart.  God gives power to overcome both sin and temptation.  He leads those to whom He extends peace through the raging battle of this world.  The battle of the Lord in this world cannot be heard or seen.  There is no bloodshed, screams of wounds, loud explosions, or the clash of steel.  For the battle is not fought with flesh. 

Peace, yes.  But death remains ahead.  Death of the flesh and not death of the spirit.  There is a river to cross for every man.  That river holds no mercy and does not cry at our passing.  Peace from God, in this world, is a promise of eternal life after we have crossed.  In the mean time there is a war to be fought.  Turn from ungodly behavior and seek His glory.  We are but servants pulled up by the hair that we might serve Him.  God remains supreme! 

There was a saying in Rome.  The men of the arena would stand before the throne and say:  “We who are about to die salute you!”.  In the arena of this world the Christian says: “We who are about to live salute you!”.

By His Grace.