Friday, July 4, 2008

It Depends on You...

There are many opportunities for war. We will become battle-worn and weary if we move away from pursuing peace. Fierce competition seems to be an enduring thorn in the side of worship arts ministries. If we find ourselves in a perpetual war, we must aim to be peacemakers rather than full-time warriors.

The beauty of balance is that we must know how and when to do both. We will never know this through the flesh. The Spirit will guide us concerning wartime and peace. The enemy is not comprised of flesh and blood. Our fellow movement ministers should not be counted among those on whom we declare war. Brethren are to always reconcile and maintain the bond of unity.

The Lord's timing is impeccable. If it is possible, we are to be at peace with one another. If it is not possible, we must remain humble before the Lord to always allow the occassion for healing and reunion. We do this through practicing forgiveness daily. We must bless those who persecute us. When we remember the stain of our own sins and how the Lord has cleansed and forgiven us, we will become guardians of peace, and not supporters of war.

Shalom.

Exodus 14:14 (NKJV)
The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Psalm 34:14 (NKJV)
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV)
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 12:20 (NKJV)
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

No comments: