Matthew 10:34-42. Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Not exactly what we had hoped to hear. In a world of war and conflict, we would like to hear a message of blessed assurance. We want a no-cost peace. But Jesus tells us that the price must be paid. That is the price of our own faith in the peace we make each day. Our devotion to discipleship, our willingness to endure even if we feel we are alone-this is the true cost of peace-making. We must value our partnership with and our responsibility to Christ above all things if we want to know the peace that passes all understanding.

The peace of God is that peace with God which is given to him who finds his sole joy in doing God's will. Paul had no peace with God until he gave himself over to the complete obedience of Christ. Then his peace began-and also his troubles. The peace of God in this world does not provide a happy adjustment to the circumstances of this world. That happy adjustment will come only in heaven. But the real, all-out Christian is content to have it so.
-Carroll E. Simcox

PRAY for the Diocese of Clogher (Armagh, Ireland)

Ps 137:1-6(7-9), 144 * 104; Ezekiel 47:1-12; 1 John 3:11-18

A Morning Resolve Prayer. Click here.

For Today Prayer. Click here.