ACT 19: WAGE PEACE
At the conclusion of 2021, there were 27 ongoing military conflicts in our world, the conflict in the Unkraine makes 28. Truth is, I was shocked to see that number, as we tend to only hear of a few of the conflicts in our daily news.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), (2021)
Violence against civilians resulted in over 5,000 deaths worldwide
Battle related deaths numbered over 18,000
Explosion/remote violence led to more than 4,000 deaths
Riots resulted in over 600 fatalities
Beyond the Ukraine, wars and conflicts exist in South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, India and Pakistan, to name a few.
It goes without saying, I suppose, our world needs peace, "the peace of God that transcends our understanding."
For our Act of Generosity today lets reflect on the Bible's viewpoint toward peace, and then let us pray for peace. Let's "Wage PEACE".
Philippians 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Timothy 2:1-6
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
James 3:13-18
13 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.
We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
MARCH 28, 2022
At the conclusion of 2021, there were 27 ongoing military conflicts in our world, the conflict in the Unkraine makes 28. Truth is, I was shocked to see that number, as we tend to only hear of a few of the conflicts in our daily news.
According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), (2021)
Violence against civilians resulted in over 5,000 deaths worldwide
Battle related deaths numbered over 18,000
Explosion/remote violence led to more than 4,000 deaths
Riots resulted in over 600 fatalities
Beyond the Ukraine, wars and conflicts exist in South Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, India and Pakistan, to name a few.
It goes without saying, I suppose, our world needs peace, "the peace of God that transcends our understanding."
For our Act of Generosity today lets reflect on the Bible's viewpoint toward peace, and then let us pray for peace. Let's "Wage PEACE".
Philippians 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Timothy 2:1-6
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
James 3:13-18
13 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
A PRAYER FOR PEACE
‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ says the Lord,
‘for they will be called children of God.’
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.
We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Most holy God and Father,
hear our prayers for all who strive for peace
and all who fight for justice.
Help us, who today remember the cost of war,
to work for a better tomorrow;
and, as we commend to you lives lost in terror and conflict,
bring us all, in the end, to the peace of your presence;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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