Pursuing PeaceSample

"At peace with the present" It feels like a radical change to start of each day calling to mind God’s love, compassion and faithfulness. In the busyness of life, it’s important to protect some time, whether it is at the start or the end of the day, to ask God for the gift of peace. Silence gives rise to peace and with peace comes security. ~ African Proverb Matthew 5:9 says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The biggest blessing, once we have received this gift, is not to keep it to ourselves, but to offer it to others. To be givers of Peace in a world desperate for it. We can do this also by praying for the peace of others, for peace where there is conflict, for discernment and wisdom for the leaders and peacekeepers in conflict zones. African Proverb: Always being in a hurry does not prevent death, neither does going slowly prevent living. ~ Ibo proverb At its best, the church stands as a ‘living picture’ and witness to the healing, reconciling and restoring work of Christ. Tearfund’s action-focused platform called Rhythms has lots of actions that you can put into practice, living the calling to be a peacemaker in everyday life. Action: Go people watching. Pray for the strangers you notice, knowing those people are not strangers to God. Pray they will experience God’s love, and feel surrounded by his presence despite whatever situation and chaos they may be experiencing.