John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The world does a poor job of granting peace. Aren’t you glad that Christ has a better way?
It’s Armistice Day.
Armistice: In Latin, arma (weapons) and statium (stopping). “Stop the war.”
We honor . . .
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918, all sides laid down their weapons in the “war to end all wars.” The Treaty of Versailles was signed seven months later, on June 28, 1919. Neither armistice nor peace was permanent.
We sometimes confuse the absence of battle with the presence of peace. Pray for armistice; and pray for peace—for nations, for others, for yourself.
John 17:21 (Voice)
Father, may they all be one as You are in Me and I am in You; may they be in Us, for by this unity the world will believe that You sent Me.
The unity of God’s people (the Elect) is a sign pointing the world towards God’s grace. Too often, we showcase competitive and critical attitudes towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. We send the wrong message.
Don’t be a DETOUR sign.
Election season here in the USA is so divisive–the exact opposite of God’s plan for his elect:
“Elect from every nation,
yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation:
one Lord, one faith, one birth.”
Samuel J. Stone, 1866
Christ is The Church’s One Foundation. Let us, his elect, show the world that we are One in Him.
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2 Peter 1:10 (NIV)
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.
I’ve been elected–by God. And certainly not because I waged a winning campaign. I am elected by God’s grace.
Today’s the day. Follow those VOTE signs to your polling place. And pray.
Me: Dear Lord, let my favorites win today.
God: Really?
Me: OK, God, your will be done. But please bless my guy–the one whose name is on that sign over there.
God: And what about that other sign?
Me: Not getting my vote, not getting my blessing.
God: Have you forgotten Matthew 5:43-45 (GNT)?
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil.
Me: I get it. Bless them all, Lord, the ones I vote for and the ones I don’t.
It’s election week. Signs sprout at every corner, sometimes just a name and an elected office. Frequently there’s a tag, Democrat, Republican or Independent. Less often, there’s a descriptor: fiscal conservative, strong leader, pro-business, for sale–oops! wrong sign . . . or not 😉
What’s missing? How about a word or phrase describing the candidate’s character?
What do you suggest?
If all Christians whispered a blessing over every child they encountered this evening, it truly would be a holy night, a Hallowed Eve. 
Me: Look at him: tough-guy swagger, droopy drawers, stone face. He’s trouble!
God: Why are you cursing my creation?
Me: What cursing? It’s the truth.
God: The truth? Really? Look at him with my eyes. Speak blessing into his life.
Me: I see a scared soul, a wounded spirit. Dear Lord, this poor soul is desperate for your shalom, your peace.
God: That’s better. Now what about that girl over there, the one draped over her boyfriend?
Me: Dear God, she’s looking for love in the wrong place. Wrap her in your loving arms. Be her strength, comfort and protection.
