The Gift of Peace

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you ever heard someone say, “If only I could win the lottery, all my troubles would be over.”?  I’ve heard that statement more than once.  But, I’ve also read stories that most people who win a lottery end up with strained family relationships and in bankruptcy.  Perhaps you have known or heard of someone who was financially well off, but was not happy.  That seems to be a common place predicament for many of the Hollywood celebrities.  Wealth doesn’t always bring happiness.  Actually, it is not uncommon to hear about folks who have more in the way of possessions, that they also have more in the way of troubles.  People often think that if they had more money their troubles would go away.  But this thinking is a foolish trap.  More possessions bring more responsibility, and often more responsibilities bring troubles.

 

This week in my readings and studies I have twice come across God’s words and His gift of peace.  In my personal devotions I am reading in the book of Numbers and read where God instructed Moses to tell Aaron to give the blessings of God to the people.  Numbers 6:22-27 says, “22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 "'"The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."' 27 "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."

When you worship today you still often receive God’s blessings in the same words as Aaron used 3500 years ago! 

 

In a Saturday Confirmation Class I’m teaching, one of this week’s lessons told of Jesus’ greeting to the disciples the night after his resurrection.  Jesus’ greeting was, “Peace be with You.” (or Shalom) (John 20:19).  The disciples were hidden and locked away in a room because they feared the same people who killed Jesus would kill them, and Jesus comes bringing peace!

 

Peace is different from Happiness.  Happiness comes and goes with the circumstances of life, and sometimes even when we are well off we aren’t happy.  Peace is the gift of God’s presence and blessings.  For those who know God’s forgiveness, God’s love, God’s presence, and the blessings God gives, peace is something that can bless us even in the worst of times.  God told Aaron to bless the Israelites with His peace even when they were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  Jesus spoke peace to the disciples the third day after His death. 

 

But, where troubles can take away happiness, God gives peace in the very midst of the troubles of life.  No matter what hardship, or illness, or loss you may be facing, as you know God’s love for you in Jesus you are safe in His loving hands. 

 

Money doesn’t always bring happiness.  But, for those who know and receive the love of God, He always brings peace, no matter what is happening in our lives.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the Blessings of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  SHANE WOODS ICE FISHING DAY IS TOMORROW!!!!  – The Promise Keepers of St. John will be  holding an ice fishing day for the children of the congregation this Sunday, March 17, after late worship at Finger Lake. 

·         Poles and bait are ready. 

·         The ice auger is warmed up. 

·         Hot dogs and hot cocoa are purchased. 

·         Fire is coming. 

            Drive out on the lake and join us for this day of family fun in remembrance of St. John member and soldier, Shane Woods!!!  Pictures to follow next week!!

 

P.P.S.  My granddaughter, Emmalee and I caught fish on Finger Lake last Monday.

 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

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