Disciples Learn to be
Peacemaking Children of God

To start the week’s devotion, answer this question: In general, who are the peacemaker types in this world, those who find themselves between opposing parties?

There are judges or arbiters, like in divorce cases; umpires between teams at odds over a call; teachers between hostile students, parents between quibbling siblings (sometimes siblings between parents). Then there are the police officers in domestic disputes and negotiators in business deals.

Now ask yourself this: How often are both sides satisfied with the peacemaker's efforts? Someone almost always feels cheated, don't they? Peacemaker types can end up being spoken of derisively – not highly. In dealing with multiple parties, peacemakers often face ungrateful, manipulative and conniving people on at least one side -- sometimes both. And this is before, during, and after the efforts to bring peace.

Truth can be hard to root out. Jesus, the Prince of Peace and Truth Himself, also faced ungrateful, manipulative and conniving people before, during, and after His efforts to bring peace through His life-and-death efforts. Peacemakers are in good company with Jesus, the Ultimate Peacemaker – and like Jesus, the Son of God – they are called children of God.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for those who have a distinctive heart for peace, often laboring in unappreciated conditions. May they, along with all of us, know the blessings that come their way through Jesus, the Ultimate Peacemaker, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 119:105-112 (Nuun, 14th letter)

נ

105. Your word is a lamp for my feet,
     a light on my path.
106. I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
     that I will follow your righteous laws.
107. I have suffered much;
     preserve my life, LORD,
     according to your word.
108. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
109. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
110. The wicked have set a snare for me,
     but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111. Your statutes are my heritage forever;
     they are the joy of my heart.
112. My heart is set on keeping your decrees
     to the very end.
     

Micro-Meditation Action

Read the verses of the Psalm two times.  Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.

Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.

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Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

Think back to the last time you were without electricity. How valuable was a flashlight? Candle? The lamp? In this fashion, God’s Word is cast as helping us in a dark spiritual world.

Do you view it this way?