DECEMBER 3 – RIVERS OF PEACE

 Aggressively chase after peacemaking with everyone while you seek the personal holiness that enables your relationship with the Lord, God. (Hebrews 12:14)

                  When someone wrongs you, do you understand that the Lord wants you to pursue peace with that person? Do you see that your right-living; your holiness, is closely connected with your relationships with your people? Remember, it is God who has brought these people into your life. There is a purpose. How can you obey His vision for your life if you cannot make peace with the people He gave you to help you in that work?

                  The writer of Hebrews repeats these two challenges – repeatedly (Hebrews 10:23-28, 10:34-38, 13:1-6,13:16). They seem to be a very import part of his values framework. He joins the two values at every opportunity. Could this be one disciple’s effort to wrestle with the words of Jesus when He said, “Love the Lord you God with everything in you – heart, soul, and mind…. And… love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself? (Matthew 22:37,39)” Reading this letter, it also seems he has found a paradox. By peacemaking with others, the writer sees a pathway to right-living and inner peace that he desires for himself. Such insight is available to you if you take the values framework God gives you seriously and ask Him to increase your understanding of His will for you.

                  Find the peace the Lord provides as you grow in relationship with Him.

DECEMBER 2 – WHY UNUSUAL JOY?

 Think of it as joy; be glad brothers, when you find yourself in very tough situations. You can be sure that this test of your faith will build your ability to patiently endure. These trials work to bring you to maturity, sound and complete in every way. So, keep going until God brings you to completion. (James 1:2-4)

                  It is very important for you to have a strong command of the values framework that God is giving you. Words, especially words that describe values, are often viewed differently – sometimes with great emotion attached - by different people. People often define words differently too. So, it is very important that you clearly state, define, and live your values without the confusion of mixed messages.

                  James’ value of being joyful in tough situations is not one most people would choose these days. Some psychologists say everything people do is motivated by a desire to avoid such pain. See how James painted the picture for his reader to help them understand his ‘Why?’ The ‘why?’ is very important when you are arguing for a value that goes against another person’s perceptions.

                   Consider your values and their definition in view of how they will be received by your people. Recognize that your actions and policy can be an important part of defining them. And, don’t forget to tell your people the ‘why?’ of your values