“It
isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough
to believe in it. One must work at it” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Text
for the day: And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to
which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians
3:12-17
Our
Devotional
“When the power of love overcomes the
love of power the world will know peace.” These words were spoken by the late
Jimi Hendrix. With all the hateful and hurtful comments hammering across the
media these days, has anyone stopped to ask, what impact this will have on our
overall peace in our land. The
Apostle Paul was clear when he said in Ephesians 4:29, “Let
no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for
building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
We all long for peace, but only a heart
that is filled with love can bring froth true peace. Peace cannot be achieved by
legislation, or controlling nations, but by mastering our thoughts and feelings
toward our fellow men. Some would believe that peace would be
kept in check by force, but, “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be
achieved by understanding” - Albert Einstein
The
goal toward which all nations have attempted to gain lasting peace has for the
most part failed, because they have sought it through the medium of war, and
not through a process of universal intimidation. It would be good for us all to
consider today, I will be a committee of one on the road of true and lasting
peace. I will not be a part of a people who find joy in seeing others suffer
for lack of peace. The road to peace
does not arise out of a cowardly desire to preserve one's life, property, religious
beliefs, or governmental legislation, but out of a conviction that the fullest
development of the highest powers of men can be achieved only in a world of
peace.
As you read the daily news papers and
listen to the talk shows of the day, it is clear that there are so many people
full of the spirit of hate and not peace. As you reflect on this point of the
spirit of hate, let us consider who is the originator of hate and not be part
of it. Far better would it be for us to suffer under false accusation than to
inflict upon ourselves the torture of retaliation upon our enemies. The Bible
lets us know that the spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan, and
can bring only evil to him who cherishes it. And this same spirit of hatred led
Satan through evil men, to put to death the Son of God.
Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness
in their heart toward another is cherishing the same spirit, and its fruit will
be unto death. In the revengeful mind, the evil deed lies enfolded, as the
plant in the seed. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye
know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him" (1 John 3:15)
Many look at things on their darkest
side; they magnify their supposed grievances, nurse their wrath, and are filled
with revengeful, hateful feelings, when in truth they had no real cause for
these feelings. . . . Why not resist these wrong feelings, and you will
experience a great change in your association with your fellowmen. Seek a
lowliness of heart and an understanding spirit with meekness which is the fruit
of abiding peace in God will be yours.
Nothing
is more precious than peace, and we should all seek the peace of all men. -Let
those who are easily irritated refuse to retaliate when words that vex them are
spoken. Let them seek peace with themselves and God through prayer and
meditation. Seek for ways of how you can help others who are seeking for
lasting peace to obtain it. He who keeps
busy in this work will be so thoroughly imbued with the Spirit of God that his
manners, his voice, his whole life, will be a revelation of the maker of peace.
"If any man will come after Me," Christ said, "let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
On the other hand; there is a wonderful
power in silence. When impatient words are spoken to you, do not retaliate.
Words or comments spoken in reply to one who is angry usually act as a whip,
lashing the temper into greater fury. But anger met by silence quickly dies
away. If there was ever a time to bridle the tongue, the time is now. Firmly
resolving not to speak harsh, impatient words when spoken to is an art, but it
is the best thing to do when seeking to help all men. Note, with the tongue
bridled, you may be victorious in every trial of patience through which you are
called to pass. Remember, Peace
is the starting point for the advancement of all
mankind
and not self.
Sy Miller and Jill
Jackson were a husband and wife songwriting team. In 1955 they wrote a song
about their dream of peace for the world and how they believed each one of us
could help create it. They first introduced the song to a group of teenagers
selected from their high schools to attend a weeklong retreat in California.
The young people were purposefully from different religious, racial, cultural
and economic backgrounds, brought together to experiment with creating
understanding and friendship through education, discussion groups, and living and
working together in a camp situation. Sy Miller wrote in his own words what
happened:
“One summer evening in
1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a
workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang
a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic
sentiment – 'Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,' helped to
create a climate for world peace and understanding.
‘When they came down
from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and
started sharing it. And, as though on wings, 'Let There Be Peace on Earth'
began an amazing journey around the globe. It traveled first, of course, with
the young campers back to their homes and schools, churches and clubs. Soon the
circle started by the teenagers began to grow. Before long the song was being
shared in all fifty states – at school graduations and at PTA meetings, at
Christmas and Easter gatherings and as part of the celebration of Brotherhood
Week. It was a theme for Veteran’s Day, Human Rights Day and United Nations
Day. 4H Clubs and the United Auto Workers began singing it. So did the American
Legion, the B’nai B’rith, the Kiwanis Clubs and CORE. It was taped, recorded,
copied, printed in songbooks, and passed by word of mouth.
‘The song spread
overseas to Holland, England, Italy, France, Germany, Lebanon, Japan,
India; to South America, Central America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The
Maoris in New Zealand sang it. The Zulus in Africa sang it.” Professional
singers began singing it. Over the years many artists have performed the
song. “Let There Be Peace on Earth” has been awarded many honors and
medals by Freedom Foundations, national Conference of Christians and Jews.
In Sy Miller’s words
again: ‘This simple thought, 'Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin
With Me' first born on a mountain top in the voices of youth, continues to
travel heart to heart – gathering in people everywhere who wish to become a
note in a song of understanding and peace—peace for all mankind."
So, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace
on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our father, brothers all
are we. Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the
moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow. To take each
moment, and live each moment with peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.”
"One day we must come to see that
peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but that it is a means by
which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful
means." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
May you have eternal peace in your life
today and always.
If
you would like to put forth a comment to our series, send it to
TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com, all comments will be viewed then posted. If you
don’t wish your comment to be posted just let us know.
This letter was written by Chaplain Kevin J. T. Santucci
Click on to the
song of the day:
Ø Today is Peace,
Revival, and Reconciliation Day.
Our
Prayer for today:
Prayer
Request
Community
/ International Prayer
Ø Despite the damage done by Boko
Haram in the country of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims are coming together and
seeking peace. Let us pray that God will break hatred and distrust that existed
between the two religions. May we pray that they will overcome the threat to
peace and peaceful coexistence,” said Pastor Yohanna Y. Buru, chairman and
founder of Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria.
World Events:
Ø Pray for
the government leaders of the world, that they would come to know ChristPray for the hundreds of Christians being tortured in the prison camps around the world
Let us prayer for victims of Kenya and Pakistan attacks.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those
who love God, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Do You have a Prayer Need?
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together every day around the world to pray for your needs of healing, comfort,
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Remember
that the true meaning of ASAP is: "Always Say a Prayer"
A person, who loves the Bible, will also love to
pray, and a person who loves to pray will delight themselves in the Bible.
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Today is a great day to
praise the LORD for the things He is doing around the world through all types
of ministries. Although the work of spreading the gospel in different countries
is moving ahead by human hands, it is not advancing as it should advance. Yet,
that which has been accomplished affords reason for gratitude and grounds for
encouragement. To add to this great work of finishing the work of God in this
generation is (Garden Ministry). But we need your help; more and more people
are seeking for Garden Ministry to be translated into their language. If you
would like to translate this devotional into your language and send it off to
your friends in different parts of the world, please do so.
If possible, share with us your response.
Join us next time for another ray of
sunshine from Garden Ministry.