Day 19: by Juno Smalley
There's no way, during the week when we have peace as our subject to focus on, that I can't share again this wonderful version of a timeless classic song - click here and be blessed.
Sometimes we think if we don't upset the apple-cart, things will be peaceful. Yet we know that - sooner or later - the cart gets flipped and everyone is scrambling to put things back in the 'same spot', and in doing so they think they are keeping the peace. But are they?
At times, we are fearful to disagree with someone because somewhere in our past, a disagreement always turned into a major conflict, or it was treated as being negative, or we were belittled, or we were not part of the team. Yet, if we enter into the discussion with a humble spirit and with the attitude of 'help me to understand,’ so many potential conflicts can be resolved or avoided. It can become an experience that builds a stronger team, family, or friendship or marriage. Let's remember to treat others with respect, believing the best in one another. Remember, the challenging path you are on becomes a hike that gives you encouragement and blessing.
As a reminder, here are the subjects you can be praying for as the Lord brings them to mind:
Sometimes we think if we don't upset the apple-cart, things will be peaceful. Yet we know that - sooner or later - the cart gets flipped and everyone is scrambling to put things back in the 'same spot', and in doing so they think they are keeping the peace. But are they?
At times, we are fearful to disagree with someone because somewhere in our past, a disagreement always turned into a major conflict, or it was treated as being negative, or we were belittled, or we were not part of the team. Yet, if we enter into the discussion with a humble spirit and with the attitude of 'help me to understand,’ so many potential conflicts can be resolved or avoided. It can become an experience that builds a stronger team, family, or friendship or marriage. Let's remember to treat others with respect, believing the best in one another. Remember, the challenging path you are on becomes a hike that gives you encouragement and blessing.
As a reminder, here are the subjects you can be praying for as the Lord brings them to mind:
- Health and Encouragement of staff
- Continued Generosity from those who call New Life their home. How exciting to start 2024 ahead of the financial needs.
- Wisdom as we continue to grow and lean on the Holy Spirit to guide us as a church.
- Our In-Person & Streaming Candlelight services - and that the right people will experience the peace in life, that comes from Jesus at either our 10 am or 1:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Services.
- Those of us teaching in many of our ministries: preschool, students, Indonesian, and our 10:00 service. Pray that our teaching will connect to the hearts of the people God brings to us.
- YOU, pray that God opens windows of opportunities for you to listen to others, hear their stories and that you can share the hope of Jesus and invite them to a service.
- Pray for any situation that is causing you anxiety or keeping you awake at night.
Thursday's Prayer
Lord, Thank you for this new day. Keep my heart tuned into the reality of your presence throughout the day. Bring to my mind those in my sphere of influence to whom I can show hospitality.
Make me an instrument of your peace in my home and within the lives of the relationships you bring to my path. Help me to remember that your … peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus as I submit everything to you. Philippians 4:6&7
Remind me, Lord, that one of the key ingredients to peace is having an attitude of thanksgiving and a heart of gratitude, and remembering that because of your love and grace, All Is Well (another great song).
AMEN
Make me an instrument of your peace in my home and within the lives of the relationships you bring to my path. Help me to remember that your … peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus as I submit everything to you. Philippians 4:6&7
Remind me, Lord, that one of the key ingredients to peace is having an attitude of thanksgiving and a heart of gratitude, and remembering that because of your love and grace, All Is Well (another great song).
AMEN
Posted in Advent Devotional 2022