I love a peaceful place. And, the one above (or one like it, I should say) is one of my favorites. It does something for one’s soul to escape the noise and the bustle of the modern world, if for just an afternoon. I wonder, how much less strife and violence there would be if some fishing tackle and a sack lunch replaced even momentarily the cell phones, video games and social media that consume and demand our constant attention. Especially, among teenagers.
It’s beyond disturbing to see our nation become polarized over high-profile court cases such as the Martin/Zimmerman trial of this past week. With emotions running high on both sides just one spark could ignite a firestorm that could swiftly burn out of control. Something that none of us should want to see.
I learned a long time ago that it never pays to spoil for a fight. Doesn’t matter that you perceive yourself to be in the right. And, Christians above all should remember this. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers”.
A headline on Drudge this morning caught my attention regarding a church in Chicago, whose marquee reads, “Its safe to kill black people in Amerikkka”. I have to wonder about the wisdom in posting such an inflammatory statement. And, wonder if this same church would post a marquee regarding the slaughter of millions of unborn children. Maybe not – that wouldn’t be cool. It’s only cool, it appears, when celebrity and media get involved and emotions are running high.
If there is a war on anyone or anything in the country today (and, there is) it is a war on children. Children of all races are being failed by their parents and the adults, who hold responsibility over them. And, that alone should cause us to weep.
Jesus often spent time teaching next to a lake and it was in this peaceful environment that he taught one of his most powerful and enduring sermons; the sermon on the Mount.
“Blessed are the peacemakers” he said, “for they shall be called the children of God”. Matthew 5:9.
Yes, blessed are the peacemakers. There are no winners in the Martin/Zimmerman case and, as believers, we must be careful that our attitudes and opinions reflect the heart and nature of God, and not of the world around us. It is all to easy to parrot what we hear but, there is a right way and a wrong way of going about things and statements such as the one on the marquee of the church in Chicago, in my opinion, do more harm than good. And, may in fact contribute to a scenario that none of us want to see.
Today let each one of us find a place of peace and spend some time in prayer. A cup of tea by a favorite window, a drive to the country, a walk through the park. Spend some time asking Jesus what you (and I) can do as part of the peace making process in our own homes and neighborhoods. For we can never share the love of Jesus with others if our own hearts are corrupted by hate and malice, no matter how just we feel our cause. It is imperative. therefore that we do everything we can to defuse any potentially explosive situation – being especially wary of those who sow seeds of discord in an attempt to further their own agenda.
Yes, today would be a good day to go fishing. Hot pavement and hot heads cooled by fresh pine breezes is exactly what we need. A bologna sandwich warmed from the sun and shared between two – far more effective in healing than fists and hurtful words could ever do.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6
Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy
Heaven Bound 
This is very good advise, Cindy. I sense this is all the work of of the enemy, to kill, steal, and destroy. We must remember to hold every thought captive, always seeking His will, and His righteousness, as we wait for His soon glorious return! The love of many have grown cold, but His love can be felt in us, and His love is still the light in the darkness.
By: Tamra on July 17, 2013
at 12:15 am
There is only one race of people. The human race. If we are to believe God’s Word (and I do), we are all descendant of Noah. It was Charles Darwin that introduced the idea that different people evolved from different apes. If that were true how is it that I can donate blood to a black man in Africa with O-Pos blood,while I cannot to my own daughter who has Type A? This whole idea has been used by Freemasonry to control people just like they are now by separating them with hatred.
What we are seeing is more like the enmity between Esau and Jacob. Don’t fall for it people. God’s own people have the ability to resist the enemy.
2 Corinthians 10
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Casting down imaginations? Think about that.
By: jeff on July 17, 2013
at 9:25 am
So well said Cindy and Jeff.
By: Deirdre on July 19, 2013
at 3:17 am