Peace MakersWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Some of most beautiful people in world are known as ‘peacemakers’. They're often labeled as lazy because they don't match energy and drive of a doer. Instead, they are more likely to rise to occasion out of care, compassion, and concern. The peacemaker is tender hearted and generous (with a heart of gold). They're personality we're most drawn to when we need a listening ear or some sort of help. There's a sense of serenity in their presence because we're most likely to be received unconditionally. "Near to heart of God" can often be said of a peacemaker, as their relationship with Him is often quite intense. The peacemaker is just that, a PEACE MAKER. Though they're often quite successful in their profession, their personal life is far from beautiful. They have a tendency to get crapped on, manipulated, taken advantage of, and used ... to back down from most any stand, reject a higher calling, do whatever it takes for sake of peace. Being emotionally bound, peacemaker may have great difficulty in making or keeping a commitment (as their emotions change at least daily). And, whatever commitment is made may be overruled by objections of another.
| | Truth, Justice, and the American WayWritten by Joyce C. Lock
TV tells us that one could survive on a deserted island (where there is no food, water, or protection from hurricanes), that an unskilled person (without supplies) could actually catch food in sea water (without being stung, raked over coral, poisoned, electrocuted, or eaten alive). They misrepresent a dolphin's voice and advertise beautiful beaches of Miami with old takes (leaving mention of run down, boarded over, roach infested buildings). But mostly, they try to convince us that ungodliness is free choice and politically correct ... and what is going to bring us peace, romance, love, and happiness. Stores advertise 1/2 off sales, but raise prices or keep an extra few cents for themselves. When a limited purchase is advertised, families exit through different registers. Numerous addresses and aliases are used to get more rebates and freebies. 1/2 cent is fudged at gas pump. What IRS doesn't know won't hurt us. And, we've all heard phrase, "Finders, keepers. Losers, weepers." Yet, let anyone rob us, tell us a little white lie, or (even worse) tell a lie on us and see just how self-righteous we become, "Crucify him! Throw book at him. He got what he deserved!" Let’s be thankful that we don't get all we deserve and that truth isn't what America portrays. TRUTH is a most wonderful thing! It sheds light on all that is pure, right, and just. It gives hope, reassurance, comfort, guidance, direction, and protection. It leads us out of difficult circumstances into personal victories. God made provisions that all could know truth. It cannot be obtained through wealth or knowledge. There is only one source for truth, either in voice of God or through His Holy Word … as Holy Spirit reveals it to you (I Co. 2:12-13). Only then can you ‘know’ truth. And, most wonderful thing is it sets you free (Jn. 8:32)! We’ll return to freedom once we learn to practice truth and that can only happen when we follow Jesus (Jn. 13:6). JUSTICE is probably least likely thing found in today's judicial system. The accused can pass lie detectors, while accusers fail, and still be sent to prison.
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