John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Years ago, when I working for my church elder, he would see me getting upset about things he would simply said “Peace!” It calmed me. Little did I know at the time that he was using the power of the Holy Spirit to speak to my spirit calling upon the peace which Jesus has given me. It was one of those lessons which has lasted with me over the years.

While we have the peace of the Lord that peace is a gift to be used, to be accessed by us in times of trouble. It is up to us to call upon that peace. Medicine has no value in the bottle, it must be taken. So it is with the peace the Lord has given us. It is there for us to access as needed. So why don’t we use it when we are upset?

When a book was published disrespecting Allah a death warrant was issued. As bad as that sounds there is something that says they are passionate about their beliefs. When Christ is disrespected we don’t issue death threats. We might complain, we might voice our opinions, we might gather together and pray. Deep down I want someone to pay for that disrespect, but vengeance belongs to God and He will repay. Knowing that does not stop the feeling that I have about not doing enough.

Romans 10:15b How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Tired of the tribulations of this world? Preaching the gospel of peace will bring a quicker end to it than bomb threats.

1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me for ever.

I write almost all these devotionals from a place of experience. We feel things a little clearer if they relate to this reality we call life. Being one who is human, my condition is common to many. If my words touch you in any way, may it be the Lord speaking to you in those moments. If any comfort, any help, and healing be found in my words, praise God.

The bond of peace is the Lord. The bond of love is the Lord. Mercy and grace extended from one soul to another is only possible because God is between us. The Spirit which speaks to me is the same Spirit you hear. It is not me, it is the Lord.

We do not all suffer the same afflictions but we have the same Healer. We do not all suffer the same torments but we have the same Comforter. My sins are not your sins, but both share the same redeemer.

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

While we are all different, we are all the same.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: