Search for Peace
This week, we are exploring what it means to be intentional in your search for peace. Take a moment and begin with this simple prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done for me. Help me to always remember the many blessings I have had over the years, and when things get rough, to focus on You and my current blessings. I pray You point me back to Your word in all circumstances. Thank You for Your inexplicable peace. I pray the dear soul reading this today finds Your peace, too. Amen.
Psalm 34:14 (NLT)
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
What comes to mind when you contemplate these two sentences?
In just a few short words, we are provided clear instructions on how to live our best lives. Do good, stay away from the bad, find peace, and keep the peace.
David teaches us the importance of the fear of God. Now, fear here isn’t the adrenaline overload type of fear that may come with being involved in a traumatic encounter. Fear of the Lord is simply to be in awe of Him. Our reverence for Him will then affect our actions and words.
What comes to mind when you think of behaving righteously? Take a moment to reflect on the last time you fell short when attempting to avoid conflict.
God made us in His image (Genesis 1:28). We are to imitate Him and keep His commandments. Do you recall a time when you acted as a peacemaker? Are there times when you have been a troublemaker? Journal as you reflect and identify peaceful verses troubled responses during specific situations. What worked? What could you have done differently to behave righteously?
We are to be humble and compassionate with others, and we are to bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Following Jesus and living this way is often difficult. I’m still working on the praying for my enemies concept. However, when I do follow through, a peace comes over me. I hate to admit this, but transparency in this life is important. We are all sinners, and no one has their life perfectly together. Sometimes I even begin praying simply out of spite. Each time, God wrangles my brain back in, sets my thinking straight, and gives me His unexplained peace. I challenge you to regularly pray for you enemies. When you do, discuss your experiences with a friend. Then, make it a priority to teach these principles to our young people to raise a generation in harmony with one another.
As we close today, spend some time asking God to bring you peace.
Ask Him specifically what changes you may need to make to behave righteously in His eyes.
I pray you are intentional in your walk with God this week. Don’t fight evil with evil. Seek peace, receive peace, and keep the peace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done for me. Help me to always remember the many blessings I have had over the years, and when things get rough, to focus on You and my current blessings. I pray You point me back to Your word in all circumstances. Thank You for Your inexplicable peace. I pray the dear soul reading this today finds Your peace, too. Amen.
Psalm 34:14 (NLT)
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
What comes to mind when you contemplate these two sentences?
In just a few short words, we are provided clear instructions on how to live our best lives. Do good, stay away from the bad, find peace, and keep the peace.
David teaches us the importance of the fear of God. Now, fear here isn’t the adrenaline overload type of fear that may come with being involved in a traumatic encounter. Fear of the Lord is simply to be in awe of Him. Our reverence for Him will then affect our actions and words.
What comes to mind when you think of behaving righteously? Take a moment to reflect on the last time you fell short when attempting to avoid conflict.
God made us in His image (Genesis 1:28). We are to imitate Him and keep His commandments. Do you recall a time when you acted as a peacemaker? Are there times when you have been a troublemaker? Journal as you reflect and identify peaceful verses troubled responses during specific situations. What worked? What could you have done differently to behave righteously?
We are to be humble and compassionate with others, and we are to bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Following Jesus and living this way is often difficult. I’m still working on the praying for my enemies concept. However, when I do follow through, a peace comes over me. I hate to admit this, but transparency in this life is important. We are all sinners, and no one has their life perfectly together. Sometimes I even begin praying simply out of spite. Each time, God wrangles my brain back in, sets my thinking straight, and gives me His unexplained peace. I challenge you to regularly pray for you enemies. When you do, discuss your experiences with a friend. Then, make it a priority to teach these principles to our young people to raise a generation in harmony with one another.
As we close today, spend some time asking God to bring you peace.
Ask Him specifically what changes you may need to make to behave righteously in His eyes.
I pray you are intentional in your walk with God this week. Don’t fight evil with evil. Seek peace, receive peace, and keep the peace.
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Don’t Stop Short of JesusThe Cross Is God’s Invitation to YouRemembering the OwnerThe OwnerThe Illusion of Self-Made SuccessActs 26:12–23 | Paul’s Encounter with JesusActs 26: 1–11 | Agrippa Grants PermissionInvited From The OutsideSurrender Creates PeaceWhen Blessing Becomes ForgetfulnessWhat A Pastor Means When They Say... | The Branch Living as Stewards, Not OwnersCreated for RelationshipThe Heart Behind the GiftSurrender GainsThe StewardFaithful StewardsOne Percent BetterEverything Belongs to GodThe Evaluation Is ComingActs 26:24-32 | Agrippa Parries Paul's ChallengeRedefining Success | The Branch The EvaluationHow You View God Determines EverythingThe Economy of Kingdom InvestmentChoose Your Category WiselyAnchored in Steadfast LoveActs 27:1-3 | Paul Sails for RomeDiscerning Between Good And Evil | The BranchLoved Enough to Be DisciplinedThe Steadfast Love of GodReturning to God’s WayCrying Out from the DepthsLiving with Wise Awareness
2025
January
A New Heart and SpiritSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyFrom the Pit to a New SongNo Other God's Before MeSeek First the KingdomStoring Treasures in HeavenServing One MasterTrusting God with EverythingThe Power of InfluenceRelationships That InfluenceFinding Godly FriendsIron Sharpens IronSpeaking Truth In LovePrioritizing God's PresenceChoosing the Better PortionLiving With Eternal PerspectiveCreating Margin For God's PurposesBearing Fruit Through AbidingReleasing the Past, Embracing God's FutureTransformed By God's LoveOur Past And A Hope For A FutureEmbracing Our New Identity In ChristRunning The Race Of Perseverance
February
Generosity Begins With PriorityThe Heart of GivingTithing as an Act of FaithThe Blessing of GenerosityTrusting God's FaithfulnessSeeing Yourself Through Jesus' EyesThe Power of Jesus' CallFrom Broken to BlessedEmpowered for PurposeHope for the FutureGod Knows Your NeedBringing Your Needs to JesusFaith in the Face of ImpossibilityJesus' Power Over Death and DiseaseTestimony of God's FaithfulnessCreated For A PurposeCompassion In ActionOvercoming Fear To Share HopeMeeting Needs To Show LoveAnswering the Call
March
HosannaWhat a MiracleI Speak Jesus InhabitJesus Over EverythingThe Risky Call of DiscipleshipGod's Presence in Our VulnerabilityThe Sword of TruthThe Power of Small Acts of KindnessEnduring Faith in the Face of AdversityGod's Perfect TimingAnswering the CallEmpowered for ServiceEmbracing God's Greater Purpose
No Comments