Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

Peace! 

What a wonderful concept.  It is even a pleasant word to say..."peace of mind", "grace and peace", "peace on earth", "love, joy and peace",  and so on. 

The word 'peace' conjures up so many nice thoughts and feelings...yet, do we experience any of those in our lives today?  "Conflict" seems to be everywhere - on the TV, in the newspaper, on the internet, in our government, in our culture, even in our own homes, families and relationships.

So, do we accept the lack of peace in our lives, in our hearts?  Do we make excuses:  "we're just under a lot of stress right now", "it is the economy", "it is the Republicans/Democrats fault", etc.?  Maybe, we even deceive ourselves into thinking we have peace, oblivious to the turmoil that exists within our very hearts.  It reminds me of the soldiers of the Seventh U.S. Calvary at Wounded Knee Creek.  It was late Dec

ember, 1890, in South Dakota when Custer's former regiment, (Custer was killed 14 years earlier), came upon a band of Sioux Indians headed to the Pine Ridge Agency for safety.  The group of Indians consisted of 120 men and 230 women and children.  Chief Big Foot, who was very ill, displayed a white 'flag' indicating their intentions.  The Indians set up camp for the night while the soldiers guarded them with plans to escort the Indians the following day.  The next morning an altercation occurred while the Indians were turning in their weapons.  The soldiers opened fire killing nearly 300 of the 350 men, women and children.  Forty-seven wounded, bleeding women and children were taken in wagons to the Pine Ridge 'church' or mission.  They were place on the floor where, above the pulpit, hung a banner stating - "PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN".

Jesus says "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful", (John 14:27).  Therefore, peace is something we can experience. 

Jesus also said "blessed are the peacemakers", (Matthew 5:9), which implies peace takes effort. 

Peace is more than a concept; it is more than a word.  It is a reality!  Are we willing to make the effort to seek it, work for it, and accept it?  Maybe we are just more comfortable with 'words' like "peace on earth".  Read Philippians 4:6-7.

Doug Burns

Stephenville, Texas