* The Ultimate Gift

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27 NLT

We live in troubled times. No great revelation there. Every day, I talk with at least one person who wishes they had peace of mind. They're worried about the economy and the war on terrorism and politics and their 401k and getting old and their health, retirement, Christmas, and now, what the new year will bring! The list seems endless.

Have you met those ones who get upset when you don't get upset with them? They remind me of the takeoff quote from Rudyard Kipling's famous poem, "If" in which he encourages his son to be a man with morals and quiet determination.  However, the takeoff quote is, If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs... you obviously don't understand the situation!

Jesus tells us in Luke 12:21 - 25, "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?"

If you have to worry, worry about your relationship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus. But once you have a rich relationship with God, in the middle of the turmoil, you will have peace. Peace that comes from knowing God is in control. Am I saying we will never have troubles or another concern once we develop a relationship with God? No! In fact, quite the opposite! Christ Himself told us, in John 16:33, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Troubles will come as surely as you live and breathe, but God has given us a great gift in His Son, Jesus the Christ, and in the midst of our many trials and sorrows, we can have peace in Him.

Jesus - the ultimate Gift - bringing us the gift of peace.

Prayer:

Father,

          As we hurl headlong to the end of a year that has seemed to fly by, let us be ever mindful that we are that much closer to the coming of Christ. Help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen