IS THERE A PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD called
a “peace shelter”? For most people – no
matter what nation we live in, or what language we speak … what we all long for
and search after, is peace! We look in
every place we can and pursue every avenue we think will lead us there, but it
mostly evades us. Where, oh where, can
we find peace? Oh yes, we find it every
now and then, and we think it shows up when things seem to all be flying in
perfect formation and everything is running smoothly. But what about the times that just about push
us to the brink of losing it? Where is
peace then? Some people wonder if peace
even exists – much less being obtainable.
Of all things we could ever hope to attain, finding peace is
priceless. That’s because true peace
only comes from one source. Lasting peace,
that is! All of us could list some thing
or some place in this present life that brings us temporary peace … some
pleasant escape that calms our bodies and minds and soothes our nerves. But throw us back out into the storms of life
– and wham! – what happened to that peace we were just experiencing? It seems to have dissipated into thin
air! Elusive. Slipping through our fingers like sand. Why can we not hang on to it? Perhaps we’re looking in all the wrong
places. Perhaps we’re running after all
the wrong pursuits. So where should
we be looking, then? Mother Teresa once
said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to
each other.” Well, that’s a part of the
answer, because we definitely have forgotten to value others in today’s
world. And when that value is in place,
there’s a certain peace that comes with knowing that others genuinely care and
will be there for you. You feel like
someone’s got your back! But I would
love to add to Mother Teresa’s quote by saying, “If we have no peace, it is
because we have forgotten that we belong to God.” (Well, we do if we have asked Him to be our
Savior and Lord!) Knowing that we belong
to Him brings an assurance that we are held and carried and protected … and
yes, even sheltered in the arms of God!
There’s a song written about that, did you know that? What could ever bring more peace than knowing
that we belong to the One and Only who can shelter us and protect us in the
midst of life’s storms? Someone else
penned this worth-repeating-quote: “Life
isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass … it’s about learning to dance in the
rain!” Well said! There’s no peace in being bogged down by the
storm – but there IS peace knowing that we can be free to dance in the midst of
the downpour! Our God gives us the
raincoat and boots to splash around in, so we don’t miss a thing! “Peace, peace, wonderful peace … coming down
from the Father above” (Another song – from way back, but with a message that
never grows old!) Where is peace? God tells us to seek it and pursue it, Psalm
34:14. Then He says there is a future
for the man of peace, Psalm 37:37. In
Psalm 119:165, it says, “Great peace have they who love Your law.” Here’s a prescription: “A heart at peace gives life to the body,”
Proverbs 14:30. And this, my 88-year old
mom’s favorite verse, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed
on You,” Isaiah 26:3. There’s the direct
route to peace … our mind staying focused on Christ achieves peace! What are you thinking about – and who are you
thinking about? Think right, think on
godly things, and you will find peace!
(Philippians 4:8-9) The peace
shelter! Now go on … dance in the rain
while the storm is raging around you!
“The God of peace is with you!”
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, DJ, who celebrates his 40th
birthday on October 14th: we pray God’s favor and blessings on you
always! You are loved!
SUN, OCT 14: 10:00 A.M. –
PRAISE & WORSHIP with a special message on “Trust” ~ don’t miss out on
this!
SUN, OCT 14: 10:30 A.M. –
KIDZONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH with Verla
… invite your friends to come with you!
WED, OCT 17: 7:00 P.M. – MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY in the book
of James /at 905 El Dorado St SE in Owatonna
THU, OCT 18: 7:00 P.M. –
MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY in the book of
James / at 165 24th Place NW in Owatonna
FRI, OCT 19-SAT, OCT 20:
WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE in St. Paul … leaving Debbie’s at 3:00 p.m.
SAT, OCT 19: 8:00 A.M. – MEN’S FELLOWSHIP at “The Kitchen”
restaurant in Owatonna – bring someone along!
SUN, OCT 21: 10:00 A.M. -
PRAISE & WORSHIP / 11:30 A.M. - POTLUCK LUNCH / PUMPKIN PATCH OUTING following
lunch for the entire church family - $6 per person (see Wayne and Verla) / 6:00
P.M. – BAPTISMAL SERVICE at Victory Church
FRI, OCT 26: 7:00 P.M. – LADIES NIGHT OUT / Comedy Night with
movie snacks – bring a girlfriend or two!!! We will meet at 165 24th Place NW in Owatonna.
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Lynn, Kelly, Johnny & Cherry,
Jimmy & Nancy, Maria, Kay, Julia, all of our ladies attending Women of
Faith, the Seykoras, the Lundstroms, our nation, unspoken needs, and God’s will
for our church location! May we clearly
discern His leading!
REMEMBER . . . “Peace is not a season – it is a way of life.” ~
Unknown
