Liberty Vineyard,
Peace. This is the focus of this second week of Advent. Truly Christ the Savior is our peace. I know that many of us need for that reality to be renewed in our lives this Christmas season. May we pause and invite the Father, Son, and Spirit to come afresh and be the peace that is the hope of the world.
I recall a few Christmases (is that a word?) ago when I was feeling really down. There had been some broken dreams and broken relationships in my life. A friend of mine who knew I was in the dumps would show up at my door periodically and bring me out for coffee. In a time of such sadness God used a friend who was a nominal Christian to show me the peace of God. I look back on that time as I reflect this Advent and it brings such joy and hope. The Lord is Emmanuel, God with us.
Pastor Nancy shared on this theme of peace this last week and we were visited in a special way by the Holy Spirit. Lately, the Lord has consistently been inspiring prayers, words of wisdom, prophesies, even visions as we come together. We always want to remember these times of renewal. I encourage you to write down the inspirations the Lord has been speaking. I am going to try to make a point to keep a journal of what the Lord is saying through the Spirit so we can remember and apply them to our lives. Let us not take the voice of the Lord lightly and worship Him, thank Him for being our peace.
Questions to ponder and act upon as we respond to the Prince of Peace:
- What truths must I hold onto about the peace of God this week?
- What specific actions is the Lord requiring of me to obey walking in peace?
- Where does God want me to announce and demonstrate His peace in my relationships?
LVC, I am so very proud of the invitational community we are and are becoming. I am hearing more and more stories of people inviting others into your lives and into ministries of our church. The Advent season is another way to do that. Invite a friend over for supper. Have a coffee with someone. Invite someone to our Christmas Eve service. Share a meaningful Advent video with someone. We have been so, so blessed and we want to give that blessing away. Give those cards out that Nancy passed out this week at church if you can remember! 😊 The Lord is on the move in our Midst and I am beyond thankful.
The Savior is our peace.
Hands in the pile together,
John
John D. Trotter
Senior Pastor, Liberty Vineyard Church
Sunday’s sermon: Advent with Peace (Pastor Nancy Penton)