Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Voice of John: Voice of Peace
Scripture: Isaiah 52:7. Luke 3:3-6
KNOW: We are called to be a voice of peace in a broken world; repentance leads to restoration.
APPLY: Pursue Peace with God
PRACTICE: Pray Psalm 139:23-24 daily; Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
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Write down what God reveals and repent.
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Share your struggles and victories with a friend.
APPLY: Pursue Peace with Others
PRACTICE: Consider daily; “Is there someone I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to seek forgiveness from?”
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Write their names down and prayerfully take steps toward reconciliation.
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Resolve conflict Biblically (Matthew 18:15-17)
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Pray about the situation and pray for the person.
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Go to the person promptly, privately, directly.
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Seek to understand with grace and humility.
APPLY: Proclaim the Peace of God
PRACTICE: Be ready with a testimony; How has God given you peace?
PRACTICE: Be ready to pray with those who need peace; “Let’s pray.”
PRACTICE: Be ready with a verse of Scripture; memorize a verse to share.
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For those needing peace; John 14:27
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For those feeling anxious; Philippians 4:6-7
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For those seeking steadfast peace; Isaiah 26:3
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For those who are brokenhearted; Psalm 34:18
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For those who are weary; Matthew 11:28-30
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For those in trouble; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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For those seeking direction; Proverbs 3:5-6
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For those facing uncertainty; Jeremiah 29:11
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For those in conflict; Romans 12:18
CHALLENGE: Take [at least] one step this week to bring peace – in your relationship with God, in your relationship with others, or in sharing the Gospel.
PRAY: Jesus, reveal anything that stands between You and I. God, align my life with Your purposes for me today. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to Your presence in my life and in the lives of those around me today. Amen.
