Monday Morning Devo - Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27, NKJV

Peace--I used to think everyone longed for peace, but it doesn't seem so any more, does it? Not with all the unrest in the world. It just keeps getting worse. But I still long for peace for everyone. What I'd give to provide every child in the world a night's sleep with no fears. Quiet, calm, peaceful sleep. Come to think of it, it would be doubly nice if the adults could experience the same thing.

Jesus said He would give HIS peace. Jesus was born into a world decidedly lacking in peaceful dreams. The uneasy existence of Roman troops provided their kind of peace--Pax Romana. If anyone were charged with disturbing their that peace, they could go to the cross. Some peace.

Peace isn't just the absence of war. Peace as Jesus gives it is peace unrelated to circumstances. It exists in the heart of believers, and it's something not even death or taxes can take away. We can chase it away without much effort if we turn our backs on the Lord, Been there, done that.

You can't get this kind of peace on your own terms. It's His terms, period. If that sounds selfish of Him, think of it this way--would an employer pay folks who didn't work for her? Would a parent leave his life earnings to a total stranger? It's one of those long term benefits that that belong only to God's kids.

But anyone can be one of God's kids--even you. You can be--you don't have to be. He won't make you--He's always left the choice up to you. Can't you hear Him calling?

Lord, thank You so much for calling me to You. I love being a part of Your family. I love the peace You give. Thank You. Amen.