But all who listen to Me will live in peace,
 untroubled by fear of harm.

Proverbs 1:33

Like many people, I’ve spent lots of time considering the word “peace”—and certainly never like I did in 2016.  World news was once again dominated by acts of terrorism, and in the U.S., daily broadcasts of everything from politics to local events revealed struggle, strife, and animosity in abundance.

Perhaps, like me, you’ve also spent time wondering if we will ever be able to experience real peace this side of Heaven.  The great news is that God’s Word confirms that we can—we should—enjoy His kind of peace in our day-to-day lives, and this is the message you’ll discover in Sonkist Ministries’ latest book, I Choose Peace!  Here is an excerpt from Chapter 2 that speaks to the thoughts above:

 Like many people throughout history, you may be wondering why God would allow such evil to be perpetuated—especially on members of His forever family. Once again, the rationale for all of this links to the very beginning of human existence. Disregarding God’s guidelines had consequences, and the decision by Adam and Eve to reject God’s wishes, mirrors the rebellious act of Lucifer and the other fallen angels. While time ticks on, the imperfections initiated by the choice to turn away from the guidelines God provided for perfect and peaceful living will continue. However, the Lord is good—He has given us gentle reminders of this reality all throughout His Word, including the verse that started this chapter. Let’s look at John 16:33 again: “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.”

In some of His final words to His followers, Jesus spoke of the realities of living in a fallen world—yet He also offered an amazing peace that people can experience by having a personal relationship with Him. Look at the wording again: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me.” It’s as if Jesus were saying, “Sure, life will be hard when I’m gone. You will have your own intrapersonal struggles. People won’t like you because you’re Christians. The devil is at work in the world, and so are his evil forces. But don’t worry! I can help you because I am the One who has overcome sin, evil, and their consequences.”

If we just focused on the consequences sin has had on humanity, we can grasp why peace is so challenging to experience here on earth. This situation might also be pretty depressing as we face the reality that our flawed human state, as well as the devil and his forces, are constantly working against us in our quest for harmonious living. But, as Jesus reminded us, we don’t have to be discouraged—we should “take heart!” In Him we can find true, lasting peace—and that’s exactly what the next chapter is going to delve into in a much deeper way.

 Our prayer is that I Choose Peace! will encourage you in your journey toward finding the Lord’s peace—and that you’ll also be able to share about how to experience the peace-filled life God always hoped His creation would enjoy!

*I Choose Peace! can be found in paperback and Kindle formats at Amazon.com.

Thought of the Month

 If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good.
 Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

 I Peter 3:10-11

Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned …

Psalm 37:25

 Do you remember the story of Robinson Crusoe? The famous book by Daniel Defoe about this character has been popular for almost three centuries because of the compelling tale of the tremendous trails faced by this castaway.

What many of us may not be aware of is that Crusoe was derived from an actual individual who, after being marooned, endured incredible difficulties during his stay on a deserted island.  Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish privateer and Royal Navy officer, was abandoned in 1704 by his ship’s captain after a dispute regarding the seaworthiness of their vessel (Selkirk was correct; the ship soon foundered—and the captain and crew were forced to surrender to enemy forces).

Selkirk had been given few supplies when marooned on the uninhabited island:  a musket, a hatchet, a knife, a cooking pot, a Bible, bedding and some clothes. His survival was aided by skills he had learned in his youth, and he sang psalms and read from that Bible for comfort and encouragement.  Months turned into four long years before Selkirk was eventually rescued.

While most of us probably can’t fathom how we’d fare in those unimaginable circumstances, we can probably relate to Selkirk’s feelings of loneliness.  What do I mean by that? Well, here are a few examples:

• A parent abandoned you at some point in your life.
• A spouse left you, perhaps for someone else.
• You’re in a “relationship,” but the other person doesn’t try to connect with you.
• You have been caring for a family member, maybe for many years, with little or no support.
• Your life circumstances are challenging, yet no one else seems able to assist you.

And, as is often the case, this kind of list could go on and on. “Marooned” simply defined means being abandoned or left without aid.  When we examine the scope of our lives, how often—how long—have we felt like this has happened to us?

Yet as we reflect upon this real-life castaway, we can be encouraged by the fact that we aren’t totally abandoned either! Just as God provided for Alexander Selkirk on that island, He also cares for us. No one else may know how alone we feel, but He does! Indeed, centuries before Selkirk, King David wrote numerous psalms about his personal struggles with similar feelings.  Here is one example:

Turn to me and have mercy,

for I am alone and in deep distress.

My problems go from bad to worse.

Oh, save me from them all!

Psalm 25:16-17

Just like Selkirk and King David, you do not have to be on a deserted island to experience isolation—but you also don’t have to get stuck in that state of mind. Ask God for help. Pray, often and always. Search the Word for the Lord’s truths, for there you will find strength in your time of need!

Thought of the Month

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

 Deuteronomy 3:16

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

 Proverbs 22:6, NLT

Have you ever heard of the Old Deluder Satan Law? If not, you aren’t alone. This 1647 piece of legislation from the Massachusetts Bay Colony is one of three original public education laws put into place in the early days of what would eventually become the United States.

Why would our founding fathers and mothers discuss Satan when establishing a system for public schooling? In brief, they wanted to ensure children would be able to read and understand spiritual truths to counteract the negative forces at work in the world in which they lived. As soon as a town had fifty or more families, they were required to hire a teacher to assist them with this process. Once 100 or more families comprised the town, an official grammar school was to be established based on the foundational principle of creating an intellectual, spiritually-aware populace. The hope was that some of these well-educated children would also be prepared to enter Harvard College, whose mission after being founded in 1636 was to prepare individuals for the ministry.

While our history books are often missing these amazing details about American public education, we shouldn’t miss out on the transcendent message behind this legislation from ages past. First, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to the foundation of faith established centuries ago. Our forbearers infused timeless truths into the very fabric of their community, culture, and country. Shouldn’t we, in modern times, be willing to do the same? Second, parents were considered the primary educators of their children. They were responsible for hiring qualified teachers. They were to ensure schools were established—and that those same schools fulfilled their obligation of providing superior education to the young citizens of their day.

Those original settlers were aligned and attuned with what Solomon penned in Proverbs 22:6:  “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” For those of us helping to guide the future leaders of our homes, communities, and country, that instruction is ours to follow and carry out too.

Whether we are parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, we can inspire children and young people to understand the spiritual principles God has provided for all human kind. His guidelines for great living haven’t altered with changing seasons or shifts in laws and culture. And those of us closely involved with local schools should stay connected! Whether public, public charter, parochial or private, educational institutions need our involvement and input. After all, this is one of our earliest callings as citizens of the great nation we’ve inherited.

This month, schools across America begin planning for the upcoming academic year. As they do so, let’s be in prayer for those engaged in this process. In addition, let’s carefully consider how we can assist children discover the incredible path that leads to success as well as eternal security!

Thought of the Week

 I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—

 stories we have heard and known,

    stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children;

    we will tell the next generation

about the glorious deeds of the Lord,

    about his power and his mighty wonders.

Psalm 78: 2b-4

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

Philippians 1:9

Did you know that, according to a study done by Pew Research Center, 88% of Americans report that love is still their number one reason for getting married? That’s right, love ranked higher than making a lifelong commitment (81% also ranked this as a “very important” reason) and the need for companionship (76%)— and way over financial stability (only 28%)!

Statistics aside, this month offers a reminder that people of all ages love the idea of love. Store shelves are stocked with goodies and gifts for Valentine’s Day. Card racks are filled with an array of adoring messages you can send. And of course, flower stands seem to pop up on every corner right before the 14th rolls around. This shouldn’t surprise us either since, as creations of a loving God, we seem to be pre-wired with the desire to love and be loved.

In Scripture, we also discover that we are encouraged to express this God-given ability on a regular basis.  Let’s look at Ephesians 5:2 to find one reminder:

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Spend a minute mulling over that first phrase:  “Live a life filled with love.”  What would this look like to you? How would you act toward others if you intentionally strove to fulfill this exhortation each day? How would you hope others might respond if you were living a life that seemed to overflow with loving attitudes and actions?

Obviously, none of us can come close to attaining this type of loving lifestyle without help from the One mentioned in the rest of that verse. Christ’s devotion and sacrifice are beautiful examples of what true love looks like. Jesus totally gave of Himself—without thought of a “return on investment”—so people’s lives could be transformed. That’s why it’s only with His divine assistance, day in and day out, that we can really love others. Indeed, this is a calling given to each of us who follow the Lord:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:34-35

Even though you may really want to love like Christ does, it won’t be easy. For instance, what do you do when:

• Someone you care about doesn’t want to be loved?
• An individual in your life spurns your love?
• A person you know mocks you for trying to live in kind, compassionate ways?
• Somebody says he or she loves you, but then he/she stops?

The list could go on and on. And while I always recommend setting healthy boundaries, you can still have a loving attitude—even in worst-case scenarios. In fact, in I Choose Love! I explain how there are situations and seasons of life when you may need to “love someone from a distance.” In other words, you can still pray for that individual, even if you’ve had to step away from the relationship.

The bottom line for all of us, whether married or single, is that we are designed to be loving beings just like God intended—and He can help us live up to that potential if we let Him. As we do so, not only will our lives be healthier and happier, but we’ll also be setting a great example for others of what the Lord’s love is all about!

Thought of the Week

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

I John 3:18

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I Corinthians 10:31

I want to begin my note to you this month with a question:  How are you choosing to celebrate Christmas?  I use the verb “choosing” deliberately—first and foremost because choice involves intentionality.  Like so many aspects of life, you and I have the opportunity to determine how we will—or will not—commemorate and enjoy this special time of celebration.

You see, there are many positions regarding the remembrance of Christmas.  For some, it is a federal holiday filled with festive decorations, food, and visits with family.  In the retail world, this is a time to entice consumers to buy goodies and gifts in order to get out of the red and hopefully secure a year-end profit.  There are people who prefer to keep the day totally secular, and still others who question if this religious holiday should be celebrated at all.

As Christians, we typically don’t worry about whether or not we should enjoy this season that is set aside to honor Christ’s birth.  Instead, many of us wonder how much—or how little—we should celebrate.  For instance, is putting up a tree and going gung-ho with yard decorations too much?  Is being present at parties, attending plays or ballets, and even hosting gatherings of our own over the top?

The answer for you and me is very personal—as it should be. Each of us ought to seek God’s guidance about everything, including how we will celebrate His amazing gift sent centuries ago in the person of Jesus Christ.  In part that’s why I so appreciate the Apostle Paul’s dialogue found in I Corinthians 10.  After summing up a communique about struggles the believers in Corinth were having in their own culture, he reminds all of us that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31, New Living Translation). 

Friend, this is the bottom line for many of the decisions we face in life.  Is what we are going to do pleasing to the Lord, or not?  Will our attitudes and actions actually bring glory to Him?  What a great metric to measure our choices by!

In Psalm 115, we find another way of looking at celebrating the Lord:  “The dead cannot sing praises to Jehovah here on earth, but we can! We praise him forever! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 115:17-18, The Living Bible).  The psalmist saw earthly existence as a chance to offer praise to the Lord.  Those who have passed on aren’t present to share with others what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future—but we can!

What better time to embrace this wonderful opportunity than now.  Christmas gives us the chance to sing His praises and rejoice in the real reason for this season.  And no matter how we choose to do our celebrating, may each of us remember “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).

Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!

Thought of the Month

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2:13-14