Having Peace in a World of Hurt

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) 

We should not be surprised by trouble; Jesus predicted it, particularly for His followers. Yet He also gave us the resources to endure trouble, and to help others endure it. We have His promises in writing, in water, in bread and in wine. We have His Spirit poured out to be our Comforter, Counselor, and Commander. We have His invitation to cast all our anxieties on Him, because we know He cares for us. And we have a mission: to bring His peace to the hearts of others, when they too are troubled.

“Heavenly Father, send Your Spirit to be our Comforter amid the world’s pain, our Counselor when we are perplexed, and our Commander when we can have the opportunity to bring peace to others, in Jesus, amen.”
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A GIFT FOR WORDS…
The pastor of a church enjoyed a drink now and then, but his passion was for peach brandy. 
One of his congregants blended spirits as a hobby and would make him a bottle each Christmas. 
One year just before Christmas the minister went to visit his friend hoping for his usual present.
He was not disappointed, but his friend told him that he had to thank him for the peach brandy from the pulpit. 
In his haste to complete Christmas preparations, the minister hurriedly agreed and left. 
The next Sunday the minister suddenly remembered that he had to make the public announcement.
He then realized it would sound bad to announce that he was being supplied alcohol from a member of the church. 
Meanwhile, his friend sat in the church with a grin on his face, waiting to see the minister's embarrassment. 
The minister climbed into the pulpit and said, "Before we begin, I have an announcement.”
“I would very much like to thank my friend, Joe, for his kind gift of peaches ...
 …and for the spirit in which they were given!" 
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The Holy Spirit be with you all,
Pastor Kirk