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Day 1: The Messenger of Peace
Scripture: Malachi 3:1 – “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”
Devotional: Reflect on the role of messengers in your life. Who has God used to prepare you to receive God’s peace? Think about how these messengers have guided you through difficult and chaotic situations, acting as God’s instrument to reveal God’s presence, even when things seemed overwhelmingly unjust or wrong.
Reflection Questions:
- Who are the messengers of peace in your life?
- How have they helped prepare you to meet God’s peace?
- In what ways can you become a messenger of peace for others?
Additional Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5
Day 2: The Hard Work of Peace
Scripture: Luke 3:4-6 – “As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'”
Devotional: Peace often requires intensive labor. Like the process of refining fire or washing with strong soap, peace involves transformation. It is a continuous process of straightening the crooked paths in our lives and smoothing the rough places. Meditate on this transformative journey and consider where in your life this hard work of peace is needed.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life feel like crooked paths or rough places?
- How can you start working on transforming these areas?
- What practical steps can you take today to promote peace in your environment?
Additional Scripture: Romans 12:18
Day 3: Challenges in a Broken World
Scripture: Psalm 73:3 – “For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Devotional: The reality of living in a world where evil often seems to prevail can lead to frustration and doubt regarding God’s justice. Like the people of Malachi’s time, we might find ourselves questioning why bad things happen to good people. Reflect on how God’s way, through peace and justice, stands in stark contrast to the world’s values.
Reflection Questions:
- When have you felt troubled by the apparent success of evildoers?
- How can recognizing God’s messengers help ground you in God’s peace?
- Can you identify a time when you witnessed God’s justice and peace prevail?
Additional Scripture: Habakkuk 1:2-4
Day 4: Incarnational Peace
Scripture: John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and lived among us.”
Devotional: The notion of peace incarnate—God’s presence manifested in the flesh—is both a historical fact and a present reality through the actions of believers. As you consider the incarnation of peace, think about how you can embody peace in your daily life, making it visible and tangible to others.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you embody God’s peace in your interactions with others?
- What does incarnational peace look like in your community?
- In what ways is God calling you to be a light of peace in the world?
Additional Scripture: Colossians 3:15
Day 5: Living Out the Peace of God
Scripture: Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Devotional: Attaining peace is an ongoing journey that requires intentional living. When we accept the peace of God as our guide, it transforms not only our hearts but also the world around us. As you conclude this devotional, consider what it means for peace to begin with you and explore how you can contribute to transforming the world through God’s peace.
Reflection Questions:
- What steps will you take to be a peacemaker in your community?
- How can God’s peace change your perspective on daily challenges?
- What actions can you take to promote peace both inwardly and outwardly?
Additional Scripture: Matthew 5:9
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