Perfect Peace Week 3 Summary

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Welcome to Perfect Peace Week 3 Summary! If you’ve been reading along, then you know that we have enjoyed reading wonderful passages on the peace of God. Some have reassured me; some have convicted me. Maybe you too? Let’s take a look at the Scriptures from the last week.

John 14:23-31

Our definition of peace begins with the things we seek. If we seek what the world offers? We won’t find perfect peace . In the verses prior to these, Jesus speaks of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our hearts. Oh the depth of the Father’s love for us- that he would send peace to live within us!

Isaiah 26:1-13

Yesterday, I talked about how important it is to keep God’s Word on the walls of our homes. My favorite verse in this passage of the Perfect Peace topical Bible reading challenge reiterates this importance:

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

When we remain focused on God, he keeps our hearts at peace. One of the most fabulous ways I know to focus on him is to focus on his word. That is one of the reasons I enjoy presenting the monthly Bible reading challenges; I know that nothing will keep you close to the Lord like reading his word. It’s his love letter to us! Ok, I’ll hush on that subject before I get carried away. 

Proverbs 12:15-23

As I read through this passage, I thought about whether or not I take the time to plan peace. Are my intentions peace-promoting? Do I care enough about desiring peace that I slow down and plan for it? One of the benefits of being a peace-planner is that joy follows!

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Paul often issued the gift of peace in his salutations to the churches. I briefly looked through the epistles Paul has written and on multiple occasions, he uses “grace” and “peace” together in his greetings. Giving grace is often the beginning of peacemaking. Do you believe this statement? I’m curious to know how you’ve seen this on display in your life.

Psalm 39:1-13

The desperation of the psalmist is strongly portrayed in the scripture today. He is in turmoil because of his own sin and as he seeks forgiveness, he recognizes that the peace he craves can only come from God. It’s easy to search for peace in all sorts of places, but the truth is that peace can be found anywhere.

Romans 14:1-11

It’s interesting how Paul ties all the concepts together when you read this chapter in its entire context. There were disputes going on in the Roman churches in regards to the Jewish laws, especially regarding food.

This passage convicted me greatly this week; I’m just going to be honest with you. While I try my best to restrain from criticism, over the weekend, I encountered a spiritual issue that really bothered me. I saw the behavior of someone who is in a Christian leadership position and it was not pleasing to God. It really bothered me and I inwardly wrestled over it. While I knew it wasn’t my position to approach this person, I passed judgement on the behavior.  

Paul’s bottom line is that none of us are fit to judge the other. We will each give an accounting before God of ourselves. God is not going to ask me about whether or not someone else did the job he had given them. Whew. Peacekeeping isn’t always an easy business, is it? 🙂

Romans 14:12-23

Jesus, may today’s pursuits be full of perfect peace because we choose to focus on building up, even when we feel like tearing down.

What did you read that stuck with you this week? I’d love to read about it in the comments.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Rachel

For more on Perfect Peace:

Download the Perfect Peace Bible reading plan.

Check out the week 1 Perfect Peace topical summary.

Enjoy week 2 Perfect Peace reading summary.