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Brooksyne Weber
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Friday,
December 9,
2022
"Prince
Of Peace"
Note:
This week we
complete a
five part
series based
on Isaiah 9:6,
considering
one the great
Old Testament
prophecies
concerning the
Messiah.
Message summary: Among the titles prophetically spoken of the Messiah "Prince of Peace" is included. It's quite unlikely that we will experience "peace for our time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as individual followers of Christ we can have "peace for our time". The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available to the believer.
Listen to our message on your audio player.
Message summary: Among the titles prophetically spoken of the Messiah "Prince of Peace" is included. It's quite unlikely that we will experience "peace for our time" on earth in the political sense, not until Christ returns. However as individual followers of Christ we can have "peace for our time". The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available to the believer.
Listen to our message on your audio player.
"For
unto us a
Child is born,
unto us a Son
is given; And
the government
will be upon
His shoulder.
And His name
will be called
Wonderful
Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting
Father, Prince
of Peace"
(Isaiah 9:6).
I
heard the
bells on
Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
We
enjoy stepping
out at night
in our country
setting to
enjoy the
peace and
quiet offered
to us in our
little spot on
this
terrestrial
ball.
However
lately we have
been hearing
gunshots at
night,
something we
never hear. It
had been
distressing to
Ester and she
wanted me to
do something
about it. It's
hunting season
and not
unusual to
have hunters
down by
Donegal Creek
but you are
not allowed to
hunt at night.
I thought it
might be some
distant
neighbor just
shooting, sort
of like
fireworks.
Well,
I finally got
my answer from
John, an
old-timer
neighbor who
watches our
dogs when we
travel. Last
spring many of
our local
chicken houses
were impacted
by the Avian
flu. The huge
house (Kreider
Farms) a
little over
1/2 mile west
of us lost
their entire
flock (1.4
million
hens).* The
Avian flu is
thought to be
spread by
other wild
birds passing
by. Well, it
turns out the
loud shots
we've been
hearing are
some type of
deterrence
effort in
keeping the
passing birds
from stopping!
Now gun shot
sounds have
become just a
slight, but
understandable
nuisance.
But
for many
people all
around the
world the
sound of
gunshots is a
reminder that
"There is no
peace on
earth", to
borrow a
phrase from "I
Heard The
Bells On
Christmas
Day", a poem
written by
American poet
Henry
Wadsworth
Longfellow.
Consider
living in
places like
Ukraine or so
many other
places of war
and strife all
around the
world or in
many American
cities, like
Chicago.
Gunfire in
this case is
evidence of
war, strife
and violence.
This type
of gunfire is
certainly not
peaceful.
Mankind
has been
pursuing peace
since
practically
the beginning.
In the late
sixties John
Lennon wrote,
“All we are
saying is give
peace a
chance". "Peace
for our time"
was a pipe
dream
declaration
made by
British Prime
Minister
Neville
Chamberlain
just before
WW2 began.
During WWI
President
Woodrow
Wilson,
announced with
a hopeful
tone, “This is
a war to end
all wars".
(Actually he
made the
saying famous,
but he was not
the first one
who used it.
The British
futurist
writer and
social
commentator
H.G. Wells
invented the
phrase.)
Henry
Wadsworth
Longfellow
wrote in 1863
during the
darkest days
of the Civil
War and in his
own personal
life these
candid words
of utter
despair:
And
in despair I
bowed my head
"There is no peace on Earth," I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
"There is no peace on Earth," I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men
Here
we are at the
end of 2022
and there is
still war and
strife all
over the
world.
Zechariah
1:11 states, "We
have gone
throughout the
earth and
found the
whole world at
rest and in
peace".
What an
outstanding
prophetical
statement. It
concerns a
time of
absolute
peace. I am
unaware of
when this will
be. But it
sure isn't now!
The
final title
that the
Messiah was
prophetically
given in
Isaiah 9, is
the "Prince
of Peace".
It's most
unlikely that
we will have
"peace for our
time" on earth
in the
political
sense until
Christ
returns.
However as
individual
followers of
Christ we can
have peace
within our own
hearts.
The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available:
However there is no promise that in this present age there will be world peace in the geopolitical sense. In fact Jesus forthrightly declared in Matthew 24 that there will be wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. He said, "Such things must happen". That may not be very encouraging, but the Bible does promise a future time of peace in this sense when the Lord returns.
In the meantime, as followers of Christ, we should seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). As far as it depends on us we are to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But even as we live among these and future days of growing tribulation may our hearts be filled with peace, peace that comes not from our surroundings or only when things are going well, but the peace that flows from within through the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. Jesus reassures us with these words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
The
final title
that the
Messiah was
prophetically
given in
Isaiah 9, is
the "Prince
of Peace".
It's most
unlikely that
we will have
"peace for our
time" on earth
in the
political
sense until
Christ
returns.
However as
individual
followers of
Christ we can
have peace
within our own
hearts.The peace that Jesus brings has several dimensions that are presently available:
1.
Peace with God
(reconciliation) "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we
have peace
with God
through our
Lord Jesus
Christ"
(Romans 5:1).
Bible
commentator
Harry Ironside
summarizes the
justified man
or woman's
peace: "Peace,
as used in
Romans 5:1, is
not a state of
mind or heart.
It is a
prevailing
condition
between two
who were once
alienated. Sin
had disturbed
the perfect
relations of
Creator and
creature. A
breach
occurred that
man could not
mend. But
peace has been
made by the
blood of
Christ's
cross. There
is no longer a
barrier. Peace
with God is
now the
abiding state
into which
every believer
enters. The
sin question
is settled."
2. Peace with each other (relational) "Live in harmony with one another" "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:16a,18). I believe this speaks of the local sphere in our lives, relational peace within our family, friends and church.
3. Peace within (spiritual/emotional) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Peace in this context is a state without anxiety and worry about how and when our needs will be supplied. This peace is the result of going to Him and confidently committing everything into His trustworthy hands.
2. Peace with each other (relational) "Live in harmony with one another" "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:16a,18). I believe this speaks of the local sphere in our lives, relational peace within our family, friends and church.
3. Peace within (spiritual/emotional) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Peace in this context is a state without anxiety and worry about how and when our needs will be supplied. This peace is the result of going to Him and confidently committing everything into His trustworthy hands.
However there is no promise that in this present age there will be world peace in the geopolitical sense. In fact Jesus forthrightly declared in Matthew 24 that there will be wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. He said, "Such things must happen". That may not be very encouraging, but the Bible does promise a future time of peace in this sense when the Lord returns.
In the meantime, as followers of Christ, we should seek to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). As far as it depends on us we are to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). But even as we live among these and future days of growing tribulation may our hearts be filled with peace, peace that comes not from our surroundings or only when things are going well, but the peace that flows from within through the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. Jesus reassures us with these words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
Longfellow
ended the song
with a
marvelous
epiphany of
hope:
Then
pealed the
bells more
loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Be
encouraged
today, (Hebrews
3:13)
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father,
knowing that
Jesus is the
Prince of
Peace I pray
for His peace
to fall upon
our land. We
pray that many
will turn to
You today and
accept the
wonderful
reconciliation
You freely
offer. That is
the first step
to all other
types of
peace. We pray
for relational
peace among
our countries,
families, and
churches. We
pray for
inward,
emotional
peace,
especially for
our brothers
and sisters
affected by
these wars. We
pray for those
suffering loss
from recent
brutal attacks
in war torn
countries or
crime ridden
areas. We look
forward to
that time
spoken of when
the whole
world will be
at rest and in
peace. But
until that
hour we serve
You faithfully
as we seek to
be peacemakers
for our own
spiritual
well-being and
for Your
glorious
kingdom. Amen.Today's
Suggested
Music and Supplemental
Resources
"I
Heard The
Bells On
Christmas Day"
Video
Casting
Crowns
(For many
years this has
been our
favorite
version of the
song.)
Sight
and Sound is
well known in
our area (and
also Branson,
MO) for their
huge
Biblical-themed
live
theatrical
presentations.
This year they
produced a
movie based on
"I Heard the
Bells On
Christmas
Day".
It
is now being
screened at
theaters all
over the US so
if you're
interested you
may find it in
your area. We
hope to see it
soon and have
heard it is
outstanding.
Ester saw it
this week and
really enjoyed
it. It was
filmed right
here in
Lancaster
County at many
sights we
often visit,
including
Strasburg
Railroad not
far from the
Old Windmill
farm.
Longfellow
lived in the
Boston area
where we also
lived in the
90's.
Video
Review: “I
Heard the
Bells” Is
Ringing Out
RESOUNDING
HOPE And
REKINDLED
FAITH During
The Christmas
Season!
"I
Heard The
Bells On
Christmas
Day"
Video
Rachel Day
Hughes
(song from
movie)
Google
map of
Kreider Farms
chicken house
in relation to
our home.
Special
Year-end
Financial
Appeal
We
want to thank
all who have
financially
supported our
ministry this
past year (and
some for many
years!). Like
most
ministries, we
typically see
a spike in
giving at the
end of the
year for which
we are most
thankful. We
realize there
are many fine
ministries and
causes
requesting
support at
this time but
if you would
like
information
about making a
donation to
our ministry
see here.
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching andhttps://youtu.be/a16ajvb2CPw encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read all over the world.
To
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online
click here.
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offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching andhttps://youtu.be/a16ajvb2CPw encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read all over the world.
To
donate
directly
online
click here.
(This will
open to a page
that
designates the
offering
to: STEPHEN
&
BROOKSYNE
WEBER -
700001-237376 SERVING
IN SPECIALIZED
CHAPLAINCY)
If
you desire you
can also
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directly
through PayPal
using this link.
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Weber". We
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supporters,
and for those
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need an
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donations.
Thank
you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Stephen & Brooksyne
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radioPermissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. We do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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