I spoke at my local church men’s Breakfast about being a man of peace.
Here are my notes:
Men’s Breakfast Talk: Peace
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What causes peace? How?
Submission to God. Justice. Trust. Plenty. Rest.
Psalm 23:1-6 NIV
[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
[2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
[3] he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
[4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
[6] Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Fear cannot coexist with peace. If fear overwhelms you, you don’t understand God’s perspective and His power. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through His word. Read and pray.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
[15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Note an often overlooked part of this verse: “…do this with gentleness and respect”
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
[14] Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
God reveals Himself through His followers to the seeking. Be holy, be always set apart for God’s will. This is your greatest witness. And fathers, remember, your children learn so much from watching how you do life. Do it well.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV
[11] Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, [12] so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Proverbs 14:30 NIV
[30] A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Don’t beat yourself up to gain more wealth than you need or have use for. Don’t chase wealth just to have what someone else can afford.
Wanting other people’s stuff is the cause of many conflicts, but we should be peacemakers.
Matthew 5:9 NIV
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Many men find honor in an impressive title. Manager, Supervisor, Vice President, Journeyman. The greatest honor for anyone is to be called Sons of God. How can I grow in peace? Are there some habits or tips I could look to? What did my father show me as an example to do? (God our father & Jesus being our example)
Mark 1:35-39 NIV
[35] Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. [36] Simon and his companions went to look for him, [37] and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” [38] Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” [39] So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Don’t let other’s anxiety and stress keep you from being a person of peace (vs. 37)
Avoid the Peace Breakers: hurry, worry, envy, hunger, fear, unconfessed sin, ignorance of God’s word, and busyness.
Jesus accomplished what mattered to God in his time on Earth as a physical limited human. We also can accomplish what matters to God in our time on Earth as well. If you have chosen to follow Christ, His power and his wisdom is freely given to those who will listen, and those who choose to obey His word.
(Prayer)
-Ezra J. Engle