Sword of Peace

July 6, 2018

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

If possible means it isn’t always possible.

As it depends on me says sometimes despite my best efforts, the other party refuses.

They are bound.

Captive to pain.

Unwilling to give.

Blind.

A dove is used as a symbol of peace.

Tranquil.

Quiet.

Gentle.

Yet peace comes with a sword.

The price of peace is often blood.

Wars are fought for it.

Christ died for it.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Matthew 10:34-36

Jesus came to do what we couldn’t.

A rescue mission for sin captives.

Debt paid.

Garden restored.

Peace with God.

Peace through His blood.

Body broken – broken and given.

Jesus said He didn’t come to bring peace to earth.

He understands who rules this fractured world.

His gospel offends.

Words of war.

Light and dark.

Life and death.

Jesus defeating death ripped heaven wide open.

Once closed, now accessible to all who believe.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the light.

He is the goal.

The opposition has schemes, distractions and traps to keep people from getting there.

Satan, the ultimate goalie.

His agenda is to drag as many people into the pit as he can.

A devouring lion.

Death.

Destruction.

Make no mistake, we are at war.

The price of peace is war.

It requires a sword.

Life saving, lie slicing truth.

A sharp, double-edged blade.

Soul and spirit divider.

If I am a believer in Jesus Christ, I am a soldier.

My purpose is to fight.

Fight for my brother.

Fight for my sister.

Fight.

The point isn’t to live a good life or the American dream.

The point is to love God and love others in ways that break through worldly fog.

Help the blind see and deaf hear.

Bring God’s kingdom from up there to down here.

Jesus handed the baton to us.

I am God’s life saving delivery system.

Wake up sleeper.

Shine my light.

Darkness covers the earth; thick darkness on the peoples.

Lift my eyes and be radiant.

Mount up with wings like eagles.

Light breaks darkness.

Worthy is the lamb.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.

God the Father, Jesus and His Spirit are with me.

He is faithful.

We are at war.

Take up armor.

Stand firm.

Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness.

The gospel of peace is described as “shoes for your feet”

Readiness.

The time is now.

Satan’s flaming darts are extinguished by shields of faith.

Though I experience troubles for a time, I fear not.

I belong to the One who overcame the world.

Beloved.

Stay within the love of God.

Have mercy on doubters and those I don’t understand.

Those who oppose me.

Those who hate me.

Snatch who I can from the fire.

Jesus is for everyone - no exceptions. Click To Tweet

The Holy Spirit dwells within me.

How does He work if I don’t show up?

Captives stay bound when I am unwilling to wield my sword.

The sword God forged just for me.

The one that uniquely fits my hand.

His purpose and plan.

The harvest is plenty, workers few.

I don’t want anyone I know or love to ask, “why didn’t you tell me?”

If I really believe what I say I do, how can I remain quiet?

The great commission becomes the great omission. Click To Tweet

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations.”

Go.

Go and proclaim good news to the poor.

Go and free prisoners.

Prisoners bound in chains of pain and unbelief.

Chains of enemy lies.

Go and help the blind see.

Share truth and watch the Spirit remove scales.

Open eyes.

Set the oppressed free.

More about Liz

I'm a free spirit. I hate rules and legalism. I love art and nature, music, the beach and dogs. I like to garden, take pictures and read. I tend to speak my mind and have a rip-the-band-aid -off approach to life. (Brace yourself, this might hurt.)

8 Comments
    1. “How does He work if I don’t show up?” This whole post is challenging, but this question especially I’m going to try to hang onto. I’ve thought at times about how I HAVE showed up but it wasn’t enough, not even close. May we have faith to keep showing up in our woefully inadequate state trusting Him to multiply our teensy loaves and fishes for His glory. You’re a blessing, Liz.

      1. Amen! “May we have faith to keep showing up in our woefully inadequate state” I so relate…recently God has been showing me I am often a link in a chain…a piece of the process He is working in someone’s life. I have this thing this small, seemingly insignificant thing – like praying for someone that can be embarrassingly hard. But to that person, it’s huge. And God uses it. But if I decide it doesn’t matter or I just don’t step up, the ball gets fumbled (of course God controls the ball) but I miss out. Those moments when I feel so small and inadequate and unworthy, grow my faith and abilities for kingdom work. You’re a bigger blessing than you know….you’ve touched my life tremendously. Love you sister. ❤️

      1. Hi Melissa! Yesss! You get it – my daily challenge to not just auto pilot life and live my to-do lists❤️ Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.

    1. Awesome Truth Liz!! I love how you speak in Love to bring attention to christ followers to stand firm and shine Gods Love through this dark foggy world.Shine Gods Love for everyone and walk more like him everyday. Ipray my Faith gets stronger everyday to show Gods Goodness and His Love to everyone!There is Hope for the darkness and Jesus is that Hope for All people.You are a gift my friend..Im so blessed to know you.Thank you!

      1. Hi Sydell…glory to God and Amen. I love all you say…you get it and you are such a bright light for Jesus. You radiate His love. I feel blessed to know and link arms with you as well. Love you sister! ❤️

    1. Well written! I, too, have been trying to get across the point that the Gospel offends, that it’s meant to divide. In our society, Christians have become far too accommodating of sin and of all beliefs, in the name of “love.” We are compromising the truth of the Gospel to make others feel good. And it’s damaging to the kingdom of God. I liked your point about the Great Commission becoming the Great Omission. It’s so true. We leave out so much truth to please society, and it does damage to our witness. When we look so much like the world, how can we draw anyone to Christ? God bless!

      https://mycrazyfaith.blogspot.com/2018/06/god-is-love-but-love-is-not-god.html

      1. Hi Heather! Thanks for a great comment…it’s that blend of speaking truth in love…truth without love scorches and burns and loving people without truth isn’t really love at all…it’s a sedative. Love your heart for Him and your willingness to be bold and step out in faith. You are a warrior.❤️

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