Daily Journal: 1 October

Planting Seeds of Peace

Planting seeds of peace is not always an easy thing. They’re not always welcome, and we don’t always feel like planting them. They’re usually needed in strained situations.

Diplomacy is a learned skill and that’s what a peacemaker needs.

James 3:18 (NLT)

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.^{[a Or of good things, or of justice.]}

We can use every situation requiring a peaceful outcome as an opportunity to learn diplomatic peace making skills and carry a heart that remains at peace.

James 4:17 (NLV)

 If you know what is right to do but you do not do it, you sin.

Reflecting on these verses from James serves to remind me today not to let little discordances and deflections, people’s attitudes or criticisms, nor even their suffering or grievances, reduce my effectiveness in doing what I need to, what is right. I must try and focus on what the right thing is to do in each situation and go about it with the heart of a peace maker, planting seeds of peace. I must try not to allow peoples biases to affect my ethics, my standards, my work, my heart, my intent or my speech.

Psalm 119:130 (NLT)

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.

I must hold on to what I know to be right and see my way clear to do it.

Proverbs 4:20-23 (GNT) My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. 

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

If I reflect on different translations of the same verse, it can give a greater depth of understanding and reflection, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to me and teach me what He requires of me.

Proverbs 4:20-23 (NLT) My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:20-23 (TLB) Listen, son of mine, to what I say. Listen carefully. Keep these thoughts ever in mind; let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they will mean real life for you and radiant health. Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life.

Above all else, guard your affections. For they influence everything else in your life.

These verses emphasise that God's Word, held tightly within our hearts, helps us to carry ourselves with an assurance and peace that defies convention. It develops in us a righteousness that safeguards us and gives us spiritual wisdom. When we treasure and apply these things above all else we are assured of a life that is radiant, fruitful, abundant and good.

How closely are you holding the truth of God's Word in your heart? Is it giving you the things this scripture promises?

Lord, we take these moments to seek You and listen to Your counsel. Highlight and correct anything that we need to change that is working against the truth of Your Word and these beautiful promises You've given us today. We receive this Word from You, for we desire that our lives become this picture of beauty and strength.