STRIVE FOR PEACE

Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
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I grew up in Tondo, a district of Manila. Tondo is notorious for being the poorest and most underdeveloped district of the country. Many of the city's slums are found in this area. My childhood memories would be marked with gangster wars. At night, rival gangs would be seen fighting with each other using hand-made guns, arrows, knives and bolos (sword-like implements). There were even two instances wherein the gang wars happened in front of our house. I didn’t know what happened then, for my mother would ask me to hide under the bed. “Be calm, it will be over soon”, she would tell me.

Nowadays, happening are even bigger wars than this – nation against nation, clan against clan, philosophies against philosophies. And one can even be a front-seat spectator to all of these, what with the magic of televisions and satellites. No need to hide under the bed.

Are these the signs of the times? Two thousand years ago, Jesus already prophesized: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky (Luke 21:10-11).”

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You have given us and giving us enough information so we may be prepared. May we use prophecy to help us shape our lives, give us direction and guidance in serving You. Oh Lord, we should not mind all of this, rather, we shall put all our trust in You for You have never forsaken those who seek You. You are our comfort in all afflictions and Your promise gives us life. Give us eternal comfort, good hope through grace and may Your consolations cheer our souls. Amen +

“You did not brought destruction, but creation
You did not brought war, but peace
You did not brought uproar, but serenity
You did not promised death, but life.”

The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.