God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Saturday, December 21, 2019

The War is Over...Between God and Man


by Barbara Latta

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

Peace on earth is often associated with Christmas because of this message in the book of Luke. But political peace was not the focus of the proclamation from the angel.

The Romans still had a stronghold on the tiny country of Israel when the announcement was made. The land was trampled years later, and the temple desecrated. 

War has remained for centuries (Mark 13).

So where is this peace the angel shouted from the heavens?

They were not declaring peace on earth, but peace toward men from God. The enmity caused by sin was over.

Jesus Himself said He did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10: 34-39) and He told his followers there would always be wars and rumors of war. One of the signs of the end times is people will be fighting among themselves more and more. (Matthew 24).

The life and teachings of the Son of God causes division among people because to follow Him one must give up their own way of life and surrender to His. This causes a dying of the flesh and sometimes a dying of relationships. Division and enmity can be the result.

But Jesus’ peace dwells in the hearts of men when a selfish heart kneels in surrender to Him.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27) – this is the peace the angels were
talking about.

Men fight among themselves because they do not have peace within. When a heart is in turmoil, a person tries to compensate with actions to try to fill the void. Addictions and evil behavior can result.  But only Jesus can calm the soul and bring peace to life.

Without peace we feel condemned and shamed. Guilt resides and reminds us of past sins. Paul wrote “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). We are not under condemnation for sin any longer. When we do sin, God does not condemn us because Jesus took the punishment once and for all time.

And this is why Jesus was born.

May you celebrate Christmas with peace in your heart because the war is over. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.


10 comments:

  1. Well said author! Merry CHRISTmas Ms. Barbara. Am so very glad your Christmas present came a few weeks early through the answered prayers of getting your dear husband through his surgery and returned home to you. God's blessings sweet friend.

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    1. Thank you, J.D. I am so happy about that too. The best Christmas present I could get! I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday.

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  2. Amen! What an incredible gift God sent us!

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    1. Yes, the best gift ever. Because of that gift we have life! Blessings and Merry Christmas

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  3. Amen, Barbara. Thank you for the reminder. So grateful for peace with God, for Jesus' peace even in the storms, and for His grace that won the war against sin and washes away our guilt.

    Glad to hear your husband is on the mend. Praise God.

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    1. Thank you, Rachael. Yes I am so grateful my husband is on the mend. And so thankful for Jesus the reason for the season. Blessings and Merry Christmas!

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  4. I had never looked at this scripture this way, but it makes perfect sense. Thank you!

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    1. Cathy it opened my eyes also when I saw the peace God sent to earth. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!

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  5. This is a wonderful teaching on peace and its importance! I'm praying!

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    1. Thank you! May peace be with you through the New Year. Blessings!

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