Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. (NKJV)

The world as a whole knows no lasting peace, nor will it ever until Jesus returns. All the Nobel peace prize winners combined haven’t brought the world one day of peace. In 1945 the United Nations formed with the mission to “have future generations free from the scourge of war”. There has never been ONE day of peace in the world since.

• The 20th Century was bloodier than all of man’s history combined
• There are no less than 33 wars going on right now, with more about to start
• Hundreds of thousands of unborn children are murdered every year
• Divorce, suicide, depression and murder are at all time highs

Why? Because we have the wrong definition of peace.

Peace is NOT the absence of conflict.
Man-made peace made is just the time
when everyone stops to reload!

We also approach peace from the wrong end. We try to start with the top down: bring nations to peace, and it will result in peaceful individuals. God starts in the hearts of individuals and works out. True peace begins in the heart of the individual and only on God’s terms. If God changes the heart, the behavior changes; if the behavior of individuals changes, then communities change, society changes, and nations change.

Jesus came to give peace, but on His terms.

John 14:23-27 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (NKJV)

God’s peace is beyond human understanding because humans only deal with externals, God deals with the motives, intents and attitudes of the hearer.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

God’s peace is beyond UNREGENERATE human wisdom. Real peace is exposing the sin behind the conflict; and applying repentance and righteousness to the situation. Let's do a little "behavior" math:

(Heart + repentance) – sin x righteousness = PEACE

True peace cannot be separated from PURITY:

James 3:16-18 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (NKJV)

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: (NKJV)

.We live in a time of turmoil and uncertainty. Peace can only be found on God's terms no matter what level it is on: personal, community, national or global.

Lord God, help us to see that You are the only source of peace. Mankind has tried his own way for thousands of years with no success. Instill in us the meaning of true peace. In the Name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.

Contemplation: Have world events robbed you of your peace? Have personal events robbed you of peace? Do you have a true understanding of where real peace originates? Are you at peace with God first?

Application: God is the only source of peace. The closer you are to Him, the more peace you will have. Determine that you will do whatever it takes to make regular, substantial time to spend with God in prayer and Bible Study.

What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?

1. What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
2. What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?