A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse April 26, 2018 Peace Maker or Pace Maker? Scripture Reading – Matthew 5:9 (NLT)"God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." 

The setting for today's text is found in what has been called, 'The Beatitudes' or as others have said, 'The Beautiful Attitudes'.  Here Jesus lays out the things that are of prime importance in the Kingdom of God, our eternal dwelling place.

How is it when you or I walk into a room? Do people say, or at least think: 'Good to see you', or in the minds of many is the thinking, 'Here comes trouble', or something less admirable than the first? Hopefully the former, rather than the latter at least most of the time!

When it comes to the attitude Jesus is speaking about today, really the choice for most of us is, 'Peace Maker or Pace Maker'? For those of us who make it our business to be working to bring people and bridge differences towards peaceful resolutions, Jesus explains that the blessing of God will follow us. And for those who choose to do less the phrase, 'that is really eating me up', is certainly true.

In fact, is that not what children are like? Yes, they may have a disagreement, but it will not take them long to resolve it, make up and be friends once again. These are exactly the kinds of attitudes that God our Father admires in each one of us as His precious children. And so today, may the peace of God fill our hearts, minds, lives and yes our attitudes as together we work to bridge the gaps, heal the wounds and live the Good News of the Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus precious name. 

Prayer Heavenly Father, I thank-You for the peace of God that fills my heart, life and soul because of Jesus and all that He has done. In His precious name, I pledge to be one who works for peace in Your body, and for Your eternal glory, through Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord.   

Memory Verse:  Psalm 25:4 – 5a NLT “_____ me the right _____, O LORD; point out the road for me to ________. Lead me by your ______ and teach me…”