A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse June 26, 2018 The Pathway to Peace Scripture Reading – Colossians 3:15 - 16  (NLT)"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts."

Stop for twenty or even thirty seconds, take a deep breath and ask yourself this question: ‘What is ruling your heart today?’ The answer will point us to the Prince of Peace our Lord Jesus Christ. He did promise that we could have a peace that is not like the world gives, which of course is circumstantial in its reign upon people's lives.There is a way in which we can allow His peace to actually rule and reign in our hearts each and every day. I like that word, 'rule' as it equates to God's peace in us. This, 'Pathway to Peace' is not only for one person, but rather is offered to each and every one of us who belong to Christ's body, the church. In fact, He calls each of us to demonstrate His glory by living and loving with one another in a posture of peace.

How can we do this in a world where anything but peace is ruling and reigning? This pathway is paved with thanksgiving, not some of the time, but all of the time in Jesus name. When we choose to be thankful in the Lord, we will then be able to experience the richness of Christ Jesus actually not only abiding with us but filling us up to overflowing.

God's peace will allow us to become those who are able to counsel, teach and encourage others. Of course we are not in such a position when His peace is not ruling our lives.This pathway also is one which is sensitive to the kinds of music that they allow themselves to listen to, learn and dwell upon. Can I encourage you today to make godly Christian music a part of your day? As you do, you can be sure that that peace which only Christ Jesus can bring will follow you all along your way. 

Prayer Heavenly Father, I rejoice in Christ Jesus the Prince of Peace today. May Your peace rule in my heart and life I pray, all along the way for the glory of Your holy Name. 

Memory Verse:  Romans 5:1 NLT "Therefore, since we have been made ______ in God's sight by ______, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."