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Day 13

The apostle Paul says Jesus himself is our peace. Jesus removed all the things that separate humanity from one another and from God and now offers his peace to others as a gift. Jesus’ followers are called to receive, keep, and cultivate this gift of peace, which requires humility, gentleness, patience, and love. 

READ
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
Ephesians 2:11-15

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32

REFLECT
-According to this passage, how did Jesus make peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why (see verse 2:16)? 
-Do you feel alienated from anyone in your life? Do you want to enjoy peace with this person again? Why or why not? Consider what Jesus did to make peace. What questions and emotions surface as you reflect on this?
-Review Ephesians 4:1-3 carefully. How do you think humility, gentleness, patience, and love help to maintain the unity Jesus made for his followers? What happens when one of these virtues is missing? You can’t make choices for others, but what is one practical decision you can make today to cultivate peace?

Day 8 - PEACE video intro

"Peace" is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus. READ 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Day 9

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it describes not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of completion, reconciliation, and justice. READ 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 REFLECT -Consider what you have learned in the Bible so far. Name five habits (thoughts, actions, or words) that you believe are pleasing to God. -How do you think these habits could make peace even between enemies?

Day 10

The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future King, who would make a covenant of shalom with his people. His reign would right all wrongs and heal all brokenness.  READ 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 REFLECT -What words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage? -Based on this passage, how does the Prince of Peace govern his Kingdom? -How can you help bring about God’s peaceful rule in the places where you have influence? -Pray to ask the Prince of Peace to govern over and through you this week.