Organized Peace - 4

As I have been learning more about this concept of 'organized' peace, I also realize this experience of real peace is really a gift. God created this world a place where He and His human family could experience peace - deep, secure, trusting relations with other minds.

If God created this world with that goal in mind what has happened? For the most part that is not the way it is in the everyday world I live in.

Is it possible for me to return to, to regain the 'organized peace' I have read about?

As I have been learning more about this concept of 'organized' peace, I am also realizing the experience of peace is a gift. God created this world a place where He and His human family could experience peace – a deep, secure, trusting relationship with Him. He also created the human mind to be able to experience peace with other human minds.

If God created this world with that goal in mind something has gone way wrong. What happened? For the most part that is not the way it is in the everyday world I live in anyway.

Is it possible for me to experience the 'organized peace' I have just described?

With some of those thoughts and questions in mind I have been reviewing given information concerning the beginnings of 'peace on earth'.

The condition of this earth as recorded in Genesis 1 before God's Spirit began 'moving' indicates there was a time before now when this earth was not in very good condition. Genesis 1:2 reads
A. The earth was without form (doesn't sound very organized to me).
B. The earth was void (empty doesn't sound very inviting either).
C. The earth was dark (peace can exist in darkness but it just doesn't sound complete to me).

After having studied this some I am concluding that this description of the earth before God began 'organizing' is also symbolic of more than just the physical 'earth'.

In order to organize there must be something, at least to some extent, to 'organize'. I found it very interesting that these three word pictures - 'without form', 'void', and 'darkness' on the 'face of the deep' (particularly in the language in which this was originally written) - were used also when describing a system, a form of government if you please, that was diametrically opposed to the love based government of the Creator God of the Universe. In that setting the creation story took on new meaning to me.

It is a rather well known fact that we are all currently living in a 'war' zone but I'm not referring to the Iraqi conflict here. What I am referring to is conflict on a global level. Many years ago a created being declared war against the Creator God of the Universe saying that God's form of government needed to be improved. I can't give you a specific time when this happened because it began before this world was even prepared as a home for the human family.

The Creator God has given as one of His 'names' the "God of Peace". It makes sense therefore that with that title God would be seeking that attribute of His character to be revealed.

And interestingly enough, this is one of the foundational reasons for the cosmic war currently in process. The Creator God has only one form of government in which His peace ‘functions’. But when one of God’s created beings declared there was a 'better' way, a more efficient form of government for the whole universe than that established by the God of Peace, peace began to fade.

Who is right? God or the 'new order'?

God chose to allow a certain amount of time to reveal the basic tenants of what was being advocated as a 'better' form - a new order - of government. This decision on God’s part was based at least in part on the premise that true ‘Peace’ cannot be ‘forced’ (which is, however, one of the fundamental principles of the opposition to God’s government that the use of force will be used if all else fails with fear being the primary 'weapon' used in force).

Even before the ‘war in heaven’, as Revelation 12:7 describes the above conflict, God had decided to increase His 'family' - which is the setting of Genesis 1 mentioned above.

When God had announced His plans to begin His 'new addition' to His family, His enemy immediately took steps to thwart the expansion of God's government. This is one reason the words, 'without form', and 'void', and 'darkness was upon the face of the deep' are strikingly meaningful. When God 'arrived' at this earth someone else was already there. Revelation records that after the 'war' in heaven and after the dragon (that old serpent called the devil and Satan) had 'lost', he and his cohorts 'cast out' to this earth.

Please be aware that Satan's government does have organization and also claims to have 'peace'. But at the same time, even though the same word - peace – may be used in the English language, the bottom line meaning for peace in each government is diametrically opposed to the other ‘side’, the opposite meaning.

The words describing this earth prior to God's creative power manifested in it also describe some of the more immediate effects of Satan's form of government: 'without form',(compared to where Satan and his hosts had just come from – the light, JOY, PEACE and love which they had previously experienced in heaven in the very presence of the Creator God of the Universe, - they were now truly ‘without form’) 'void' (empty of that which is life giving. God is life and since Satan and those loyal to him had turned from allegience to the Creator God, the only true Lifegiver, they were ‘void’, empty) and 'darkness' (symbol of Satan's government in direct contrast to God’s form of government whose symbol is light) 'was upon the face of the deep' (deep here can also be translated 'dragon').

So God came to this earth which, before He arrived was dark, void and without form and He began ‘reorganizing’ it to make it ‘fit’ for His new ‘love family’ – humans – to have as their home.

The story of God bringing ‘peace’ to this earth is awesome and which I want to explore more.

For now keep in mind that the God of Peace who created this earth in the first place wants to create in you and me the experience of PEACE and JOY through believing in Him even though the enemy of real peace tries his best to get us to look away from the God of Peace. "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 "

Bringer of Peace

Organized Peace - 2

This week has been interesting thus far. During recent past it has seemed that activities were ever increasing in 'speed' even from week to week. And in one respect they have. On the other hand, however, I was recently reminded that not every request need be accepted. A few nights ago (that seems to be the usual time for the following to happen) my son and I had a rather long, though casual at times, talk. We meandered around a lot but toward the end he mentioned that I had not been home very often in the mornings. (That was pretty much the case.) He didn't want someone to 'nag' him but he was wondering if maybe I could give him some encouragement in getting going, as needed.

It is only fair that particularly family should be able to benefit from organized peace. So after thinking about his thoughts I began to tell friends and acquaintances that I would no longer be available before 10 a.m. For me that, I believe, is a step toward better organized peace.

My hubby and I have also been working toward getting time to read together on a more consistant basis in the evenings.

A friend, who has been a very big help to me as well, has been encouraging me in making this and other decisions along these lines. Even though she has been needing help she has been giving me counsel to guide me in getting better organized to bring more peace to my life.

Organization done just for the sake of a schedule may not bring peace, but without some form of organization there won't be real peace either.

More on this topic later, as I continue learning in the school tutored by the "Prince of Peace".

Just remember, the God of Peace is also One who will enable you to have His peace in such a way so others can come into harmony with your Peace - which is what proper organization can accomplish.

Learning more about PEACE.

Organized Peace - 2

Ah, that experience of peace. At times it seems to real, so tangable. Other times it seems so illusive, so vague. Might that partly be because at least some of what we have previously considered 'peace' is laced with lies? (Like, peace at all costs?).

I'm going to return to the 'bookcase' story first. I mentioned earlier that a lady had asked the man to come 'finish' the bookcase job in her bedroom area that we had started several months ago. I was happy to get a job done so saw no problem in the arrangement. When the man came I showed him what I had done thus far and what was available to work with. He began to point out some integrity 'problems' with my original 'plan'. About that time my friend came in. The man turned to her and asked her how deep she wanted the shelves and she gave him an approximate idea (maybe 6-7 inches) but then added she wanted them wide enough for 3 ring binders. She started to explain what she wanted done and then, turning to me, told me she didn't want me to be there. When I declined the offer to leave she immediately turned and huffed off saying something like she wouldn't pay to have it done then. That was o.k. with me for her to make that choice on her part and I returned to talking to the carpenter again. (He actually knew some of the situation and as she left he had given me a 'thumbs up' and asked me how I felt. I told him I felt like I had made the right decision and he agreed.) He then asked me if I really wanted the bookcase in the first place. I told him I didn't mind having it there but I also didn't consider that it would be long term permanent. After he pointed out some other possible problems and we discussing other option, on his counsel I decided not to put in the bookcase even termporary. I will insulate the area and cover it so she can move back into the room. (She had broken her leg in December and we had set up a hospital bed for her in her kitchenette (the bedroom is long and narrow making it impossible to get the wheelchair into it but now that she is getting around with just one crutch she will have a bit more privacy back in her own room. For a 'bookcase' area there is a freestanding bookcase I am going to try to get into her room for now.)

This incident actually showed me more about organized peace. At present my husband and I manage this farm. Sad to say, in the past we have at times let others practically 'walk over us', so to speak. I do not want to be rude to others but I also believe that the Lord expects us to accept the responsibilities He gave us. If my friend did not want to work with me that is her choice. but I believe it was also totally appropriate for me to know what was going on and also have the right to 'agree' or decline on projects dealing with this property. For one of the first times - in a situation of this type - I felt a 'peace' rather than either contention or being walked over. I'm sure I will have more lessons but I hope this one will prepare me for the next 'chapter' in this 'class' on organized peace.

More on the positive aspect I had another experience I believe is also teaching me about organized peace. For a number of years I have 'led' in a summer program called 'Vacation Bible School' aimed primarily at children and young people. But this year there had been some challenges in relationships and I also felt 'empty' in myself so I backed out of the VBS leadership.

I was asked to reconsider and said I would pray about it. In a period of a recent 2-3 week period several important things took place. The Lord brought about reconcilliation between myself and another person, for which I praise Him; 2 other ladies agreed that they would work with me as a team (one of them is a very good organizer and the other has experience in media presentations, praise the Lord) and I believe the basic concept of a new VBS program has been opening up in my mind. What has been so much better this year is that it is not what do 'I' have but how can we work together in harmony (peace) to accomplish a common goal. Isn't that another way of saying 'organized peace'. I like what God is doing in me as well as for me.

So much more is happening but I must be going for now.

Remember, the God of Peace loves you!!

Bringer of Peace

Organized Peace

These past 12 hours have been quite interesting, and most of it was 'nighttime'. Having gotten home late (as mentioned in the last blog) I guess I thought the evening might soon slow down. It finally did after a couple more phone calls. During one call I was sharing some of what I have been learning with the caller. Sometimes these life lessons may sound good on paper (or web) but repeating what has been learned the next time may be even more important.

Several times in the past few days people have shared with me their insights on my current situation. Interestingly most of them have been very similar in nature. (I think the Lord is trying to get my attention. He has been impressing me along the same line too.) This 'subject' has at least something to do with 2 Tim. 1:7. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power. . . . That concept of power deals also with proper authority. Some who read this will probably know that excerting proper 'authority' has not been a strong point in me. Partly because of the lie I long believed of 'peace at all costs', it has seemed difficult for me to assume, even properly, authority when I was supposed to do so which have created or prolonged some problems.

I couldn't seem to sleep past 4 something so decided to get up and take a shower early. My shower this morning was a 'rare' treat - long and leisurely - which I do get to enjoy once in a while. And while showering the Lord and I were discussing some of the aspects of authority which had been brought to my attention in the last few days. It was a very interesting visit, let me tell you. We reviewed some recent lessons and then applied them to 'now'.

Before sharing more, let me say that proper authority must be received. Those who are 'under authority' must willingly give the person placed in authority their 'loyalty' and the right to have authority over them. If a persen attempts to force - Satan's counterfeit - it is no longer proper authority.

On the other hand the person given the authority must know how to use it properly or it can become a detriment and/or counterfeit also.

Sounds like a rather fine line at times. Yes, and no. Let me try to explain the 'no' first. The more I have been understanding true authority the more I am realizing that it has more to do with attitudes than actions, although actions are an essential element. Let me give an example. Several months ago a lady here wanted some shelves in her room. I had a 'block' of time so decided to try to 'do it'. My brother was here at the time and he tore out an old window where we were going to build in the shelves. I then took apart an old bookcase and cut the side boards to fit into the frame where the window had been. About that time the lady told me she wanted to paint the boards before I put them up. I was aware that if I didn't get that job done relatively soon it might not get done soon. After mildly attempting to get her to let me go ahead and finish putting the case together I decided to wait for her to paint the boards and she still hasn't painted the boards.

This morning I went over there and we got to discussing it. She then told me she had hired someone to come finish the project (for which I am glad). But as I reveiwed the experience I realized more that I have not been practicing proper authority as co-manager here. Yes, I did accept her choice to put off the project, but I now believe I could have also exercised proper authority and moved ahead when I had the time to do so and been get the job done long ago. By the way, she seems to be blaming me for such a long delay and in the sense that I let her override my authority I believe she is right.

The more I have been mulling these things over in my mind the more I realize that God's original plan of organization for planet earth - His plan for family - was set up to be 'organized peace'. Therefore it makes sense that in order to understand better 'organized' peace I need to understand God's plan for family, especially since most of my previous concepts of 'family' don't fit that model as I have been learning about it from the Bible.

As I have opportunity I may share more of what I am learning about this 'organized peace'.
But for now may the God of peace share that peace with you.

Maiden, Bringer of Peace