“Break Every Chain (There is Power in the Name of Jesus)” by Tasha Cobbs. (Refresh page if you do not see the video. Stereo sound, best heard with headphones.)
Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
Today is a world-wide day of prayer for peace in Syria and the entire Middle East. The world cheered when the Arab Spring erupted, giving hope for change in a part of the world where patriarchy, class hierarchy, and Islam ruled for Millennia. Now a chain of violence has resulted in the slaughter of innocent people by governments intoxicated with wealth and the promise of unfettered power.
Map of the distribution of Christians of the world (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.
Nations warring against nations is macro violence, but war has its micro, spiritual and virtual manifestations was well. Spousal, child, and animal abuse are serious social problems. Bullying has become a plague among school aged children and in the workplace. Movies, TV shows, video games, and multiple other forms of entertainment allow and teach people how to vent their frustrations and enjoy participating in virtual acts of violence. You are what you think, and people who think and worship violence behave violently.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Throughout the ages, rulers have used violence to control others. But violence, as a bootstrap to power, doesn’t last. Roman emperors used violence to try to stop the spread of Christianity, but by the Third Century AD, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, was humiliated and sacrificed in the most horrible way imaginable, making it possible for people to reach out to God and get peace in their lives. Today, praying people around the world are reaching for God instead of guns.
Let us put aside the pride that feeds our deep embrace of violence. Let us walk away from our petty thoughts of vengeance and supremacy in whatever follies occupy our minds and hearts. Now is the time to ponder the meaning of righteousness. Now is the time to seek peace and pursue it. Let us pray…
Heavenly Father, forgive us for worshipping any other God but You. Please cleanse our minds and hearts today. Teach us to represent Your Kingdom. Teach us to love peace, and grant us the power to pursue it, that we may show others the ways of peace on Earth. Amen.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
(Twitter handle: @vlights)
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
Updated February 3, 2015.
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The video of “There is Power in the Name of Jesus” was posted on Youtube.com by Mabotha Ebenhezer, Oct. 19, 2013. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
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