This message was originally posted during Holy Week of 2016 by our friend Helen.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These, or similar words, are Paul’s greetings in his letters to the various churches of Asia minor where he served.

Peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, along with others listed in Galatians 5:22. In a sense, peace is an award we receive when we turn our lives, including our sins and troubles, over to God in prayer. We “let go and let God” take care of us. Too often our prayers go up to God with a set of instructions for how we want God to answer our prayers. God’s way is always best, however, and the way that gives us peace.

There is a colorful banner in JOY’s sanctuary which hangs across from my usual seat in worship. Among the beautiful colors is a white dove (depicting the Holy Spirit) and the word: PEACE.  It reminds me why I’m there– to receive God’s peace.

This word comes up frequently in our worship service, and we share that peace with others- a special opportunity to reach out and touch someone with God’s gift of peace. May God bless you with his peace and love. Read Psalm 85:11 and John 14:27, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Helen