Peace Of God Is Most Important Kind Of Peace
Rick and Terry Lett were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary as we gathered to worship Sunday at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Doug Cory greeted the congregation and opened our service with prayer. Special prayers were requested for Don Chaney, Diana Afuvai, the Henry Blankenship family, Evelyn, Judy, Lee, Susan Rawlins and Wayne Johnson. Shelly thanked everyone for their help with the Christmas baskets, and Jeanette thanked everyone for their work on the Christmas parade float, with a special thanks to Jimmy and Jeanette Easter for their work on the float.
Janet Chaney shared information about the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and encouraged support for the week of prayer for missionaries and “Keeping the well from running dry.”
Linda Abercrombie read a thank you letter from James Whitford of Watered Gardens and then gave the devotional, “Jesus Says Thank You.” In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” The story was about a woman who didn’t have much but received a letter from Jesus saying He would visit her. While preparing, she gave the food for the dinner and a coat to a homeless couple leaving nothing for her to offer Jesus when He arrived for dinner. She received another letter from Jesus thanking her for her kindness.
Mitchell Lett asked God’s blessing upon the offertory, and he and Tyrel Lett served as ushers. Karen Stroud led the congregation in singing carols and hymns of the season. We were blessed with special music from Jerry Abercrombie, who sang, “What A Day That Will Be!”
Our Pastor, Brother Mark Hall, brought us God’s message, “Peace on Earth” and read Luke 2:8-14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” We all want peace for our families, in our churches, on our jobs and in our country. Brother Mark told us that the older we get, Christmas ceases to be ‘what I want for Christmas’ to ‘what am I going to give.’ He asked, “If you could give every person in the world a Christmas present, what would it be? Peace. All the money in the world won’t buy peace. Even good health is no substitute for peace. This Christmas, go see a parent or grandparent and leave all the drama at home. Nothing gives them more peace than seeing you at peace. The world will not have peace until it embraces the Prince of Peace. There are three safe places for peace: wherever you meet with God, your church home and your family home.”
Brother Mark told us that it is most important to have the peace of God that you can take into the chaos of the world and the storms of life. “Peace will help you guard your heart and your mind. If you go into the world without it, it will break your heart and make you lose your mind.” In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Brother Mark told us that the peace of God can change things for you.
You should also have peace in your church home because we need peace in God’s sanctuary. Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long-suffering.” Brother Mark told us that we also need peace in our homes. “Imagine a boat in a storm taking on water from the waves. The wind is the drama, the waves are the emotions that come to the surface with the drama and the water coming in over the sides is the devil trying to get in. The devil’s number one target is the family. He tries to destroy it. Sometimes it is up to one to help bring peace in the family. Do it because it is worth it. When you have all the chaos, you can’t hear God through the noise. ‘Peace be still.’ You can’t have the power of Jesus without the presence of Jesus. Anywhere there is faith, He is present.” Psalm 34:14 says, “Depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” Romans 12:17-18 says, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
In closing, Brother Mark told us that money causes a lot of problems when it comes to peace. “If you wouldn’t take a million dollars for someone, why would you fight over a hundred? Don’t pray for money, pray for peace. Don’t put a price tag on peace. If you have no peace, nothing else matters. We all need peace. Life doesn’t have to be miserable; you just need to know the Prince of Peace. Pray for those who need peace.”
Our closing hymn was “Silent Night,” and Wayne Holly gave the benediction. We invite you to worship with us next Sunday to enjoy our annual Christmas program directed by Terry Lett.
We invite you to worship with us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and His many blessings. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m., and everyone is invited as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace. Mill Creek Baptist Church is located 3½ miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90 on upper Mill Creek Road. Everyone is welcome to join in the Christmas celebration.
“If you wouldn’t take a million dollars for someone, why would you fight over a hundred? Don’t pray for money, pray for peace. Don’t put a price tag on peace. If you have no peace, nothing else matters.