RECAP: HOLISTIC PEACE based on Isaiah 52:7-12
We have many different understandings of peace in our world today. But very few of us actually live in a place of peace. We are surrounded by conflict, whether in our nation, our way of life, or even within. And when we are not at peace, it consumes us at our very core. We spend countless hours trying to maneuver ourselves toward peace.
The Hebrews had a very different understanding of peace compared to what is often applied today. Peace is shalom, which is best understood that everything, at every level, is well and at rest. When one is in a state of perfect peace, promised at the end of Numbers 6, all is well in our relationship with God, our relationship with ourselves, and our fellow humanity. Every aspect and facet of life is at rest in a similar fashion to Genesis, when God saw his creation was very good and then rested from his creative work.
Israel understood what it meant to be at shalom. Over time, shalom disappeared and they ended up in exile. Fear, compromise, cultural relevance, sin, and even heritage got in the way of their shalom. They became more concerned about being Jewish and the ritual of the temple than having a relationship with God. In time, the slow erosion of shalom led to their eventual exile.
How can we recapture shalom when it seems lost? How can we be brought back to a place of perfect peace? Isaiah 52 spoke to a nation looking for restoration from exile, and the same holds true today:
First, we need to restore our relationship with God. God took the first steps by announcing his salvation, his redemption, his reconciliation and the return of his presence. We have been set free from bondage. We have been redeemed from the slavery of sin. We have been reconciled to God. And his presence is a reminder that we are never alone.
But in light of what God has done, we have a part to play also; we need to take a step! We need to draw near to God and accept that salvation, redemption, reconciliation and presence and embrace repentance. Then the peace that only God can bring can be realized in our lives.
Second, we need to recalibrate ourselves. A compass is worthless if it is not calibrated to the north! Likewise, our attempts at a life lived in peace is worthless without calibration. We need to leave sin behind and those things that continually lead us into sin. If we don’t change our environment, we eventually go back to the mck. We need to purify ourselves, becoming more like God in how we think and act. That comes from a daily walk with God. And we also need to persevere in the face of fear. Fear wants us to give up and control; faith presses through no matter the challenge.
If we do these things, we will begin to find peace in our hearts and live into the fullness of God’s shalom. Then the world can see the peace of God, and we can extend to our neighbor.
Questions for Reflection
1) Have you ever experienced true shalom? What was different in that moment in time?
2) Do you agree with the statement that one can never find peace outside of God? Why or why not?
3) What is one area that you can grow your relationship with God?
4) What do you need to recalibrate in your life to find internal peace through God?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday Pastor Ryan will continue the Vision series with the sermon titled, “Jesus is Lord,” based on Exodus 20:3-6 and Matthew 16:24-27. We all believe Jesus is our Savior; but what do we mean when we declare he is our LORD? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for August 10 – 16
August 10: Psalm 15 How can we find peace?
August 11: Psalm 1 Who finds peace, and who does not find peace?
August 12: Isaiah 65:17-25 What is our future peace?
August 13: James 3:13-18 How can we live a peace-filled life?
August 14: Isaiah 26:1-12 How can we find peace?
August 15: Exodus 3:1-17 Who is the LORD?
August 16: Exodus 6:1-8 Who is the LORD?
This Week’s Events:
Sunday, August 15–Pathfinders @ Tami Plaughers, 11 am
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, August 18–Ministry Team @6:30 pm
Thursday, August 19–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Saturday, August 21–Steven Miller Memorial Service @ 11am
Saturday, September 4–Adoption Ceremony @ 6 pm
Sunday, September 5–Teacher Appreciation Sunday
Sunday, September 5–Summer Vespers @ 6:30 pm
Sunday, September 12–New Member & Baptism Sunday
Saturday, September 25–Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Brethren Woods
Announcements:
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s story. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Baptism
The plan right now is to have a baptism and new membership service on Sunday, September 12. If you want to be baptized, but have not said anything to Pastor Ryan, please do so ASAP!
Summer Vespers
In place of our Lenten Vespers, we will have summer outdoor vespers on our church grounds one additional Sunday evening during the summer: September 5 at 6:30 pm. Come enjoy some fellowship, campfire songs, and our wonderful church family outdoors!
This past Vespers, I challenged those who attended to think about an individual who was very courageous. We too can have courage; we have been surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us (Heb 12:1). Likewise, we also have Jesus (Heb 12:2)! Therefore, let us fix our eyes on him, follow his lead, so we do not need to grow weary or lose heart (Heb 12:3).
Adoption Celebration
Beaver Creek family and friends: Please join us on Saturday, September 4 at 6 pm as we have a ceremony of adoption for our newest member of our family, Joscelin! We will have a ceremony dedicating the adoption, and then a time of refreshments after. Come and share in our happiness!
Call to Prayer & Discernment
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Nursery
Misti Wheelbarger is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller, Stanley Suter & Carolyn Wine
John Bennington (health)
Sam Carr (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Tina Dotson (COVID)
Bill Eckard (recovery)
John Fix (addiction)
Janet Good (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Heath Kimmell (health)
Reba Kline & family (loss)
Larry LaPrade (COVID)
Lent family (work)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Mary M Miller (recovery)
Mary G Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Evy Kaye Sandin (recovery)
Chris Shirk (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Tammy Stine (broken ankle)
Frank Tusing (health)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Whitmore family (various)
Owen Wright (health)
Tyler Zombro (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB