Peace in a fallen world

Matthew 25:14–15 KJV 1900

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Peace in a fallen world.

That is what I would like to talk about today, and start a series on this particular topic. I am certain that, if not all of us, most of us have heard at some point “sit down and be still.” That could encompass a number of things, but at the very least it meant that was our last warning. I come from a time when we were taught that you at least act like you belong to someone.

The principles of peace encompass various aspects of human interaction and governance. Justice and love are fundamental principles, with justice ensuring equitable treatment for all and love embodying selfless devotion to God and sacrificial service to others. These principles are seen as complementary, with justice providing structure and love adding compassion, together forming the concept of 'shalom' - a just and liberating peace. God desires peace for his people and maintains sovereign control over all nations. Peace and goodwill are interconnected concepts that have deep spiritual and social significance. According to one article, not all forms of peace align with goodwill, and not everyone who proclaims peace receives the blessing promised to peacemakers.

The concept of peace is closely tied to the Christian faith, with Jesus being described as "our peace" who reconciles humanity with God and brings unity. Goodwill is portrayed as a friendly disposition that can defuse conflicts and bring harmony to daily life, with Proverbs 18:1 cautioning against unfriendliness that leads to quarrels. In religious contexts, the phrase "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and among men good will" is seen as a noble hymn celebrating Christ's role in establishing peace between God and humanity. Some interpretations suggest that peace on earth is specifically for people of goodwill who acknowledge Christ. The concepts are also linked to prayer, with the idea that blessings for peace are sought not just for their own sake, but for the sake of God's people and the presence of faith in various places.

I am certain that, if not all of us, most of us have heard at some point “sit down and be still.” That could encompass a number of things, but at the very least it meant that was our last warning. I come from a time when we were, at the very least, taught that you need to act like you belong to someone. There is a way you act in public, and it may differ from the way that you act in private, but you are to put your best foot forward while you were in public.

An oyster, as tasty as it is, its most important role is not as an aphrodisiac, or as an extra in your crab boil. Oysters play a vital role to the health of our oceans. They fuse together as they grow, forming rock like reefs that provide habitat for other marine animals and plant life. Oysters help to improve the water quality of the oceans, and a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. They are filter feeders that remove algae, sediment, and other particles from the water. The creative design is that they find a beneficial purpose in just the natural function of eating. The current brings it in, and they clean as they eat. Yet when it is eating and filtering there are times when a tiny grain of sand gets stuck while it’s filter and puts the oyster in great pain. It response to the pain is to secrete an enzyme

I haven’t been able to smell in over 20 years, and since I started cooking I haven’t been able to smell the food I’ve cooked. I can’t smell bad smell, but also I can’t smell pleasant smells either. I have to trust people a lot to pick fragrances out for me, and that is why I only wear fragrances that I can remember what they smelt like. I count my money I get out the atm: I got trust issues.

Thomas Edison famously said that “I have not failed 10,000. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. Life is about choices

you have to see the big picture

There is nothing wrong with falling

Matthew 25:14 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.”

Matthew 25:15 “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

Matthew 25:16–18 “Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.”

Sometimes you feel like you are not progressing, because you are not trying whole hearted. Necessity is the mother of invention

An oyster has a gift for filtering water but it doesn’t need filtered water: it needs dirty water to survive

Your gifts are not far you