By Rosie Moore

I received a Daily Devotional book for Christmas, written by Billy Graham. He shared his thoughts with everyone who reads this book and I want to share with you what he had written for February 25th, which is the day The Focus will be circulated in this area.

A FORMULA FOR PEACE:

“God has a plan for peace, and it is found in His son, whom the Bible calls the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). But we have rejected God’s plan. Wars still ravage the world–and our lives.

“Why? Jesus said the problem is within us. “Out of our heart….proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21-22). What a list! Our real war is a rebellion against God–and it brings unending misery.

“But God longs to see this rebellion cease. That is why Christ came. By His death He provided the way for us to be reconciled to God. And when we have peace with God, we have peace in our hearts–and peace with each other.

“This happens as we repent and receive Christ. The war is over, for God extends a peace treaty to all who come to Christ”

These are strong and courageous words coming from Mr. Graham’s heart. They mean much to all those who read them, for Billy Graham was a warrior for God. The word “war” is in the word warrior  but the dictionary describes “warrior” as one who fights in a war or battle. Billy has done that most of his life, to bring God’s peace to his followers. It is sad that thousands of people in the world today cannot enjoy this peace that God gives us. Let us pray for them, especially  those who are in control of our countries throughout the world.

Thought for the day: I still believe in AMAZING GRACE, that there’s POWER IN THE BLOOD, that HE WALKS WITH ME AND TALKS WITH ME,  that BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW, all because of THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.