Prayer Letter - 11 July 2005

To: Prayer Partners
From: Pastor Lucenay

Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God (Matthew 5:9). Once again I look to Eugene Peterson for insight from The Message. He writes You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6) in whom we can discover the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). God’s Word says Thou will keep in perfect peace, he whose mind is stayed on Thee (Isaiah 26:3, KJV).

I am not a very good peacemaker when I am not at peace with God. I am not at peace with God when I am not at peace with myself. Likewise, I am not at peace with myself when I am not at peace with God. And, I have difficulty helping others find peace if peace is not real in my heart. How about you?

Peace becomes illusive when we lose our sense of perspective. As God’s children we belong to Him and He is able to see us through whatever the winds of life blow our way. We lose our way when we think our way is more important that His way or when His way is not our way. When we lose our way peace is often lost as well.

Let us settle down and approach the Prince of peace. He is not here to harm us but to help us. He comes not in judgment but in grace. He restores my soul (Psalm 23:2). How? Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Set your troubles down and content yourself to be in God’s presence. Accept His comfort. Accept His understanding.

When peace lives in you, you can help others find peace. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?...You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies with God and his way (James 4:1, 4, The Message). Many of life’s struggles rise out of ego. Peacemakers are not as worried about who is right and who is wrong as they are about enhancing the kingdom of God and honoring Jesus. Perhaps you know some people who are at odds with one another. Pray for each person involved and pray that God will be honored in their relationship. Pray that your spirit will bring the presence of Christ Jesus into their difficulties. Remember everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).

Maybe you know someone who is struggling with peace in his or her heart. Perhaps their problem stems from guilt or shame. Pray that God will use their conscience to bring them to Him. Perhaps their struggle grows out of anxiety. Pray that they will be able to live out 1 Peter 5:7 (Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you). We can trust God with our yesterdays, today, and whatever comes tomorrow.

Last week we once again witnessed tragedy in our world. As we pray for peace let us pray for our world leaders. Government leaders, religious leaders, military leaders, tribal leaders and community leaders need to discover God’s peace. Pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and for those who have been injured this past week.

One quickly notices that several of the families in our church are looking forward to little ones in the not too distant future. Some packages of joy have already arrived. Pray for the families in our church. Pray that God will bond them in the peace and love of our Lord Jesus. Pray for their physical and spiritual health.

Some of our people have been in the hospital and are out.

Some are expecting to be baptized this week. Pray for them as they prepare to share their faith story and as they make this step towards the Savior.

Last week Kristen began work on a special DiscipleNow weekend for KIBC. She is busy with preparations. Pray for the youth ministry and for this unique opportunity.

As you pray for our Vacation Bible School ask God to prepare the workers and the children for this special time. Also ask God to bring a handful of new families to our church as a result of Vacation Bible School.

Pray for our Filipino Chapels and for Rodolfo as he ministers in this work. Pray for God’s guidance to the right person as Principal for our kindergarten. And Pray for Angie as she gets ready to join our ministry here.

Nancy has been very busy with family in the US. She will be flying back to Hong Kong this week. I look forward to her safe and healthy return.

Thank you for your prayers for the pastor and staff, for our worship services and bible studies and for the ministries of the church. May God’s peace inhabit your hearts and guide your actions.