We may not be able to change the whole world by ourselves, but we can help change our corner of the world. Every day when we leave our homes and go out into our neighborhoods, our jobs, our schools--everywhere--there are people who need help. Let's open our eyes wider and see the needs that God brings across our paths. Let us all change the world, one person at a time!

When we are in His presence, it is through our prayers that we answer God as He speaks to us. It is through our prayers that we give our *yes* to the Lord when He gives us an assignment. May God continue to bless us with His presence, and may we always be ready to answer Him in prayer.

           "Rest" not only means to be free from activity, but it also speaks of having a peace of mind or spirit. We know how to cease activity, although we do not always practice free from our labor as often as we should. But how do we attain peace of mind or spirit? What exactly is peace, and where do we find it?

          "Peace" has been defined as “a state of tranquility or quiet . . . freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.”¹ David and Aleph knew the source of peace as they penned their psalms: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Ps. 29:11); “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Ps. 119:165). And Solomon spoke of the benefits of having peace: “A heart at peace gives life to the body . . .” (Prov. 14:30). Jesus spoke of Himself as the giver of peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27), and Apostle Paul confirmed it source: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

          After reading and reflecting on these Scriptures, I find that the peace-giver is the Lord and we find peace through believing in and obeying Him. Through this perfect peace, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Phil 4:7), we can find rest in our minds and spirit. I encourage you this day to seek God with all your heart, learn of Him, and follow wherever He leads you. You will discover that His way leads beyond today to everlasting rest.

Photograph © 2006. All rights reserved

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¹Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed., (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2005).

All scriptures quoted above are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible.

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
   You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
      you find me quiet pools to drink from.
   True to your word,
      you let me catch my breath
      and send me in the right direction.

 Even when the way goes through
      Death Valley,
   I'm not afraid
      when you walk at my side.
   Your trusty shepherd's crook
      makes me feel secure.

 You serve me a six-course dinner
      right in front of my enemies.
   You revive my drooping head;
      my cup brims with blessing.

 Your beauty and love chase after me
      every day of my life.
   I'm back home in the house of God
      for the rest of my life.

Photographs © 2005. All rights reserved.

     Every month a group of Christians gather at Shoney’s in Brentwood, Tennessee, for a prayer breakfast. In a public restaurant, we have the freedom to pray to God. We do not need to hide or meet behind closed doors in fear of adverse consequences.

     In spite of this freedom, why do we often lack the boldness to proclaim Christ in the streets? Are we ashamed? Are we afraid? Do we fear people more than God?

     Daniel, if anyone, had cause to be afraid. King Darius, at the urging of his advisors, issued a decree that during a certain 30-day period no one was allowed to pray to any god or man other than the king (Dan. 6:6-9). Daniel, in obedience to the Most High God, whose laws are above earthy laws (Acts 5:29), continued to pray to the one true God in spite of the king’s decree. Daniel even had the boldness to open his windows during each of his three daily prayer times (Dan. 6:10). There were consequences to his open profession of his faith in God as we read the rest of the story—David was thrown into the lion’s den and was miraculously delivered from death by God (Dan. 6:14-23).

     We are not under such orders here in America. Religious freedom still reigns, and while we are able, we should not be afraid to share Jesus with others. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power” (2 Tim.1:7, NIV).

     I pray that God encourages you to take a cue from Daniel and praise the Lord whenever and wherever He leads you to do so. Seek His presence always. Pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17). Practice this now, let it take root in you, so that you will continue to grow into a strong and mature Christian who will not be shaken no matter what happens in our nation or the world. The day may come when this freedom will be taken away. Our faith must have a firm foundation if we are to stand up for God’s laws, against the world, and to speak His name boldly.

Why not begin now?