Peace

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
    whose origins are in the distant past,
    will come from you on my behalf.
3 The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies
    until the woman in labor gives birth.
Then at last his fellow countrymen
    will return from exile to their own land.
4 And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
Then his people will live there undisturbed,
    for he will be highly honored around the world.
5     And he will be the source of peace.

Sometimes I forget about these “minor” prophets until it is time to prepare a devotion or a sermon using the lectionary. Micah gives us a clear picture of how to prepare for a new life or perhaps I should say renew life.

Maybe you don’t do this but sometimes I rush through my scripture and prayer time. Gee, it’s not like I’m taking anything away from Him, and it’s not every day. Just sometimes!

This scripture shows me that I’m exactly like these folks. I was creating my own worship with a
minimum of scripture and prayer rushing through because it is what I was supposed to do. I was quickly saying the names on my prayer list with no real depth for their need just to get it over. I was not being kind, compassionate, humble or honest. I had no peace.

Then it happens, a wakeup call, trouble comes knocking. I was unprepared because I had not been doing the will of my Father. I knew what I needed to do, bow and humbly ask Him to forgive me, repent and believe, and He would give me the peace I needed. I am thankful for His peace.

Prayer: O Lord, what do you require – that I act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. In Your Name I pray. Amen

Mary C. Bane, Wana UMC, Blacksville Charge Crazymcb1@gmail.com, Mon Valley Lead Team & Transition Team; Coordinator Mon Valley Lay Ministry Team; Certified Lay Minister