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A Harvest of Peace

Andrea Lende • August 1, 2022

James 3:18

A Harvest of Peace

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/A-Harvest-of-Peace-e1lvpd8

 

James 3:18

 

And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears, and agitating passions and moral conflicts.]

 

 

Peace is the harvest.

 

The harvest of righteousness.

 

A harvest is a time of gathering up what has been planted.

 

But the planting is difficult and arduous work.

 

When planting wheat a field, the soil is tilled to soften it, so it warms more easily and helps water absorb more readily.

 

Next, seeds are planted.

 

And then the work really begins.

 

The soil has to be continuously tended to and watered.

 

Weeds are pulled often.

 

This is easy when weeds are detected early but becomes difficult as deeper roots develop.

 

Then there is the waiting as the sun warms the soil needed for germination.

 

The farmer starts hoping.

 

He hopes for sunny and warm days.

 

He hopes for sufficient, but not too much, rain.

 

And he hopes there will not be frost, hail, or torrential winds.

 

This long and laborious process is much like the process of leaning into righteousness as we allow God to do a work in us.

 

First, our hearts are tilled or softened and warmed to make it ready to receive the seed which is the Word.

 

Next, our hearts are watered as we learn more about God’s ways through worship and study.

 

It requires weeding.

 

Opposing thoughts and ideas need to be weeded out of the heart and mind so God’s Word can grow properly.

 

Time passes.

 

There are some sunny and warm days.

 

But storms and trials come too.

 

We grow in maturity, wisdom, and righteousness.

 

James wrote that the harvest of righteousness is peace.

 

Peace within oneself.

 

A peaceful mind free of fears.

 

Free of moral conflicts.

 

Peace with others.

 

Today I choose to lean into righteousness and pray that God will do a work in me that brings forth a greater harvest of peace in my soul.

 

May you find the Lord is planting righteousness in your heart and bringing forth a harvest of peace in you.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank You for planting the seed of righteousness in our hearts. As we allow You to do a work in us, we look forward to a harvest of peace. Thank You for Your promise of peace within us and with those around us. You are the Author of Peace and the Finisher of our spirit. May you complete the work You started in us, Lord. May You give us an extra measure of patience to allow You the time to work in us. Keep our hearts soft towards You so we are moldable in Your hands. Bend our will to Yours, Lord. May You lead and guide us through this day. Help us bless someone today. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: I AM the God of peace and intend to bring a harvest of peace in you.

Response: Help us rest in You today, Lord, as You do a work in us. In Jesus name, amen.



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