Message of Peace

What a wonderful God we have - he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement. We are in deep trouble for bringing you God's comfort and salvation. But in our trouble God has comforted us - and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (TLB)

Don't forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2 (TLB)

Sam Siligato, from New Jersey, drove, with his wife, to the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, knowing that his sister would soon succumb to cancer at the age of 44. The constant sound of the waves has always comforted Sam, and Ocean City was one of his sister's favorite places. As they sat on a bench, sunset turned the sky magnificent shades of pink and blue.

For some reason, Sam felt all would be well. Turning toward the rock jetty protruding from the shoreline, he saw a man dressed in traditional Scottish attire. He began to play "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. Sam could not believe what he was seeing and hearing - his favorite hymn, played with such feeling and emotion! Sam came to believe that this man must have been an angel sent by God as a message of peace and comfort to him.

As he finished and headed down the beach, Sam watched him intently, wondering if he would disappear into thin air. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Sam believes we all have opportunities to bring God's comfort and peace to others by volunteering, making a dinner, giving a gift, sending a cad, or making a call in a time of need. In these ways we may help someone receive the peace and comfort only God can give.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always knowing our hearts and sending your love to us i the way we most need it, in Jesus' name. Amen.