For the eyes of ADONAI [the LORD] are on the righteous
and His ears open to their prayer,
but the face of ADONAI is against those who do evil.  1 Peter 3:12, TLV

Seek Shalom [Peace].       Dear Peter. Gotta love him. In this letter, he writes to the believers of Messiah — both Jewish and non-Jewish — to instruct them in how to live within the nations. In verses 10 – 12, he paraphrases Psalm 34.

Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking treachery.
Depart from evil and do good.
Seek shalom and pursue it.
The eyes of ADONAI are on the righteous,
and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:14-16, TLV

Peter cautions the believers that the Creator of the Universe — our Heavenly Father — sees all. Whether these followers of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live in Israel or among the nations, essentially the same “rules” apply.

The apostle Peter quotes from the Psalms as a reminder that both the Jewish and Gentile believers are equal in their pursuits of sanctification. With the clear understanding that there would be suffering for living a Biblical life (vs. 17), as Jesus suffered for our sins (vs. 18).

Takeaway?

Our takeaway? Whether we live in a land of “promise” or in exile — whatever our situation — we are still expected to live a Biblical life, honorably. No excuses. We are to live in unity with one another with the understanding that this unity carries power in Jesus’ name (John 17:20-21).

So, no matter what circumstances we’re in, we can seek peace and pursue it. Seek righteousness and pursue it. And our Father will be attentive to our cry. Besides, we know how this story ends, right?

Think More About It

Are you residing in a place that brings you peace or challenges? How do you choose to live in peace wherever you are? Love those testimonies, questions, and insights.

Until tomorrow, may we live in peace wherever we are.

Praying for Israel

A psalm of David.
ADONAI, who may dwell in Your tent?
Who may live on Your holy mountain?
The one who walks with integrity,
who does what is right,
and speaks truth in his heart,
who does not slander with his tongue,
does not wrong his neighbor,
and does not disgrace his friend … Psalm 15:1-3, TLV

 I just watched a lecture about training with the Mossad. A five-year program, each test serves a purpose of testing the character and intellect of the individual. The last test appears to be about time management in dire circumstances. But what the individual doesn’t realize is that the test was meant to prove is whether or not the leader truly displays leadership qualities. What is the primary leadership quality? Never leave a man behind. No matter the goal, the soldiers they supervise are the priority.

When one has that point of view, it colors all their decisions. Integrity changes from following the steps to the mission goals, to looking at the welfare of the people as part of the mission.

So, what is the prayer prompt? That this type of integrity is maintained even in the most dire of circumstances. Truly integrity is tested every day—for all of us. Let’s pray that there would be an indelible understanding of integrity from the heart of God for Israel and for us. Amen? God bless you.