‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Sunday was International Day of Peace, also known as “World Peace Day.” We live in a world full of sin and turmoil. Thankfully God has equipped leaders to lead our nations. Deborah, Ray, and I have been reading through the Bible in a year with Tara-Leigh Coble and The Bible Recap. Today we finished day 266 and we haven’t even started the New Testament yet. It amazes me to read about all the biblical kings and their destruction. It has made me thankful for our current day. 

In looking at today’s key verse, we know that God is in control. When we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we say, “one nation under God.” Although we have different religions throughout the world, we have one Creator. The Psalms instruct us to be still and know that God is God and He will be exalted. How comforting is that!

I leave you with a challenge to pray for our nations and the leadership. Let’s join together to humbly seek peace. May we spur on the hope and peace that only God can provide.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I surrender our nations and leadership to You. I humbly come before You and seek the peace and hope that only You can provide. Equip our leaders to make decisions for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take a moment to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today is International Day of Peace, also known as “World Peace Day.”

Peace and hope may feel unattainable most days. The good news of the gospel is that we don’t have to attain it on our own. God is “I am” and capable of all things.

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Let’s worship together with The Great I am Can by Brandon Lake.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week my precious father-in-law passed away peacefully. We are all so thankful that he is completely healed and in the arms of Jesus. Today I am reflecting on all the stories that have been shared this week and I am savoring all of my sweet memories of Larry. 

The first time I pulled into his and Pansy’s driveway, Larry was under the carport reading his Bible. That image embodied the way he lived. Larry lived a humble, Christ-centered life. Larry fiercely loved the Lord and his family. He and Pansy were married for nearly 61 years and raised three sons who have learned from his example the value of a relationship with Jesus and the importance of family. Larry was known for giving loved ones a nickname. Some of the names he assigned include Doodle, Halfback, Shortstop, Sweat Pea, Sweet Girl, and Squeaky Poo. His nicknames were a symbol of his love and affection. 

Larry sat at the kitchen table and read his Bible every morning before he started his day. He was a long time usher and custodian at his church. I remember his diligence of going to the church monthly to check the fire extinguishers. My children were excited when they were around to go with him to help. 

Larry was a pipe fitter. At the visitation this week one of his coworkers told me about what a good man Larry was at work. He shared that Larry never said a bad word, even when things didn’t go well at work. I don’t believe I have ever heard him raise his voice or say a cross word. Larry’s life was a Christian example for all of us. He was a Christian influencer and I will savor his influence on me!

Take a moment to read someone else’s words about Larry.

Obituary for Larry Clark Ard

Take some time to read about some current Christian influencers as defined by social media in this article titled 20 Christian Influencers Inspiring Millions On Social Media in 2025. Are you familiar with any of them? If so, how have they influenced you?

Next, read this blog by Shayla Asselin titled How To Be An Influencer. What steps can you take now to be intentional about your Christian influence?

@biblegateway @youversion

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV — Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Examine yourself. First of all, think about who you influence. Who is in your close circle that you influence daily? Who do you come into contact with randomly that you may influence? Next, think about your daily Christian living. Is there an area or areas that perhaps are not good examples of Christian living that you may need to ask God to help you change? Listen to how God speaks to you and be open to His guidance. Lastly, who has influenced you and your Christian walk? Take time to thank those who have been Christian influencers for you.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the Christian influencers in my life. Mold me and make me into the Christian influencer You would have me be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In today’s scripture Paul challenges us to follow his example. In other words he was leading by example. Every day God places in our path people we are influencing. We have a choice in what we impress upon them and in what ways we influence. Christian living is a day in and day out calling. Christian living is learning every day, growing from what is learned, and then showing others by example. Christian living is an opportunity to be an influencer! Who do you come into contact with daily or randomly that you may influence? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I do not reflect You in my words and actions. May I be aware of how I am showing others what it means to be a Christian. May I be a Christian influence on others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion