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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ~Matthew 5:9
My generation, the Baby Boomers, and all the ones who have come behind us, have witnessed seemingly endless conflicts between nations around the world. Sadly, many of those wars involved our country at one time or another, and the loss of human treasure, those brave men and women who willingly fought to keep us free, is incalculable.
Sometimes, conflicts are unavoidable and necessary to protect our country's sovereignty and freedoms. Just ask any veteran why he or she served in our military. They are patriots without equal. And I, for one, am so thankful to each and every one of them for the lengths they were willing to go so that we can enjoy a prosperous life in the United States.
Danny's son, Giovanni, is a staff sergeant in the Air Force. We couldn't be prouder of him and his honorable and dedicated service to our country. But like all parents, we pray that he will never be in harm's way because of a decision to put boots on the ground (or planes in the air) in a foreign land. Yes, we pray for him and all our children, but now, because of President Trump's peace through strength initiatives, we can afford a sigh of relief.
In the short seven months since the second Trump term began, we've witnessed a whirlwind of monumental achievements by his administration, not the least of which is brokering peace between warring nations. Here's a rundown of clashes resolved: India and Pakistan; Thailand and Cambodia, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Armenia and Azerbaijan; Serbia and Kosovo; Egypt and Ethiopia, and a cease fire between Israel and Iran. As of this week, seven countries have nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
We don't yet know what will come of the Russia-Ukraine war, but with such a track record of success, I'm praying that the aggressions can end before the year is out. Economic sanctions and tariffs have certainly contributed to foreign countries coming to the table to make a deal with the United States. I believe that no true leader who loves his or her nation wishes to be remembered as someone who financially bankrupted their people because they refused to compromise in some way.
President Trump is masterful when it comes to the art of the deal, and he's employing the skills he's honed over a lifetime to not only make America great again, but to improve the lives and prospects of millions of people around the world. He and his administration are proving day after day that strength and peace go hand-in-hand.
And someday, when our Lord returns to reign, the prophetic words of Isaiah will see fruition:
He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. ~Isaiah 2:4
Amen!
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I am so glad that this takes away some of the worry about Giovanni! It must be hard, perhaps not knowing where he is being stationed to at any time.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Ginny! Let's all pray for lasting peace in our troubled world.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Dear Martha, praying for peace and for Giovanni. God bless you 🙏 ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your prayers for peace and for Giovanni, Linda.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Praying for Peace and for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you, Victor, for your continued prayers for my family and for peace in this troubled world.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Hi Martha Jane, so glad that you have peace regarding Giovanni. Every time I watch president Trump on the television I see the peace that he wants in this troubled world. It is good that he has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any person more deserving of this peace prize in our day and age than President Trump, Brenda. Praying that there will be a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia sooner than later. So weary of the unnecessary loss of precious life.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
It is easy to turn political in a discussion like this but you have done a fine job of keeping it "less than that." Each week we pray for the men and women, family and friends of those from our church fellowship and friends of those whom they know who are serving our country and our community (Sheriff and local LEO's). We pray for their safety and peace. I pray for peace ("Let there peace on earth") but all the time realizing it will only happen when Jesus returns. Until then...pray for peace and an end to senseless violence.
ReplyDeleteMay we all pray for all you have mentioned here, Bill. Yes, true peace will only happen when Jesus returns, but in the meantime, I believe He wants us to be about our Father's business in the here and now.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
This is a really thoughtful post about the importance of peace and the role of leadership in achieving it. It's powerful to see that verse from Matthew and how you connect it to the current world events. It’s also very clear how much pride you have in your son and the work he does in the Air Force, and I can completely understand the feeling of relief and hope that comes with seeing diplomatic progress. It’s a powerful idea that a leader can use strength not just to win wars, but to prevent them altogether.
ReplyDeleteI've just put up a new post on my blog. I'd be honored if you would give it a read at www.melodyjacob.com.
Thanks so much, Melody, for your kind and affirming words here today. Yes, I love the whole concept of leaders seeking not to start wars but to bring an end to them at every turn. I will be sure to check out you latest post, too.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
We continue to pray for you, Danny, and the family.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Glynn! And we will keep you and yours in our prayers, too.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I too am praying for peace and an end to these forever wars.
ReplyDeleteGreat message.
There are no better prayers we could pray, Bill. We need the peace of God that passes all understanding, that's for sure.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Keeping in prayer...smiles
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda! Keep on praying.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
My husband and I are so very thankful for your son’s service. It is such an honor to serve that civilians just don’t truly understand. So much is sacrificed. I pray he is never put in harms way.
ReplyDeleteThere’s still a lot of war on the world stage and we pray for peace. I also pray for those who are persecuted for their faith which is a war that doesn’t get the platform but millions are dying. The Sudan, the Middle East, Iran and so many countries that persecute Christians and Jews. True peace is found in Jesus, and His return will bring about the ultimate fulfillment of peace. Keep looking up ⬆️ 👀
I'm so thankful that you mentioned here how Christians and Jews are being persecuted around the world at alarming rates, Debby. They are certainly not the issues that get on nightly news headlines, but God certainly knows their plight. True peace IS only found in Jesus, so let us pray for His coming and be peacemakers while we await that day. Thanks, too, for your kind words about Giovanni's service to our country. That means so much.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Amen, amen, amen!! Well said, Martha! And heartfelt thanks to your son, for his service, and to all who serve (and their families). God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Terri! Yes, I'm so thankful for all the young men and women, America's finest, who serve our country with honor and keep our freedoms safe.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Here's to peace
ReplyDeleteAlways and everywhere, Christine.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
The world would love peace and needs it. Too much war and senseless deaths. Give Peace a chance, it deserves it.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Bill! "All we are saying, is give peace a chance." President Trump is most upset about the senselessness of death of young, innocent lives that should have had the opportunity to realize their potential.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Oh yes, Amen!, Martha! Yes, we pray for your son and all those men and women who serve our country with true dedication and love for our freedoms. We are very thankful for the work President Trump is doing on the world front, helping to broker peace where others have failed or have not even tried. May God continue to protect him and give him wisdom and courage as he works to bring unity and peace among these nations. We are very thankful for what GOD is doing through his efforts and continue to pray for peace through strength. Amen!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pamela, for your continued prayers for all those serving in the military and who protect our freedoms every day. I believe that God spared President Trump in that assassination attempt in Butler for just this mission to bring peace through strength around the world. Yes, may God continue to protect our president and bless our country because of his efforts.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Olá, Martha
ReplyDeleteQue Deus proteja a vida de Giovanni, vamos continuar orando pela paz e que a guerra termine, Deus abençoe sempre a sua família, um forte abraço.
Thank you, Lucinalva, for your prayers for Giovanni and for all those who devote their lives to protecting our respective countries. Let us never fail to pray for peace!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm honored to join you and Danny in prayer -- both for your son, his colleagues and our President. Watching him welcome Putin and their walk down the red carpet together, why I had tears in my eyes. For the first time in a long time, I have hope for peace.
ReplyDeleteMyra, I felt the same way when I witnessed that moment in Alaska. Once again, there is hope in our hearts that peace can become a reality in the here and now. And oh, how many lives can be saved if that would only happen! Keep praying, my friend.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Wow - I wish I could copy a lot of the comments and put them here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your son's service. My husband is a veteran, and I have two nephews in the service.
Also agree with everything you said about President Trump. I think he has done more in the eight months he has been in office than any other president ever and I believe he will do more.
I hope he gets the Nobel Peace Prize as well.
Hope Danny is still recovering.
I didn't know that Rick is a veteran, Sandie. I know you have to be so proud of his service and the current service of your two nephews! Yes, what President Trump has managed to do in his short eight months in office is nothing short of miraculous, and I believe we will see more great things happening as his term progresses. There's never been another president in my lifetime that can possibly compare. Yes, on the other subject of Danny, he is, thankfully, improving!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Peace will come unless we give up hope.
ReplyDeleteMay we never give up hope!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thank you for this post Martha Jane. If it wasn't for the US and Canadian troops in the 2nd WW, we (Holland) would not have been liberated. We are forever grateful and still celebrate and honor the allied forces who came to the rescue of Europe. Although there is a huge anti-Trump sentiment in my country, I am sorry to say, I follow American and Israeli news to see what's really going on and I hope he gets recognized for what he tries to accomplish. Economic sanctions always work, for money is the game changer. He understands that. I pray we will see an end to the Russian/Ukrainian war soon!
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray for an end to the Russia/Ukraine war, too and soon. And like him or hate him, President Trump is doing the right thing by putting peace on the top of his priority list. How can any rational person argue with that? Glad to know that you follow American and Israeli news outlets for your information. There is so much, what we like to call, fake news out there, more than one source is needed.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Excellent post, Martha. I like how you said, "brokering peace between warring nations." Brokering is a great term to use here. I respect our President Trump for everything he is doing. Thankful the Lord is the ultimate judge. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karen! Glad you liked the phrase of "brokering peace." President Trump certainly is the chief deal maker and knows how to leverage American economic pressures to encourage leaders to come to the table. I think history will be kind to President Trump, and I thank the Lord that only He is judge of all the world.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Right on, Martha! Please thank Giovanni for serving our country, doing his part to protect us. I too am delighted to see all the good accomplished already by the Trump administration. May God continue to bless their efforts, including a negotiated peace between Ukraine and Russia.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Nancy! Peace between Russia and Ukraine would be a monumental step in stabilizing all of Europe and the world, too. The next time we talk to Giovanni, I will certainly let him know that you and so many other readers here have said to thank him for his service. May God continue to watch over all our men and women in uniform.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Along with all of your voluminous tribe, Martha, our hearts are shouting a thunderous AMEN!!!!! to this post. It's not just a supportive acknowledgment of President Trump's diplomatic successes. It's a praise that there are fewer souls being torn out of this world, or having their bodies ripped apart, or their children stolen or killed, and/or their homes and businesses destroyed simply because of where they were born or what they chose to believe. Whoever said "War is hell," described it pretty well. Those who want the human, economic, and environmental devastation to continue simply to enrich themselves or score political points are as satanic as most of these wars themselves.
ReplyDeleteBut James had it right when he said that the wars don't come from ideological or geographical disagreements. They come from the turmoil that rages inside of those who fail to recognize the only source of peace and who have failed to find the only lasting peace that exists on this planet. We're glad to know about Giovanni and we will both praise God for his willingness to be one of our protectors and pray that God keeps him safe. While we fervently hope that the Lord will return soon and stop wars forever, we're not so naive as to think that the wonderful peace deals we've seen happen and that are underway now will prevent new ones from breaking out somewhere eventually. But meanwhile, we join you in celebrating every day that someone doesn't die because someone sent a bomb into their home, school, workplace, or hospital.
So thank you, dear sister, for prompting us to celebrate peace and to focus on the incredible blessing it is simply to live where we live. Dangers lurk here as well, but at least we're not likely to have our neighborhood obliterated and our lives torn apart because someone we never met decided we were the enemy and pushed a button.
Amen, Ron, and thank you so much for your thoughtful and inspiring words today! I truly believe that as Christians, we have an obligation in the here and now to be advocates for peace as much as humanly possible. The senseless killing and abduction of children in war-torn areas is satanic, indeed. We know the spiritual battle is real, so let's put on the full armor of God every day and do our very best to show others where true peace can be found: in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Good post Martha. So very thankful for all of the service men and women...Please give my thanks to Giovanni for his service to our Country. I do believe that the man in office right now has been appointed by God and I do believe that it is his desire to see all of the world at peace. I know we all have different feelings and opinions! Jesus told His disciples "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." It's easy to feel unsettled when what we read is filled with conflict and uncertainty, yet these words remind us that God already knew what was coming. None of it catches Him by surprise. while the world shakes, our foundation in Christ remains steady.
ReplyDeleteGod knows and has always known what is coming, and like you, Shug, I firmly believe that President Trump's life was spared in Butler just for such a time as this. When our foundation is set on Christ, the cornerstone of our faith, we cannot be shaken. I'll be sure to tell Giovanni that you thanked him for his service. We can't help but be proud of him.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Great post Martha, its clear you stand on wisdom and common sense. All who are against Trumps way of dealing with other countries and making American great again are deceived. Anyone who does not have Christ and Bible as their focus for living will be against Trump. I try not to argue when talking to someone who is deceived because it seems to make them stand more firm in their deceptive thinking. Thank Martha for using your voice to bring wisdom and common sense to all who ready your posts. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI can't thank you enough, Betty, for your kind words written here today. I agree that it's sad to see people so deceived and blinded by the lies of the evil one, that they can't even tolerate a civil conversation, especially with Christians. How can you argue against ending wars and common sense? Somehow, they've found their "god" in all the wrong things. Praying for all the lost souls who desperately need Jesus.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I hope that Trump can help bring peace and stop the war and the loss of innocent lives
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Jo-Anne! With God's help, I believe he can.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
May God continue to protect Giovanni. It is so important to remember all the men and women who serve our great nation - God Bless them! Have a delightful day. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prayers for Giovanni and all our brave men and women serving our country, Debbie. They are the cream of the crop.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Prayers every day for swords into plowshares and may the lamb lie down with the lion.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Carol! That will be a peaceful time, indeed.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
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ReplyDeleteI stand with our people serving in the armed forces. They are the bulwark of the freedom we enjoy. I have a grandson who served int he Airforce and am proud of him.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings
Another air man! I know you're so proud of your grandson, Jim, just as we are of Giovanni.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Thank you, Martha, for always bringing us to Scripture in your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Barbara. That's what it's all about.
DeleteGrace and blessings!