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PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Empowered Throat

God’s peace calls us to be different.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body.”
Colossians 3:15 English Standard Version

Cheyenne Spring is probably the most unusual of the mineral springs in Manitou. Granted, it is a natural artesian mineral spring and has been flowing long before Manitou was a city similar to Shoshone Spring. Like Shoshone it was originally bottled and sold as healing water. Yet, the modern sculpture that now pours out the mineral water is unlike any of the others in town.

Shoshone Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Shoshone Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

The peace of God calls Christians to look different in the world. The peace which Christ brings into the world is different. His call sent him to a virgin who was betrothed to be married. His call sent him to a manger. His call sent him to a cross and a grave. All of this is a little wacky according to human standards.

And the work of the baptized is a little wacky according to the world. God calls us to give to the one who asks from us, turn the other cheek and go the extra mile. This is not normal behavior but it is for Christians…or it ought to be.

Christians are not called to blend into society but to be peacemakers. 

A blessed Christmas Eve to all.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Laboring Throat

Christians are peacemakers even if no one notices.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Most of the mineral springs in Manitou work hard. Night and day they continue to pump water whether people fill their water bottles and milk jugs or not. It doesn’t matter what is happening, they keep doing their job.

Navajo Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado
Navajo Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Navajo Spring is no different even considering its location. Navajo Spring makes up the back wall of a candy shop and is surround by a large penny arcade. The penny arcade is a popular attraction in Manitou, often filled with people.

Noticed or not, it keeps doing its job.   

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called [children] of God.”
Matthew 5:9 English Standard Version

The redeemed of Christ are peacemakers who carry out their task in the midst of the distractions of life. Our goal as peacemakers is not to be noticed but to be the presence of Christ in the midst of the distractions of life. And when we bring Christ into the every day commotion of life we act as peacemakers.

Many distractions surrounded Jesus’ crucifixion since the Jewish people were celebrating Passover. Though the sky grew dark that day, life didn’t stop.  

As children of God we are still those who bring peace when the rest of the world is distracted. It’s what we do.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner

Categories
PWTE Daily Devotion

Peace for the Committed Throat

The peace of Christ calls us to be peacemakers.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

The 7 Minute Spring is probably the most well-known of all the mineral spring in Manitou. The 7 Minute Spring is a wonderful place to hangout being surrounded by a large park and bubbling next to a beautiful gazebo.

7 Minute Spring, Manitou, Colorado
7 Minute Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

It is not uncommon to see people approaching this mineral spring with empty jugs and leaving with them spilling water. This is a generous spring.

Those who have been filled with the peace of Christ can pour that peace out into the lives of others by how they live.

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.”
James 3:18 English Standard Version

Christians ought to be peacemakers and not stumbling blocks. The gospel might be a stumbling block but the Scriptures never say that Christians ought to be the reason people do not receive Christ.

The 7 Minute Spring does what it is supposed to do; pump out water for others to enjoy. God calls Christians to be what he has redeemed us to be: peacemakers.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner