With the whole world looking to Europe and the G-20 for financial peace we may need to be reminded that true peace comes from another source. Certainly Kings, Prime Ministers, and Presidents (with a few dictators sprinkled in), will affect a measure of peace. What seems to be missing is The Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Men make plans that influence the measure of outside peace we experience. But, with God as our King, our Sovereign, our Lord and Ruler, we can know total peace - regardless of who is in charge and what kind of government structure we are under. Don't get me wrong - I love being in a free society. But, the Bible was written by men under vastly different governments yet many authors wrote of and experienced peace through God's presence in spite of deplorable governance. Peace can be ours under any form of government.

The nation of Israel spoke peace to one another under many types of governments. The Hebrew word "Shalom" is often used as a greeting. While it can become as common as the expression, "Howdy", it means much more. It's richest meaning is "total well-being" and is often given as a parting "gift" of blessing. This is best seen in 3 John verse 2, where John writes, "Dear Friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is". John's blessing encompasses the total being - invisible and visible, physical and spiritual. This is this kind of peace we at PrayerLink pray for all of you-no matter where in the world you live. Please do this exercise: Replace "Dear Friend" (in 3 John 2) with your own name and say it to yourself as if the PrayerLink Team was saying it to you. Pray this blessing to others. Use it as a closing in your letters and emails. It is powerful and inspiring...because it comes from the heart of God to His children. And, it comes from our hearts to you.

 Shalom, and may the God of peace be with you all.