Worry

I tell you not to worry about everyday life. Matthew6:25

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John14:27

I worry. I wasn’t always like this, but as time passes I find more in this world to worry about. To be more accurate, it’s the effect this world has on my family, and as a Grandparent I have family at various stages of life from my oldest child, to my youngest grandchild. I have heard it preached that worry means a distrust in God’s ability to handle your problem. I know God can handle anything and everything in His own time and in His own way and by His own choice. Basically, that’s my worry. God’s timing, and what if He decides not to step in? Or God does step in, but the offer of help to change is rejected through free will?

I am very Blessed in that most of my family are Bible believing, Jesus accepting Christians. I said most, and although that’s good, it’s also my biggest worry. I tend to do the ‘what if’ routine in my mind and that’s not a good thing on any level. Oh, I am not on my own in worrying, because today’s world is a very different place from what it was in my youth. I believe teenagers today have much more to deal with, and there are so many pitfalls and temptations that were not so apparent just a few decades ago. It’s a matter of scale.

There are more readily available drugs of choice from the ‘party/soft’ to the hard stuff. And talking about the hard stuff, alcohol in copious amounts is a right of passage for the student. It is so easy to get lost in the devil’s maze of fun, and the lie is swallowed so well and so easily by any unsuspecting young person who just wants to have some fun and enjoy themselves. At the centre of this maze is a broken life of shattered hopes and dreams. It is so much harder to find your way out of that maze, than it was to get in.

If you recognise any of this lifestyle in your loved ones, whether family or dear friends, perhaps you can understand why the only safe place is in the Saviour’s hands and arms.

Some Peace

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.                                2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

How many times have you heard the words, “I just want some peace”? In fact, you have probably uttered these words yourself more than a few times, especially if you are a parent of young children. The words “GIMME PEACE!” are usually uttered in exasperation”. However, peace is never easy to achieve, whether in countries at war, or in the home.

Paul had this trouble with the believers in Corinth. They wanted some peace but didn’t know how to go about getting it. The apostle comes to the rescue in this short verse of advice. He tells them to set their sights high, and to “aim for restoration….comfort….agreement….live peacefully”. Then the God of love and peace would be with them. *Simples* but not so fast, because Paul starts the verse with the word “rejoice”.

Let me get this right. When you are at the end of your tether, and stressed out, he tells us to rejoice? Aye right Paul. Are you serious? Yes, apparently he is. He starts with the command to rejoice, and then comes the rest of the advice. This is all counter intuitive to us, and it must have been the same to the early church too. You didn’t think peace would just fall into your lap, now did you? Getting some of that elusive peace takes effort and action on our part and Paul hits the nail on the head. So, you and I need some peace? Then I suggest we read this verse, and read it over, and then read it some more until it sinks in, because this lesson is in God’s Word so it is a much needed truth for young and old alike. True peace comes through rejoicing.

Grace and Love

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV

There is a theme which occurs constantly through the New Testament, and it is one of Love and Grace. Our verse shows the trinity of the Godhead linked directly with Grace, Love, and Fellowship. In my book that makes this theme pretty important in the mind of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As if to emphasise their importance, the apostle Paul uses them often, so we should not shy away from them either.

I never tire of hearing sermons, or even talking with friends about these real, God driven, passionate thoughts, feelings and emotions. Since we are told directly in 1 John 4:8 that “God IS love”, then the more we love in His Spirit, the more Christlike we become. In fact the verse also says, if we don’t love, then we are not like God. It’s really quite simple. Well I think so anyway.

So, I am disheartened when I hear some folks outside the church play down any or all of these Godlike characteristics. I suppose in a way, I can understand the unchurched and unsaved wanting to play down or discredit the love of God, but not a fellow believer! How can that be possible I hear you ask, and you are echoing my own thinking. Mind you, I am very thankful that I have met very few who fall into that ‘love-less’ (less-loving, not unloving!) mindset and category. But they exist, and the truth is that saddens me.

If we ever needed more proof, John, the apostle of love says it this way: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 NIV

Grace

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:20,21 NIV

One of the definitions of the word grace literally means 'favour', to bend or stoop in kindness to another ... His grace has been termed 'Unearned kindness'

The concept of grace grips me. It is one of the big things that sets the Christian apart, because God gave us His grace when we didn’t deserve it or earn it. We were given a gift, and all we had to do was accept it! The New Testament is riddled with references to the grace of God, and Paul uses it often to explain one of the great benefits of the character of the God we serve.

The last verse in the Bible makes sure the importance of grace isn’t lost on us. He knew we would need to hold on to this truth down through the centuries. When we accept the free gift of salvation through repentance, we are given the free gift of grace. It’s like a bonus. We get eternal salvation, and a big dollop of grace to boot! Then what? Does it have any use or relevance after we are accepted into the family of God? Yes, a thousand times, yes!

It’s not usually seen every day, and not in the places we expect to see it, or even the people we expect to see it from either. But we are in no doubt that it’s unmistakably God’s grace when we experience it and see it in others. I have seen God’s grace shine through (there is no other way to explain it) in the life of a hurting and grieving child of God. You are not looking for it. In fact you can’t expect it, and the person showing this grace isn’t even aware that they are showing one of the characteristics of a Holy God. To tell them what you see only serves to embarrass them, but it’s true nonetheless.

The apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos, but was called ‘the beloved one’ and the apostle of love. The encouragement seen and experienced between Christians is noted in no better place than in the heart of grace that shines from a believer’s heart and life. It overflows naturally whether in joy or in sorrow, happiness or sadness, life or death, and is a clear unspoken testimony of a child of God. There could be no better way to finish the canon of Scripture which takes us through the ups and downs of life in the 21st century, than: The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Anxiety, Prayer, Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

This verse came up in my personal devotions recently. It’s a well known couple of verses which are preached on and quoted often. But for the first time in many years I noticed there is something missing, and once you notice the omission, you can’t help but wonder how it had passed you by before now because it’s so obvious.

The core message is prayer, and its importance in our Christian life and faith when we are worried, concerned, or anxious. It is good to come before His throne and just thank Him for all the goodness He showers us with every day. But sometimes, the cares and worries of this life overtake us and we are overwhelmed by our feelings. Our head knows full well that God is faithful, but our heart still needs assurance. So we pray and lay our human feelings before Him openly and honestly.

Then what? That’s where the advice stops, and that’s when it hit me. There is no mention of an answer from God. No promise that everything will work out the way we want. No time frame given for how long this cloud hanging over you will last.

The lesson I take from this, and my apologies if I am coming late to this truth, is that our peace of mind is directly linked to our sincere prayer, and NOT to the answer which God will give in His own time. Let’s face it, oftentimes we already know what we want God to do to fix our worry, and knowing this, and in His infinite wisdom, He makes the important action our prayer and not the answer. Oh yes, we serve a wise God.

Tipping Point

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

We all have a point where we break. It can be in different ways, like wages being spent before the next pay day ending in poverty, or a health issue where the body eventually succumbs to the sickness that landed that loved one in hospital, and of course there are other tipping points.

However, the biggest trigger point for our ‘tipping’ is anger, or frustration, usually with someone and not something. Paul knew our human limitations when he wrote the book of Romans. Of all people, bearing in mind all the people he had met and witnessed to, he knew the feeling of frustration where someone, or some people could not be reached with reason or fine argument. That included the folks in the churches he had started and then left before they had enough time to become mature and stable.

I believe Paul is telling us to do our best to keep the peace, and even make peace, BUT (big but) if it is not possible due to the other person’s attitude, manner, or un-Christ-like character, that by itself will not stand in the way to alter our salvation. The onus is on us to try our best to live at peace with everyone, but when that peace runs out or is just not possible, we can have a clear conscience. This becomes even more of a minefield when the difficulty arises from a conflict or difference with another Christian. The tipping point can then become a source of conflict between Kingdom brothers or sisters and the fellowship is therefore broken.

If a difference is not able to be resolved in brotherly love, our Christianity is found to be in question. Unfortunately, I have also discovered that my tipping point can come faster and earlier with some believer’s unmoving theology, than with the open minded unbeliever.

Peace

It has been more than 100 years since the outbreak of WW1 which was touted as “The war to end all wars”. The commemorations are sobering and a reminder of the futility of war. The first day of the war saw a death rate of 450,000 in slimy mud which bogged down the living and engulfed the dead. Here we are 100 years later and North Korea is launching long range Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles with the capability of reaching the whole USA. Their next step is the addition of a nuclear warhead. All this time has passed, and we have not progressed. A wise man once said, “The one thing we learn from history, is that we don’t learn from history”. How true.

Our little planet earth has never been free of fighting and war since Cain and Abel fought out their differences in Genesis, and it has been going on ever since. The Bible is right up to date on this, and many other subjects, when it records these words in Jeremiah 6:14:

They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. Has anything changed?

Our peace is founded on the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Messiah who assures us in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” As the nations of the world goad each other for supremacy, we have the assurance of that peace which can only come from God. Jesus also said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I don’t know about you, but that gives me real peace and great comfort.

Inconvenient Truth

Our news outlets have been filled with reporting of many injuries and deaths as a terrorist blew himself up, killing and injuring many others in the Manchester Arena. You will also recall the terrorist who drove straight into pedestrians at Westminster Bridge near to the mother of all parliaments. Do you also remember the killed and injured when a lorry was deliberately driven straight into Israeli soldiers, and the crowds enjoying a Christmas Market in Berlin when a vehicle was driven straight into them? These are not isolated occurrences but I feel we are becoming numbed to the attacks. What about the recent Turkey and Paris club attacks, the hijacked plane forced to land in Malta and the Tunisian beach shootings to name just a few? There are many, many more.

Have you noticed the trend adopted by the media as they report these atrocities? First of all, they don’t like to call them terrorist attacks. Then slowly, they will say it was an isolated incident, followed up by the statements that they are perpetrated by the insane, deranged who don’t represent the majority of good people. Eventually, when there is no other way to tell the inconvenient truth, it will be reported as the work of Islamists. The tag ‘extremists’ is added to have you think these are very out of the ordinary occurrences by a mad few.

Do yourself a favour. Take a Google search on Islamist terrorist attacks, and when you have done that, tell me these attacks are isolated or only the work of a few extremists. While you are at it you will be able to compare terrorism from non Islamic sources, only to find there are hardly any. We are told frequently that we must not blame the many for the wrongs of the few. Can I ask how many ‘few’ terrorist attacks it will take before we stop saying they are a form of extreme Islam, and we should not make the obvious link from Islam the so called religion of peace, to its troops who are all called Muslims (like it or not)?

If you know anything about Islam, you will know that it is certainly NOT a religion of peace. It was born out of conflict, and jihad is a recognised, basic, and fundamental part of its faith. Their terrorism strikes out at any infidel who should disagree with their form of Islam. Can we make it clear that ALL of the Muslim-ist attacks are carried out in the name of their God Allah (and it’s NOT the same God of the Christian faith), and in their stated quest to establish a worldwide Islamic caliphate with Sharia Law in any way they can. There is a fear that the Christian church has been sleepwalking into oblivion, afraid to speak out should we be called intolerant. Our ‘free’ governments do not help the situation. We need to ask ourselves, who are the ones who are intolerant? It would be a step in the right direction if we woke up and became honest, and less politically correct. There is a war going on, and it was not started by any other people of faith but the muslims of Islam.

Final thoughts. Have you noticed a mass uprising of ‘ordinary muslims’ marching against these atrocities? The occasional cleric or academic speaking platitudes do not count. Did you know that Islam allows lies to be told and used on its behalf as long as they are for the greater good of their religion? Secondly, has there been any report of droves of muslims who know all this and leave Islam for any other faith, or none at all, effectively saying ‘not in my name’? No, me neither. It’s time to wake up!

I am getting tired of hearing that steps are being taken to find the source of the terrorist’s radicalisation. Spare me that fake news, because we all know without a doubt where the source lies, and it is with Islam, and the blind allegiance of the Muslim believers, who all use the same ‘holy book’ as the reason for their actions. And anyway, the suicide bomber or anyone who dies in the quest, is told they will go straight to their heaven, and the family left on earth will be granted a pension for life because of the sacrifice paid by their hero. Get the picture? Good. Now we need to wake up to the truth and light of the only Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Yes, everything is made clear by the light. This is why we say, “Wake up, you who are sleeping! Rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14

The Journey - Peace

One of the greatest benefits of a journey, whether on foot, car, ship, or by air, is the sense of peace it affords. Usually, a journey or voyage is undertaken as part of a holiday, and part of the pleasure is the journey itself. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or fancy or even expensive, for example a long quiet walk in the countryside. Peace is hard to come by when we are engrossed in our everyday lives of work and responsibilities which can be a burden.

However at Christmas, we tend to set our pressures aside and enjoy the journey through the month of Advent right up to the Holy day of Christ’s incarnation, and that same Spirit will even linger for some days afterwards, as we finish off the leftovers of our big Christmas dinner.

I watch the news, as you do too, and there is little evidence of peace in our world today. There are many, far too many, wars, famines, and terrorist attacks that we can ask ourselves, where is this peace of the Christmas Child? The scenes we see on the manger are so quiet, happy and peaceful that we can be forgiven for missing the tragedy of the world outside that little stable scene. Because even in His birth there were tragedies and much slaughter of innocents. So I find myself asking, where is this peace that was promised, and then I remember it is IN the baby, not around the Christmas season, or even the pursuit of a peace treaty. We can only see and know real peace when we, and the world, see who the bringer of peace is. I believe if we all believed in the Baby who became our resurrected Saviour, there would be no war. The absence of war, ultimately brings peace as these verses clearly show:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Peace?

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

At one end of the scale, we have the Pakistani Religious Body (Council of Islamic Ideology) which says men should be allowed to 'Lightly Beat' their wives (yes, that’s plural). At the other end of the scale we have feuding Muslims who kill each other, usually Sunni instigated, and who also have a deep hatred of other Muslims, Christians and Jews. In fact hatred to death extends to the infidel, ie anyone who is NOT a Muslim. Have you watched the news bulletins? These deaths are counted in their thousands, not singly. On top of that, they do not accept that the nation of Israel has the right to exist. How much hatred does that show, and yet we, as a nation, and individually, make allowances and excuses for them. After all, we are told Islam is a religion of peace and our politicians line up to agree and sympathise. The words of an old saying come to mind, “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

Let’s have a look at some of the other practices of this ‘peaceful’ religion. Let me be clear, these practices are not practiced by all Muslims all the time, but they ARE all Muslim beliefs practiced and authorised by their holy book, the Quran also known as the Koran which ALL Muslims believe in and accept fully.

• Sharia Law will authorise a thief's hand be cut off for stealing.

• Young girls beaten to the point of death for listening to the ‘wrong music’

• The kidnap of young girls to sell as slaves, or ‘wives’ to Islamic fighters

• A belief that the infidel can be beheaded

• Muslims will kill other Muslims who are of a different branch or sect

• Believe in the elimination of Israel and its people from the face of the earth

• Believe in setting up a caliphate where Islam rules completely in law and religion

• Enforce Sharia Law to supercede the laws of any/every land

• Deface and burn down churches and synagogues

• Destroy ancient religious relics if not Islamic

• Support so called honour killings

• Believe that girls should not be educated

• Martyrdom ‘guarantees’ paradise

Whenever a nation is abused by Muslims (sometimes called Islamic extremists, but they are one and the same) and many people are murdered and maimed in the name of Allah, our politicians say “We are at war”. Really? It doesn’t look like it, and the murdering Muslims know it! There are no mass demonstrations by ‘ordinary Muslims’ protesting about these barbaric practices. I suggest they don’t need to protest publicly because there are enough infidel apologists who will speak up on their behalf, and defend them. Is it possible that our leaders and politicians know the true face of Islam, and don’t know what to do or say out of fear?

We are getting that we don’t like to say anything about the ‘religion of peace’, after all we don’t want to offend anyone. Especially if they want to kill us. A definition is needed because meaning is lost. “Islamophobia” by definition is the fear of Islam. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are NOT afraid of Islam, or Muslim followers, and we should be free to speak the truth about this barbaric, abusive, warring, religion followed in fear by their own adherents. The politically correct politicians don’t want this openness, and the many thousands of people who don’t care about religion or faith, let it all wash over them as long as they are not affected.

The following poem was penned by Pastor Martin Niemoller about the Nazi ‘Final Solution’:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

I think it’s time to add the lines….

Then they came for the Christians, and I did not speak out—

And I was a Christian.

Trouble

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The Bible is full of truth, and there are times you read a verse that you know very well, but it hits you in a different way. Stronger, personal, and more powerful in its intensity. Such are the words in this verse.

Trouble. Jesus doesn’t say where it will come from, so we have to keep an open mind. Each of us will endure different kinds of trouble which could include health, big life changing decisions, education, family death, depression, anxiety and the list goes on. Since the kind of tribulation is not mentioned, we know that the next phrase applies to each and every one we may face. Remind yourself of these words as often as necessary, and tell yourself that they are the words of Jesus. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Did you get it? Read it again, and let it stick because there will come a time when you will need to remember them word for word.

There is another word tucked into the middle which might be overlooked as we think of overcoming. The words are these: “in me you may have peace”. Peace is a commodity in short supply in today’s world, and happy (blessed) is the one who achieves it. I love the words of Jesus who talks about this in John 14:27 when He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”. Amen and Amen!

Forgiveness

And forgive us …..    as we also have forgiven. Matthew 6:12

Are we serious about forgiving those who might have slighted or wronged us, whether in a small way or a massively huge way? Don’t gloss over the question. Give it the consideration it deserves in light of the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer.

It is quite easy for us to wrong someone, whether deliberately, or even unintentionally, but it is another matter altogether to reach out in forgiveness, and importantly, to be sincere about it. There is the small matter of our pride which gets in the way, which means we will have to climb down publicly. The more people we have involved, the harder the climb down and greater the humiliation. We don’t like that, do we? I know I don’t.

If we are serious about claiming the name of Jesus, and calling ourselves Christian, we cannot ignore the words of Jesus which simply say, I will forgive you when you forgive your brother or sister. Ouch. Really? Is it that serious? It certainly is, and it will benefit us in ways we cannot imagine. After all, saying sorry releases you from the burden and guilt of unforgiveness, and lets you breathe easily again. Sure, your brother gets forgiven but I believe the bigger benefit is for the one who forgives!

Holiness

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:17,18

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:14,15

There is a part of holiness that seems to be missed, or perhaps ignored, and that’s the part we play in the process of spiritual growth. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, and the writer to Hebrews (who may also be Paul) makes it very clear that we have a responsibility to respect and be at peace with all men. He also makes clear that it might not be easy. Why else would he say, “Make every effort”? The goal is holiness, and reminds us that “without holiness no one will see the Lord”. That was a very serious charge for the first century faithful, and no less of a charge today.

We like to get our own way, and come out on top in everything, even matters of faith, but we are warned against it. We also like the easy way, which takes least effort, but also has least reward. But the downside is that we might fall short of the gift of grace God has for us, causing bitterness and no sincere believer wants that!

Holiness is a process of growth, but since we have a responsibility of our own to fulfil, we would be wise to make a firm decision to start. Otherwise, how does anyone know we are sincere? These verses remind me of my obligation as a Christian to live peacefully with men, and as much as possible not become bitter. Anything less is not a good example or witness for Person whose Name I bear.

It is summed up nicely in the words of the Psalmist: “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

There is a lot made of peace, especially at Christmastime and rightly so, because the Son of God came to earth as a baby to live, grow, and give us peace. He is the ‘Prince of Peace’ and not just for a season. There is only one letter missing in the phrase ‘Price of Peace’ and it tells us of the cost of that elusive thing we can’t quite grasp, ‘peace’.

Nations desperately need it. People need it, as do individual hearts. The verses show that we should not be anxious about anything, and that is a tall order, but the key is in the words ‘prayer and petition’. It’s good to want peace, but do we want it enough to lay hold of God and petition Him for it until He answers?

At a personal level, I have recently found myself saying something like, “I am at peace with that” and it conveys a deeply held belief that I accept the will of God in something I have prayed about, and the resulting answer has given peace. Not just a general peace, but specific to my prayer. In fact I will go further. God has answered in a way I had not thought possible, but better than I could have hoped, so peace naturally follows. Yes, I still get anxious, and yes I will still worry from time to time, but when I get an answer from God which gives me peace, I am more ready to believe that He will answer ‘over and above’ my prayer next time. He will provide the peace, and my faith grows. What a combination, and what a great God we serve!

Price of Peace

The middle east is in the news again. This time, the Palestinian cause is at the United Nations seeking to be recognised as a nation in its own right, and with its own territory and borders. The envoys were strangely silent on the issue of peace with Israel. It seems they want to short circuit the process to have their own land, where they can continue to deny Israel their own existence. Call me a cynic, but is that not a wee tad hypocritical?

We keep hearing about a two state solution, which most of the world leaders are shuffling to get behind, so that they can be seen to be active. It is now fashionable to be on the side of the down trodden Palestinians, and anything Israel does or says is wrong. We like to get behind, and support the underdogs, and this is one such case. Maybe some reminders are in order here. My thoughts only of course!

Israel grabbed with both hands the chance of their own country in 1947 when offered it by the UN. The Palestinians had the same offer, but refused to accept anything then, and have been trying to catch up ever since.

The Israeli people were oppressed during the Second World War, when they lost up to 6 million innocents in the holocaust. Something which some Arab states like Iran still deny even today. I don't think Israel would want to let that happen again, so they defend themselves vigourously. What is wrong with that?

We always hear that the Palestinians are in Israeli occupied land, and the Israelis are the aggressors. Certainly, Israeli retaliation can be severe, but are they always wrong? Are they never goaded/pushed by missiles (not just stones) killing their own people?

Who will control Hamas, or am I not supposed to mention that outlawed, terrorist organisation who operate for, and on behalf of the Palestinian cause? Do you honestly think they will lay their weapons down if a Palestinian state is ultimately granted by the UN?

Does it not make sense for peace to break out first, and then as neighbours, agree borders? If not, there is still a war, but this time from two sovereign nations. That is one real powder keg which we could get dragged into. I think the Bible may have a name for that eventuality. Armageddon! Doesn't the Bible warn us about times like this when it says, “..peace, peace, but there is no peace”.

Open question, “Can the Israelis and Arab nations ever be at peace?”