Steadfast Anchor of Peace

The elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) lady and her children, whom I love in truth--and not only I, but also all who know and understand the truth-- because of the truth which lives in our hearts and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace (inner calm, a sense of spiritual well-being) will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. (2 John 1:1-3) Directed towards those who are devoted to Him; a continuous relationship with Him, listening to His word, receiving His peace, and remaining steadfast in faith and obedience. I was greatly delighted to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing to you a new commandment, but [simply reminding you of] the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love and unselfishly seek the best for one another. And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love. (2 John 1:4-6) I will hear [with expectant hope] what God the LORD will say,

For He will speak peace to His people, to His [a]godly ones--

But let them not turn again to folly.

Surely His salvation is near to those who [reverently] fear Him [and obey Him with submissive wonder],

That glory [the manifest presence of God] may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and truth and faithfulness meet together;

Righteousness and peace kiss each other.

Truth springs from the earth,

And righteousness looks down from heaven.

Indeed, the LORD will give what is good,

And our land will yield its produce.

Righteousness will go before Him

And will make His footsteps into a way [in which to walk]. (Psalm 85:8-13) I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom;

I have led you in upright paths.

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open];

And when you run, you will not stumble.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.

Guard her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked,

And do not go the way of evil men. (Proverbs 4:11-14) You shall not make idols for yourselves, nor shall you erect an image, a sacred pillar or an obelisk, nor shall you place any figured stone in your land so that you may bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God. You shall keep My Sabbath and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD. If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and [obediently] do them, then I will give you rain in its season, and the land will yield her produce and the trees of the field bear their fruit. And your threshing season will last until grape gathering and the grape gathering [time] will last until planting, and you will eat your bread and be filled and live securely in your land. I will also grant peace in the land, so that you may lie down and there will be no one to make you afraid. I will also eliminate harmful animals from the land, and no sword will pass through your land. And you will chase your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword. Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will put ten thousand to flight; your enemies will fall before you by the sword. For I will turn toward you [with favor and regard] and make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will establish and confirm My covenant with you. You will eat the old supply of [abundant] produce, and clear out the old [to make room] for the new. I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject nor separate itself from you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. (Leviticus 26:1-12)