Archive for the ‘Peace’ Category

OUR PEACE

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

Our Peace

Day 190

“And the peace of God, which passes
all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Jesus Christ”
Philippians 4:7

Great peace reigns in us when we know and understand the sovereignty of God. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can shake or dislodge us from our peace in God with this knowledge. We are never in the power of blind forces as God’s children. Circumstances, luck, fortune, chance, and fate do not direct us or force us to follow blind paths.

All that happens to us is divinely planned. Each event of our life is a new opportunity to walk in faith trusting, obeying and rejoicing, knowing that it is for our spiritual and eternal good and welfare; “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God . . .” [Romans 8:28]. God is involved in every event of life, directing all things to their appointed end. He is completely in control and charge of our world. This is so because all is designed to bring glory to Himself.

We can never have rest or walk in His peace until we come to this knowledge. John says he knows and relies on the love of God. That should be our position. Natural man,and even Christians, do not believe in the total sovereignty of God. Some acknowledge it, but when it comes down to it, they believe man has a hand in it. How it goes against our sinful nature! Yet, God’s ultimate glory is the real issue. And that glory is only achieved through His sovereignty.

“He does according to His will in the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth”
Daniel 4:35

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OUR TRUE FREEDOM

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Day 103

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”
Galatians 5:1

Freedom is a wonderful experience. It is highly valued in our culture. Unfortunately, the meaning today is more focused on individual rights over others. People talk a lot about freedom, usually meaning they are free to do what they want, when they want, and how they want. In reality, this freedom is not a true freedom; it is bondage to the nature of sin. The subtlety of this freedom is that is directly opposed to God and His kingdom.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. This freedom is a deliverance from the power of sin, accusing conscience, wrath of God and the tyranny of Satan. It is also a freedom from fear and self-works. But, wait! It’s more than deliverance – it is the gaining of walking and living in the Spirit of Christ with access to the Father. There is a joy from delighting and pleasing the Father. It is a freedom PLUS.

Who is the true free person? Is it not the one blessed of God? He has given us grace, mercy and comfort. True freedom brings us liberty from death and imparts God’s blessings on us. We become His and He dwells in us. His grace gives us favor. His mercy is what permits us, with all our human sinfulness, flawed characters and idiosyncrasies, to live in freedom, not fearing being lost. It covers us – it is our Mercy Seat. And in all this He comforts us as a mother comforts her child [Isaiah 66:13], and as a father has compassion on his children [Psalm 103:13].

“So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed”
John 8:36

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HE’S OUR PEACE

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Day 92

“For He Himself is our peace”
Ephesians 2:14

A store marquee had this message on it; “Don’t Worry – Smile.” Another one had this message; “Stop Worrying – Think Happy Thoughts.” And so the world goes. We can understand why motivational books sell well, and positive thinking is in the vogue. Interestingly, Christians also wrestle with this issue. Often we hear, “I am praying for peace.” Many prayer requests indicate the need for peace. This is unfortunate because Peace is already here.

Christ alone is our peace. There is no peace apart from Him. If you are a true believer, you have peace. There is no seeking it. There is no crying out for it. You do not earn it; His blood has purchased it for you. You do not labor for it. The Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9:6] has torn down the walls between you and God. Warfare has ended. This is the truth, and it does not depend on your feelings, beliefs, or circumstances.

Paul prayed that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened in order that we may know and grasp the hope to which we have been called, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Christ’s peace reaches ever facet of our life, every situation, and for every minute. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, and grasp the Peace of all peace that dwells with us.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”
Colossians 3:15

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