DRAWING NEAR
January 2
Experiencing God's Peace
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ" (Eph. 1:2)
True peace is God's gift to those who love and obey Him.
Throughout history mankind has sought peace through military
alliances, balances of power, and leagues of nations. Yet lasting
peace still remains an elusive dream. Even during times of relative
peace, nations struggle with internal strife and crime.
The Bible says that man on his own cannot know peace because he is
alienated from its source. But we need not despair. True peace is
immediately available from God our Father (the God of peace--Rom.
15:33), and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace--Isa. 9:6).
It's a gift of God's grace to those who love and obey Jesus Christ.
The New Testament so clearly teaches the inextricable link between
God's grace and peace that "Grace to you and peace" became a common
greeting in the early church. Grace is God's great kindness toward
those who are undeserving of His favor but who have placed their
faith in Jesus Christ. It is the fountain and peace is the stream. As
recipients of His grace, we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1)--we are
reconciled to Him through faith in His Son and we will never
experience His wrath. We also have the peace of God (Phil. 4:7)--the
Spirit's way of assuring us that God is in control even in the midst
of difficult circumstances. That's why Paul calls it the peace that
surpasses all comprehension [understanding] (Phil. 4:7).
The world's peace is relative and fleeting because it is grounded in
circumstances. God's peace is absolute and eternal because it is
grounded in His grace. Does God's peace reign in your heart, or have
you allowed sin or difficult circumstances to diminish your devotion
to Christ?
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God that you have peace with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ask the Spirit to reveal any sin that might be hindering God's peace
from ruling in your heart. Be prepared to respond in confession and
repentance. Ask for opportunities to demonstrate God's peace to
others today.
For Further Study: Read Philippians 4:6-7
What is God's antidote for anxiety? How does God's peace affect a
believer's heart and mind?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the
government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425
http://www.gty.org/
http://www.nwbible.org/
There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
.
|
