WATCHWORD:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
Meditation:
Peace in the Face Of …
Peace is knowing that despite the reality of the storm there is a greater reality in the One who can calm the storm. Peace is the tranquility to stand in the storm and know without question that everything will be alright. Peace is knowing that Jesus is in the boat with me. When the rains fall and the winds blow, I can be content just knowing that he is in control. Real peace is attainable only in Christ. There is no security outside of Him, none.
Isn’t that beautiful and true? I can claim those thoughts, but someone else strung together the words to express it. However, it does pull together our prayers in rest on Jesus as we struggle through the storms of our lives, whatever they are, in the knowledge that we are loved by God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
When apostle Paul was ministering to the new believers in Galatia, he had to deal with many who argued that what he was teaching, it was “too easy”. These were the Judaizers who believed that a combination of Jewish law, and this new teaching of Christ, was necessary to the worship of God. This matter continued to be a difficult hurdle until it was finally resolved, administratively, by the Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD. However, in the minds of many, it was still a struggle, as reflected in the Book of Hebrews.
So, let me ask that question. Do you think that following Christ, being a Christian in all your ways, is easy? Well, we know the answer to that. What the Judaizers wanted was a litmus test to prove they were religious. They wanted all of those laws in place, as a guide, including circumcision, to prove that they were in the club, or fraternity, as it turned out.
Let me pose a different situation. Say you woke up one morning and you had a sense of being afraid, just a mild discomfort. It wasn’t major, except it was not the way you wanted to start your day. You settled yourself, and in that sense of calmness, God spoke to you. “Pray about everything. Fear nothing.” That’s what He said. Then he went on to tell you that he would not take away your fear. But, if you would give Him your faith, He would help you through this rough place. That is Jesus, walking on the waters, calming your storm.
As Joyce Meyer wrote in a recent devotional, “Isn’t it good to know that God cares about everything that concerns you—even the little things that cause fear. Your part is to pray and have faith, and God’s part is to provide the power to meet your need.
“Easy”? That is not the right word. “Amazing” is. May you never undertake to battle your storm alone. Amen.
Morning Prayers:
Dear Lord, as we rise to meet each new day, please let us be filled with Your spirit. Wherever we go, let us spread love, joy, peace, goodness, and faithfulness. Let us desire to become more like you and to worship you in all we do. Help us desire these things so much more than the sin that entices us. Thank you for always going before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear God, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
