Today's Scripture
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." - Romans 5:1-2
Thoughts for Today
The Bible teaches us that we are enemies of God and objects of his wrath until we come to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3). But even in that state, we were loved by God. Because of his love and mercy, he gave his son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin. When we come in faith to God, trusting the sacrifice of Christ, our whole relationship to God changes to a condition of peace and friendship with him. We are reconciled to God the moment we become Christians. We have peace with him.
When we say the word peace, we think of an absence of conflict. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it carries with it the ideas of rest, safety, freedom from care, prosperity, health and contentedness. In biblical language, peace is much more than just the absence of conflict; God is at peace with us and he works to bring blessing into our lives.
Consider this …
Do you believe and really feel that God is at peace with you? When we come to Christ in faith, some of us have difficulty comprehending the fact that we are truly at peace with God. It might take time for us to absorb this magnificent truth. It helps to tell ourselves and others the truth out loud. Hearing it makes it seem personal and more real.
Sometimes we continue to condemn ourselves for past sins even though God through Christ has forgiven us. Sometimes we let circumstances destroy the peace that God has provided. If you are allowing anything to rob you of the peace and blessing God has so graciously provided for you, be encouraged to focus more on him and the promises in his Word. Read today's scripture and other verses throughout the Bible that assure us of his love, his forgiveness, his grace and all that he will freely give to his children. Speak the truth out loud. You are special to God. You are loved by him. You are forgiven through your faith in Christ. You are a new creation. You are at peace with God.
Father, I thank you for loving me even when I was a sinner. I thank you for Jesus and that through him, I am forgiven. I thank you that I have peace with you. Help me to walk freely in your peace. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.
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