“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 1:2 (NIV)
Paul begins his letter to the church at Ephesus by identifying man’s two greatest needs: grace and peace. The peace that Paul speaks of is not connected to circumstances and is not a reflection of your level of happiness. Peace comes from God and by His grace.
Remember that grace is God’s riches at Christ’s expense. We come to know God’s grace by placing our faith in the completed work of Jesus on the cross.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
I am justified. It is just-if-I’d never sinned. God sees me through the shed blood of Jesus. Now I have peace with God because I am a recipient of His grace.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)
Be still for a few moments and just reflect on the presence of God’s peace in your life right now. Are you at peace with God? Are you experiencing harmony with God? Confess any sin that the Holy Spirit reveals. Rest in God’s provision. Remember, only God can give you peace. Receive His peace and walk in the peace that God provides.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care
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As I was reading today’s devotional I thought of the song that says, “I have the peace that passeth understanding down in my heart.” How great it is to be able to pray and read the Bible.