Grace and Peace

Philippians 1:1-2

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

So much in the two opening verses of Philippians but the big idea for me is that grace is required for any real, true, shalom peace, at least for me. I know grace is the only way we have peace with God. But oh how I need grace to have that internal peace deep down in my broken, selfish, prideful, sinful soul. God’s grace secured for us by Jesus is the one thing that late at night and in my darkest times allows my heart, mind and soul to rest!

James Boice reminds that “Grace is the unmerited and abounding favor of God toward men and peace is the result of that favor. It is the result of the reconciliation of man and God through Jesus’ death - peace obtained at the cross of Christ.”

Serven and Griffith tell us that: “The word Saint does not mean a perfect person. The Bible talks about how a Saint is someone who has been chosen by God, who has been set apart by God, who had been loved by God with a special love. But saints aren’t better people. They are just as messed up as the rest of us…that doesn’t change the fact that saints are loved by God and set apart by him. They are still loved by Christ and forgiven by him. This love motivates them, albeit inconsistently, to live more God-pleasing lives.”

With the grace of God, even an imperfect and broken Saint like me can find peace…

Grace and Peace y’all!

Psalm Thoughts

 

Psalm 46:1, 7-11

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

John Stott wrote “we live in an epoch of crisis.” This seems especially true these days. This Psalm gives me comfort in trying times, this doesn’t mean we won’t have trying and very difficult times, but it reminds me that Jesus is with us through it all, he is a present help in our times of trouble, our fortress here and now, our gain for all eternity.  

It is said that with his dying breath John Wesley exclaimed; “The best of all is, God is with us.”

So in these crazy days, let’s remember that God is God and he is with us!

Easter 2023

Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Oh how I need the message of Easter, especially this year. In all my brokenness, in a time where I seem to get swallowed by my fears and shortcomings, where it seems I am driven by my doubts and insecurities, surrounded by a world of brokenness, and at times I have just this hopeless feeling. 

But, Easter tells me I can rest, I can be at peace because with Jesus it is finished. It shouts to me that I can be hope-filled and joyful because it will be so much better farther on. It proves to me that I can be thankful in all circumstances.  It assures me that I am redeemed, forgiven and steadfastly loved. And it inspires me to be amazed by the riches of God’s grace!  

Oh Lord how I need you everyday and wonderfully Easter convinces me that no matter what you are with us…

Happy Easter Everyone - He has risen!