Oct 26 2024

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this verse from Romans, Paul writes that we can have peace with God. Do you ever pause and reflect on this miracle? Today, we'll think about what it means for us to have peace with God and the price that Jesus paid so we could have it.

Peace with God means there is no enmity between us and the Lord. He is not looking down on us with displeasure or waiting for us to earn His favor. He's not keeping count of our sins against Him or blaming us for our wrongdoings. Instead, He sees us with a benevolent eye. He loves us and knows us intimately. He speaks to us in His word and in prayer. We have peace with Him.

It's important to remember, though, that peace with God is only possible because of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus there was no way for us to get rid of our sin or even to stop sinning—it is too ingrained in our human nature for us to stop.

That is why Jesus came to Earth as a man and lived a perfect, sinless life. He was the final, perfect sacrifice that atoned for all our sins once and for all. Jesus took away the sin in our lives and made us clean… and in doing so, he made it possible for us to have peace with God.

This is why Paul says that we are justified by faith. It is faith in Jesus and in the cleansing power of His death that justifies us—it takes our sin away. When we call out to the Lord, He will answer us. He will justify us and give us peace with Him that is everlasting.

Dear Lord, thank you for the peace that I have with you. Thank you for not looking at my sin and casting me away, but instead seeing me and letting me know that you love me and care for me. Thank you for your infinite goodness to me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oct 25 2024

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. :

When Moses was near death, he spoke to Joshua, his successor who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses knew that Joshua would experience many frightening situations along the way, and he encouraged Joshua by reminding him that the Lord would be with Him always. Although this verse took place during Old Testament times, it applies to our lives today. Let's take a look at how.

Being a Christian can be difficult. We are called to live holy lives that look very different from those of our neighbors and coworkers who are not Christians. We must often take a stand against situations and practices that we know are wrong, and this takes a tremendous amount of courage and faith in the Lord. Similarly, Joshua was about to enter into a land filled with dangerous warriors. He could do so in faith because he remembered the words of Moses.

Wherever you are, whatever you are facing, remember that the Lord is with you. Knowing that the Lord of heaven and earth is with you at all times should fill you with confidence. You can have faith and trust that He will sustain you and protect you. Nothing will happen that is contrary to His will, and nothing could compromise His love for you. Even if the worst happens, you have eternity with Him to look forward to.

Because we know the Lord will never forsake us, we don't have to be afraid or dismayed. The Lord is much more powerful than we'll ever be, and He is stronger than we will ever understand. He works for the glory of His name so that all people may come to know Him. When you face something that seems insurmountable, remember that the Lord already knows what will happen, will guide you through it, and loves you without end.

Dear Lord, I thank you for going before me always. Thank you for never forsaking me, even when I was at my weakest. Thank you for loving me and caring for me. I give my fear to you and ask that you would give me peace in return. In Jesus' name, amen.