The Joy of God's Peace - Protestant Caucus/Devotional

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:2).

Paul's wonderful benediction for grace and peace was ever on his heart. He offered it in each of his epistles and expounded on it throughout his writings.

Grace is the outpouring of God's goodness and mercy on undeserving mankind. Every benefit and provision you receive is by God's grace. That's why Peter called it "the manifold grace of God" (1 Pet. 1:10). Just as your trials are manifold or multifaceted, so God's multifaceted and all-sufficient grace is correspondingly available to sustain you.

Peace, as used in Philippians 1:2, speaks of the calmness and absence of strife characteristic of one in whom God's grace is at work. The New Testament also links it to mercy, hope, joy, and love. To experience those graces is to experience true peace.

It is said that when Bible translators were seeking a word or phrase for "peace" in the language of the Chol Indians of South Mexico, they discovered that the words for "a quiet heart" gave just the meaning they were looking for. That's an appropriate parallel because peace guards the soul against anxiety and strife, granting solace and harmony.

Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body." In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul says to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Although "grace to you and peace" was a common greeting in the early church, it was an uncommon experience in the unbelieving world. The same is true today because only those who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ receive grace and peace.

Are you experiencing God's peace? Remember, nothing you face today is beyond the purview of God's all- sufficient grace and surpassing peace.

Read Ephesians 2:14-18 and praise God for Christ, who is your peace, and for His gracious work on your behalf.

What does the God of peace desire to accomplish within you (1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20-21)?

To: Alex Murphy; boatbums; CynicalBear; daniel1212; ealgeone; Elsie; Gamecock; HossB86; Iscool; ...

Studying God’s Word ping

2 posted on 02/09/2023 6:08:24 AM PST by metmom (...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…)

Here ya go, Mom!!

Nothing you face today is beyond the purview of God’s grace and peace.

3 posted on 02/09/2023 6:24:58 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)

Isaiah 26:3 KJV
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.

A good promise then - still good today.

4 posted on 02/09/2023 6:26:38 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I sure did need this message today of all days. Thank you Metmom, and thank you Holy Spirit.

6 posted on 02/09/2023 6:55:07 AM PST by Apple Pan Dowdy (... as American as Apple Pie)

Thanks, Metmom!

7 posted on 02/09/2023 11:34:52 AM PST by SouthernClaire (Jesus plus anything at all = idolatry & spiritual adultery.)

Amen! Peace be to you, metmom.

8 posted on 02/14/2023 3:28:12 AM PST by ViLaLuz (2 Chronicles 7:14)

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