Dave’s Monday Blast – November 24, 2014
Pastor Phil had challenged all of us at our annual All Family Thanksgiving Dinner to find five things that we can be grateful for each day throughout this season. I honestly loved this challenge, mainly because I did not find it difficult. (Most challenges are…well…challenging.) We are so very blessed, and upon daily reflection, I find that I can honestly thank our Heavenly Father for much more than five things any given day. Interestingly enough I do find myself coming back to one specific thing every day…PEACE.
I am so grateful that I have found peace with God and because of that…I can be at peace in all areas of life. I am not implying that I have achieved that enduring place…yet…but it is possible because of Him. Romans 5:1 & 2 informs us that we have peace with God because we have been justified by faith.
People seek contentment by trying to improve their appearance, physical fitness, financial situation, or social status, or by abusing substances. But such things can’t bring tranquility of heart or mind. Only a relationship with Jesus leads to true peace.
Prior to salvation, we were slaves to sin and living in opposition to God (Colossians 1:21). Our transgressions had formed a barrier of hostility between Him and us, which we were helpless to cross on our own. Without God’s intervention, we could not have found the way of peace. But our heavenly Father provided the perfect solution to our sin problem. He sent His Son to pay for our iniquities and remove the separation that existed between us and Him.
When we trusted Jesus as our Savior, we were reconciled to the Lord (Romans 5:10) and no longer at odds with Him. In Christ, we have peace with the Father.
If you could ask God for anything…what would it be? For me…being at peace with God and man (myself included) is priceless and I am eternally grateful.
If you have not taken up Phil’s challenge yet…INTENTIONALLY consider this day what you can thank the Lord for. Remember the old song from your childhood…”Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings…see what God has done!” It is a long list.
Make it a good one…you cannot get a moment of it back!
Be at peace my friends and enjoy your time of Thanksgiving with family and friends.
