By Faith We Have Peace With God

VERSE OF THE DAY: ~ Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

From where does our justification come? Religion? Good deeds? A giving heart? Scripture declares that it comes through faith in the finished work of the cross. Isaiah 53 says that the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, Christ paid the ultimate price for my peace. The same chapter also declares that “By His stripes we are healed” as well as “that He bore our sins” we can see that Christ paid the price for our complete restoration. It is by faith in Him that we are made complete and can rejoice in the hope of His glory. Colossians 1:27 says that the hope of glory is Christ in you.

Now scripture teaches us that the war we fight is a spiritual war and much of it is fought in our minds. Can we then deduce that many of the tribulations we fight in this life are designed to rob us of our faith? Yet, by resolving to keep our faith in Him, we access the enabling and empowering grace by which we stand. God has shown us that whatever the enemy of our soul throws at us He (the Lord) is more than able to use it for the perfecting of His strength in us. God does not tempt us or will to harm His children ever! He does not make us sick to teach us. Sickness and harm are from the liar, the thief who comes to steal kill and destroy but our God has come to give an abundant life! God will turn the vices of the enemy into patience, hope and good character which in turn will show the world His strength made perfect in us.

Reliance upon God’s word is a great key to victory for the believer! Yet His word tells us in today’s verse that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. It is the Holy Spirit that helps us in our weaknesses making intercession through us with groanings that cannot be uttered. (Ro 8:26) Oh how much God loves us that He has equipped us with everything we need to live a victorious life!

PRAYER: “Thank You Lord God for empowering us who believe as more than conquerors. When life throws us a challenge, when our own thoughts or beliefs betray us or when it’s the enemy of our soul that has set against us or whatever it may be that causes our difficulties. Today we choose to put our faith in You, and to keep our faith in You. Thank You for giving us Your word, and for Your Holy Spirit Who works in and through us as our ever present help in times of need because You love us. Amen!”

VERSE FOR FEARLESS LIVING!  ~  Psalms 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”