Passage of the Day:
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, Romans 5:1-8.
Reflection:
If you root for a dominate college and or professional sports team each weekend, there won’t be that may moments of unrest as you watch a game. However, if your adopted or hometown team is suffering through a few lean years, watching television may be too stressful for you. The same concept holds true for the spiritual realm. When you reach a point of spiritual maturity, placing your full place and trust in God, you will begin to experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This calming sensation in the form of peace is a byproduct of hope.
Prayerful Action:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.
Clinging to a Glimmer of Hope this Fall:
Human nature is a daily struggle for all individuals living on planet earth. The Old Testament depicts the families of God’s chosen people, Israel, as forgetful. This is why God called Moses to write Deuteronomy known as a second law or copy of God’s law. If Israel listened to, obeyed and reflected upon the Ten Commandments daily, Exodus 20:1-17, the second copy wouldn’t be necessary. Perhaps, this is what inspired the words in Joshua 1:8-9. Christians who mediate on Bible verses day and night will begin to understand what the apostle Paul meant in today’s prayerful action. This is a peace worth pursuing.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Today’s song got me through the death of my wife’s mom two years ago. May the lyrics of I Chose to Believe inspire you to pursue byproducts of hope like peace.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 