God's word comforts me when I can't find peace on my own. Where I've made poor choices and brought pain and chaos to my life Jesus offers peace through the loving sacrifice of His own life for mine. Jesus willingly takes my pain and in exchange gives me His peace:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) Jesus not only gives me peace when He saves me, but He promises to continue to hold me in that peace as I surrender my day-to-day life to His care and control. The Holy Spirit gives me strength to choose God's peace over and over again.
"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLT)
Where my circumstances are more challenging because of the actions of others, God offers strength to live in forgiveness. God doesn't have just enough healing for my harmful choices, but God also offers me healing and forgiveness to give away to those who have harmed and wronged me. God wants me to be at peace rather than harassed by bitterness and resentment and rage.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)
Healing and forgiveness are God’s tools for peace in our lives.
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Audio for February 20, 2016
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