GOD’S WORD FOR  APRIL 26

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

PEACE PURCHASED BY THE CROSS

Colossians 1:20

“Making peace by the blood of His cross.”

D.L. MOODY

A great many people are trying to make their peace with God, but that has already been done.  God has not left it for us to do; all that we have to do is to enter into it, to accept it.  It is a condition, and instead of our trying to make peace and to work for peace, we should cease all that and simply enter into peace that has been purchased for us.

ERWIN LUTZER.

Sin makes us enemies with God, and because we’re born sinners, we are, by nature, enemies of God.  We are not only separated from God, we’re even separated from ourselves.  Jesus has made peace for us by the blood of His cross, and as Paul explains, now that we are justified by faith, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” (Romans 5:1-2). 

Only Jesus can make peace between us and a holy God.  Once we have peace with God, we can have peace with others and peace with ourselves.  Peace is not always dry-eyed.  It’s sometimes mingled with tears when we experience the tragedies of life.  It’s not a state of tranquility where we deny everything going on around us and just pretend all is well.  It is a peace that is compatible with a funeral.  It’s a peace that’s compatible with the tears and heartache of a broken marriage.  It is a peace that trusts and knows God will work out all things for good of those who love Him.

PRAYER

Father, may I see You as the God of peace and share that peace with others through faith in Jesus.

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Ephesians 2:13-18

But now you belong to Christ Jesus. At one time you were far away from God. Now you have been brought close to Him. Christ did this for you when He gave His blood on the cross.   We have peace because of Christ.  He has made the Jews and those who are not Jews one people. He broke down the wall that divided them.  He stopped the fighting between them by His death on the cross. He put an end to the Law.  Then He made of the two people one new kind of people like Himself.  In this way, He made peace.  He brought both groups together to God. Christ finished the fighting between them by His death on the cross.   Then Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to you who were far away from God. And He preached it to us who were near God.  Now all of us can go to the Father through Christ by way of the one Holy Spirit.

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1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

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Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

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Ps 91:1-2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

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Psalm 94:19

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.

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2 Timothy 1:12

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

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Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

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Psalm 91:4

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

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