DAY 12 – DEEPEN MY PEACE
By: Pastor Mike Bussey
[/nectar_highlighted_text][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-book” color=”Accent-Color”]SCRIPTURE:
JOHN 14:27 ESV
27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-user” color=”Accent-Color”]DEVOTIONAL:
Jesus has a way of speaking directly to our hearts, doesn’t He? If you are anything like me, your heart is sometimes troubled. There are times in this life when we experience fear. For example, we have all experienced the fear of living through a pandemic in the past year. We have likely faced the fear of losing loved ones, losing our jobs, losing our homes, and many other problems that trouble us. Some of us are facing those fears today.
One of the most extraordinary things that Jesus gave us was the ability to experience supernatural peace in the midst of fearful circumstances.
Notice the peace that Jesus offers us is what he calls “my” peace. There is a qualitative difference between the supernatural peace that Jesus possesses and makes available to us, and the superficial peace that the world promises. Philippians 4:7 calls it the “peace of God.” Isn’t that great news? You ask, “What do I have to do to experience that kind of peace?” First, my friend, you must receive it as a gift. Notice that Jesus says, “my peace I give to you.” Are your heart and hands open to receive it today? This gospel grace is essential for us to lay hold of if we are going to live the abundant life that Jesus freely offers, a life of peace in times of trouble.
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→ Read Philippians 4:4-9. Prayerfully examine your life and identify fears and anxieties that have been consuming and long-term. Then make a list of things you are thankful for. Once you complete your lists, take them both to the Lord in prayer, and then thank God for what He has already done for you, and ask the God of peace to give you “the peace of God.”[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”fa fa-hand-paper-o” color=”Accent-Color”]PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, I ask you to deepen my peace. Thank you so much for sending your Son to die for me so I can experience His supernatural peace. My hands are open. My heart is open. I receive it now, in Jesus’ name. Amen![/text-with-icon]
