Week 2 Day 1 - It's Time for a Makeover

TIES OF GRACE DAILY DEVOTIONS

WEEK 2: It’s Time for a Makeover! 

Day 1:  Colossians 3:15-17

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

When you think of peace, what comes to mind?  All of us have a mental picture of what peace looks like… what it feels like, don’t we?  I envision things like a baby sleeping; a summer evening sitting out by a lake listening to the sounds of the night; laughter; a wedding first kiss; an elderly couple holding hands; Heartfelt praise music; I could go on and on.  So many things come to my mind. But never, does adversity, battles, hurt, pain, sorrow, anger, and such, jump into my head when I am indulging my thoughts around a representation of peace.  And yet…. And yet.  Life is rarely what we put in our minds as the “perfect” scenario, is it?  Not this side of heaven anyway.  What we envision, hope for, plan, and dream, ultimately is encased on all sides by a fallen world and in that world those hurtful things we would always avoid if we could, crowd their way in more often than not.  So how then, do we bridge the gap between what our mind visualizes and entertains as true peace, with the real peace in a fallen world?  Last week we looked at the importance of intentionally placing our trust in the Most High, our Father, the One True God and the promises of refuge, rescue, and protection that WILL come.  But the thing we didn’t address is that it may not come when “we” need it to.  We may find ourselves in a sea of danger for what seems a never ending time, where we are left wondering, “God, where is my rescue?”  This week we are going to embark on a journey of peace.  We are going to tear into scripture and let God show us what the real picture of peace is that can only come from Him. The scriptures tonight in Colossians 3:15-17 lay out a basic formula where the ultimate goal is peace in Christ. 1.  Reconciliation with God first and then others, and then living it out.  2.  Thankfulness for God’s grace.  3. Dwelling in the truth of God’s word and having accountability to one another from that word in praise and song 4. Living like Jesus lived.  Pretty basic, right?  Oh if only it were that simple.  These are the things we know will draw us into that Peace that passes all understanding… not matter our joys or our sorrows… as true peace from God is not contingent on circumstances but on Him and our relationship with Him.   Tonight, we see what Paul is telling the churches will bring them to that place of peace we all desire and yearn for.  It is in our DNA.  It is God’s design in us because He is peace and we are created in His image.  Beth Moore stated, “The path to peace is paved with kneeprints.”  Tonight, as we digest the goal of peace, may we each begin to prepare for what God will reveal to us this week that is hindering us from peace.  Please read each day and allow God to reveal the things in your life that are stealing your peace.  I know for me lately, that hot, heavy breath of the enemy has stayed so close.  Many things have interrupted my peace, even as I am craving it so deeply.  I know God brought me to these verses.  I have a feeling a chastising has begun.  I am ready.  Because ultimately, all I want, in all things good or bad, is to dwell with my Father in peace.  What are you most afraid of as we begin to dig into ourselves?  Even more important, whatever it is God reveals to us this week, let’s ask ourselves, “is there any way it could be better to hold on to (or beheld captive by) than a peace that is beyond anything we can grasp?” Let’s dwell there tonight and get ready for God to get to work in us this week!