APRIL 7: We Have Peace with Ourselves
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Romans 5:11 reads, So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Throughout my (Pastor Justin) ministry career, one common story I’ve heard from others is, I just can’t believe I did (fill-in-the-blank) when I was younger. I just feel awful about it, and I’m not sure I can forgive myself for it.
There’s a false narrative behind stories such as these, and it’s quite similar to the one mentioned yesterday. This false narrative goes something like this: I will have peace with myself when (fill-in-the-blank). Or perhaps it’s worse: I will never have peace with myself because (fill-in-the-blank).
Those suffering with thoughts such as these may have taken the step of recognizing their own sin against God or others (Romans 3:23), but have failed to fully accept that God has done all the work to forgive them of their sins. They fail to see themselves as a friend of God. The truth is that God’s forgiveness is full, and for those for who have professed faith in Christ, God now sees you as His friend.
READING & JOURNALING:
How do you define friendship?
Imagine God saying to you, “I want you to know the fullness of who I am and how much I love you. You will know this by following Me.” This is essentially what Jesus shared with His disciples. How does this impact your understanding of what it means to be a friend of God?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that it’s rare for me to wake up and think of myself as a friend of God. But this is what Your Word teaches, and I want this truth to permeate into me so deeply that I know it deep in my bones. When a biblical truth such as this helps form my identity, there is little that can rattle me. Help me, Lord, to see myself as Your friend every day. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Nehemiah 9
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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