October 29, 1998, Thursday

Would you consider yourself to be an enemy of God or a

friend of God? How does one end the conflict or become

a friend of God? What type of peace initiative do you

believe would result in lasting peace in your life?

Paul tells us that all men are an enemy of God until the

spiritual rebirth occurs: "We all once conducted ourselves

in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath"

(Eph 2:3). We were the enemies of God-- "Because the

carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject

to the law of God, for it cannot be" (Rom 8:7). Without

the rebirth, it is impossible to be at peace with God.

Paul tells us that the purpose of Jesus was to make peace

with man by releasing man from the penalty of sin by taking

that penalty Himself: "He abolished in His flesh the enmity,

that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances,

so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus

making peace" (Eph 2:15). One must accept the fact that

the penalty for his sin was paid by Jesus before the peace

process can begin.

The peace initiative of Jesus was a selfless and gracious

move to end the conflict: "He came to reconcile the mind

and flesh to God in one body through the cross, thereby

putting to death the enemy. And He came and preached

peace to you who were very far away and to those who

were near" (Eph 2:16-17). His peace comes to all that

will cease to be an enemy of God by their choice to

accept His plan for peace. That simple act of faith to

trust in God and turn to follow Him.

Let us remember who is the God that is our peace. God's

name is Jehová Shalom. He is the God that puts His peace

all around His people. He is the God that is helping us

learn His ways. The Psalmist had the calm assurance of

knowing that his praises to God brought contentment and

peace: "I will praise you as long as I live, and in Your

Name I will lift up my hands" (Psa 63:4). Lift your hands

to Him and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the

God that guards us with His peace!