Five Appointments with God Peace Real peace does not come from mankind, it never will – when we seek it in our own strength we
will always be disappointed. Manufactured peace is nothing but an illusion – we may sign treaties
and put away instruments of war but this does not erase old hostilities or smooth conflicts.
Biblical peace does not depend upon outward circumstances; in fact real peace is often found in
spite of outward circumstances.
July 26 - 30, 2010
The most common greeting in Israel is Shalom which is the Hebrew word for peace. It is used
for both hello and goodbye; with the turmoil of conflict that surrounds this region can it be
any surprise that the word peace is spoken so often? But peace is much more than the
absence of conflict, in scripture, the term peace refers to a personal sense of well-being,
wholeness, harmony, and security through a proper relationship with God and fellow men.
Where does peace really come from? Who is the true source of peace?
Tuesday - “Peace with God” Col 1:20-22, Rom 5:1, Eph 2:13-17, Heb 12:14
The key to peace of any kind is reconciliation with God. The world can seek peace through
treaties, diplomacy, prosperity or politics but none of these will ever result in the peace these
verses speak of. Read these passages and consider the act of reconciliation. What does it mean
to be reconciled to God? How does reconciliation apply to peace in other areas of our lives?
Wednesday - “Peace from God” Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, Phil. 4:6-7
The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our life is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly
peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in
any circumstance. With Christ's peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future, if
your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace.
Thursday - “Peace of God” Philippians 4:6-7, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27
Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of
God moves into our heart and life to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of
conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him.
Friday - Christ is properly called “our peace” Eph 2:14, 16, Rom 12:18, Mat 10:34-37
Jesus has broken down the barrier of legal commandments between Jews and Gentiles so that
believers from both groups are reconciled “in one Body to God through the cross”. We are to
live as peaceably as possible with all people but not at the expense of compromising loyalty to
Christ and His truth. World-wide peace will not occur until Christ establishes His earthly
kingdom at His second advent (Psalms 72:7; Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 10:34).
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