PEACE IS A PLACE
Peace with God is accessed by only one Bridge.
“I have PEACE with GOD!”
What if you could confidently make such a statement?
The divine vacuum inside humankind demands an answer to the quest for peace with divinity.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand…” ~ Romans 5:1-2a
While the expression of peace can be felt as an emotion, it is most importantly a place. A state of being. A position in which one stands. A possession from which we are identified.
Sin flows through a chasm swollen with guilt, condemnation, inferiority, and shame. It is a dominating force that prevents access to peace with God. There is only one crossing. And He is the Bridge – Jesus Christ.
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…” ~ 1 Timothy 2:5
If you have passed through the gate of faith and crossed the BRIDGE, you live in the LAND OF PEACE and stand on the ground of grace.
You can confidently say, “I have peace with God”. Not because you feel like it, but because you have entered it. Because you dwell in it. Because Jesus has brought you there.
If you have started to skim-read because you already know this, take a moment. Pause. Reflect on the simplicity of the gospel.
Take a few deep breaths. Gaze at the photo (click on it). Imagine yourself standing there listening to the rushing river, the cold mist of the turbulent rapids sweeping across your face. Now imagine the hopeless despair at the thought of crossing on foot without a bridge. Take 30 seconds to recognize and thank Jesus for being your bridge to PEACE with GOD.
Peace with God. Not because you feel like it, but because you have entered into it. Because you dwell in it.
Jesus is the way to have peace with the Eternal God of the universe. And of the billions of people since time began you have come to this Bridge and by faith crossed over to peace with God where you now dwell in His Kingdom of Peace for eternity!
This truth leaves me breathless with overwhelming gratitude for His lovingkindness toward ME. Toward YOU!
Let this reality be more than just intellectual knowledge. Let it penetrate your heart and saturate you in His love in this very moment.
“Most assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” ~ John 5:24
Peace is a place. Once you were without peace, dwelling in the darkness of death. An enemy of God. In conflict – at odds. BUT, you have passed over the chasm through Jesus into life – a Place of PEACE with God. Reconciliation. Intimacy. Oneness.
[Doubting] Thomas, one of Jesus’ close disciples once asked Him,
“We do not know the way you are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” ~ John 14:5-6
Can you confidently say, “I have PEACE with God”? Do you know it?
I don’t mean intellectually. Do you know it by personal experience? Are you sure?
At this moment you have come to the BRIDGE – Jesus Christ. You are not reading this by happenstance. It’s time to cross over the chasm. Jesus is the ONLY WAY. Your Creator is calling you. The crippling chasmic fear is no longer an excuse to not cross. There is a BRIDGE for you. Jesus will usher you personally into the PLACE of PEACE with God.
If you are confident that you live at Peace with God, then REJOICE! GIVE THANKS!
May the way you relate to God and others be shaped by this reality! Circumstances and emotions don’t determine peace. Your position does. Remember where you dwell because of the Bridge.
This is of utmost importance: give attention to the people around you who are standing on the riverbank of sin looking for peace. Point out the Bridge and the way to the eternal dwelling place of PEACE. Be the ambassador for Jesus’ Kingdom that you are by your life and words. Freely you have received. Freely give. Go in Jesus’ name so others may know…!
Peace is a Place. YOUR place. Dwell there. And GO into all the world with the Good News!
FEATURED INSPIRATIONAL PHOTO
The photo is of the foot bridge crossing the Spokane River at Riverside State Park and in the Bowl and Pitcher area, Spokane, Washington.
This photo is available as an inspirational wall hanging with the caption “Bridge to Peace”. The banks swelled to bursting with the raging spring waters. There was no passage except for the bridge spanning the tumultuous gap. The stirring scene reminded me that it’s impossible to relate to God, if not for the bridge of mediation provided by our Creator.
I love that: peace is a place. I stand in the land of peace on the ground of grace! The prince of peace is in me. I am His dwelling place! We can’t be without peace. Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus, You take if from my head and write it on my heart.