Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wed., 9/24/08 Devotion (2 Cor. 13:11c)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11c, where we read these words:

" . . . And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Do any of you remember the 1960's "hippies"? They were supposedly all into "love and peace." Though they made a mockery of these graces through their hypocrisy, the true God actually *is* the "God of love and peace." And, because of this, we, His churchmen, may enjoy true love and real peace.

How? By being complete in Jesus alone (see the earlier part of 2 Cor. 13:11). As we take our comfort in Christ, and live in unity and sweetness (in Him)--the "God of love and peace" is with us. If this God is with us, we have nothing to fear. We may live confidently and serviceably in His presence.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Even if sin did not bear such bitter fruit, if death did not grow on this tree, a gracious soul would forsake it out of love to God." --Thomas Watson, in "The Doctrine of Repentance"]