Central Truth

When I slow down and become aware of Abba's presence, I become grateful for two of His greatest gifts to me: His grace & peace!

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Reflections

In past readings of Paul's letters, I've rushed past the introduction and begun to look for the "meat" of a given passage, those nuggets or points I could apply to my life. I realized in preparing for this lesson, I've missed something in my past haste. It is this something that has become very precious to me and is a source of joy and marvel.

Paul includes a phrase in the first couple of verses of almost every letter he wrote. In his first letter to the church in Corinth he pens it this way, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Why would Paul repeat this introduction so frequently? I tend to believe that Paul was not following some form of letter writing etiquette, but rather he was awed by what Christ did for him on the road to Damascus. God literally interrupted Paul's life, and he was changed forever. Everything he thought was right in his life, he realized was wrong. And his world was turned upside down.

I experienced the gift of salvation at an early age. I went to church, read my Bible, attended youth trips and Sunday School, and did the things I thought were "right." Years later, through the tender words of a dear friend who confronted me on my alcoholism, Abba spoke to my heart. He invited me to deal with my life as I'd let it become and experience Him in a way I'd not known in decades.

That interruption in my life shows me that when Paul speaks of grace, he's referring not just to the wonderful gift of salvation, but grace to live life each day. I've found that God supplies my needs. That He's "crazy" & passionate about me. That He loves me when I'm weak or strong. Whether everything is going smoothly or is chaotic, He's there. Embracing that grace, I discover His peace - sweet, deep, abiding peace. I'm awed and marvel at what Abba has done. I become aware of it when I slow down and face Him.

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Discussion Questions

1.  How do you experience God's grace?
2.  What do you see on a daily basis that exhibits His grace for you beyond the gift of your salvation?
3.  When was the last time you experienced His peace? What was going on?
4.  How do you thank Him for what He's done and is doing in your life?
5.  If you're not there right now, what would it take to get there?

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