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Live in Peace

Andrea Lende • September 15, 2022

II Corinthians 13:11

Live in Peace

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Live-in-Peace-e1ntgu9

 

II Corinthians 13:11

 

Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.

 

 

Paul has someone wonderful parting words for the church at Corinth which we can follow today.

 

First, he tells us to rejoice.

 

As we rejoice, our whole demeanor changes.

 

Sometimes we simply need to put on rejoicing even when we don’t feel like it because rejoicing opens the door to God’s presence.

 

Second, Paul tells us to be strengthened.

 

The Amplified Bible defines the word strengthened to be, “perfected, completed, made what you ought to be.”

 

So, Paul tells us to become who God created us to be in Him.

 

Perfect, whole, and complete.

 

Third, Paul tells us to be encouraged and comforted.

 

If we let go of our anxious thoughts and accept the Lord’s blessings and care of us, we walk into peace.

 

Fourth, Paul tells us to get along with one another.

 

Be agreeable with one another.

 

Through the steps Paul gives us, we become filled with God’s love and His peace is upon us.

                                         

We may actually need this message even more now than the Corinthians did given the times we live in today.

 

To sum up: rejoice, become perfect in Christ, be encouraged, get along with one another, and the “Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.”

 

Today I choose to praise the Lord and allow God to strengthen, comfort, and complete me, so the Lord will walk beside me in peace.

 

May you find as you rejoice in the Lord that God will perfect you and encourage you so you can enjoy peace with Him and those around you.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank You for being the God of peace. Thank You for Your Word that teaches us about living in peace with others. May we allow You to change our hearts as they need changing. Perfect us through Your Son, Father, and help us become the people You designed us to be. May we be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted by You, almighty and merciful God. Don’t let the world steal the perfect plan You have for our lives. Help us lean into You and allow You to guide us. Keep our eyes on You, Lord. Thank You for all You do to keep us Yours. You have already won the battle that rages on around us. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: I AM perfecting and completing you and will grant you My peace.

Response: Thank You, most gracious God and Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.



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