"GRACE AND PEACE IN CHRIST"

       "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

                                                1 Corinthians 1: 3

       Each star in the night sky has a wonderful secret. What we see as only a twinkle of light is actually the blaze of a brilliant, distance sun. Consider what that tiny sparkle really is, and you will  appreciate a star's true majesty and  power.

       Our Bible verse is just a brief thought. But it's a star. Although this verse is small, it has a wonderful message. Consider what these words are saving, and you will appreciate the true majesty and power of our Savior's love for us.

        The Gentiles once greeted one another with a greek word that resembled "grace." The Jews said and still say, "Shalom," meaning "Peace." The Holy Spirit guided Paul to join these two thoughts as a special greeting in his New Testament letters. For Christians of all time, these words are like a diamond ring on a bride's finger. They remind us of love and faithfulness, the Father's love-in-action for us in Christ.

         Grace points to the way God feels about us and treats us. Grace is kindness, generosity and live shown even to those who do not deserve them. Because we are all sinners, we deserved punishment But God gives us love. We often forget to thank him. We often live as though he isn't even there and as though he will never return. But the Lord cares for us. He has forgiven our sins through Jesus. He watches over us and blesses us. God shows us grace.

         Grace brings us peace with God. This peace does not come from us. It is 't just how we feel or something we must make for God. Jesus created this peace for us. He did this by keeping his Father's perfectly for us and by suffering on the cross the punishment for our sins. The Holy Dpirit re'inds us of what wjesus has done. Through God's Word, the peace we have moves us to trust the Lord more and more. It moves us to live thankgul lives in harmony with God's Word.

         Trouble, worry and our own sinful weakness often bring a shadow over this peace. But they can never overcome it. How can we be sure? God our Father and his Son our Lord have created grace and peace for us. The cross guarantees this gift forever. We are thus ready and waiting for Christ's return.

         What a wonderful message is in this one little verse! Whenever you hear these words, remember God's great gift of love to you!