In Abundance

DEVOTION 1 PETER IN ABUNDANCE 1 Peter 1:1-2 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. NIV It is time to accept this grace and peace and to expect it receive an abundance of it. Of course this grace is that which is the one defined as the divine influence upon the heart and it reflection in the life of the one influenced. This has to be in a certain sense a partnership with the Holy Spirit. As much as he might be dedicated to influencing our hearts toward the truth of God, we must open our heart and receive or accept that influence. There is still a choice to be made each and every day of our lives as to whether or not we are going to paid attention to what he is saying. What greater influence could they be than his? It has to be clear that another is trying his best to influence us toward behaviors and beliefs that would offend God. He may be shorting loudly and is easy to hear, as the Holy spirit whispers softly and gently the right way to go. The picture of those two on each shoulder of a person giving advice as to which way to go, comes to mind. But they is only one good choice, accept the grace of God, resist the devil and he will flee from us. If conjunction which this divine influence comes peace or rest as well as a spiritual prosperity beyond anything the human mind could manufacture. Although people try to provide they own peace of mind or security by the accumulation of wealth for their future, it is a futile effort for they never have enough. The only true peace of mind comes from the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. The only future which is secure is that which is in Christ. This rest is a true rest, a reality in which a person can find freedom from worry, anxieties, stress, despondency and a host of other debilitating feelings. Why another would refuse should a wonderful state of spiritual prosperity is beyond reason. How could any amount of this worlds wealth and pleasures replace this incredible influence and peace which comes from knowing God has sanctified, made us holy, through the blood of Jesus? I will take this in abundance.