WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
Scripture: Matthew 10:11-13, Psalm 34:5, Romans 8:1-11

Matthew 10:11-13 says, “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.” Being forgiven makes us worthy. Our choices to do God’s will and commit to growth in Him keep us worthy. As we step out and begin to minister we look for others who are like us, who walk in freedom in their status and position as sons and daughters free of blame, shame and guilt. We can stay and abide with those who are worthy. And when we meet a household we discern it by whether God’s peace dwells there. If they are given over to God’s will not their own, they have God’s peace and we can discern it. They are a safe place. All surrendered believers have the same spiritual commodity, peace with God. When we discern peace with God, we have found people of like precious faith—we can trust and work with them! Walking with God follows a pattern of surrender. We are not our own. Not everyone is willing to fully yield to this process. How do we discern the ones who yield their will like Jesus did to God?—The answer is they abide in peace! When we have peace with God, we can discern those who have peace with God! There is a shared radiance that connects us. We are drawn by the Spirit to the mutually shared light and life each carry. Psalm 34:5 clearly says, “They looked to Him and were radiant And their faces were not ashamed.” In embracing Romans 8:1-11 we receive God’s path to attain peace. The Holy Spirit has been given as a Helper with specific assignments. The very first empowering of the Spirit enables us to overcome our own flesh by denying self and yielding to the Lordship of Christ where our prayer is “not my will, but thine be done.” Only those who choose to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit can attain peace. A surrendered life gains peace with God and entrance to God’s Family. Jesus described His Family as ‘those who do God’s will.’ Our relationship with Christ, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, becomes solid and secure. We are to have an active relationship and there is no disobedience to block our access to God. No blame, shame or guilt, but only peace. That is why we can impart peace and pass it on. It is a commodity. It is like pulling a silver dollar out of our pocket and slapping it down on the table. ‘Now here is a gift, I give you peace with God, says the the Creator of the heavens and the earth.’ The early church had peace because of how they chose to live. True believers surrender to God’s plan and will receive the peace of God. Do we live with that kind of confidence? It is time we grew into it! It is time we accepted what Jesus has done for us! Let’s renew our mind and come into the fullness of it! It is a growth process. It doesn’t happen overnight with anyone. We grow into it! Peace is the fruit of doing God’s will! We cannot help but have peace and confidence before God if we accept forgiveness of sin. We maintain peace by obeying and doing God’s will. Walk the path! Collect the fruit! If we sow remission and forgiveness of sin in our own hearts, we will reap peace. It is spiritual seed and it comes with fruit. The fruit of forgiveness is peace, peace with God! That is a fruit of high value! If we will sow the seed of Ephesians 1:7 and the other 17 New Testament verses where it appears, then axios is our life. We will live in it and we will walk worthy. What a privilege to have a relationship with the Almighty Creator! This relationship is not an obscure one, but an intimate connection full of the Father’s love, provision, training and destiny.