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October 2nd Celebrating Holy Guardian Angels
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October 2, is the day of Celebration to our Holy Guardian Angels to extend our gratitude and our graces from God. Perhaps no other aspect of Christian beliefs and pieties are as comforting to parents as the belief that Guardian Angels are constantly guiding and protecting our little ones from dangers, real and imaginary. Yet Guardian Angels aren't just for the little ones. We, too, have a Holy Guardian Angel assigned to each and every one of us. Their role is to represent individuals before God, to watch over us always, to aid in prayer, to defend us in battle against evil spirits and demons and to present our souls to God upon our death. Jesus' own words in Matthew 18:10 supports this doctrine, "See that you do not despise any one of these little ones, for I say unto you that their Angels in Heaven always look upon their faces and that of My Heavenly Father." This day of Celebration in their honor was first observerd in the 16th century. In 1615, Pope Paul V added this day to the Roman Catholic calendar.
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Experiencing God's Peace
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:2).
True peace is God’s gift to those who love and obey Him.
Throughout history mankind has sought peace through military alliances, balances of power, and leagues of nations. Yet lasting peace still remains an elusive dream. Even during times of relative peace, nations struggle with internal strife and crime.
The Bible says that man on his own cannot know peace because he is alienated from its source. But we need not despair. True peace is immediately available from God our Father (the God of peace—Rom. 15:33), and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace—Isa. 9:6). It's a gift of God's grace to those who love and obey Jesus Christ.
The New Testament so clearly teaches the inextricable link between God's grace and peace that “Grace to you and peace” became a common greeting in the early church. Grace is God's great kindness toward those who are undeserving of His favor but who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is the fountain and peace is the stream. As recipients of His grace, we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1)—we are reconciled to Him through faith in His Son and we will never experience His wrath. We also have the peace of God (Phil. 4:7)—the Spirit's way of assuring us that God is in control even in the midst of difficult circumstances. That's why Paul calls it the peace that surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:7).
The world's peace is relative and fleeting because it is grounded in circumstances. God's peace is absolute and eternal because it is grounded in His grace. Does God's peace reign in your heart, or have you allowed sin or difficult circumstances to diminish your devotion to Christ?
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