Saturday, July 25, 2020

Devotional 7-25-20

Romans 8: 26-39
 
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died- more than that, who was raised to life- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long: we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
I was pleasantly surprised to see the above scripture was one of the readings assigned for my devotional writing. It was the one my late wife -Janice- quoted often. As I write this it is early June & we are in a state of chaos. Worldwide pandemic, economy cratering, unemployment rampant, marches & riots over the death of George Floyd, shelter in place, masks & social distancing recommendations for all of us. It sure seems like a sorry world! Where is God in all of this? I hope you will take the time to read & contemplate this scripture. Even today, Paul reminds us of the one eternal truth. There is NOTHING that can separate us from God & his son Jesus Christ. Life brings all of us trials & tribulations and at times we may stagger or stumble under the load. However, we need to remind ourselves if/when we are in that dark valley... If God be with us who can be against us? May it always be so!
 
Prayer: Father thank you for our blessings & give us strength to conquer all the troubles life can present as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens.
 
Marv Jones

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