Devotionals for December 27, 2023
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READ
Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
REFLECT
Is it possible to feel joy and know it deeply? As a Christian, you know it’s a resounding “Yes!” in Christ. Yet, the holidays can exaggerate our feelings of loss and hardship. Thankfully, the Scriptures paint hope and true joy as an ongoing, growing state, empowered by the Holy Spirit. the Bible also recognizes how hard it is: Jesus Himself wept, knew pain, and suffered loss. This is why Paul can say “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” The greatest gift you can receive is also the most enduring and hop-giving, especially through suffering. The God who knows suffering and your pain is the same Lord who offers you his Holy Spirit.
APPLY
Q: How is hope developed through our relationship with God?
Q: It is through our relationship with Jesus that our hope, our trust, in Him grows. How does this verse affect the way you view your relationship with Him?
Q: How can you share your relationship with Jesus that showcases the hope you have?
Q: It is through our relationship with Jesus that our hope, our trust, in Him grows. How does this verse affect the way you view your relationship with Him?
Q: How can you share your relationship with Jesus that showcases the hope you have?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Father, I praise you that you know my hardships and pain. Thank you for providing for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs every day. I trust in you and hope in you. Amen.
Father, I praise you that you know my hardships and pain. Thank you for providing for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs every day. I trust in you and hope in you. Amen.