Devotionals for December 28, 2023
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READ
Romans 8:31-39
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 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 then is the one who condemns? No one. 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, 39 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.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 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 then is the one who condemns? No one. 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, 39 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.
REFLECT
When we experience security in knowing who we are, our hope for the present and the future are strengthened. Knowing that you are supported and cared for can give you the confidence to step out into the unknown and stretch your faith. And through Jesus, you more than a conqueror thanks to His love. Your hope is in someone greater than the world and a love greater than any evil or pain. If joy is a fruit, then the hope of Jesus is the fertile soil of your life.
APPLY
Q: What is this scripture saying about who you are in Christ?
Q: How does this scripture change how you view the obstacles that come your way?
Q: Is there someone you know who may feel that they are out of God's reach, as if their bad choices and circumstances have forever separated them from God? How can you share with them the hope found in the gift of salvation?
Q: How does this scripture change how you view the obstacles that come your way?
Q: Is there someone you know who may feel that they are out of God's reach, as if their bad choices and circumstances have forever separated them from God? How can you share with them the hope found in the gift of salvation?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, thank you for your grace through Jesus Christ. Help me to let go of hurts from this year. Help me to forgive those who’ve wronged me, and help me to love them as you love me. You are my hope and joy! Amen.
Lord, thank you for your grace through Jesus Christ. Help me to let go of hurts from this year. Help me to forgive those who’ve wronged me, and help me to love them as you love me. You are my hope and joy! Amen.