Today’s Scripture: Romans 8:39, NIV- “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.”
Paul was convinced, are you? It makes us feel good to say God loves us however it takes more to convince us. It took me many years to be convinced. Attending church, doing bible studies, and praying every now and then did not convince me of God, much less His never-ending love for me.
How did Paul become convinced? The same way that we can. In 1 Corinthians 15:2 Paul told us to hold fast to what he preached and to keep God’s words in our memory. Although our flesh is weak, we can still read the laws of God and believe that God, in His great love for us, sent us His own Son to be our sin offering so that our sins have been condemned forever. (Romans 8:3) We can also welcome the Holy Spirit of God, and we can set our minds on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:4-5)
Even when we find ourselves in bad places, where our minds are temporarily set on negative circumstances, we can turn our thoughts to the Spirit of God. As Romans 8:6 promises, it is here we find life and peace. Let us welcome the Spirit of God and Jesus Christ to live in us. It is mind-blowing to think that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can live in us, but He can and does. (Romans 8:11)
I find myself feeling sorry for those who are chasing the shallow promises of this world. I have lived that life of chasing money, careers, and pursuing pleasures of the flesh. I have learned that they are deceptive in their promises. They take more from our lives than they give.
When we turn to the Spirit of God, we become convinced we are children of God. When we cry “Abba, Father”, His Spirit fills our spirits. What this world offers to us cannot compare to God’s love that is revealed in us. We do find freedom and peace as children of God.
When we place our hope in God we have an everlasting hope. We can trust that God works for the good of those who love Him, and we become called to His purposes. (Romans 8:28) We can live in the confidence of Paul knowing that God is for us and no one and nothing can stand against us. (Romans 8:31) Even when things look bleak and we feel persecuted, we must quickly turn our thoughts to the promise that God is interceding for us and nothing we are facing can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:39)
I have come to love how the Word of God speaks to us. In Romans 8:36, Paul wrote “As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”” (Romans 8:36). I had to Google to find where this was written and found it in Psalm 44:22. I would encourage you to read Psalm 44 and follow the LORD’s promptings. God has truly convinced me of the power of His Word.
If you need convincing that you can never be separated from God’s love, read His Word and welcome His Spirit.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and Spirit that never leave us. Abba, Father, I love You and trust You. I am setting my mind and spirit on You and the desires of Your Spirit. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to conquer all our sins and for convincing me of Your love. Amen.
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