Daily Reading: Romans 8
Scripture Focus: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8.1)
Devotional Thought: How wonderful to have the privilege of writing on my favorite chapter of the Bible! It starts strong: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Hallelujah!
Paul wrote, “When I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members” (Rom. 7:21-23). You can sense his agony as he says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” He then answers his question with the only possible answer: Jesus can! And, Jesus did.
We strive to obey, we try to do right, we want with our minds and souls to serve Jesus to the best of our ability. But on this earth, we will never escape our bodies of death. We, along with all creation, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (v. 23). Yet, because we have been set free from the law of sin and death, we must walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, setting our minds on the things of the Spirit (v. 5). We can rest assured that we do not have to do this in our own strength. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us,” (v. 37). And what a love it is! Nothing in all of creation “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (v. 39).
Now you understand why Romans 8 is my favorite chapter of the Bible!
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of the highest praise and honor! There is no power on earth, including sin and death itself, that can separate us from your incredible love. Thank you for pursuing us, for cleansing us, for justifying us, and for sanctifying us through your Spirit. Amen!
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 19.7-14
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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