Today's Reading:Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 32 -34
New Testament:
Romans 5
Focus Verses: Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Insight:
By grace, Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for us to have peace with God. We take hold of this possibility through faith in Christ Jesus. The hope we have, though faith in Christ, gives a joy and hope. Not only hope for some distant future, but hope for today. Faith in Jesus makes it possible to rejoice, even in the face of suffering. Suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God love is in our hearts.
Response and Action:
Do I rejoice in the face of suffering and hardship? I should rejoice because of what Christ Jesus has done to give me strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. If I keep my eyes on Jesus, trouble and hardship will only serve to make me a deeper, stronger, and more committed follower of Christ. I must learn to persevere and grow in Christ-like character. Suffering can be a refining and maturing tool in God's hand.
O God, by the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, help me to persevere through the sufferings and hardships of life. Grant me the strength to persevere and the hope to press on through the difficulties and burdens of life. Use them to refine me and bring me to maturity in Christ. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the One and Only, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and evermore. Amen.
Proverbs: 1:22
"How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"
Resources:
Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
by Eugene Peterson
