A Love Letter from God - Romans 5:1-5

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Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5

Grace

I read that and tried to cut out a verse or two for this devotional; I just couldn't do it.

I am justified. Right with God.

I have peace with God.

I could stop right there. What more is needed? Try and put a value on having peace with God. I can't. Oh, I want to know it dearly.

And the passage continues.

I have access into this grace. I. Regular old me has access. I have it now. Today.

I boast. Humble pride.

I boast in the hope of the Glory of God. Okay, now I'm not just warmed up, I'm glowing.

His Love

I also boast in my afflictions.

Screeching halt. Wait. What? That doesn't sound good.

He explains: affliction produces endurance, proven character, and more hope. Hardship is the pathway. I actually need this. He uses it to shape me into His vessel. His handiwork. His mission-capable man. I've got to stumble again and again to gain the character He is building in me.

I've got to live among people who hate God, hate goodness and righteousness. And who hate me.

Being a Christian is hard. But He does it with me and in me.

This hope does not disappoint. Why?

Crescendo... God's love has been poured out in my heart through the Holy Spirit. Who. Was. Given. To Me!

Not just a little bit. POURED OUT in my heart.

Lord, I humbly ask you to keep doing your work in me. I love you and need your strong hand on me. I want your love to be poured out in me. May I know it. Today. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

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