Skip to main content

fresh air

Not only does the air outside have a wonderful crispness to it, but the air inside seems to after this morning's re-reading of Romans 8. Many times I can get bogged down, defeated, discouraged over the myriad of things in my life where I am failing. The wife-thing. The kids. The house. The budget. and the list could probably go on far enough to challenge the amount of free space Google provides for this blog! But such a refreshing reminder:

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1

Yeah!! Praise the Lord!! Even with all the times I try and fail, ultimately I have Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to me. That's just plain crazy. Absolutely true - but so out-of-this-world! He doesn't just leave believers here and say "Well, make the best of it." He gives us a "spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" (8:15). The Spirit prays for us (8:26), Jesus Christ prays for us (8:27). And he reminds us that "God causes all things to work together for good." (8:28) He will "freely give us all things." (8:32) He "is the one who justifies" (8:33) and he promises NOTHING "will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Such an encouraging, uplifting, glorious reminder from God today!!

Popular posts from this blog

the things of the Spirit

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace" Romans 8:3-6 As one could easily pick out from my previous entries, I'm currently reading through the book of Romans. It's kind of funny, but God seems to think that Don and I need A LOT of this book - and I agree! Don's listened to John Piper , Lance Quinn , Curtis Thomas and George Zemek preach through Romans. I've heard Lance and Dr. Z . Now, at what will most likely be our new church , Phil Newton is starting to preach through a new book in January - guess which one? Romans. So in preparation for that sermon series I'm re-reading the book - and (though I shouldn't be) quite frankly amazed at how much I STILL don't understand! (and how much more I understand but don't consistently practice...
Read more

sovereign ruler

Sovereign Ruler of the skies, Ever gracious, ever wise, All my times are in thy hand, All of events at thy command. His decree who formed the earth Fixed my first and second birth; Parents, native place, and time All appointed were by him. He that formed in the womb, He shall guide me to the tomb; All my times shall ever be Ordered by his wise decree. Times of sickness, times of health, Times of penury and wealth; Times of trial and of grief, Times of triumph and relief; Times the tempter’s power to prove, Times to test the Savior’s love; All must come, and last, and end As shall please my heavenly friend. Plagues and death around me fly; Till he bids, I cannot die. Nor a single shaft can hit, Till the love of God sees fit. John Ryland (1753-1825), Baptist minister, cited by J.I. Packer, God’s Plans for You , pg. 9.
Read more

all things

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things ? (Rom 8:32) all things - greek word "panta" (forgive the laziness in not using greek manuscript) I remember Lance preaching about this. He said that the word used meant literally "all things". Big things, small things, spiritual things, normal things. This is a good word to remember. Especially in the midst of this pregnancy. God is interested in using all aspects of my life to conform me more to the image of His Son.
Read more