Set in the middle of Paul’s letter to the Romans, is the magnificent jewel simply entitled ‘Chapter 8’. Romans 8 is affirmed by many as their favorite portion of Scripture and is often my ‘go to’ when I am in desperate need of some comforting truths from God. It is here that Paul presents the Good News of Jesus so clearly against the background of the ‘Bad News’… I guess this is why it shines so brightly for many!
Friends, I certainly cannot offer any new insights from the text on my own, but I hope that by sharing with you how I engaged with this ancient, living wisdom in prayer today, God’s Holy Spirit will take it and use it afresh so that you too may BE Blessed with the Greatest Encouragement Ever!
Journal 2 May 2018
Lord, I am feeling judged and ashamed of my own short-comings…
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Lord, I don’t want to be controlled by my sinful nature that keeps pulling me down into despair and poor choices… I want to please You!
Set your mind on what the Spirit desires. The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Lord, I am weak…
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is within you and will give you life!
Lord, I want to live but don’t know how…
If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live!
Lord, I am afraid…
You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship. You can call Me Abba Father!
Thank you Papa! I love being Your child! I really do want to share in all You have for me, but it is hard to get past all the devastating suffering that is in me and all around me…
You are My heir and co-heir with My Son… you will certainly share in My glory as you share in His sufferings.
Papa, this is all too difficult to understand and seems impossible to wait for!
The whole of creation is groaning to be liberated from the curse of My children’s rebellion, and so are you – even though you have My Spirit. But these present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in you My daughter!
Yes Papa! I sure do ache and groan… for myself, for my family, for my friends and for the world! What should I do?
HOPE in Me for all that is assuredly promised by My eternal, faithful word. You do not have it all yet, but You can wait patiently and confidently with Me as I show you how…..
Part Two to follow soon…