Romans 5:2 “It is through Jesus Christ that we have gained access to God’s grace and are joyful in the hope of sharing His glory.” (Clear Word Translation)
Dear God,
Thank You for Your warm welcome to this day, even though the day is grey and sodden outside, as the result of much rain previously. When the hot days come and we remember these days, we will be glad for the rain of now. It is my desire, in Your strength, to give praise, for the times of Your bountiful blessings, as well as the hard times; because they both can perfect my character. I know You love to receive our thanks and praise for the blessings and good times, and not just words asking for help in my hard time and cries of woe.
I am filled with thankfulness, that we are, “…justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5: 1, it is Jesus Christ, who gives us access to God’s grace in which we now stand, and then it is the Holy Spirit, that fills us with rejoicing and the hope of sharing His glory. Not only these, but with changed attitudes and priorities, we will learn not to, bemoan about tribulations when they come, because – V3 “……tribulations produce perseverance; V4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” God You never leave my hope without foundation as love is poured into my heart, V5 “…..by the Holy Spirit who was given for us.” At a time when we were not around or did not know Jesus, V6 “…..in due time Christ died for the ungodly”, this is truly love so amazing and divine and beyond our human practice – V 8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Now I have accepted Jesus, and have V9 “Much more then, having been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Again, praise the glorious name of Jesus, V10 “…….we shall be saved by His life.” Along with Paul; my praise is not finished, V11 “And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through whom we have received the reconciliation.”
I thank You God that You have provided a way out of the consequences for my sins, and freely offer each of us salvation.
But more than that, You have promised, and do provide us with a way out of our anxieties and fears; for You always hear and answer our prayers and quiet our fears, which are placed there by Satan, who He flees before You. Sometimes it can be hard to not be overwhelmed by the pressing activities and important needs that are ahead. Thanks that it is Your Spirit that reminds me whenI am facing the challenges in my own strength, when there is omnipotent power available. Time pressure apprehensions that take away my usual practice of seeking You first, are usually not due to Your direction for what I am planning, but more likely due to my own self-imposed agenda or ‘I must not or dare not say no’. I implement the ‘grand and wonderful scheme’ I have dreamed up, and end up being exhausted through unwise practices.
Due to You total love and grace, You hear my sincere prayer, and give trusting peace when I call out. I am grateful for having learned that Your promised help may only come after I wrestle before You in humility and prayer for some time, or the answer may be instantaneous.
I feel cherished today, because You have answered my petition; and it is delightful to surrender all problems and concerns and then rest in Your promises. Thank You, that I (we) receive, V17 “……abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in the life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
Amen