Bible Study Verse
Romans 8:28
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Amplified)
Thoughts
In the aftermath of the recent loss of life and homes in Oklahoma, I am not yet able to stay focused on our outdoor theme. What do we say in response to this loss? How do you comfort a mother or father who has lost a priceless gift? If you have seen media reports, chat rooms or blogs, you've seen that we are saying many things; as a nation, we run the gamut of reactions, seeking to ease the hurt by accusation. In contrast, many outpourings of love and concern are offered.
The only way I can move ahead is to focus on God's incredibly amazing grace. The words that the apostle Paul spoke to the believers in Rome can help us find peace and guidance again, "Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? Even as it is written, for Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," Romans 8:35-39 (Amplified).
(Brent B)
Action Point
If you are already a believer in Christ, please be looking for ways to reinforce His grace and love to anyone around you who may be hurting due to wrenching tragedy.
If you are not a believer, please consider looking closer at having a relationship with God through faith in Christ.
As for me, I wasn't born into faith. I was born a sinner and tried almost everything else before I found Christ. God's grace has changed me and is the only sure way I will move past intact to look again for the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus. Through faith in Him, we can all be more than conquerors over the unimaginable loss.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
In the context of today's message, the only appropriate tip is to suggest you pray for someone; anyone you feel might need it. Ask for God's mercy and guidance.
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