Romans 8:38, 39 - Omnipotent Love.
Romans 8:38, 39 (NLT) And I am convinced
that nothing can ever separate us from Gods
love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries
about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can
separate us from Gods love. 39 No power in the sky
above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in
all creation will ever be able to separate us
from the love of God that is revealed in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
COMMENTARY PEARL
I enjoy playing video games, especially
with my daughter. It's fun to collect coins and
gems, to explore virtual lands, and to solve
puzzles. However, in many of the games, there are bad
guys that need to be defeated to continue making
progress. My eye-hand coordination isn't great, and
I'm not fast enough to beat them. That's when I
pass the controller to my daughter. She's of the
generation that grew up with computers. She easily
trounces the bad guys for me.
Every day, we face enemies we need to
conquer. As we explore our world and gather the
blessings Jesus sends our way, we also run into
problems. Romans 8 shares a few of the trials we may
face, then reassures us that we are conquerors
over those enemies. But the last half of verse 37
is vital: "through him who loved us. Jesus
is the Mighty Warrior Who loves us and enables
us to confront our struggles. He is the One Who
conquers.
Today I was stressing out over a work
problem, putting more and more effort into conquering
it by using my own strength. I felt defeated
and weary. When I remembered that the love of
Christ is constantly and steadfastly at work on my
behalf, fighting the baffles for me, the worry
lifted. Let's start using frustration and stress as
a signal to hand over the controller to the
One Who has conquered sin and death for us. by
Sharon Hinck
Faith Step: Play a computer game. Or work
on a crossword puzzle. When you get to an
obstacle, consider Jesus's offer to let us turn to Him
with your struggles. [Mornings With Jesus 2018
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
COMMENTARY
Today, some two thousand years after Paul
wrote this Q&A in Romans, these potential
obstacles remain just as relevant. Troubles and
hardships certainly transcend time. You might be
facing some kind of trouble or hardship right now -
marriage struggles, physical injury, trouble with
your kids.
Thanks to social media, persecution can
take the form of cyberbullying. Maybe people make
fun of you for reading your Bible or for
remaining a virgin until marriage. Maybe others
ridicule you for walking away from shady business
deals.
Even if you're not naked or in famine,
like millions of people in our world, what about
financial challenges? Does it ever feel like there's
more month left than money?
In my country, fortunately, our lives are
not endangered by our public worship like in
some nations around the globe. But you might
still be in danger - from a chronic illness, an
abusive relationship, or PTSD from old wounds.
Paul answered his own question. He knew
in all these various obstacles and challenges,
we are more than conquerors. It's important
that we acknowledge that this promise is not
fulfilled under our own power - but through the power
of the risen Christ, who loves us.
If you follow Christ, you are more than a
conqueror - you are an overcomer.
Jesus, thank you that nothing and no one
can come between us. I'm so grateful for the
power of your love and the way it fuels me on my
journey. Today, with your help, I will overcome every
obstacle that comes my way. [Daily Power by Craig
Groeschel]
ILLUSTRATIONS
Today I played my thirteen-year-old son,
Stephen, in checkers. Before I tell you how the game
ended, you need to know that Stephen is two grades
ahead in math, and that's because it's as far
ahead as experts agree is wise to allow him to go.
In other words, he's crazy smart.
Several moves into the game, I made a
mistake. Just one, but it was crucial. Stephen
pounced on my misstep and that was all she wrote.
Although I put up the best fight I had, I never stood
a chance. By the end of the game, I had only
jumped him once as he beamed at me. I wouldn't want
him to know, but to say he crushed me would be
an understatement.
Sometimes in life it feels like we are
being trampled by our Enemy. But the truth is,
with Christ, we are "more than conquerors." This
three word, power-packed phrase comes from the
Greek word hupernikao. This word means to vanquish
beyond recognition, to gain a decisive victory. It
means exceedingly more than to conquer. Its
like David defeating Goliath. It's like Gideon
besting the Midianites. It's like Jesus conquering
the devil. And yes, it's like what Stephen did
to me in checkers.
If you are facing something that is more
than you can handle, remember, you are not alone.
With Christ, you are more than a conqueror.
Even when I feel defeated and
discouraged, Lord, I know that my victory remains strong
in you. [Daily Power by Craig Groeschel]
Some Birthday
I plopped down on the sofa, exhausted
after a long day of housework and caring for
toddlers. It was my birthday, but there would be no
cake, no ice cream, no family get-together. I was
the planner of such events, and I wasn't about
to do all that extra work for myself. Who wants
to bake her own birthday cake? Certainly not
me. "Some birthday," I muttered.
Birthdays were a lot more fun when I was
growing up, when someone was around to make a big
deal out of them. Not so anymore. Dad was
dead"buried on my twentieth birthday. Mom had
Alzheimer's disease and didn't even know I existed. My
brother and sister were busy raising their own
families in other states. My husband worked
thirteen-hour days and had neither the time nor the money
even to buy me a card - I didn't give him much of
an allowance after the bills were paid. My kids
were too little to do anything about my birthday
blues. The only party I'd have this year would be a
pity party.
"Lord," I whispered into the now-quiet
living room, "I feel so alone. I know it's silly,
but today I just need to hear something spe-cial
from you." I opened my Bible to the day's
meditation. As I read Romans 8:35-39, I heard the voice
of the Creator of the universe whispering,
Michele, I love you. What a cure for the "birthday
blues"!
Michele Huey, newspaper columnist,
author, writing teacher, mentor, and workshop
leader, is the producer of God, Me, & a Cup of Tea,
a daily devotional radio program.
Have a Nice Day
A woman was gliding along the interstate
in her new convertible on a relaxing spring
evening drive. With the top down and the breeze
blowing through her hair, she decided to see just
how fast her new car would go.
The speedometer needle jumped to eighty,
then ninety, then one hundred miles per hour.
Suddenly she saw flashing red-and-blue lights coming
up behind her. She sighed and pulled over.
The officer asked for her driver's
license and examined it and the car.
"Look," he said wearily, "it's been a
very long day. This is the end of my shift, and
it's Friday night. I really don't feel like
creating more paperwork, so if you can give me an
excuse for speeding that I haven't heard before,
you can go."
The lady thought for a second. Then she
looked up at the officer, smiled, and said, "Last
week my husband ran off with one of your lady
officers. When I saw your flashing lights, I was
afraid she was trying to give him back."
The policeman handed back her license and
turned toward his car, saying with a slight smile,
"Have a nice night."
Have you ever wondered if God sometimes
looks at those of us whom he has rescued from sin,
sees us committing the same offenses over and
over again, and thinks maybe he should just give
us back to the devil? Fortunately for us, he
never does. Instead, he continually lavishes his
astonishing love on us, renewing his forgiveness and
salvation every morning as he says, "Have a nice day."
Father, we do not deserve your patience
and long-suffering care, but we accept it
greedily, because we know we need it so badly. Thank
you for loving us so completely through your
Son, Jesus. Amen. [The One Year Devotional of Joy
and Laughter by Mary Hollingsworth]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Relax in My Presence, knowing that
nothing can separate you from My Love. The
worst-case scenario in your life ~ that I might stop
loving you ~ is not even in the realm of
possibility. So rejoice that you dont have to perform
well enough to earn My Love, or to keep it. This
Love is pure gift, flowing out of My own perfect
righteousness. It secures your connection to Me ~ your
Savior ~ for all eternity.
Since the worst thing imaginable is not
possible, you can relax and live more abundantly. When
things are going well in your life, I want you to
enjoy those good times fully ~ without worrying
about what is on the road ahead. When you are
facing tough times, I will help you and strengthen
you with My Love. Even though you live in a
world where trouble is inescapable, you can be of
good cheer because I have overcome the world!
(Rom. 8:39; John 10:10; 16:31) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
I want you to be all mine. I am weaning you
from other dependencies. Your security rests in
Me alone - not in other people, not in
circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking
on a tightrope, but there is a safety net
underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of
falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always
before you, beckoning you on - one step at a time.
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, can separate you from My loving Presence.
(Deu. 33:27; Rom. 8:39) [Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young]
Nothing can separate you from My Love.
Let this divine assurance trickle through your
mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you
start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this
unconditional promise: "Nothing can separate me from Your
Love, Jesus.
Most of mankind's misery, stems from
feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse
circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been
withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of
abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself. Be
assured that I never abandon any of My children, not
even temporarily. I will never leave you or
forsake you! My Presence watches over you
continually. I have engraved you on the palms of My
hands. (Rom. 8:38, 39; Jos. 1:5; Isa. 49:15, 16)
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
As you sit quietly in My presence, let Me
fill your heart and mind with thankfulness. This
is the most direct way to achieve a thankful
stance. If your mind needs a focal point, gaze at My
Love poured out for you on the cross. Remember
that nothing in heaven or on earth can separate
you from that Love. This remembrance builds a
foundation of gratitude in you, a foundation that
circumstances cannot shake.
As you go through this day, look for tiny
treasures strategically placed along the way. I
lovingly go before you and plant little pleasures to
brighten your day. Look carefully for them, and pluck
them one by one. When you reach the end of the
day, you will have gathered a lovely bouquet.
Offer it up to Me with a grateful heart. Receive
My Peace as you lie down to sleep, with
thankful thoughts playing a lullaby in your mind.
(Rom. 8:38, 39; Psa. 4:7, 8) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
CLOSING THOUGHT
The Power Of Love
In days of uncertainty, strong racial
feelings, and unrest, we need to experience the love
of God. Let us anchor our hope in the truth,
"God is love: God's power, by which He rules
the world, is the power of undying love. He
works through the hearts and wills of men and
women who are wholly yielded to Him. He waits for
us to open our hearts to Him in love. Then,
full of courage, we become witnesses for Him.
This is how Christ's kingdom is
manifested and His reign of love on earth begun. Christ
died in order to establish this kingdom. The only
means He used to gain influence was by showing a
serving, suffering love. He saw the possibility of
redemption in even the worst of people, knowing that
their hearts could never resist the steady
influence of love. It was in the fervor of that love
that Jesus' disciples were able to do the
impossible.
The spirit of hatred and bitterness can
never be overcome by argument or reproaches. Some
think things can never be different, but if we
really believe in the omnipotence of God's love, we
may trust His power. Our faith in love as the
greatest power in the world should prepare us for a
life in communion with God in prayer and for a
life of service. [Andrew Murray 365-Day
Devotional Bible by Barbour]
ONE LINER
When things go wrong in life, we may feel as
though we've been abandoned by God. But we can find
strength and comfort in today's scripture, for God
has promised that His love is more powerful than
anything in the world - stronger even than death! Our
Lord will never keep His love from us, no matter
what circumstances life may bring our way.
There's no other love like that. [The 365 Daily
Promise Bible By Barbour]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
John 3:16 - The Love of God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201111-1036.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.revelationnow.com/
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio (recent):
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
