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. INTRODUCTION Gods love is eternal. These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christs constant presence with us. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL When Christ is the Focus HOW DO WE OVERCOME THE PERILS THAT STEAL OUR ZEST FOR LIFE? LET THE PROMISES OF GOD'S WORD UPHOLD YOU EVERY DAY. TURN CONSTANTLY TO HIM IN PRAYER. FOCUS YOUR THOUGHTS ON CHRIST, AND MAINTAIN YOUR CONNECTION WITH OTHER BELIEVERS WHO CAN ENCOURAGE AND HELP YOU. God's Word is true: nothing can separate us from Him. In the weeks before her death, my wife, Ruth, repeated this scripture over and over to us. Ruth was always thinking of others. This was her secret for getting through so much of life with joy. She never focused on her problems; she turned her attention to Christ, and He always led her to someone who needed a word of encouragement or a listening ear. The Lord blesses people who bless others, and He gives grace to those who focus on the things that please Him. But most of all, as we learn to trust every day into His hands, we grow closer to Christ. And that is life's greatest joy. Have you shared the Lord's love today? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham] COMMENTARY It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine power will be unsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the language of your soul will be, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Said the apostle Paul, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Let no one think he can overcome without the help of God. You must have the energy, the strength, the power, of an inner life developed within you. You will then bear fruit unto godliness, and will have an intense loathing of vice. You need to constantly strive to work away from earthliness, from cheap conversation, from everything sensual, and aim for nobility of soul and a pure and unspotted character. MS. 4a, 1885. MM143,4 Prayer is essential in order to receive strength to contend with the powers of darkness, and to do the work allotted us. Our own strength is weakness, but that which God gives is mighty and will make everyone who obtains it more than conqueror. 2T203 When Christ is abiding in the heart, you will not be light, chaffy, and immodest, but circumspect, and reliable in every place, sending forth pure words like streams from a pure fountain, refreshing all with whom you come in contact. If you decide to continue your idle talk and frivolous conduct, go into some other place where your influence and example will not be so widely felt, contaminating other souls. What you all need is such a sense of the purity and holiness of Christ as will lead you to despise this pretense of religion which blesses no one, gives no peace of conscience, no repose of faith. MM144,5 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Romans 8:38, 39 - Omnipotent Love. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221024-0837.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201116-1155.html John 3:16 - The Love of God. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201111-1036.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/