Day 31: Friday, March 31, 2017       Romans 8:28-39(NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

 we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The disciples were fulfilling the great commission, sharing the Great News of our personal salvation, through their testimony and teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They suffered trials, persecution, hostility and physical death to carry out God’s         purpose, and yet He carried them through it all.  Have you felt tested in circumstances where you were standing on humility and truth? Possibly, those around you became obstacles to your obedience?  When we choose to call on the Spirit of Christ, His grace and love will guide us to peace no matter what obstacles we encounter.  Christ is the only reflection we see when we call upon His Spirit.

Prayer: Gracious Lord Jesus, Your grace is sufficient and Your love is never ending. You are my only hope in this force against sin and I call on You to intercede in this daily battle. You have called me by name and no one and nothing can separate me from Your love.  All glory and honor in Christ, my Savior.  Amen.

Contributed by Lisa Kure