Thurs., 8/25/16 Devotion (Rom. 15:13)

Today's encouragement comes from Romans 15:13, where we read these words:

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

This sweet verse (above) ought to encourage all of us, today. Note that it is "in believing" that we receive the blessings of joy and peace from the "God of hope." It is not in doing, trying, or striving that we benefit from these heavenly things—but rather in "believing."

Let all of us who by God’s grace have put our faith in Jesus, and who are joined to Him in His church "abound in hope." We are the only ones on earth who have any reason to have any hope at all; and we are to flourish in it. Hope in Christ will never disappoint. Let us fully trust in Him this day.

[Puritan quote of the day: "If you would regain a comfortable assurance of God's love, keep a holy and conscientious care to live in grace throughout the course of your lives.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Dejected Soul's Cure"]