DEVOTIONAL: romans 1:6-7
We are loved by God. We are His children.
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Romans 1:6-7 NKJV
“among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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Beloved: Loved; greatly loved; dear to the heart.
We are dear to the heart of God. The maker of the Heavens and earth. He knows you... yes He knows everything and loves you.
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Those who are His are called to be saints. This is inferring sanctified person.
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Saint: refers to a sanctified person. One separated from the world and consecrated to God; one holy by profession and by covenant; a believer in Christ
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Sanctified: Made holy; consecrated; set apart for sacred services.
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We are to live see apart from the world around us. To love differently, to speak differently, to post differently, to care differently.
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Romans 1:7a
“To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints”
We are saints reguardless of how long we have been a believer. Being a saint is who you become when you say yes to Jesus.
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Galatians 2:20 NKJV
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
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We are saints by divine call. Because of the cross. We no longer live but Christ in us. We are new in Him. The last devotion talked about Paul being a servant. We too are servants of Christ, receiving and giving away what He has given us! And oh boy it’s ALOT! Sin separates us from God, often times when we can’t see Him or feel Him in our lives we need to repent of sin (to acknowledge, ask for forgiveness and turn), come vulnerable to Him and ask Him “what do you want to tell me today”.
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We no longer live our old self died on the cross... it would be weird to carry around an old dead body. La la la no... don’t do that! You’re new IN CHRIST.
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Romans 1:7b
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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Grace: Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; as a grant made as an act of grace; Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.
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Peace: In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to the temper of the mind.
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THESE ARE YOURS FROM GOD AND OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. So DO NOT let the enemy lie to you and tell you they aren’t. Fight the feelings with the truth! It is through the cross we can truly receive indenting grace and peace. We can have peace in every situation because God is peace.
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Questions: Where do you find your identity? This can be people, relationships, gatherings, skills. Where do you find your sense of value? According to the reading today who are you? How does this change your life and how can you apply it today? What does God want to tell you today? (Ask Him^^).
