“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Today, we begin the Book of Romans. Our devotion comes from Romans 1:1-7.
“1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,
3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,
4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 1:1-7.
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We have received grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:4-5. “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16.
“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
At the end of the worship service yesterday, our minister exhorted us to receive this benediction from Numbers 6:24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Amen.”
Let not these words make no impression on us. Let not these words be like water which rolls off a duck’s back.
Each moment of every day we need grace! Each moment of every day we need peace!
Whether we are exhorted to receive a blessing of grace and peace in the beginning by salutation as in today’s Scripture, or are exhorted to receive a blessing of grace and peace at the end of the worship service by benediction, let us hold our hands out literally or figuratively to joyfully receive and cling to that blessing in faith.
Throughout the week, let us remember that blessing of grace and peace and cherish it. Let us face the week knowing that we will experience that grace and peace in countless ways.
“Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.” Psalm 40:5.
“12 Walk about Zion and go around her;
Count her towers;
13 Consider her ramparts;
Go through her palaces,
That you may tell it to the next generation.
14 For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.” Psalm 48:12-14.
Count her towers;
13 Consider her ramparts;
Go through her palaces,
That you may tell it to the next generation.
14 For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.” Psalm 48:12-14.
“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.” Psalm 89:15.
“17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18.
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 