Romans 15: 4 – 6
Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope. And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us your Holy Scriptures so that through your word, we might learn from those who came before us. Your Holy Spirit inspired the writers to detail what you knew was necessary for us to know. You had recorded those who were pillars of faith, but even they had sinned. However, in their trust, they held on to the promise of forgiveness that came through your Son. Their faith restored them to your good favor. You saw them as righteous because they trusted you for everything they needed. You also record those whom you called—Cain, King Saul, and Judas—but in the end, they rejected your love and walked away from you. They were not one with you or others. However, you demonstrated your mercy by constantly calling for them to return until their time of grace was over.
Lord, let us learn from this today; that nothing is too great for your love to forgive and overcome except the complete rejection of your Spirit. You loved the world so much that you sent your Son to suffer and die for all the world’s sins. So that by believing—with no strings attached—we have the forgiveness of sins, salvation, and everlasting life. Thank you for being patient and for the tremendous love, grace, and mercy you have for us. May we love you in return and also love one another with the same patient endurance. So that through the forgiveness of sins, we are all united in one mind and one voice and glorify you.
Let us never forget that love and forgiveness are the desires of your heart, and let us share these gifts with those who do not know you, so they will also trust in you and have your salvational gift delivered to them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
What is the desire of God’s heart? He wants all people. So how does he get us? It is not by what we do but by the word. Through faith, we see our sins and lay them at the foot of Jesus’ cross in repentance, and then in forgiveness, we are restored to the Father; this is how he gets us.