Romans 15:4


For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope ~ Romans 15:4

The Apostle Paul knew the Scriptures inside out. He was a scholar and as such had studied and memorized the word from the Torah. When he needed words to bring encouragement during a time of struggle, they came easily to bring him hope. We know from his story he encountered many challenges in life, from ship wrecks, imprisonment, beatings, and more, yet he never swerved from his calling. We encounter many different kinds of trials, most of us not near what Paul encountered, or what some Christians in other parts of the world face daily. What then, holds us strong as we try to follow Jesus? If we do not have the word of God in our heart, the struggle is much harder to bear. The Word of God is a “light to my path” as the psalmist says. Paul affirms here the encouragement and hope we have through the reading of the whole word of God. Memorization of scripture is not something we do anymore, with our children or with adults. Daily reading of the Word of God is not done by all followers of Christ either in our day and age. Too often we depend on the Preacher and Sunday church to give us our portion for the week, but it is not enough. I encourage you, if you are not in the Word of God on a daily basis, open up the book God gave freely and read of His love, His power, and His overcoming the battle of Satan which you daily face. He wants you to be empowered, to have the victory for which He died and took your punishment. In Jesus’ name, you are the victor!
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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