Today is May 31.


May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.    
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    



Today’s reading is from the book of Romans, chapter 8.  



What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 

Welcome to prayer. Take a moment to sit in the reality of this verse: nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Allow those words to speak deeply to you. Talk to God about your sense of His presence in your life.  
   
When we face severe difficulty, it is normal to NOT feel like conquerors. It is only by the spirit of God and the power of Christ that we can know the truth of Christus Victor even in the midst of our hardship. Are you suffering right now in any area? Consider your neighborhood, or our world. Where do you see suffering and hardship? Call these people or places and situations to mind and intercede for them as you listen to the text again.  
   
The Bible does not promise us ease and security. Rather, the Bible is honest in it’s description of real life in the real world: It can be very, very difficult. Tragic, even. And in the midst of this: God is with you. God will overcome. God’s justice and mercy will prevail, and in the end of all things, He will make all things good.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Music: "I Speak Jesus" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)