Scripture for the Day
Romans 5:1-5
The Mirror Translation:
The conclusion is clear: our blameless innocence has absolutely nothing to do with something we did to qualify ourselves; it is what happened to us, solely because of our Lord Jesus Christ’s doing. Faith, and not reward, is the only valid basis for righteousness. Let us now fully engage this seamless union in our face to face friendship with God. Jesus is God’s face to face grace embrace of the entire human race. So here we are, standing tall in the joyful bliss of our redeemed innocence. We are God’s dream come true. This was God’s idea all along. Our blissful boasting in him remains uninterrupted in times of trouble; we know that pressure reveals patience. Tribulation does not have what it takes to nullify what hope knows we already have. Patience provides proof of every positive expectation. This kind of hope does not disappoint; the gift of the Holy Spirit completes our every expectation and ignites the love of God within us like an artesian well.
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The Passion Translation:
Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that has given us a perfect relationship with God. What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory! But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!
For Further Consideration
Because that was a lot, I’m going to try and keep this section brief. Isn’t it interesting how different those two sections of Scripture read - and they are the same verses? It’s our faith that is rewarded - not anything we do. And our hope will never disappoint when it is in placed in God. We have “joyful confidence” that we are in perfect relationship with God - even though we are imperfect.
Declaration
While imperfect, I have joyful confidence that I am in perfect relationship with God because of my faith and for no other reason. I am God’s big idea - his dream come true. There is nothing that can separate me from the love of God.
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven,
I praise you for our perfect relationship in spite of my flaws. In challenges that life throws at me, I know you are with me and that I am able to build both patience and endurance because my hope in you is not a fantasy - and never a disappointment. You always show up, Lord. Please ignite Your perfect love within me so that I may be the vessel that pours out your love and kindess to others.
In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
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