A Word of Encouragement

September 7, 2026

Burning Heart - circa 1976

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Paul's letter to the believers in Rome is possibly my favorite book in the Bible.

Like Abraham was credited as righteous - acceptable to God (AMPC) - because he believed God's promises, we to are credited as righteous because we believe His promise. "The promise that Jesus' death was for our sins and His resurrection was for our justification." (Romans 4)

After telling us we are justified - acceptable to God - by believing Him, Paul continues,

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
	Romans 5:1

We are acceptable to God, because we believe Him and we celebrate His acceptance with hope. (Vs. 2) But Paul continued, "Not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Whatever our situation today - our fears, worries, loneliness, hurts, even our trials, - we can be sure of one thing;

God loves US.

And He proved His love!

One will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
	Romans 5:7-8

As Paul wrote in another letter, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

God of ahavah v shalom - God of love and peace - I do not deserve it, but thank You for declaring me yitzdak im Hashem - justified with God

If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
	Romans 5:10

Believe and have peace with God,