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13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Thank you, Jesus, for your presence in my life and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. I can imagine Paul and his scribe Tertius drafting this benediction and I cannot help to think about the effort required to write each word in his day. A stark contrast to the smooth rhythmic flow of my ergonomic, cushioned gel pen sprawling these words in a color of my choosing.
I am spoiled by the luxury of modern convenience.
It is hard to fathom the incredible sacrifice of the early followers of Jesus, their obedience to Christ not only penned the Word, but many also suffered and died to protect the Bible. They are not alone, Christians throughout history have been martyred for their faith in Jesus. My heart aches for my Christian brothers and sisters being oppressed and slaughtered in Afghanistan this very instant. Lord hear our prayers of comfort and protection; we are all one body in Christ!
Here I perch on my couch with pen, paper, my bible resting open on my legs, unlimited access to hot coffee, snacks, and 19 additional pen colors to fill my heart’s desire.
I am spoiled by the luxury of modern convenience.
I am embarrassed to confess the excuses I have made or not being in the Word, not journaling, and neglecting my spiritual growth. Gratefully we serve an incredibly patient God who deeply loves us, even when we fall short, which I often do, strike that, always do.
Back to the verse:
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Thank you for this divinely inspired Word, painstaking crafted and preserved for generations upon generations. Forgive me, Father, for the countless times I took my blessings for granted and neglected my relationship with you. Lord, grant me all the joy and peace through abiding faith in you alone. The Holy Spirit search me, make the room that I might overflow with hope through your abiding eternal flame. I ask a special blessing on all my Christian brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who are standing fast in their faith in you Jesus and being persecuted and murdered. Comfort the grieving, protect their families from forces of evil intent to turn them away from you Lord. I pray these things as a humble servant always and forever. -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory.
–Love Cortney