Scripture for the week of August 13, 2017

And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:30-31 (NLT)

In your childhood memories were you ever the unwanted and last one chosen when teams were picked to play a game? Were you not invited and left out of some special event or overlooked for a promotion you worked so hard for? What a comfort to read in these verses that God has chosen us and has called us to come to Him. He can make all things right and He frees us from all wrongs, sorrows and sins. We are invited to stand close to Him in His righteousness! God goes on to declare that He extends to us His glory; the joy of knowing His favor, goodness and presence is with us at all times. Lord, Jesus, touch the wounded places in our hearts and the sorrows in our memories with the power of your unconditional love and to know that we have been called to stand in your righteousness and glorious grace. Our God is for us! Amen!

By JoBeth Kested