....**December 1
Today’s Reading: Romans 5–8
Faith That Brings Joy**
Scripture Focus
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Romans 5:2 (NLT)
Devotion
Hebrews tells us that faith is the substance — the solid foundation — of what we hope for.
It’s the evidence — the inner proof — of the things our eyes cannot yet see.
Faith makes the invisible promises of God real to our hearts before they ever show up in our lives.
Romans 5–8 shows this truth beautifully.
It shows what faith looks like, what it does, and how it fills us with joy.
Romans 5 — We Stand in Grace
Because of our faith:
Romans 5 also reminds us:
even when we don’t feel it.
Romans 6 — We Are Free From Sin
Romans 6 tells us that grace doesn’t make us careless.
Grace makes us new.
We died with Christ.
We rose with Christ.
And now sin is no longer our master.
Faith says:
“I am not who I used to be.
I am free to obey God with joy.”
Romans 7 — The Struggle Is Real
Paul speaks honestly:
“I want to do right but I still struggle.”
“I hate the sin I fall into.”
“Who will rescue me?”
We know this struggle deeply.
But Paul ends with hope:
“Thank God — the answer is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 7 shows that the battle doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re alive in Christ.
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
Here is the victory:
the life of someone who is fully held by God.
Faith stands in grace (Romans 5).
Faith walks in freedom (Romans 6).
Faith wrestles honestly (Romans 7).
Faith rises in victory (Romans 8).
Lesson for Me
Faith is not just believing in God —
faith is standing on what God has already said.
Faith gives me joy because:
Faith brings joy, not pressure.
Faith brings rest, not striving.
Application Questions
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing me into this place of undeserved privilege.
Help me stand in Your grace, walk in Your freedom, and rest in Your love.
Strengthen my faith so that I see Your promises as more real than my feelings.
Fill me with the joy that comes from knowing I am Yours — forgiven, free, and never separated from Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask:
“Lord, what are You saying to me through Romans 5–8?
What do You want to strengthen or change in me today?”
Write what He shows you.
Today’s Reading: Romans 5–8
Faith That Brings Joy**
Scripture Focus
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Romans 5:2 (NLT)
Devotion
Hebrews tells us that faith is the substance — the solid foundation — of what we hope for.
It’s the evidence — the inner proof — of the things our eyes cannot yet see.
Faith makes the invisible promises of God real to our hearts before they ever show up in our lives.
Romans 5–8 shows this truth beautifully.
It shows what faith looks like, what it does, and how it fills us with joy.
Romans 5 — We Stand in Grace
Because of our faith:
- We have peace with God
- We stand in a place of undeserved privilege
- We can rejoice in trials, because God uses them to build endurance, character, and hope
Romans 5 also reminds us:
- Christ loved us at our worst, not our best
- His death saved us, and His life keeps us
- Grace always overflows more than sin
even when we don’t feel it.
Romans 6 — We Are Free From Sin
Romans 6 tells us that grace doesn’t make us careless.
Grace makes us new.
We died with Christ.
We rose with Christ.
And now sin is no longer our master.
Faith says:
“I am not who I used to be.
I am free to obey God with joy.”
Romans 7 — The Struggle Is Real
Paul speaks honestly:
“I want to do right but I still struggle.”
“I hate the sin I fall into.”
“Who will rescue me?”
We know this struggle deeply.
But Paul ends with hope:
“Thank God — the answer is Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 7 shows that the battle doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re alive in Christ.
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
Here is the victory:
- There is no condemnation for those in Christ
- The Holy Spirit gives life and peace
- We are God’s children and heirs
- The Spirit helps us in weakness and intercedes for us
- God works all things together for good
- Nothing can separate us from His love
the life of someone who is fully held by God.
Faith stands in grace (Romans 5).
Faith walks in freedom (Romans 6).
Faith wrestles honestly (Romans 7).
Faith rises in victory (Romans 8).
Lesson for Me
Faith is not just believing in God —
faith is standing on what God has already said.
Faith gives me joy because:
- I stand in grace
- I walk in freedom
- I’m not condemned in my struggle
- I am held in God’s love
- And nothing can separate me from Him
Faith brings joy, not pressure.
Faith brings rest, not striving.
Application Questions
- Where do I need to stand in God’s grace today instead of in guilt or pressure?
- In what areas do I still act like sin is my master — even though Christ has freed me?
- What struggles in my life mirror Romans 7, and how can I surrender them to God?
- What truth from Romans 8 do I need to declare over my life today?
- What would it look like to live with the joy and confidence that nothing can separate me from God’s love?
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing me into this place of undeserved privilege.
Help me stand in Your grace, walk in Your freedom, and rest in Your love.
Strengthen my faith so that I see Your promises as more real than my feelings.
Fill me with the joy that comes from knowing I am Yours — forgiven, free, and never separated from Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask:
“Lord, what are You saying to me through Romans 5–8?
What do You want to strengthen or change in me today?”
Write what He shows you.