"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered" (Romans 8:35-36)

If anybody could write this encouraging word to us, it would be the Apostle Paul. Paul had such a revelation of grace that he was convinced that nothing could separate us from God's love. He saw it in all things and experienced it in every situation. That is why he wrote to us to tell us that God is the one who justifies us, Jesus is the one who intercedes for us, so base upon this, nothing could remove us from this position of favor and blessings with the Lord.

Circumstances in life certainly could not separate him from the love of God. Paul had the most revelation of any of the Apostles. Even over those who walked and talked with Jesus and yet he faced the most persecution and opposition because of it. Everywhere he went his revelation of the Lord caused such a stir because a massager of Satan followed him from place to place to buffet him ( II Corinthians 12:7 ). He knew the power of God and the love of God and it kept him going in the face of such resistance. He even wrote concerning this, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" ( II Corinthians 12:9 ). He knew the secret to strength, that was resting in the Lord and in his might power. He went on to say, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" ( II Corinthians 12:10 ).

Paul quoted the Old Testament scripture from Psalm 44 in regards to the persecution he faced. "Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered" ( Psalm 44:22 ). This is because Paul and his companions literally faced death in every town they went to. They were beat, imprisoned and even stoned for the sake of Christ. Yet he said it was for our sake they faced such things so that we could understand God's love for us. He wanted the world to know the truth that is in Christ Jesus. Because of this severe opposition to the message, he encourages us that nothing can separate us from this love, not trouble, not hardship, not persecution, not famine, not nakedness and certainly not danger or sword.

In today's society, we do not face any of these things on behalf of Christ. However many of our brothers and sister through out the world do on a daily basis. Yet a time is coming when even in America we will face persecution and death because we are believers. Through all of this, it is so important to sure ourselves up in the Love of God. To be fully convinced that nothing we face in life can separate us from God. Nothing man can do to us can nullify what Christ has already done for us. As born again believers we must get a revelation of God's love for us so that we can join with those who went before us fully convinced that we will forever belong to the Lord and nothing will change that. Getting this eternal perspective in life will change how we live and breath today. May the Lord quicken to your spirit this wonderful truth, amen.

Previous: Romans 8:34  Next: Romans 8:37

"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" (Romans 8:34)

If God doesn't condemn us based on the fact that he is the one justifying us, who can condemn us? Will Jesus? In today's passage, Paul is writing to us that Jesus is the one who died for us and now resides beside the Father making intercession for us. If he is pleading and interceding on our behalf then it makes sense that he would never bring accusation against us.

Jesus died for us to be reconciled to the Father. When he did this, he took all judgment for sin upon himself. The wrath of God was placed upon him in our stead and he was crushed beneath it until everything was paid for. Isaiah told us that the Messiah would bear up our iniquities and bring us peace with God by being our sacrificial lamb. "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all" ( Isaiah 53:4-6 ). Jesus paid for our sins so we wouldn't have to. Jesus brought us peace with God so we be in fellowship with him.

It was a marvelous thing for Jesus to do for us. He suffered at the hands of man becoming the very thing he hated so that we could become the very thing he was . He took our sin and gave us his righteousness ( II Corinthians 5:21 ). Since Jesus became the sin for us and by it took care of the sin problem forgiving mankind of all sins, it only reasons that he would never condemn us before God if by faith we have accepted his payment for sin.

Hebrews talks about this very thing in chapter 10. "But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" ( Hebrews 10:12-14 ). Jesus only offered one sacrifice for sin, paid for all of it and forgave our debt to it. Verse 18 says, "And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin" ( Hebrews 10:18 ). If there is one sacrifice for sin and everything is forgiven, then there is no more condemnation in regards to sin either. Just as God rested on the seventh day of creation because everything was finished, Jesus rested beside the Father in heaven because it too was finished. Now he lives at the right hand God interceding for us.

If anyone dare bring an accusation against us before God, Jesus is the one to testify for us. He is the one pleading and remind the Father of what he did for us. His blood covers a multitude of sin and his blood purifies us from those sins. Not only is this so, but he also promises never to remember them again. "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more" ( Hebrews 10:16 ).

Today, I am blessed to know that I have an advocate with the Father who loves me and is interceding on my behalf. I have blessed to know that everything in my past and future has been forgiven and wiped clean, so that I can live in newness of life, without regret. Today, it is my prayer that you understand this amazing truth. May you understand that Jesus is your sponsor with the Father and he will never bring accusation against you. May this revelation change your future, amen!

Previous: Romans 8:33  Next: Romans 8:35-36

"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Romans 8:33)

Who can accuse you before God? Who has any right to bring an accusation against you? The Bible tells us that God didn't even spare his own son for us and he is the one who justifies us. God is for us. Many times we do an good of condemning ourselves because we are basing life on how we feel or the circumstances around us. However understanding this truth as written in the Word of God will help you to overcome these emotion, because condemnation is a hazard to Christians.

What an amazing thing to be justified before God. The Greek word used here is dikaioō, which denotes to be just or innocent, to be free and righteous before God. The way it is used is as a verb, which means it's an action, God is showing us to right or righteous before him. The stress of this sentence lays upon the word God, meaning that this action of justifying is based solely upon him, not us. So if God is the one who is justifying us, or declaring us right, innocent, free and righteous, who can say otherwise. Who can condemn us?

The same Greek work is used in Romans 4:5, "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness" ( Romans 4:5 ). God justifies the believing sinner on the ground of Christ's death, since the propitiation for sin was perfect and complete, Christ was raised from the dead. His resurrection was the counterpart to the offering for sin and appeasing God's wrath against mankind. Since Christ was raised from the dead, it proves that this sacrifice was more than enough to bring us into right relationship with him. On the bases of this gift in Christ, God justifies the wicked. Which literally means that God was showing those with faith in Christ to be right or righteous before him. What an amazing thing.

In Exodus God told Moses to be careful when judging the people, he wanted them to be proved innocent first because he did not justify or acquit the wicked. "Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty" ( Exodus 23:7 ). God only acquits the innocent. Did God change? No, Hebrews tells us that he is the same yesterday, today and forever ( Hebrews 13:8 ). What changed is that by faith in Christ we are guiltless before God. If we are guiltless then He will acquits us. He was our substitution for sin and so by accepting this substitution the payment for sin was provided in Jesus. If sin's taken care of then we are innocent before God. He justifies us on the bases of Christ's death. Which means we are free and innocent before him because Christ was raised from the dead proving that it worked.

What a marvelous thing to know. Understanding this will enable you to live life without condemnation. John reminds us in I John, "whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" ( I John 3:20 ). All you have to do is to remind yourselves of this wonderful truth, God is the one who justifies... not even you can condemn. Today, I pray that this revelation of God's intense love towards you sinks in deep. I pray that this changes your heart and any feelings of condemnation you experience will flee in Jesus name, amen!

Previous: Romans 8:32  Next: Romans 8:34

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

We don't question whether or not God can do things, we question whether or not God will do them for us. However Paul is writing to us to remind us that God is for us. He proved it by sending Jesus as our substitution and propitiation for sin. Jesus died a criminals death so that we could be reconciled to God. Since by faith, we now stand before him righteous, holy and loved, it only proves Paul's point, there is nothing God wouldn't do for us.

What an amazing concept to understand. God loves us so much. Mankind screwed up in the very beginning and yet nothing we did was too great to be undone by Him. Isaiah told us, "And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor [no one to intervene on behalf of truth and right]; therefore His own arm brought Him victory, and His own righteousness [having the Spirit without measure] sustained Him" ( Isaiah 59:16 Amp ). God looked about and saw that in our present condition no one was capable to bridge the gap sin had created. This was unacceptable to him, so the Bible says that His own arm worked salvation for us. Jesus is the one who intervened in our behalf so that we could be restored to him.

This plan was put into effect over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born into a lowly manager. The plan was finished when Jesus arose from the dead conquering sin and death and bridging the gap for us, bringing us peace with God. Understanding the awesomeness of this deed will bring to light the fact that God will not withhold anything from you. He has written extensively in His Word all the sweet and precious promises that are yours by rights as his child. If he has promised it in his word, then you can be confident that it is yours. Peter talks about this when he said, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" ( II Peter 1:3-4 ). Not only are we redeemed but we can also escape the corruption of this world by walking by the Holy Spirit and living his Word. Through Christ we have total victory.

Paul penned in yesterdays passage, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" ( Romans 8:31 ) and then today, he said, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" ( Romans 8:32 ). What an amazing thing to ponder and internalize today. Not only have we be fully justified and put into right standing with God through faith in Jesus, but he has given us everything we need to navigate this life right now. And if that wasn't enough, he has promise to back us up in everything he has told us. The proof is written in the love story that unfolded so many years ago. Understanding this will change your heart. It will take you from knowing that God can do anything, to knowing that God will do it for you.

Today, on this Christmas morning, I pray that they eyes of your heart are opened to understanding this wonderful truth. As you celebrate Jesus' birth remember that he came for you. He loves you so much and considers you both friend and family. May the joy of this season overflow from your heart and change the world around you, amen!

Previous: Romans 8:31  Next: Romans 8:33

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Amazingly enough, this is a question that we should be asking ourselves regularly. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?' In Romans 8 alone, Paul has written extensively to prove this very point. God loves us, he sent his son Jesus to die for us, he gave us the Holy Spirit to be our counselor and guide and to remind us of everything Jesus told us. In lieu of this, this question holds amazing implications for us as believers... understanding the dynamics of how God feels about you will change your life. When holding this perspective in view and weighing everything else that happens against this revelation of God's love towards you, then the rest seems unimportant. David held this perspective throughout his entire life, he wrote in the Psalms, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). He penned this in the midst of turmoil and unrest. However he could write this because he knew God and knew that God loved him and in light of that, nothing else mattered.

Just as asking this question is important, so is reminding ourselves of the answer. ‘If God is for us, then who is against us?' Who can be our foe if God is on our side? Paul goes on in the next couple of verses to explain how God is the one who justified us ( Romans 8:33 ) and Jesus is the one who died for us (Romans 8:34) so in reality who can bring an accusation against us. This is so important to understand. So many people miss it in life if they do not understand the extent of God's love towards them. Jude tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21) because he knew that having this revelation equips the saints to be powerful in the kingdom.

It is amazing to me to know that God chose me and called me to be his child. It is amazing to know he died for me and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me. It is amazing to know that nothing can separate me from his love. Understanding this will empower you to overcome any obstacle you face. Understanding this will release you from the fear that keeps you in chains. David said in the Psalm, "The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1). And in today's passage Paul asks, "What, then, shall we say in response to this?" What is there to say? This revelation leaves me speechless!

Today, I am blessed to know and understand that God loves me and nothing can or will separate me from him. Today as you celebrate Christmas with your families, may you take the time to praise God for the marvelous thing he has done by sending Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Previous: Romans 8:30  Next: Romans 8:32

"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:30)

In many states, when you adopt a child a new birth certificate is issued. The adoptive parents are listed as the birth parents and the original birth certificate is sealed only to be opened again by court order. This is done so the adoption child can obtains every right that a naturally born child would possess. What an amazing thing adoption is. The good news for today, is the same is true for us as born again believers. God has adopted us into his family and we have received every right and privilege as His child.

In Romans 8, Paul has written extensively that we are God's children, testified by the Holy Spirit living within us ( Romans 8:16 ). In yesterday's passage, Paul wrote to us that God foreknew us and predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of his son ( Romans 8:29 ). Today, Paul is reminding us what that entails. As adoptive children, we have received every right and privilege that His own son has. Jesus has been glorified and seated at the right hand of the father in heaven and everything was place under his feet ( Ephesians 1:20-22 ).In the same manner, as God's children, we too share in this amazing position of authority. "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" ( Ephesians 2:6-7 ). Not only did he determine and appoint us before hand but he called, justified and glorified us in the process.

This is an amazing truth, but not understanding who you are in Christ Jesus and what is yours by your right as his child, will keep you from experiences this. The first thing that you must understand is that through Christ Jesus you are justified before God. Justification means that it is just as if you had never sinned. Through faith in his blood you are acquitted, made righteous and put into right standing with him. Understanding this will give you confidence before God, knowing that you face no condemnation from him ( Romans 8:1 ).

Next, it is important to understand that God has glorified you. He has raised you up to a heavily dignity and you currently exist in this condition and state of being. You have received every right and privilege as his heir and you are seated far above every principality in existence ( Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:6 ). Paul prayed for the Ephesians so that they would understand this truth because he knew it would empower them to fulfill God's will for their life. The same is true for us. God desires for us is to fulfill the purpose to which we have been called. Grasping this position of authority will propel you into fulfilling it because you will understand that every resource is available to you as God's heir.

Today, I pray that you spiritual eyes may be opened to understand this powerful word. I praise God that we have been foreordained, called and chosen to be God's children. I am thankful that we have already received every privilege of that association with him. Today, may you understand this truth and may it change your heart, amen.

Previous: Romans 8:29  Next: Romans 8:31

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29)

It is amazing to me that God chose us. His desire has always been to be in relationship with you. Peter said, that God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" ( II Peter 3:9 ). The Amplified Bible says that he is hoping that all should turn to repentance, denoting that this is a choice of free will. God does not force you to choose him. However, he has made it possible to be reconciled to him through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus. He did everything possible to restore you to the state mankind was in before the fall and then he left you with a choice. Deuteronomy 30 says, "...choose life, so that you and your children may live" ( Deuteronomy 30:19 ). He has even given us a choice, but in His mercy He has also given us the answer to the question... choose life so that you may live.

Many people get hung up on the predestination election debate, struggling to reconcile in their own minds this idea that God only chooses certain people. But the Bible clearly teaches that God's desire is for everyone to come to him and said yes to his calling. John said, speaking of Jesus, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" ( I John 2:2 ). He has offered this gift to the entire world even knowing that not everyone would choose him. However even with this knowledge, he still chose to be the propitiation for all sins, for all time, for everyone. Hebrews speaks of this when it says, "And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin" ( Hebrews 10:18 ). He took care of the sin problem for all time, so that we could be reconciled to God the Father through the gift of his grace. Understanding how this gift extends to everyone even when people do not choose him, will settle this question in your heart and mind. God's desire is for everyone to come to him, but he leaves the decision to us.

In today's passage Paul gives us an encouraging word, he tells us that "for those God foreknew he also predestined..." ( Romans 8:29 ). It is amazing to know that God thought about me in the beginning of all time. He knew who I would be and what it would take to bring me unto himself. This is part of the Holy Spirits function before salvation. Jesus said in John 16, "When he [Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned" ( John 16:8-11 ). This is a powerful statement. The Holy Spirit convicts and convinces the world of its guilt before God in hope that mankind will come to Jesus and receive grace and mercy. Once we have done that, he speaks righteousness to our hearts because we have an advocate with the Father through Jesus ( Hebrews 9:24 ), so we will never stand in condemnation ( Romans 8:1 ). And lastly he speaks of judgment, but this judgment is against his defeated foe, which already stands condemned. So before Salvation, the Holy Spirit was given to show the way to Jesus. He shows, convicts and drives the desire to know God. Even in children this is evident from the earliest of ages. God not only choose us but sent the Holy Spirit to show us the way, "for those God foreknew he also predestined...", what an amazing blessing this is.

He chose us to be conformed and molded into the likeness of his son Jesus. This is an amazing product of salvation. We have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit living inside of us so that we would inwardly have his likeness. Paul said in Ephesians, "to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" ( Ephesians 4:24 ). We have been made completely righteous and holy through Jesus. Everything God is, he has placed inside of our new born again spirit so that we would experience the victory that Jesus accomplished. Not only did God choose us, not only did God bring us to the point of choosing him, but once we did, he has given us an amazing gift so that our physical present realm would be transformed in the likeness of our born again spirits, the likeness of Jesus.

Through Jesus we can be confident in all of these things. We also know that since he is the firstborn among the dead, we too will experience a bodily resurrection and this is cause to rejoice ( Romans 8:11 ). Today, I praise God the father through Jesus that we have been called, sanctified and redeemed. I am blessed to know this encouraging word and to let it penetrate deep into my heart. Today, I pray that the eyes of your spirit are opened to receive this wonderful truth. Knowing how God has called and set you apart for his precious kingdom, amen!

Previous: Romans 8:28  Next: Romans 8:30

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28)

In today's passage, Paul is encouraging us that when we join with the Holy Spirit in intercession we can be confident that everything will work together for good. This is because God is a partner in our labor. As we work together, the Spirit intercedes for us and we release His power to operate on our behalf. Since this power works in accordance with God's will for our life, His will for his church and his will on the earth, we can rest assured that good will come out of it no matter what the circumstances are.

But notice that for good to result there is a few prerequisites to this statement. First of all Paul is tying this back to his previous statement about our active involvement in intercession with the Holy Spirit. When we pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, searches our hearts and makes supplication to God on our behalf. To do this is an act of faith, however reminding ourselves, when we pray, that all things work together for good helps will help us step out in faith and partner with the Holy Spirit making intercession.

Secondly, for all things to work together for good, we must love God. This wonderful promise does not extend to everyone. This amazing promise is for those who love God. Love is not a passive thing, love is an action. John reminded us to show our love, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" ( I John 3:18 ). Love is more than a feeling, love propels us to do as the Lord directs. Love is what drove God to send Jesus to die for us. So, in the same way, for all things to work together for good we must love God and be willing to go and do as he directs.

Lastly, for all things to work together for good, we must be called according to his purpose. No matter what circumstances come our way, God is able to make all grace abound. When we are operating in God's will then we can be confident that He will work it out in the midst of the situation. We can know what God's will is by finding this expression in His word. The Bible is full of His desire for you and for His church. We can also find God's specific will for your life by listening to the Holy Spirit. He will guide and direct you in all things. When we know and operate in this will then we can be confident in the good that will result.

We have been called into a wonderful partnership with the Lord. As His church we are His footprint in the world today. We have been commissioned and set apart for this specific purpose. We can know God's will for our lives and we can operate in accordance to that will through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we do this, we can constantly remind ourselves, "... that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" ( Romans 8:28 ). Today I praise God through Jesus that we have this sweet and precious promise to cling to in this midst of trials. I praise God that he partners with us to do wonderful works upon this earth. I am so thankful that God is able to bring about good in all things. May this revelation bless you today, Amen!

Previous: Romans 8:27  Next: Romans 8:29

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Romans 8:27)

Do you know what God's will for your life is? The Holy Spirit does, he is the one who actively intercedes for you so that God's will may be fulfilled in your life. He searches your heart and knows every intimate detail about you. David spoke of this in Psalms 139, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" ( Psalm 139:1-7 ). David paints of wonderful picture of the intensity of God's love for you. He is engrossed with every detail of your life. So it is only fitting that the Holy Spirit who understands your heart and who knows the mind of God is the one to intercede for you in accordance with God's will.

God has a plan for your life. He created you for a purpose. The Holy Spirit is the one to speak to your spirit this plan. Paul advised us in today's passage that "he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." ( Romans 8:27 ). The Holy Spirit is the translation piece between our spirit and God's spirit. Being flesh and blood, the Holy Sprit helps us by interceding for us with groans and utterances that words cannot express ( Romans 8:26 ).

This is one of the amazing things that we as born again believers experience in life. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, who is fully God, to us to help us on this earth. He reminds us of everything that Jesus said and shows us the constant love of the father. He speaks these truths to our hearts so that we can experience boldness before God. This wasn't always the case, it is because of what Jesus did that we can have this kind of relationship with God. Jesus turn our connection with Him from an outside observer to intimate fellowship.

Jesus revealed an amazing truth to the women at the well, he told her, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" ( John 4:24 ). Up until this time worship was ritualistic following guidelines and rules. But Jesus expanded worship to include relationship and intimate knowledge of God. Being a spirit, we connect with God on an entirely different level than the patriarchs did. We connect with him spirit to spirit. This is why it is so important to understand office of the Holy Spirit. He helps our spirit communicate with God's Spirit in an uninhibited and unrestrained way.

The Holy Spirit knows God's will, he also knows our intent. So it is his job to take our heart and communicate that to God and take God's will and communicate that to our hearts, so that it will be fulfilled in us. The Amplified Bible puts it best, "And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will" ( Romans 8:27 ). It is amazing to know that we have intercession before the Father who makes perfect our requests before him. It is wonderful to know that he knows our heart and God's heart and helps us in our weaknesses. It is encouraging to know that our prayers are not offered in limitation but carry the full power of God. Today may you find joy in understanding this tremendous truth, Amen!

Previous: Romans 8:26  Next: Romans 8:28