OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries
JANUARY 8, 2023
READ: Romans 8 (Focus vs. 31–39)
MEMORY VERSE
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
BACKGROUND
When my husband coached our son’s Little League baseball team, he rewarded the players with an end-of-year party and acknowledged their improvement over the season.
One of our youngest players, Dustin, approached me during the event. “Didn’t we lose the game today?”
“Yes,” I said. “But we’re proud of you for doing your best.”
“I know,” he said. “But we lost. Right?”
I nodded.
“Then why do I feel like a winner?” Dustin asked.
Smiling, I said, “Because you are a winner.”
Dustin had thought that losing a game meant he was a failure even when he’d done his best. As believers in Jesus, our battle is not confined to a sports field. Still, it’s often tempting to view a tough season of life as a reflection of our worth.
The apostle Paul affirmed the connection between our present suffering and our future glory as God’s children. Having given Himself for us, Jesus continues to work on our behalf during our ongoing battle with sin and transforms us to His likeness (Romans 8:31–32).
Though we’ll all experience hardship and persecution, God’s unwavering love helps us persevere (vv. 33–34).
As His children, we may be tempted to allow struggles to define our worth. However, our ultimate victory is guaranteed. We may stumble along the way, but we’ll always be “more than conquerors” (vv. 35–39).
By: Xochitl Dixon
INSIGHT
Before His suffering and death, Jesus both warned and assured His followers, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Later, Paul and Barnabas encouraged believers “to remain true to the faith” in the hardships they’d face (Acts 14:22). And Paul sent Timothy to strengthen the Thessalonians so they wouldn’t be unsettled by the trials they were “destined for” (1 Thessalonians 3:2–3).
Jesus clearly stated that as His followers we would—like Him—be persecuted (John 15:20). Commentator Walter Elwell states: “Affliction is characteristic of life in a spoiled creation, but it is a means of discipline that can lead to obedience to God….
The afflictions experienced by Christians ‘will result in God’s richest blessing . . . forever and ever’ (2 Corinthians 4:16–18 lb).” We’re “more than conquerors through [Christ]”! (Romans 8:37).
By: Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
When has your confidence in God’s love helped you press on? How has He affirmed your value as His beloved child even after a great loss?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. Proverbs 24:16 (nlt)
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“As believers in Jesus, it’s often tempting to view a tough season of life as a reflection of our worth… As His children…We may stumble along the way, but we’ll always be “more than conquerors””
PRAYER
“Father, thank You for helping me rise up through trials in victorious praise.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WE FALL DOWN BUT WE GET UP” Donnie McClurkin
We fall down
But we get up
We fall down
But we get up
We fall down
But we get up
For a saint
Is just a sinner who fell down,
But we couldn’t stay there,
And got up
We fall down
But we get up
We fall down
But we get up
We fall down
But we get up
Get back up again
Get back up again
Get back up again
Get back up again…
*READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN 2023
GENESIS 18-22
MATTHEW 6