And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him - and all along He knew who would - should become like His Son, so that His Son would be the First, with many brothers.

   And having chosen us, He called us to come to Him; and when we came, He declared us "not guilty," filled us with Christ's goodness, gave us right standing with Himself, and promised us His glory. What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?

   For who can act against you without the Lord's permission? It is the Lord Who helps one and harms another. Why then should we, mere humans as we are, murmur and complain when punished for our sins? Let us examine ourselves instead, and repent, and turn again to the Lord. A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.

   Look up into the heavens! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, calling each by its pet name, and counts them to see that none are lost or strayed, so God does with stars and planets! O Jacob, O Israel, how can you say that the Lord doesn't see your troubles and isn't being fair? He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

   "As I live," says the Lord God, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?" For remember, when your body suffers, sin loses its power, and you won't be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but will be anxious to do the will of God. He is able to keep you from slipping and falling away, and to bring you, sinless and perfect, into His glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy. Amen.

Taken from Rom. 8, Lam. 3, Pr. 19, Is. 40, Ezek. 33, I Pt. 4, Jude, The New King James,
The Living Bible and The New International Version. For free Lifescope book,
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