The God of...

Reading my Bible the other day, I came across a few verses that really encouraged me. Isn't it funny how God encourages us just when we need it? Myself, I think it's pretty cool.

Romans 15:4-6: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

You see that? First it says we need endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and then it tells us where we get it: From God! God is the God of endurance and encouragement, and He never fails! And speaking of hope,

Romans 15:12-13: "And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Our God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in believing. He gives us endurance and encouragement in order to have hope, and gives us the way to hope as well! And speaking of peace,

Romans 15:32-33: "so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen."

Who do we rest in? God, who is the God of peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

God is the one who equips us, and picks us up and dusts us off when we fall. He guides us, leads us, helps us, sanctifies us. He, through Jesus Christ, saves us.

Now, the God who does all of these things deserves our praise, does He not? I think so. I really do.