What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us…? Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death…? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. Romans 8:31, 35-37

First, it is actually cold here in Orlando. This morning, 33-degrees. High today, 58. Obviously I’m missing temps in the 20’s at home, but at least in North Carolina I have a hat and a scarf and a bigger coat!

My heart was warmed, though, having dinner with our Florida grandchildren. Change is difficult for everybody, and kids feel it too, but love is still the strongest and we are blessed with giant portions from these three.

For some reason, thinking about how strong love is brings to mind the following lyrics from a 1967 Marvin Gaye tune: “Ain’t no mountain high enough. Ain’t no valley low enough. Ain’t no river wide enough.”

I think it is really important for all of us to remember this. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of our troubles. But we have a sure friend in Jesus, we have a strong advocate in the Spirit, we have a safe haven and our home in Creator God.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-38

Nothing can stand between us and God’s great love. Ain’t no mountain high enough…. – DEREK