God Stands For Us: Living in Thanksgiving Every Day

Devotional

Day 1: God Stands For You

God’s unwavering support is the foundation of our confidence, no matter what opposition we face in life. When the world feels against you, remember that God’s posture toward you is never hostile, neutral, or distant—He is for you. This truth means you don’t have to interpret trials as signs of God’s rejection, but instead can face challenges with courage, knowing the One who gave His Son for you will also give you everything necessary for your endurance, sanctification, and ultimate good. Rest in the favor already secured through Christ, and let this assurance free you to pray boldly, obey willingly, and persevere joyfully, because the God who is for you is greater than anything that stands against you. [48:17]

Romans 8:31-32 (ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Reflection: What is one challenge or fear you are facing right now that you can bring to God, trusting that He is for you and will provide what you need?

Day 2: God Stands With You

Even when accusations—whether from others, yourself, or the enemy—rise against you, God stands with you as your justifier and defender. The enemy may have evidence of your failures, but Jesus is both your defense attorney and the judge, and the verdict over your life is “not guilty” because of Christ’s finished work. This means you can reject false guilt, confess sin without fear, and walk in obedience with confidence, knowing your case was settled at the cross. On your worst day, you can still be thankful, because you never stand alone—God stands with you, and Christ intercedes for you. [55:19]

Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Reflection: When you feel accused or weighed down by guilt, how can you remind yourself of Christ’s ongoing intercession and God’s verdict over your life?

Day 3: Nothing Can Separate You From God’s Love

No circumstance, power, or force in all creation can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Whether you face tribulation, distress, persecution, or even death, you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you. God’s love is not based on your performance, and nothing you do can make Him love you more or less. This unbreakable bond gives you resilient joy and confident perseverance, knowing that your salvation and future glory are secure in Christ. [56:55]

Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rest in the truth that nothing can separate you from God’s love, and how might that change your response to today’s challenges?

Day 4: God’s Sacrifice Guarantees His Ongoing Provision

If God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, we can be certain He will graciously provide everything else we need. Just as Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated trust and obedience, God’s ultimate sacrifice at the cross assures us that He will not withhold any good thing from His children. This truth invites you to trust God’s generosity and faithfulness, especially in times of need or uncertainty, and to approach Him with boldness, knowing He delights to care for you. [47:29]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to doubt God’s provision, and how can you choose to trust His generosity today?

Day 5: Live Each Day With Thanksgiving

Every day, not just on a holiday, is an opportunity to give thanks to God for His goodness, love, and the security we have in Christ. No matter your circumstances—good days or bad days—you can know, love, and serve a God who stands for you, with you, and by you. Let gratitude shape your perspective, fueling your worship and service, and reminding you that your identity and hope are anchored in God’s unchanging promises. [01:00:33]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can express gratitude to God today, regardless of your circumstances?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the deep and unshakeable reasons for gratitude that every follower of Jesus possesses, not just on a holiday, but every single day. Drawing from Romans 8, we explored the profound security and assurance that comes from knowing God is for us, with us, and by us. The history of Thanksgiving in America reminds us that gratitude is not tied to a single day or circumstance, but is a posture of the heart rooted in the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Paul’s triumphant words in Romans 8 remind us that God’s love and commitment to His people are not theoretical or abstract. God has demonstrated His love in the most costly way—by not sparing His own Son, but giving Him up for us all. If God has already given us the greatest gift, we can trust Him to provide everything else we need for life and godliness. This is not a promise of an easy life, but of God’s unwavering presence and provision, even in the midst of trials, opposition, and suffering.

We also considered the reality of accusation and condemnation. The enemy, Satan, is relentless in bringing charges against God’s people, reminding us of our failures and shortcomings. Yet, the gospel assures us that Jesus Himself is both our defense attorney and our judge. The verdict over our lives is not guilty—not because of our performance, but because of Christ’s finished work on the cross and His ongoing intercession for us. This liberates us from the bondage of shame and guilt, empowering us to live in the freedom and confidence of God’s acceptance.

Finally, we celebrated the unbreakable bond of God’s love. Nothing in all creation—no hardship, no spiritual force, not even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are not just conquerors, but “more than conquerors,” because the victory has already been won on our behalf. This truth anchors us in hope, even on our hardest days, and calls us to live lives marked by thanksgiving, resilience, and joy.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Posture Is Always For You God’s stance toward His children is never hostile or indifferent. He has already given His Son for us, so we can trust Him to provide everything else we need. This truth frees us from interpreting our trials as signs of God’s rejection and empowers us to face life’s challenges with courage, knowing that the One who is for us is greater than anything against us. [48:17]
2. Christ’s Finished Work Silences Every Accusation Though the enemy accuses us and our failures are real, Jesus stands as both our advocate and our judge. The case against us has been settled at the cross, and Christ’s ongoing intercession means we are secure. This allows us to reject false guilt, confess sin without fear, and walk in the confidence of God’s acceptance, even on our worst days. [54:18]
3. Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love Paul’s sweeping declaration in Romans 8 assures us that no force—spiritual, physical, or circumstantial—can break the bond of God’s love for us in Christ. We are “more than conquerors,” not because of our strength, but because the victory is already won. This gives us resilient joy and hope, no matter what we face. [56:24]
4. Thanksgiving Is a Daily Posture, Not a Yearly Event True gratitude flows not from circumstances, but from the unchanging reality of God’s grace, provision, and love. Every day, even in hardship, is an opportunity to give thanks, because our security and hope are anchored in Christ, not in the shifting sands of life. [33:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:17] - Introduction and Thanksgiving History
[31:58] - Series Overview: Season of Thanks
[32:39] - The Miracle of God’s Provision
[33:02] - Every Day Is Thanksgiving
[33:57] - The Security of God’s Love
[34:38] - Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39
[35:54] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[37:12] - God Stands For Us
[40:51] - The Meaning of “If God Is For Us”
[42:13] - Biblical Examples of God’s Faithfulness
[43:02] - God’s Greatest Gift: His Son
[45:43] - The Disney Analogy: God’s Ongoing Provision
[49:01] - God Stands With Us: No Condemnation
[52:41] - Christ Our Advocate and Judge
[56:04] - God Stands By Us: No Separation
[58:36] - More Than Conquerors
[60:33] - Living in Daily Thanksgiving
[61:24] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 8:31-39 (ESV) — 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 8:31-32, what is the evidence that God is “for us”? How does Paul argue that God will provide for us?
In verses 33-34, who is described as bringing charges against God’s people, and who stands in their defense?
What kinds of hardships or threats does Paul list in verses 35-36 that might seem able to separate us from Christ’s love?
The sermon mentions that Paul calls us “more than conquerors.” What does this phrase mean in the context of the passage? [58:36]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says God’s posture is always for His children, not hostile or indifferent. How does this truth change the way a believer might interpret difficult circumstances or trials? [48:17]
The enemy is described as an accuser who brings up our failures, but Jesus is both our advocate and our judge. What does it mean for a Christian to live in the reality of “no condemnation”? [54:18]
Paul lists many things that could threaten to separate us from God’s love, but says none of them can. Why do you think Paul is so emphatic about this? What difference does it make for someone’s daily life? [56:24]
The sermon says that thanksgiving is a daily posture, not just a yearly event. How does anchoring gratitude in God’s unchanging love and provision help someone remain thankful even in hard times? [33:02]

Application Questions

When you face a difficult situation, do you tend to see it as a sign of God’s displeasure or rejection? How might remembering that “God is for you” change your response the next time you’re in a trial? [48:17]
The sermon described how the enemy accuses us and tries to make us feel condemned. Are there specific accusations or feelings of guilt that you struggle with? What would it look like to remind yourself of Christ’s finished work and ongoing intercession in those moments? [54:18]
Paul says nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Is there something in your life right now that makes you feel distant from God? How can you practically hold onto the truth of God’s unbreakable love this week? [56:24]
The idea of being “more than conquerors” means the victory is already won for us. How does this affect the way you approach challenges, temptations, or spiritual battles? Can you think of a recent situation where you could have responded differently if you remembered this truth? [58:36]
The sermon emphasized that gratitude is not based on circumstances, but on God’s grace and faithfulness. What is one daily practice you could start (or restart) to help you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, even when life is hard? [33:02]
The pastor shared a story about the “Disney parking” to illustrate God’s willingness to provide for us after giving His Son. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to trust God’s ongoing provision? What step could you take to trust Him more in that area? [47:29]
When you think about confessing sin, do you feel fear or freedom? How does knowing that Jesus is both your advocate and your judge help you approach God honestly? [54:18]

Sermon Clips

If God is for you, who can be against you? You live in a world where everybody is against you. Everybody is against you. That's what's so great about church. We can come, we can celebrate the Lord Jesus, we can get our spiritual batteries recharged. Because you're going to get ready to go right back into the world. And it's not going to be tomorrow morning. It's going to be Sunday afternoon. Somebody is going to resist you today. Somebody is going to be against you today. [00:41:27] (29 seconds) #ChurchIsStrength

One man with God is always a majority. Joseph learned that in prison. Job learned that in trouble. Joshua learned it at Jericho. David learned it against Goliath. Daniel learned it in a lion's den. Elijah learned it at Mount Carmel. Moses learned it at the Red Sea. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego learned it in a fiery furnace. Peter and Paul learned it in prison. One man with God is always a majority. [00:42:00] (26 seconds) #OneManWithGod

God has already made the big purchase at the cross. Why wouldn't he pay for parking? All right? That's the icing on the cake. Of course he would. If God is going to put forth his son in our place, he's going to see to the ongoing work of our salvation. God is going to see you through to glory. [00:47:24] (19 seconds) #CrossCoversEverything

When you accept Jesus, you get everything that God has. And that's why in moments of fear and uncertainty and spiritual attack, you can anchor your heart in the truth that God's posture towards you is never hostile, neutral, or distant. God is for you. [00:48:00] (16 seconds) #GodIsForYou

Who on earth would bring an accusation against one of God's children that they're not worthy of eternal life, that they're not worthy of God's love or heaven? Well, we know from the word of God that this accuser is the devil. It's Satan. Revelation 12.10 says, Satan spends a lot of time in God's courtroom. He is our prosecuting attorney. He is trying to condemn us for the times that we fail and the times that we do wrong. [00:49:33] (41 seconds) #AccuserDefeated

But here's the bad news. The truth of the matter is, when Satan brings an accusation to God against us, he has us dead to rights. Because we are caught red-handed. It's not hearsay. It's not circumstantial evidence. Because the truth of the matter is that when we become followers of Jesus, we still sin. Nobody said amen. Somebody's under conviction. Amen. We still sin. Everybody sins. It's a matter of what you do after you sin. Do you lay and wallow in the sin, or do you confess it and ask God for forgiveness? [00:51:13] (32 seconds) #ConfessAndBeFree

Do you know why, as a follower of Jesus Christ, you never have to fear the prosecution of the accuser? Because our case has been settled out of court. It was settled on a hill called Calvary, where Jesus Christ died for our sins. Where his blood flowed freely so that we could be freed from sin, from shame, from guilt, from all the things that bind us up and keep us down. Jesus liberates us. [00:54:20] (27 seconds) #SettledAtCalvary

Instead of living as a condemned sinner trying to earn God's acceptance, we can live as justified children resting in Christ's intercession. And practically for us, this means it helps us to silence accusations, whether from others or from ourselves or even from the devil. By speaking God's verdict over your life, God has justified me, Christ intercedes for me, I am secure. [00:55:27] (25 seconds) #JustifiedAndSecure

The good news is the fact that you can never do anything so bad that you could make God love you less than he loves you right now. And you could never do anything so good that he would love you more than he does right now. That's good news, friends. [00:58:23] (15 seconds) #UnchangingLove

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