Romans

May 28th – Romans 8:31

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Romans 8:31

How many times as kids when we got into a scuffle did we hear, “Oh yeah? You and what army?” I imagine that’s what the Philistines thought when a young David challenged the mighty Goliath. But what they failed to realize is that God was all the army David needed. And He’s all the protection we need as well. Because for those who love Him, God gives the backing and favor of the ultimate power in the universe. One absolutely no one nor nothing can stand against. So no matter the challenges, adversaries, or obstacles we may face in life, we can have confidence in God’s ability to help us overcome them. For with God as our ally, we can have assurance of ultimate victory. Now that doesn’t mean we’ll never face difficulties or opposition, but rather that nothing can ultimately triumph over God’s purposes and plans for our lives.

May 28th – Romans 8:31 Read More »

May 24th – Romans 12:1

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Romans 12:1

Paul loved Jesus deeply. And that love compelled the apostle to dedicate his life to serving God. So Paul became a living sacrifice. And he calls us to do the same. But what does that involve? Becoming a living sacrifice means surrendering our entire being, body, mind, and spirit to God. And it challenges us to live in a manner that is holy and pleasing to the Lord, allowing His transformative power to shape our thoughts, actions, and desires. Living sacrifices also dedicate their lives to God’s service and seek to honor Him in all areas. It requires a daily commitment to let go of our own selfish desires and instead seek to fulfill God’s purposes. As followers of Jesus, our lives are not our own but belong to God. And as such, we should choose to live a life of surrender, seeking to use our time, talents, and resources for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom. All while embracing a life of gratitude, love, and service to God. Reflecting His love and glory in all we do.

May 24th – Romans 12:1 Read More »

May 13th – Romans 6:4

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Romans 6:4

Receiving Jesus as Savior is more than a get out of hell free card. It’s the beginning of a true, spiritual transformation. And even better, a deep, abiding relationship with God. Paul uses the image of burial and resurrection to illustrate that transformation. As followers of Jesus we have been “buried with Him by baptism into death.” This means that we have died to our old way of life and have been made new in Christ. Through baptism, we identify with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection, and we share in the new life that he offers. This new life is characterized by a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and a new relationship with God. As Christians, we are called to live in a way that is pleasing to God. And this involves putting to death our old sinful nature and living according to the Holy Spirit. Because of His great love, our heavenly Father sent His Son not only to pay for our sins, but to offer us a beautiful abundant life on earth. (John 10:10) Won’t you take Him up on His offer?

May 13th – Romans 6:4 Read More »

April 1st – Romans 12:2

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Romans 12:2

As we mature in Christ, our attitudes, opinions, and values are influenced less by the world and more by the Holy Spirit working within us. The outcome is spiritual discernment and the ability to judge what is good and pleasing to God. A transformed, renewed mind resulting in a new way of thinking. Which then leads to a change in behavior and a lifestyle that glorifies the Lord. But to get such a mind we need to dig into God’s Word daily, meditating on it day and night. And we need to have a strong prayer life, constantly communicating with the Lord. Being transformed in this way allows us to know God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives. But such a transformation isn’t easy. It requires a commitment to seeking God and being open to change. It involves surrendering our thoughts, desires, and will to God. And most of all, allowing Him to work in and through us for His kingdom and glory.

April 1st – Romans 12:2 Read More »

March 22nd – Isaiah 26:3

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Isaiah 26:3

When we want an answer to a question the first we think is to “Google” it. Because after all, the internet is a vast source of information. But God doesn’t work that way. He purposely has us on a need to know basis. Why? I like how Jon Bloom says, “God is a wise Father who knows when knowledge is too heavy for us. He is not being deceptive when he does not give us the full explanation. He is carrying our burdens.” One of the blessings God promises when we trust in Him is perfect peace. And we can only experience such a tranquility when we have deep trust in His love, guidance, and authority on all things. Especially when we don’t have all the answers. God sees everything from beginning to end. And there’s nothing out of His control. So even if we are left in the dark, we can find comfort knowing God never is. His light is always shining, and He’s always working things out for our good. (Rom. 8:28)

 

March 22nd – Isaiah 26:3 Read More »

March 17th – James 1:2

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James 1:2

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” A perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. And although no one looks forward to the grating friction brought on by tribulations, we are to think of  troubles as a joyful blessing. Why? Because as James tells us, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. (James 1:3) Spiritual perseverance is never giving up no matter how hard our circumstance may be. It’s trusting that God is using our situation to grow our faith, and working all things together for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And what great joy there is in knowing that our Father does so in love, with the purpose of making us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)

 

March 17th – James 1:2 Read More »

February 27th – Romans 12:10

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Romans 12:10

I love the saying humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. And there’s no better example of this than Christ. From start to finish Jesus, in humility and obedience, always put the will of the Father before His own. Never once seeking His own glory, His joy was found in serving God and others. As His followers, it is our job to cultivate that same kind of humility in our own lives. Because no matter how bad our circumstance, there is always someone worse off. And nothing takes our mind off our own troubles than helping someone else with theirs. Proverbs 22:4 says, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” As Christians we are to put others before ourselves, and show love and respect to everyone we meet. And by doing so, not only are we bringing blessings into our own lives, we are reflecting the love of God and helping to make the world just a little more loving.

February 27th – Romans 12:10 Read More »

February 18th – Romans 13:8

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Romans 13:8

Freedom from debt is an exhilarating feeling. And owing nothing to a creditor or the taxman is a liberation that God wants for each of us. But there is one debt that we owe and can never fully pay off. And that is the debt of loving each other. Every day we wake up owing this debt. And every day is an opportunity to pay on it. God takes this debt so seriously, that in the Bible from start to finish, He gives the commandment to love one another. So if we are followers of Jesus and are truly becoming transformed into His image and likeness, we need to be faithful in paying our debt. That means loving others as God does. For the very foundation of Christianity is love. And in one of the greatest acts of love, God became flesh and allowed Himself to be nailed to a Cross to pay our debt. And out of hearts of obedience and thankfulness, we too need to follow His example of selflessness and let love for others be the guiding light in all that we do.

 

February 18th – Romans 13:8 Read More »

February 6th – Romans 12:20

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Romans 12:20

Some people are just hard to love. Those who no matter what we do, will criticize, judge, and find fault. Yet no matter how they treat us, God is very clear. We are never to repay evil for evil. (1 Thess. 5:15) Dealing with others not as mean as they are, but rather as good as God is. For when we do, Paul tells us it’s as if we are “heaping burning coals on their head.” But far from the picture of destruction these coals paint, they aren’t meant to consume our enemies with fire. Instead our coals of love are meant to melt even the coldest and hardened of hearts. Once we were enemies of God. Yet instead of giving us what we deserved, He gave us what we didn’t. Providing His Son as a path of reconciliation so He could call us His beloved. And when we too choose compassion over revenge, sharing the grace of God with others, we show the Lord how thankful we are for the unmerited love He so generously gives to us.

 

February 6th – Romans 12:20 Read More »

December 21st – Romans 16:1-16

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Romans 16:1-16

At the end of every movie the list of credits roll, listing the hundreds of people it took to make the film. Yet it’s always the star who gets the credit. The apostle Paul reminds us about the importance of remembering those who contribute to the ministry of the Lord. Those who aren’t necessarily in the “spotlight”, but whose work is invaluable just the same. In the eyes of the Lord no one is unimportant and as the Bible teaches us, no one is called to go it alone.  Not even Paul. There are 27 of Paul’s friends who helped him. And he takes the time to list each of them with love and adoration. As Christians we are called to step outside our own busy schedule to help one another. Not only to glorify God, but also because we don’t know what the future holds or the help we ourselves may need. So today, acknowledge and thank those who have helped you on your spiritual path. And thank God for sending them into your lives!

December 21st – Romans 16:1-16 Read More »