Romans

February 10th – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Hebrews 12:1-2

In today’s scripture we find the encouragement we all need to thrive in our Faith. If we first read Hebrews 11, we will find the names of some of the Heroes of The Bible. God’s people who like you and me faced many afflictions. And in Romans 15:4 we find these amazing words of comfort. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” Yes, we are not alone in our trials and sufferings! And by breaking down the verses in Hebrews 12, we will find the following instructions:

–        – “ …stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us…”

–         – let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us

–      –    “[looking away from all that will distract us and]…

–        –  focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity],

Over the years as I remember each and every trial and suffering in my life, I can only say that they have made my faith and love grow stronger for my Abba Father. For throughout all I have experienced His Faithfulness and tender love that endures forever!

Blessings, Mari

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February 4th – Romans 5:20

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Romans 5:20

Do you ever wonder why God laid down His Law? Especially when here in Romans, Paul tells us that it made sin even greater and everyday life much worse. With one swoop, God’s Law made us criminals and blatant lawbreakers. And the penalty for our trespasses? Death! Pretty convicting right? But Paul also goes to say that while sin increased greatly, grace abounded even more. And that was God’s purpose. For the Law, and our inability to obey it in our strength, points out our great need for a Savior. Jesus Christ is that Savior. The perfect fulfillment of God’s Law, He came to declare us innocent, throwing out the case against us. Through His blood we are freed from death, reconciled back to the Father, and declared righteous before God!

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February 3rd – Romans 3:23

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Romans 3:23

What is the glory of God? The Bible tells us that the world is full of it. God created this world and filled it with the splendor of his glory. Every created thing, being, or person points to the Creator and has intrinsic value given by the Creator. Creation showcases a supreme being who is beyond what creation can fathom. We catch glimpses but we can’t fully comprehend the perfection and Holiness of the One who made us and gives us purpose.

Adam, who witnessed Creation at its finest and who knew the most intimate relationship with His Creator failed to truly appreciate and surrender to his God given place and purpose. He sinned and through Adam, all human beings are born with a sinful nature. That sinful nature separates us from the Holiness of God. We are ALL sinners. We all have the same need. Sinners need a savior. God loved us enough to provide that Savior. Christ is the Savior who can reconcile us to God and His glory.

Blessings….Becky

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January 18th – Romans 8:28

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Romans 8:28

In this fallen world disappointments and discouragements are an unfortunate part of life. After all, we are all sinners living among sinners. Therefore we’re bound to experience trouble. Which is why this verse is one we should not only memorize, but hold unto tightly. For in this verse there is hope. I truly believe if we will only rest in this massive promise, our lives will be more solid and stable. And when Satan sends those negative thoughts that try to bowl us over, we will be able to stand strong! How you ask?

When you are hurting find God’s purpose in your suffering by prayerfully asking yourself:

  • Could God be using this trial to increase my faith?
  • Could God be using this trial to build my character?
  • Could God be using this trial to prepare me to better serve Him and others in some way?

Answering these questions will help you discover God’s plan for your life. And I can honestly promise you, that when you see the “big picture” (the one with God in it and on it!), you not only will be able to stand, but find yourself happy, rejoicing, and giving thanks for it all!!

Blessings, Sue

 

January 18th – Romans 8:28 Read More »

God Has Mercy on Whom He Chooses – Romans 9:14-29

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Romans 9:14-29

In the previous section of Romans, Paul wrote of God’s sovereign power to save His people and of the inability of any other power to separate us from His love. But now, Paul is primarily dealing with the issue of election, or God’s choice. The apostle wants to show us that membership in the family of God has always been by God’s choosing based on His own will and purposes, not on man’s ancestry or anything he does. …

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December 31st – Romans 8:18

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Romans 8:18

Today is the last day of the year. And as we reflect on the happenings of 2021, many are more than ready to say goodbye. Yet the same things we are so eager to be rid of, will undoubtedly follow us into 2022. But we needn’t fear. For the Savior we celebrate at Christmas is the same One who will safely carry us into the new year ahead. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. We all, Christians included, will have rough times. But whatever circumstances the new year holds, we know the Lord has a purpose in them. And His glory will shine through each one. I love how Dr. Charles Stanley says, “God’s blessings are worth the sacrifice and obedience. And we cling in hope to the Lord with eager expectation for the rewards that accompany our faith.” So as we venture into the unknown of the new year, we can have confidence knowing we won’t be venturing alone. Happy New Year!

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November 17th – Psalm 30:12

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Psalm 30:12

We all suffer heartbreak. And sometimes the sorrow is so deep and painful, we feel like we can’t take another step. It’s often during these times of trials that we wonder where God is. If He loves us, why does He let us suffer? King David knew these feelings well. He was God’s beloved, but he still faced many tribulations throughout his life. Yet David sings with gladness and thankfulness to the Lord. When we are hurting the last thing we want to do is give thanks. But God calls us to do just that. Not because it’s an ego boost for the Lord, but because it’s the best therapy for our pain. When our eyes and hearts are focused on God and all He does for us, our sorrow will be drowned out by His goodness. Our mourning will turn into dancing and our sorrow into rejoicing. God never lets us suffer anything without a purpose. So we can give thanks knowing all things are in His hands and all things are used for our good, even our greatest heartaches. (Romans 8:28)

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November 11th – Romans 1:8

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Romans 1:8

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you helped bring to Christ, declare Him as their Savior. That is the same joy Paul felt when writing to the Romans. The apostle gave thanks that they had they received Jesus, and their faith was being proclaimed in all the world. The greatest calling God gives to us is the same He gave to Paul. To boldly share the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world. God calls us to lead lives that shine brightly with His glory. So brightly, others are attracted to Him like moths to a flame. “Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15) The sand in the hourglass is running out. Jesus will soon return. And out of hearts of thankfulness for His saving grace, we need to proclaim the Gospel while there is still time!

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October 29th – Romans 8:23

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Romans 8:23

We know as Christians we aren’t exempt from suffering. And as part of God’s creation, we cry out, “Maranatha! Come soon Lord Jesus! Come and establish your kingdom on earth, destroying sin and the power it holds forever.” From the moment of Adam and Eve’s sin, all of creation began to decay and die. And as a result, it groans with longing for God to return it to its former glory. The word “groaning”, comes from the root word sustenazo, meaning to moan and cry out together. As believers, we groan for God’s restoration. And one day those cries will be answered with a shout and blare of the trumpet. We the children of God, along with the dead in Christ, will be changed. In a twinkling of an eye the old and decayed will be replaced with new, glorified bodies. And together with Jesus, we will live on the earth which will be restored to its original glory.

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October 20th – Romans 8:29

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Romans 8:29

Becoming a Christian isn’t something that happens by accident. The apostle Paul tells that it’s actually a two tiered system. First, even before we were born God knew which us would believe and arranged beforehand for our salvation. Next, He draws those believers to Himself through faith in Christ. Doing so for the purpose of conforming His chosen into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. For some this can be confusing. Because if God chooses beforehand who will be saved, how does free will come into play? But in Isaiah 55:8-9 God tells us His thoughts and ways are higher than our human minds can comprehend. So even though we might not understand, how both predestination and free will work hand in hand, it’s ok. Because the wonderful bottom line is that who call Jesus Savior, will become children of God, and spend a glorious eternity by His side.

October 20th – Romans 8:29 Read More »