Today’s Reading: Romans 9; Romans 10; Romans 11; Romans 12
Scripture: Romans 9:14-16
14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
Observation: Paul is answering objections that people have apparently raised about the rightness of God's judgment. People like to argue, I guess, though I don't understand why. While people will go on debating about whether or not or how God should judge people or condemn people, I see something truly amazing here. And that is the possibility of God actually having mercy or compassion on me. I know me. Why God would want me is a mystery to me. But He does. This blows my mind.
Application: So be thankful and rejoice. Don't argue, debate, or bicker over the finer points of God's judgment. (Remember, He is God. That gives Him the right to set the rules.) Just be glad that He is giving you and me the chance to know Him -- you and I can be the recipient of His grace and mercy. That's amazing. Thank the Lord!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for your amazing grace that saves a wretch like me. Your love and grace and mercy always gives me pause. Help me and all who read this to walk in humble gratitude and joyful appreciation for Your great gifts.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Title: Come On In / Topic: Grace
11:30 a.m. Late update: For some unknown reason, when I pulled up the reading list this morning, I got the list from December 1st (that's yesterday) and mistakenly did my devotional post on that. I am right now doing today's reading (Romans 9-12) and will post on that as well. Consider this post a free bonus! :)
Today’s Reading: Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
Scripture: Romans 5:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand...
Observation: I love this! Paul describes the fact that we have been given a gift -- a gift of access to God. It's as if a gate has been opened for us to enter into the presence of God. And this gate is "our Lord Jesus Christ." We have been granted entry into so many blessings because of this gate. Justification, peace, grace, the ability to have a standing before God -- all these are ours because of the gift of this gate, Jesus Christ.
Application: First, I must enter the gate, that is, accept the invitation to "come on in" that Jesus gives to me. I do this "through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." The gate does no good if I don't walk through it.
Second, I need to recognize and cooperate with God's plan and provision that He accomplished in providing this gate. The things I listed above, "justification, peace, grace, the ability to have a standing before God," do not come automatically. No, they are the result of a partnership of me with God. I must, by faith, let the new take over and the old die. This will be much easier if I start with the understanding that without this opportunity, I would be lost and hopeless and powerless to do anything about it. This understanding will produce a gratefulness in me and help me to never seriously consider turning back.
And third, I need to continue in this thankfulness and cooperation with God's will for me. He's given me the chance to know Him and to grow in Him. But whether or not I truly make something of this opportunity is dependent on my cooperating with Him.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for inviting me to come on in. I am so grateful that You provided the Gate through which I can enter Your presence. Thank You for the gift of life through faith in Jesus Christ my Lord. Help me to walk rightly in You and to bring others along with me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s Reading: Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
Scripture: Romans 5:1-2
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand...
Observation: I love this! Paul describes the fact that we have been given a gift -- a gift of access to God. It's as if a gate has been opened for us to enter into the presence of God. And this gate is "our Lord Jesus Christ." We have been granted entry into so many blessings because of this gate. Justification, peace, grace, the ability to have a standing before God -- all these are ours because of the gift of this gate, Jesus Christ.
Application: First, I must enter the gate, that is, accept the invitation to "come on in" that Jesus gives to me. I do this "through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ." The gate does no good if I don't walk through it.
Second, I need to recognize and cooperate with God's plan and provision that He accomplished in providing this gate. The things I listed above, "justification, peace, grace, the ability to have a standing before God," do not come automatically. No, they are the result of a partnership of me with God. I must, by faith, let the new take over and the old die. This will be much easier if I start with the understanding that without this opportunity, I would be lost and hopeless and powerless to do anything about it. This understanding will produce a gratefulness in me and help me to never seriously consider turning back.
And third, I need to continue in this thankfulness and cooperation with God's will for me. He's given me the chance to know Him and to grow in Him. But whether or not I truly make something of this opportunity is dependent on my cooperating with Him.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for inviting me to come on in. I am so grateful that You provided the Gate through which I can enter Your presence. Thank You for the gift of life through faith in Jesus Christ my Lord. Help me to walk rightly in You and to bring others along with me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Title: Which Master? / Topic: Victorious Living
Today’s Reading: Romans 5; Romans 6; Romans 7; Romans 8
Scripture: Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Observation: The person who has given his life to God has experienced a transformation. A death has occurred. That person has died to sin and has been made alive to the possibility of a righteous life. But it's not automatic.
Application: We have a choice. We can offer ourselves to one of two masters: God or wickedness. Wickedness is not a kind master for though it offers immediate gratification, it exacts a high toll in the long run. And the intermediate experience is guilt, shame, and brokenness. Becoming a Christian gives a person the potential of a holy life. But each person has to lay hold of God and continually submit to Him. I must offer my body as a living sacrifice in order to live up to the potential that God has for me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have put before me the opportunity to live in purity and holiness. Help me to always choose that path and walk in Your holiness. Open my eyes to see the deception that sin always uses to lure us away from Your path. May I see You and Your ways clearly and may I always joyfully walk in them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Observation: The person who has given his life to God has experienced a transformation. A death has occurred. That person has died to sin and has been made alive to the possibility of a righteous life. But it's not automatic.
Application: We have a choice. We can offer ourselves to one of two masters: God or wickedness. Wickedness is not a kind master for though it offers immediate gratification, it exacts a high toll in the long run. And the intermediate experience is guilt, shame, and brokenness. Becoming a Christian gives a person the potential of a holy life. But each person has to lay hold of God and continually submit to Him. I must offer my body as a living sacrifice in order to live up to the potential that God has for me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have put before me the opportunity to live in purity and holiness. Help me to always choose that path and walk in Your holiness. Open my eyes to see the deception that sin always uses to lure us away from Your path. May I see You and Your ways clearly and may I always joyfully walk in them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Title: Faith In The Face Of Reality / Topic: Godly Faith
Today’s Reading: Romans 1; Romans 2; Romans 3; Romans 4
Scripture: Romans 4:18-21
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Observation: I love this! Abraham had real godly faith. It was tough and gritty faith. It was faith that could look into the eyes of hopeless reality and still maintain hope. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were way past the physical age of bearing children. Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90 (just a young chick!). And even when they were in the prime of their child bearing years, they were infertile. Abraham does not retreat into denial about his situation. He knows and accepts the facts. But Abraham also knows that God has given him a promise so he still believes! Now that's faith! How did he do it? He was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."
Application: Do I believe that? Do I really believe that God has the power to do everything He has promised? Intellectually I do. But internally I must not fully because I still have doubts. Abraham was able to slay his doubts with this fantastic faith. That's the kind of faith that I want.
Prayer: Lord, help me to cultivate and grow this faith that can maintain in the face of bad news. I want to stand on Your promises and walk in overcoming faith. Help me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Romans 4:18-21
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Observation: I love this! Abraham had real godly faith. It was tough and gritty faith. It was faith that could look into the eyes of hopeless reality and still maintain hope. Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were way past the physical age of bearing children. Abraham was 100 and Sarah 90 (just a young chick!). And even when they were in the prime of their child bearing years, they were infertile. Abraham does not retreat into denial about his situation. He knows and accepts the facts. But Abraham also knows that God has given him a promise so he still believes! Now that's faith! How did he do it? He was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."
Application: Do I believe that? Do I really believe that God has the power to do everything He has promised? Intellectually I do. But internally I must not fully because I still have doubts. Abraham was able to slay his doubts with this fantastic faith. That's the kind of faith that I want.
Prayer: Lord, help me to cultivate and grow this faith that can maintain in the face of bad news. I want to stand on Your promises and walk in overcoming faith. Help me, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Title: The Joy-Filled Life / Topic: Living In God's Will
Today’s Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 1; 2 Thessalonians 2; 2 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Observation/Application: Apparently, God wants happy people.
1) He tells us to "be joyful always." This is a command to a specific attitude which characterizes us. I think that means that I am supposed to be joyful as a lifestyle.
2) "Pray continually" -- this will help with #1. By staying in contact and connection with the Lord, I will automatically be more joyful. And I will be empowered to actually do it!
3) "Give thanks in all circumstances" -- this is only possible if I understand that God is working good things in my life even through the bad situations that happen. By focusing on the ultimate, rather than the immediate, I can be thankful for God's activity on my behalf.
4) "This is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" -- all these things are a part of God's master plan for my life. By doing them, I am living in alignment with His plan and thus I am much more likely to actually realize the potential that God has for me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a plan for me. I want to fulfill Your will for my life. Help me to maintain that secure ongoing relationship and communication with You so that I can be empowered to live a joy-filled and prayerful life of thanksgiving to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Observation/Application: Apparently, God wants happy people.
1) He tells us to "be joyful always." This is a command to a specific attitude which characterizes us. I think that means that I am supposed to be joyful as a lifestyle.
2) "Pray continually" -- this will help with #1. By staying in contact and connection with the Lord, I will automatically be more joyful. And I will be empowered to actually do it!
3) "Give thanks in all circumstances" -- this is only possible if I understand that God is working good things in my life even through the bad situations that happen. By focusing on the ultimate, rather than the immediate, I can be thankful for God's activity on my behalf.
4) "This is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" -- all these things are a part of God's master plan for my life. By doing them, I am living in alignment with His plan and thus I am much more likely to actually realize the potential that God has for me.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a plan for me. I want to fulfill Your will for my life. Help me to maintain that secure ongoing relationship and communication with You so that I can be empowered to live a joy-filled and prayerful life of thanksgiving to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Title: The Pastor's Blessing / Topic: Spiritual Health
Today’s Reading: Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2; 1 Thessalonians 3
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
Observation: Paul had doubts and great concerns about how the Thessalonian Christians were holding up. He was afraid that they would fall away under persecution and hardship. But he has received word that they are doing well and he is greatly relieved. That is the context for the verse above.
Application: I totally relate to Paul. When those I have the privilege to lead are doing well in their faith, it gives me a great feeling. If you want to bless your pastor, give yourself to God and grow. It will make his day!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of leading Your people. Help me to lead well and to follow Paul's example of faithfulness in prayer and character. And help Your people to grow strong in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
Observation: Paul had doubts and great concerns about how the Thessalonian Christians were holding up. He was afraid that they would fall away under persecution and hardship. But he has received word that they are doing well and he is greatly relieved. That is the context for the verse above.
Application: I totally relate to Paul. When those I have the privilege to lead are doing well in their faith, it gives me a great feeling. If you want to bless your pastor, give yourself to God and grow. It will make his day!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the privilege of leading Your people. Help me to lead well and to follow Paul's example of faithfulness in prayer and character. And help Your people to grow strong in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Title: Alone For Me / Topic: Jesus' Sacrifice
Today’s Reading: Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Observation: Jesus is in agony on the cross. The physical pain had to be excruciating. But He only cries out at this moment. And it is not physical pain that causes Jesus reaction -- it is spiritual aloneness. For this is the first time in all eternity where Jesus is separated from His Father. He is truly alone and He cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" "Why?"
Application: The answer is that Jesus was separated from the Father so I could be united with the Father. Jesus had agreed to step aside from His place of perfect union with the Father into my place of sinful separation from God so that I could step into that place of relationship that He had so faithfully occupied. He stepped aside so I could step in. I am amazed at His love.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, it is unfathomable to me what suffering Jesus endured for me. Help me to walk gratefully and faithfully as Your son. Thank You for Jesus' great love and sacrifice that makes it possible for me to know You as my Lord and my God. Thank You, Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Observation: Jesus is in agony on the cross. The physical pain had to be excruciating. But He only cries out at this moment. And it is not physical pain that causes Jesus reaction -- it is spiritual aloneness. For this is the first time in all eternity where Jesus is separated from His Father. He is truly alone and He cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" "Why?"
Application: The answer is that Jesus was separated from the Father so I could be united with the Father. Jesus had agreed to step aside from His place of perfect union with the Father into my place of sinful separation from God so that I could step into that place of relationship that He had so faithfully occupied. He stepped aside so I could step in. I am amazed at His love.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, it is unfathomable to me what suffering Jesus endured for me. Help me to walk gratefully and faithfully as Your son. Thank You for Jesus' great love and sacrifice that makes it possible for me to know You as my Lord and my God. Thank You, Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Title: Strong Words / Topic: Righteous Judgment
Today’s Reading: Matthew 23; Matthew 24; Matthew 25
Scripture: Matthew chapters 23 and 25 (excerpts)
Matthew 23:13 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16 "Woe to you, blind guides!...
17 "You blind fools!...
19 "You blind men!...
23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
24 "You blind guides!...
25 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
26 "Blind Pharisee!...
27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28 "In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
33 "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?..."
Matthew 25:26 "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant!...
30 ..."And throw that worthless servant outside...
41 ..."Depart from me, you who are cursed..."
Observation: Wow! Jesus has some very strong and harsh words for The Religious who opposed Him. He doesn't mince words. He doesn't hold back. His attacks are pointed and relentless.
Application: In our day of political correctness, Jesus' tough language really stands out. And He makes judgments, another practice that is frowned upon today. But Jesus can do it, because He is speaking at the bequest of the Father. What this tells me is that God isn't shy about speaking harsh truth or making judgments. I'm not necessarily recommending that the average Joe Christian should use Jesus' verbal methods here as an everyday model. But I am thinking that sometimes there are harsh words that are appropriate and judgments that are right to make and deliver. And we should be open to these things. I mean God might want us to deliver this kind of message. Didn't Jesus say that we would do what He did and even greater things? Does it apply here? Something to think about.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the Lord Jesus and the way He lived. He walked the authentic walk of faith and He demonstrated how we can live out our human experience of faith at the same time. I am glad that Jesus didn't sugar coat it but He spoke truth and called a spade a spade. I want to be like Jesus. Help me to be Your mouthpiece -- to speak what You would have me speak. And give me wisdom to make wise judgments and to know when and how to share them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew chapters 23 and 25 (excerpts)
Matthew 23:13 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
15 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
16 "Woe to you, blind guides!...
17 "You blind fools!...
19 "You blind men!...
23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
24 "You blind guides!...
25 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
26 "Blind Pharisee!...
27 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28 "In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!...
33 "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?..."
Matthew 25:26 "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant!...
30 ..."And throw that worthless servant outside...
41 ..."Depart from me, you who are cursed..."
Observation: Wow! Jesus has some very strong and harsh words for The Religious who opposed Him. He doesn't mince words. He doesn't hold back. His attacks are pointed and relentless.
Application: In our day of political correctness, Jesus' tough language really stands out. And He makes judgments, another practice that is frowned upon today. But Jesus can do it, because He is speaking at the bequest of the Father. What this tells me is that God isn't shy about speaking harsh truth or making judgments. I'm not necessarily recommending that the average Joe Christian should use Jesus' verbal methods here as an everyday model. But I am thinking that sometimes there are harsh words that are appropriate and judgments that are right to make and deliver. And we should be open to these things. I mean God might want us to deliver this kind of message. Didn't Jesus say that we would do what He did and even greater things? Does it apply here? Something to think about.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the Lord Jesus and the way He lived. He walked the authentic walk of faith and He demonstrated how we can live out our human experience of faith at the same time. I am glad that Jesus didn't sugar coat it but He spoke truth and called a spade a spade. I want to be like Jesus. Help me to be Your mouthpiece -- to speak what You would have me speak. And give me wisdom to make wise judgments and to know when and how to share them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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