Category: Romans

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Another Cup Please

Sitting in the morning quiet is one of my favorite places. It doesn’t matter the location – what matters is that God chooses to meet with me. I love this time before phones start ringing and life demands my attention. There’s always time for one more cup, a few more minutes and some extra verses to be read.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. 131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath. 132 Look at me, and be kind to me, just as you always are to those who love your name. 133 Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. 134 Save me from those who want to hurt me, and I will obey your instructions. 135 Accept your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 I have cried a river of tears because people don’t obey your teachings.” Psalm 119:129-136 ERV

How many times has David said in this Psalm that the word makes us wise or gives us understanding? I haven’t counted but it seems to be the reoccurring theme in each segment. And don’t you imagine if the Word was such a strong influence in David’s life that it also made an impact on David’s children? I do know that it had to have for Solomon.

When the Lord asked him what he desired most, Solomon asked for wisdom.

“One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the LORD God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you.”

6 Solomon answered:

My father David, your servant, was honest and did what you commanded. You were always loyal to him, and you gave him a son who is now king. 7 LORD God, I’m your servant, and you’ve made me king in my father’s place. But I’m very young and know so little about being a leader. 8 And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.

9 Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don’t, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.” I Kings 3:5-9 ERV

Solomon saw that his father’s ability to lead and to rule successfully came from his dependence on the Lord and it was his desire to be like his father. The Lord answered Solomon’s request and more. This segment in Psalms tells us that the Word will bring light to our situation and that it makes the simple wise.

The Apostle Paul has lots to say about the Word too. He tells us in Romans 10:17 “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” If we are to grow in faith than we need to be committed to hearing (and applying) God’s word to our lives.

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. So, if we have no word in our lives, we have no faith and if we have no faith then it is impossible to please God. If we want to please God, we must make His word the foundation of our lives.

Pause for one more cup of coffee, one more verse. It will give us wisdom, bring light and we will be pleasing to God.

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Level the Playing Field

Have you heard the expression, level the playing field?

It comes from early days of sports when a rugby or soccer field was out-of-level, giving one team or the other a distinct advantage. Now days, it has come to mean fairness or an equal chance to succeed.

The great leveler is our heavenly Father.

“All of you who have been baptized to show you belong to Christ have become like Christ. 28 God does not see you as a Jew or as a Greek. He does not see you as a servant or as a person free to work. He does not see you as a man or as a woman. You are all one in Christ. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you have become the true children of Abraham. What God promised to him is now yours.” Galatians 3:27-28 NLV

We have been accepted! No prejudice, just accepted!

“There is only one God, and he accepts Gentiles as well as Jews, simply because of their faith. ” Romans 3:30 CEV

When Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life” he made that way open to all who believe.

Education, wealth, social standing, race, religion and gender are not issues. The playing field is leveled, we are all invited to come.

“Money paid to workers isn’t a gift. It is something they earn by working. 5 But you cannot make God accept you because of something you do. God accepts sinners only because they have faith in him. 6 In the Scriptures David talks about the blessings that come to people who are acceptable to God, even though they don’t do anything to deserve these blessings. David says,

7 ‘God blesses people whose sins are forgiven and whose evil deeds are forgotten. 8 The Lord blesses people whose sins are erased from his book.’” Romans 4:4-8 CEV

When we come to God, our Father, in faith we are accepted into His family. We all receive the same unconditional love, amazing grace and the forgiveness of our sins.

What a blessing!

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Daily Instruction

God’s word is relevant for every generation! His truth is never antiquated!

The Word of God is alive and powerful; the Word became flesh, and the living Word of God is called Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the written Word and brought God’s purpose, reconciliation for us, into existence.

Each day God’s word gives us vital instruction, it is the Word of Life. God’s word has the power to transform our lives.

Learn From Christ to Be Unselfish -this the heading in my Bible above these verses.

5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 ERV

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned His disciples with the task of going into all the earth to preach and teach, making more disciples by sharing His love and restoration.

The Apostle Paul took that commissioning seriously. He went from one who persecuted Christians to literally evangelizing the world with the message of Christ.

“ We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. 29 God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:28-30 NLV

God the Father has chosen us to be like His Son. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are being conformed to His likeness hour by hour and day by day. Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His deity, became human so the world could see and know the love of God.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

A life that imitates the Father is one of our greatest acts of love. Reflecting Him in what we say and do brings Him honor.

“Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLV

Father, it is my desire to be like you! Show me who I need to touch today with the love of Your heart! ❤

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Kindness & Peace

Two things we can always use more of is kindness and peace.

It would mean a great deal if people treated us nicer, right? And I think we can get a hardy amen to having less drama in our lives. What can we do to see that we are being used to bring those two elements into the lives of those around us?

“This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

Well, we can begin by praying for God to bless those we know with kindness and peace. And then we can follow through with being kind to those around us.

Kind to the other drivers on the roads, to the sales clerks and waiters. To receptionists and executives. To the person sitting at the next desk or our biggest competitor. To our kids and our spouses.

Paul said just a few verses later in the Book of Romans that

“You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

It’s God’s goodness that brings people to Him. When we emulate God’s character we are being used to bring others to Christ. We must never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

Today I’m praying that God’s goodness and peace will overflow in your lives!

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The Torn Curtain

There are so many events that happened in the days around the crucifixion of Jesus that deserve notice but one in particular came to mind this morning. It is deeply significant to me.

Let me give you the back story.

When the Lord instructed Moses to build the tabernacle, he was given a specific plan. In the interior was what is referred to as the Holy of Holies, or The Most Holy Place. The high priest was only allowed to go in there once a year and then only after offering the specific sacrifice for the atonement of sin.

The Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a tall, thick curtain.

“The stones with the Ten Commandments written on them were stored in the sacred chest, the place of mercy was put on top of it, and the carrying poles were attached. 21 The chest was brought into the tent and set behind the curtain in the most holy place. These things were done exactly as the Lord had commanded Moses.” Exodus 40:20-21 CEV

The curtain was used to separate God’s holy presence from people who were sinful and unreconciled to God.

Now, come forward to the day of the crucifixion.

“When Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces. The tear started at the top and tore all the way to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks were broken.” Matthew 27:51 ERV

The high priest couldn’t enter the Most Holy Place without offering the perfect lamb as a sacrifice. But when Jesus, the perfect lamb, was offered for the forgiveness of sin the presence of Almighty God was available to everyone, not just the priests.

“The Law teaches that offerings and sacrifices must be made because of sin. But why did Christ mention these things and say that God did not want them? 9 Well, it was to do away with offerings and sacrifices and to replace them. This is what he meant by saying to God, “I have come to do what you want.” 10 So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all.” Hebrews 10:8-10 CEV

Yearly sacrifices for sin are no longer necessary. Christ made one sacrifice, and it covered all sin, once and for all!

“Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:10 CEV

We were like those people of the Old Testament, unworthy on our own merits to receive forgiveness but Christ…

“ When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices. 19 My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place 20 by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself. 21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God’s house. 22  So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.” Hebrews 10:18-23 CEV

The curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. No man tore the curtain, it was torn by Almighty God.

The sacrifice for sin is complete in Christ and now we can come boldly into the throne room of God. The curtain has been torn and we have access to the Father.

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Filled with Peace

I was sitting here this morning telling heavenly Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit how much I love them and I was flooded with peace!

I felt like such a little girl being lifted up in my father’s arms and brought to rest on his big broad lap. I was so overtaken by His greatness and compared to my minute abilities. Again, I was overwhelmed with peace by the presence of Almighty God, my Lord and Savior and the Spirit of the Lord.

Many times I am overwhelmed with the thoughts of God’s amazing love and peace.

Things in our daily lives can be chaotic and unsettling but when we focus in on who God is and how much He loves us, it’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket in a comfy chair.

Comfort! Peace! Security!

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Our Father wants us to be at peace, to trust Him, to know that He will handle whatever we bring to Him.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 CEV

Here’s to a peace-full day!

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Let God Be True

We saw the verses yesterday that say, God is always faithful and His word is always true. James tells us that there is no variation of change in God, no shadow of turning. He stays true to His character and His word.

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

If we wonder what the will of God is for us, His children, all we have to do is look at how He operated in times past.

He blessed His people with His abiding presence. He provided safety and protection for them from their enemies. He was their sustainer; He was their Shepherd who led them to green pastures and still waters. He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey.

Our Lord is a giver – a giver of peace, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness. As King David wrote in the Psalms, He is the rock of my salvation.

The Israelites made many mistakes. They doubted God’s love and provision. They followed after false gods. Because of their ignorance and rebellion they were overrun by their enemies. They went into captivity. But when they prayed God delivered them and brought them back to the land of promise.

I am so glad that the Lord doesn’t abandon me to my ignorance or disassociate with me because of my mistakes. We have His promise to never leave us or forsake us. He forgets our past and present failures.

The world, our world, tries on a daily basis to skew our thoughts to a natural way of thinking. It tries to persuade us that right is wrong and wrong is right; that good is evil and evil is good. We are bombarded to “think for ourselves, don’t be brainwashed or old fashioned, the world is changing, and we must be progressive”.

However, God’s word tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will never pass away. We are told not to change God’s word and that when push comes to shove, we “let God be true and every man a liar”.

“True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? 4 Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.” Romans 3:3-4 TLB

Trusting God’s word is invaluable! We shouldn’t be swayed to adopt other thinking.

“My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.

3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8 ERV

What decisions do you need to make today?

Trust the Lord not yourself; if you’re uncertain as what to do or say, seek the answer in God’s word. It will never steer you wrong.

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Filled with Love

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I was reading I Samuel 1 about Hannah and how she longed so deeply for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she then took that little boy and gave him back to the Lord.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. She also took a bull that was three years old, 20 pounds of flour, and a bottle of wine.

25 They went before the Lord. Elkanah killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he usually did. Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’

Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother, a godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine if you will another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

We will be celebrating Easter in just a few weeks. It’s not a time for bunnies and colored eggs. It’s a day of great joy that followed a week of sorrow. Let the Lord minister to you, reminding you of the depth of His love.

His heart has always been filled with love for us!

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Glorious Day!

Yesterday my thoughts stayed focused on God’s Best. Having God’s best for all of my family, friends and those of you who are faithful readers each day.

God always does His best; anything less and He wouldn’t be God. From the beginning of time, He’s shown His best to the world. He said, “light be” and it has never quit shining. He created the animals and separated the dry ground from the waters and those things still remain.

He said, “let’s make mankind in our image” and He did. We are living proof for his creative abilities. We are unique individuals created to show His likeness and love.

“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is. 3 He is pure, and everyone who has this hope in him keeps themselves pure like Christ.” I John 3:1-3 ERV

Sin came into the world to separate us from the love of God. Satan wanted our worship and allegiance. He wanted to steal our hearts and devotion. God introduced mercy and grace so that we could continue to have relationship with Him.

“But God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin. Many people died because of the sin of that one man. But the grace that people received from God was much greater. Many received God’s gift of life by the grace of this other man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:15 ERV

Our relationship with the Father isn’t based on our efforts; we can’t earn it, but we can receive it as a gift. The gift of life!

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

And this gift of grace is available to everyone, not just a few.

“Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:2 ERV

This truly is God’s best for us!

I came out to the living room this morning, not ready to be about my morning routine. I wanted to lay quietly on the couch just a little bit longer, wrapped in the peace of the moment. Then my heart began to sing an old hymn.

“One Day When Heaven Was Filled With His Praises
One Day When Sin Was As Black As Could Be
Jesus Came Forth To Be Born Of A Virgin
Dwelt Among Men, My Example Is He

(Chorus)Living, He Loved Me
Dying, He Saved Me
Buried, He Carried My Sins Far Away
Rising, He Justified Freely Forever
One Day He’s Coming
Oh Glorious Day, Oh Glorious Day

One Day They Led Him Up Calvary’s Mountain
One Day They Nailed Him To Die On A Tree
Suffering Anguish, Despised And Rejected
Bearing Our Sins, My Redeemer Is He

(Chorus)

One Day The Grave Could Conceal Him No Longer
One Day The Stone Rolled Away From The Door
Then He Arose, Over Death He Had Conquered
Now Is Ascended, My Lord Evermore

(Chorus)

One Day The Trumpet Will Sound For His Coming
One Day The Skies With His Glories Will Shine
Wonderful Day, My Beloved One Bringing
My Savior Jesus Is Mine”

One day – some day – a glorious day, we will see Him face to face but until then we will be examples of His love and grace on the earth!

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Walk By Faith

Yesterday we saw how looking on the outward appearance can be deceptive. Today, let’s look at the way God sees things and how that changes our lives.

“But we live by faith, not by what we see” II Corinthians 5:7 CEV

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrew 11:1 CEV

“But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. 21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised. 22 So God accepted him” Romans 4:20-22 CEV

God told Noah it was going to flood but it had never rained. At age 600, Noah built an ark, gathered all kinds of animals, went inside and waited for the rain.

At age 75, God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations. At 100, that promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac. 25 years and Abraham never doubted God’s word.

At 80, Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt only to be stopped by the Red Sea. God told Moses to hold out his staff and the waters parted. They walked across on dry ground.

David, the shepherd, believed God’s promise to be the protector and defender of the Israelite people, so he faced down a giant with 5 smooth stones and a sling shot.

Daniel refused to honor the king’s order “don’t pray to anyone but me” and his faith protected him in a den of lions.

A leper heard Jesus say, “ask and it will be given to you”. He asked Jesus to heal him, and he was cleansed.

A woman with a bleeding disorder tried everything medically known and had no change but she came to Jesus, touched the hem of his garment and was instantly healed.

The disciples saw a storm and were ready to sink. Jesus saw God’s promise of protection and commanded the waves to cease.

Paul and Silas were in a jail cell after being beaten. They knew that God was with them and began to sing. The jail was shaken, the chains fell off and people were saved.

Right now, I have at least 100 more examples of people, just like us, who believed God’s word, walked by faith and not by what they could see. By faith, they received what God promised.

“ But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

If we believe God is real and we search for Him, He promises that we will be rewarded. The testimony of those in the Bible is for our benefit. When we think that no one could possibly understand what we are facing or going through we have their examples. And we have God’s promise.

“ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

Walk by Faith!

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