Bible Readings... Romans 3
Highlighted Verse... Romans 3:5 - “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for him to punish us?”
Thoughts... How twisted does man have to become to conclude that we do God a favor by sinning so that other people can see how great he is? How insensitive does one have to be to not see the price that Christ paid for each one of our sins that we would so easily sin and dismiss the action? Who is this man that could do such a thing?
How it impressed me... I am that man. I sin without counting the cost. I expect God to simply forgive. Even if I have never voiced a statement that my sinfulness helps to show God's righteousness, I have been just as callous... just as casual with sin... forgetting the price of each act of disobedience.
My response to God... Merciful God, forgive me yet again. Help me to visualize the cost of every indiscretion... every intentional action that is contrary to your perfect will. Help me to follow you in lock step, setting aside my agenda for your greater plan.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Which Way Out?
Bible Readings... Romans 2
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:12-13 - All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Thoughts... Paul is telling us clearly that obedience is the only path to righteousness. Sinning, whether unconsciously (apart from the law) or consciously (under the law) ends negatively for the sinner. Just knowing the difference between right and wrong will not produce a harvest, but rather destruction. The only thing that will yield a harvest of righteousness, is obedience to God's word. Paul justifies the condemnation of the unknowing by reminding us that "the requirements of the law are written on their hearts."
My response to God... Merciful Savior, forgive me my trespasses. Help me to stay on the path that you have laid out for me. Help me to be obedient, even unto death, that I may dwell with you forever.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:12-13 - All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Thoughts... Paul is telling us clearly that obedience is the only path to righteousness. Sinning, whether unconsciously (apart from the law) or consciously (under the law) ends negatively for the sinner. Just knowing the difference between right and wrong will not produce a harvest, but rather destruction. The only thing that will yield a harvest of righteousness, is obedience to God's word. Paul justifies the condemnation of the unknowing by reminding us that "the requirements of the law are written on their hearts."
My response to God... Merciful Savior, forgive me my trespasses. Help me to stay on the path that you have laid out for me. Help me to be obedient, even unto death, that I may dwell with you forever.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Savings or Loan
Bible Readings... Romans 2
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Thoughts... Who would willingly "store up wrath" against their self? Who would show such contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience that they would risk his righteous judgement in exchange for the pleasure of judging their fellow man? Evidently... is it I.
How it impressed me... How often will I continue to fail and he continue to forgive? When God gives "to each person according to what he has done," what will I receive? His judgement... or his kindness, tolerance, and patience? I pray that his kindness is so rich, his tolerance so lenient, and his patience so forbearing that I may be spared the stored up wrath.
My response to God... Mighty God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Thoughts... Who would willingly "store up wrath" against their self? Who would show such contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience that they would risk his righteous judgement in exchange for the pleasure of judging their fellow man? Evidently... is it I.
How it impressed me... How often will I continue to fail and he continue to forgive? When God gives "to each person according to what he has done," what will I receive? His judgement... or his kindness, tolerance, and patience? I pray that his kindness is so rich, his tolerance so lenient, and his patience so forbearing that I may be spared the stored up wrath.
My response to God... Mighty God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Evil Inventions
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:28-32 - Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Thoughts... This is such a sad commentary on life during Paul's time. Unfortunately, it rings too true today. How arrogant can man get that he would thumb his nose at the creator of the universe? How evil does one need to be to invent ways of doing evil? Our modern contribution was to invent ways of having it beamed into our living rooms each night. And then, to top it all off, they encourage others to follow suit.
How it impressed me... Passages like this tend to make me introspective. At first I glibly say like the Pharisee,"Thank God I'm not like those people," but it doesn't take too long before I have to carefully read the passage and wonder how much is referring to me and my actions. Like Nicodemus, I come to Jesus in the cover of darkness to ask questions and try to reset my moral compass.
My response to God... Beautiful Savior, I grieve when I see how callously some people treat you until I realize that I have been there before, and but for your grace would be there still. Help me to forever set aside those things that grieve you. Help me to love you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:28-32 - Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Thoughts... This is such a sad commentary on life during Paul's time. Unfortunately, it rings too true today. How arrogant can man get that he would thumb his nose at the creator of the universe? How evil does one need to be to invent ways of doing evil? Our modern contribution was to invent ways of having it beamed into our living rooms each night. And then, to top it all off, they encourage others to follow suit.
How it impressed me... Passages like this tend to make me introspective. At first I glibly say like the Pharisee,"Thank God I'm not like those people," but it doesn't take too long before I have to carefully read the passage and wonder how much is referring to me and my actions. Like Nicodemus, I come to Jesus in the cover of darkness to ask questions and try to reset my moral compass.
My response to God... Beautiful Savior, I grieve when I see how callously some people treat you until I realize that I have been there before, and but for your grace would be there still. Help me to forever set aside those things that grieve you. Help me to love you with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Ministry to the Foolish
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Thoughts... Paul plays it straight up and lays it on the line... He doesn't have the choice to walk away from those to foolish to know that they need God -- he is OBLIGATED to minister to the foolish. If he is to fulfill Christ's purpose for him, he must take the Gospel message to the foolish. What about me?
How it impressed me... How many times have I walked away or skirted around or avoided ministering to the foolish because it wasn't worth my time? How are the unwise to become wise, if the wise won't teach them? How are those who don't understand to understand if those who do don't reach out to them? How busy am I that I can't take time to bring the Good News to someone who needs it?
My response to God... Merciful God, soften my heart to reach out to all who need your Word. Give me the words to bring understanding to those who lack. Complete my knowledge of you and instill in me a desire to obey you.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Thoughts... Paul plays it straight up and lays it on the line... He doesn't have the choice to walk away from those to foolish to know that they need God -- he is OBLIGATED to minister to the foolish. If he is to fulfill Christ's purpose for him, he must take the Gospel message to the foolish. What about me?
How it impressed me... How many times have I walked away or skirted around or avoided ministering to the foolish because it wasn't worth my time? How are the unwise to become wise, if the wise won't teach them? How are those who don't understand to understand if those who do don't reach out to them? How busy am I that I can't take time to bring the Good News to someone who needs it?
My response to God... Merciful God, soften my heart to reach out to all who need your Word. Give me the words to bring understanding to those who lack. Complete my knowledge of you and instill in me a desire to obey you.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Improper Perspective
Since Paul's letter to the Romans is so full of scriptural treasure, I may dwell on chapters for several days.
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:11-13 - I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Thoughts... In the last entry I noticed how my perspective was so much different than God's preventing me from seeing his plans and purpose. In these verses, I notice another difference of perspective, and it is just as ugly. When I read these verses, I initially get the impression that Paul is boasting (I want to see you so I can make you better, I planned to come see you, so I could have a harvest among you, etc.). Upon reflection, what I see is that if I had said those things, I would have said them in boast... but Paul, in his sold out state is merely recording a fact. To be completely abandoned to God's will is to have only his interest at heart, and Paul was focused so much on God's will that he could scarcely boast, but rather just told the plans that God had laid out and he was following.
My response to God... Dear Lord, remove from me any desire to lift up myself, but rather humble me before your throne.
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:11-13 - I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Thoughts... In the last entry I noticed how my perspective was so much different than God's preventing me from seeing his plans and purpose. In these verses, I notice another difference of perspective, and it is just as ugly. When I read these verses, I initially get the impression that Paul is boasting (I want to see you so I can make you better, I planned to come see you, so I could have a harvest among you, etc.). Upon reflection, what I see is that if I had said those things, I would have said them in boast... but Paul, in his sold out state is merely recording a fact. To be completely abandoned to God's will is to have only his interest at heart, and Paul was focused so much on God's will that he could scarcely boast, but rather just told the plans that God had laid out and he was following.
My response to God... Dear Lord, remove from me any desire to lift up myself, but rather humble me before your throne.
Monday, November 10, 2008
God's Second
Bible Readings... Romans 1
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:24-25 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Thoughts... Two thousand years and little has changed... how it must break the heart of my Lord when he gives me a choice and I choose something other than him. It is as though any of us can make a motion to set aside the matter that God has placed on the table, and he will second our motion. He sadly agrees to allow us to follow our own path, all the while hoping that we will come back... running to meet us like the Prodigal Son's father. And we, and I... exchange the truth of God for a lie. A lie that tells us that we have a right to this or that, all the while forgetting that God has called us to something better, something higher, something that we cannot even fathom from our lowly perspective, but that if we will take up his promise, his mission, his purpose -- we can fly on the wings of eagles and see his plan and be a part of his kingdom.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for choosing my way instead of yours, forgive me. Help me to forever put aside everything that is not of you that your purpose will be made complete.
Highlighted Verse... Romans 1:24-25 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
Thoughts... Two thousand years and little has changed... how it must break the heart of my Lord when he gives me a choice and I choose something other than him. It is as though any of us can make a motion to set aside the matter that God has placed on the table, and he will second our motion. He sadly agrees to allow us to follow our own path, all the while hoping that we will come back... running to meet us like the Prodigal Son's father. And we, and I... exchange the truth of God for a lie. A lie that tells us that we have a right to this or that, all the while forgetting that God has called us to something better, something higher, something that we cannot even fathom from our lowly perspective, but that if we will take up his promise, his mission, his purpose -- we can fly on the wings of eagles and see his plan and be a part of his kingdom.
My response to God... Father God, forgive me for choosing my way instead of yours, forgive me. Help me to forever put aside everything that is not of you that your purpose will be made complete.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
In the End
Bible Readings... Acts 22-28
Highlighted Verse... Acts 28:26-27 - Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.
Thoughts... Though Paul tried to the end to reach the people of his birth, he was generally ineffective. He was ineffective because his primary calling by the Lord was to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, the Lord instructs Ananias to go to Paul by saying... "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Paul gave his life to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, their king Caesar, and the people of Israel. To the end, many of the people closed their ears and eyes and hearts... and yet he kept preaching.
How it impressed me... The whole of Paul's life as a bond servant of Christ as recorded in Acts serves as a example for those who would follow after God's will... from the listeners to the preachers.
My response to God... Lord, help me to set aside my desires and instead support your plan, your purpose for my life and seek you regardless of the cost.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 28:26-27 - Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.
Thoughts... Though Paul tried to the end to reach the people of his birth, he was generally ineffective. He was ineffective because his primary calling by the Lord was to the Gentiles. In Acts 9, the Lord instructs Ananias to go to Paul by saying... "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Paul gave his life to spread the gospel to the Gentiles, their king Caesar, and the people of Israel. To the end, many of the people closed their ears and eyes and hearts... and yet he kept preaching.
How it impressed me... The whole of Paul's life as a bond servant of Christ as recorded in Acts serves as a example for those who would follow after God's will... from the listeners to the preachers.
My response to God... Lord, help me to set aside my desires and instead support your plan, your purpose for my life and seek you regardless of the cost.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Last Resort
Bible Readings... Acts 21
Highlighted Verse... Acts 21:12-14 - When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Thoughts... Curiously, I don't think I ever really considered that Luke accompanied Paul on any of his missionary journeys, but the language here clearly indicates that Luke was there in his usage of first person language. But the part of this reading that caught my attention more was the believers response when they could not convince Paul to stay away from Jerusalem after a local prophet foresaw his capture. Verse 14 says it all "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.' "
How it impressed me... How often have we found ourselves in similar situations... when all else fails, I guess we should just trust the Lord. This is clearly not God's plan for our lives. His plan would be that we would trust him from the start and follow after his will all the days of our lives.
My response to God... Dear Lord, help me to look to you first, rather than trying to do it all myself and then leaning on you when all else fails. Instead, instill in me the habit of trusting you completely with everything all the time.
Highlighted Verse... Acts 21:12-14 - When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
Thoughts... Curiously, I don't think I ever really considered that Luke accompanied Paul on any of his missionary journeys, but the language here clearly indicates that Luke was there in his usage of first person language. But the part of this reading that caught my attention more was the believers response when they could not convince Paul to stay away from Jerusalem after a local prophet foresaw his capture. Verse 14 says it all "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.' "
How it impressed me... How often have we found ourselves in similar situations... when all else fails, I guess we should just trust the Lord. This is clearly not God's plan for our lives. His plan would be that we would trust him from the start and follow after his will all the days of our lives.
My response to God... Dear Lord, help me to look to you first, rather than trying to do it all myself and then leaning on you when all else fails. Instead, instill in me the habit of trusting you completely with everything all the time.
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