Daily Word

But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Spirit. Romans 15:15-16. Paul functions, so to speak, as a priest relative to the gospel, and the offering he presents to God is Gentile converts. This offering is pleasing to God since it is set apart into the realm of the Holy (sanctified) by the Holy Spirit. How much different would your approach to evangelism be today, sharing the gospel with your neighbor, co-worker, friends or family be if you considered it the outcome of those whom were converted as an offering to God knowing very well that it is pleasing to Him?

To good not to share...

Written by a man of God whom I've never met in person, but have become friends with through Facebook: As I head to bed tonight I wonder what has happened? It seems to have happened so quickly. Even over my life time 4 years is just a blink. Just a thought. But we as a nation have plummeted into a pit of hate, despair, envy, murder so dark and so deep I fear we may never come out. Our hope is not to be found here. Our change will not come from a city filled with the greed of ages. I find myself a stranger in a strange land. Unfamiliar with the new customs we are expected to abide by. The religions of the pagan world surround me. Our history is mocked, our faith stolen, our hearts broken. Strange new temples dominate the skyline. Prayers from far away lands and evil gods now cover our cities. Yet still we wonder why has he forsaken us? Where have all the good people gone? How are we to live without the light, the compass, or the grace shown by our Father? Our nation I am afraid will stumble, fall, and collapse on the shards of those who came before us. A wasted venture. A failed promise. For when people are afraid of freedom what can we do? If we cannot imagine the daring, the brave, the fearless things. We cannot imagine the next day. Because security is fleeting. Freedom is dangerous. Without the fear of failure the excitement of success would not be so grand. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness now are terms from a mystical land. Terms to be viewed as idealistic but not practical. Life we know is subject to our own terms. For only then can we sacrifice our future on the altar of lust and power. Your safety is meaningless unless the most innocent are keep from harm. Our lives revolve around snookie, snoop, and where Michelle and oprah go on vacation. We have no time for virtue, love, or faith. Things long since tossed to the side for progress sake. Forward for forwards sake. Money, sex, and drugs are the fuel we burn now. Celebrity the new gods of today. Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. More than just a word. Freedom is what we have been handed down. Slavery is what we will hand down. God forgive us. For if this mighty ship. This beautiful city on a hill is not saved now. Where will freedom go? She like so many of our children will be placed upon the altar of self. To never rise again.

Daily Word

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. Romans 15:14. Paul’s reference “My Brothers” is a further indication of deeply felt emotion. Paul graciously assures the Romans that his lengthy exposition of the gospel is not intended to raise doubts about their spiritual understanding. Their knowledge of the gospel and ability to apply it practically in mutual admonition is not in question. To “instruct” translates the Greek noutheteo, “instruct, admonish, warn, counsel,” which is often used of warning against wrong conduct. Paul encourages ordinary Christians (those who have greater maturity and wisdom) to give one another practical, real-life wisdom and counsel. Unfortunately, today there is such a tremendous lack of maturity in the body of Christ that when most are given any type “noutheteo” they quickly squeal defensively a misinterpreted understanding of having judgment cast upon them. Iron sharpens Iron, today be as ready to be sharpened as you are to sharpen others!

Daily Word

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles., and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “ The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” Romans 15:8-13. The Circumcised refers to the Jews here. In fulfilling God’s saving promise to the Jews, the Lord’s truthfulness and faithfulness to His Word are demonstrated. Paul cites several OT verses which emphasize the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God along with the Jews. If the first reference is from 2 Samuel 22:50, citations are provided from the historical books, the law, the writings, and the prophets. The one people of God, both the Jews and the Gentiles, will praise God forever for His great mercy extended to them in Christ Jesus, showing that the worship of God is His ultimate aim in salvation history. Does your act of worship towards God go beyond Sunday morning worship?

Daily Word

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7. Unity in the church is essential if God is to be glorified. Paul has demonstrated that humanity, which has fallen short of God’s glory, is restored to it in Christ’s reconciling work. How much of an effort do you really make to live in harmony with others, and what is preventing you from being part of the one voice glorifying God?

Daily Quote (Sun)

“ Christ and… is a perverted gospel, which is not the gospel. Christ with out the “and” is the sinner’s hope and the saint’s confidence…for salvation itself, Jesus is not only necessary, but He is enough.: ~ H. A. Ironside

Weekend Quote (Sat)

As love to God prevails, it tends to set persons above human injuries, in this sense, that the more they love God the more they will place all their happiness in Him. They will look to God as their all and seek their happiness in portion in His favor, and thus not in the allotments of His providence alone. The more they love God, the less they set their hearts on their worldly interests, which are all that their enemies can touch. ~ Jonathan Edwards

Daily Word

For what ever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4. It is basic NT teaching that OT scriptures were written by divine inspiration for the benefit of Christians. Paul expresses confidence that all of the OT was written down for the instruction and encouragement of God’s people, thus indirectly implying that all words of the OT are words of God, words that He wisely directed to be written not only for His purposes at the time they were written but also for later centuries. We cannot have a clear understanding of NT scriptures without understanding and applying that of OT scriptures. Everyone who tries will eventually fail because there is nothing partial in God. God is a God of completion and without the OT the NT cannot be completed. How often do you apply OT with NT understanding?

Daily Word

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, ”The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” Romans 15:1-4. Paul considers himself one of the “”strong”. He sees the misinformed conscience of the “weak” as real weakness, yet he emphasizes the responsibility of the “strong” to support the “weak.” He does not encourage feelings of pride, or flaunting one’s freedom in matters offensive to the weak. Paul quotes from Psalm 69:9, one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the NT. The willingness of the Messiah to deny Himself and suffer for the benefit of others should serve as an example to the Christians in Rome. How much effort to you put into building up those around you compared to that which you invest into building yourself up? 1.10.13

Daily Word

The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Romans 14: 22-23. Paul urges the strong “”strong” to enjoy the fact of their liberty of conscience in God’s presence (while refraining from publicly exercising it). Meditate on this for a moment…What does it mean to you to have liberty of conscience and how do you apply it in your walk?

Daily Word

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. Romans 14:19-21. The believer’s responsibility is now stated positively: avoiding the destruction of others is complemented by promoting “peace” and the things that “up build.” For the “strong,” this includes both maintaining fellowship with the “weak” and also encouraging them to understand the liberty that is theirs in Christ. When such aims are in view, freedom to eat and drink will be made subservient to them; the well being of the brother will take precedence over the enjoyment of meat and wine. How different would your day be today if the well being of those around you took precedence over your selfishness?

Daily Word

So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:16-18. Christians whom are strong in the faith are urged to weigh the importance of exercising their freedom against two considerations: a) the use of their freedom may bring division and disrepute on the church; b) God’s kingdom (and therefore our freedom) is not a matter of food and drink, but of the blessings of grace. Since freedom does not consist in these things, it cannot be lost by our refraining from them. While God alone is our judge, the impact of our actions on others plays a vital role in fellowship and evangelism. In what way does the impact your having on those around you demonstrate more of… worldly passions or Holiness in Christ?

Weekend Quote (Sun)

“Every Christian should be both conservative and radical; conservative in persevering the faith and radical in applying it.” ~ John Stott

Weekend Quote (Sat)

When conscience begins to awaken by God, we either become subtle hypocrites or saints, that is, either we let God’s law working through conscience bring us to a place where we can be put right, or we begin to hoodwink ourselves, to affect a religious pose, not before other people, but before ourselves, in order to appease conscience - anything to be kept out of the real presence of God because wherever He comes He disturbs. ~ Oswald Chambers

The pride of self...

RT @Lance A. Dustin Failing to trust in God is to simply fuel the flames of your pride...

Daily Quote

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for everyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat do not destroy the for whom Christ died. Romans 14:13-15. In the context of Jewish faith, “destroy” means to cut off from the covenant community. To encourage behavior that weak believers’ consciences forbid is to encourage them to go against their conscience, a serious and dangerous act. We have only to look at the world around us, and our selves in every day life to fully grasp this. How many times a day does the world and the flesh battle with you to go against your conscience? Has it at times proven itself to be a serious and sometimes dangerous act?

Daily Word

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:8-12. Christ alone is Lord and judge of His people. The cost to Him of this privilege was immense and exposes the inappropriateness of believers judging or despising their brothers. We must give an account of our own lives to the Lord, as those being judged, not as those who judge. Confronting sin in a fellow believer with integrity and sincerity in an attempt to help that person return to the righteousness of Godly living is not passing judgment as so many people seem to believe. However, pointing out the sin in a fellow believer with no intention of anything other than exposing and gossiping is the judgment spoken of here. Have you ever thought about standing before almighty God to give your account? Will you be one with many words, and excuses or one weeping and in silence?

Daily Post

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:5-7. A pattern of holy days characterized the Jewish year, and its probably to these that Paul refers, and not to the Sabbath. If the Sabbath were in view it would have been more natural to say, “One man considers the Sabbath above the other days.” Verses 6,7 appeal to what is shared by both groups, namely the desire to honor the same Lord. That both belong to Him puts minor divisions into perspective. Who do you have sit in division with in your life hat needs to be put into perspective and reminded that they belong to God?

Daily Word

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Romans 14:1. Our basic attitude as Christians towards fellow-Christians is one of welcome and acceptance based on God’s attitude to us in Christ. There must be charity toward the “weak” person whose conscience is still bound by scruples from which the gospel normally sets us free. Meditate on this for a few moments…is there yet something that you have set to allow the gospel to set you free from?

Weekend Quote

Think often on God, by day, by night, In your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you; why, then, must God be neglected? ! Brother Lawrence

Weekend Quote

For thy great gift, O Father, We thank thee today- The gift of silence; For the rich, warm, generous silence We thank thee, Wherein our souls, Stunted and shriveled and starved In the arid desert of everyday hurry and strain, May rest, and quietly grow, and expand upward to thee. -John S. Hoyland

Daily Word

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealously. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:13-14. Paul’s warning against a sinful life-style strikingly includes not only the traditional sins of the flesh (“orgies and drunkenness…sexual immorality and sensuality”) but also insidious vises that can be harbored or even paraded in the heart of the church. Paul’s exhortation can be summed up in the call to put on...Christ. The metaphor of putting on clothing implies not just imitating Christ’s character but also living in close personal fellowship with Him. Even though believers have a new life, they still must constantly renounce the flesh and refuse to gratify desires. How much more of the “putting on of Christ” could you apply each day if you were to remove the layers of compromise you’ve allowed yourself to be clothed in instead?

Daily Word

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12. These final verses call us as Christians to action, given the shortness of the time before Jesus returns. Sleep here is a metaphor of a life of moral carelessness and laxity. Salvation is viewed as a future reality here, and it draws nearer everyday ( the day is at hand). The nearness of the end summons each of us as Christians to put off all evil works and to live in the light. If you knew of the exact time of Chris’s return…how differently would you live your life the year, month, week, day…before His arrival?

Daily Word

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9. Paul sites several OT commandments regarding responsibility to others, all of which are summed up in the call from Lev. 19:18 to love your neighbor as yourself. How does your treatment towards others demonstrate what you think of yourself?

Daily Word

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8. “Owe no one anything” links back to verse 7, and thus the command does not prohibit all borrowing but means that one should always “pay what is owed”, fulfilling whatever repayment agreements have been made. The debt one never ceases paying is the call to LOVE one another. Indeed, love fills what the Mosaic law demands. How often do you become delinquent for non payment of love to others?

Weekend Quote

The soul loves and is loved in return; she seeks and is sought; she calls and is called. But in this, she lifts and is lifted up; She holds and is herself held; she clasps and she is closely embraced, and by the bond of love she unites herself to God, one with one, alone with him. ~ Saint Thomas Aquinas

Daily Word

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them; taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:6-7. Christians must not refuse to pay taxes simply because they think some of the money is used unjustly, for the Roman empire surely did not use all of its money for Godly purposes! So, too, believers are to honor their leaders, even if they are not fully admirable. As Christians our submission is a response of the conscience instructed by divine revelation. Because the task of government is divinely ordained and requires financial support, We as Christians can pay taxes with a distinctive motive and understanding, as an element of devotion to God. Paul was evidently familiar with Jesus’ statement (Matt 22:21), and indicates here how it is applied. Have you ever considered paying your taxes as an honor to God? Think of a leader, or someone in authority over you whom may not be full admirable and lift them up in prayer today.

Daily Word

For rulers are a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear for the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for you good. But if you do wrong. Be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s own wrath on the wrong doer. Romans 13:3-4. Rebellion against the authority implies rebellion against God’s ordinance. The state’s authority is for society’s benefit; this is its normal function, and Paul assumes it may be realized in practical terms even when governments are professedly non-Christian. The power of life and death (the sword). Capitol punishment is undoubtedly in view here. Elsewhere Paul accepts the principle of such punishment appropriate (Acts 25:11). What the individual must not do out of revenge, the state may legitimately do in pursuit of justice. We certainly live in a day and time where it’s easy to question the appointed government. However, scripture is clear that He appoints, and we are not to walk in rebellion. Do you find yourself spending more time complaining about or praying for the appointed government before you?

Daily Word

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13;1-3. Civil government is a means ordained by God for ruling and maintaining order in communities. It is one of a number of such means, including ministers in the church and parents in the home. Each such means has its own sphere of authority under Christ, who now rules and sustains creation, and the limits of each sphere are set by reference to the others. In our fallen world these authorities are intuitions of God’s “common grace” (kindly providence), standing as a bulwark against anarchy and the dissolution of ordered society. Whatever we think, or however we might feel about the government scripture is clear that God is in charge and we are to trust in Him

Daily Post

If possible, so far as it depends on you, leave peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be over come by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21. We as Christians have an obligation to be peacemakers. Harmony is not always possible, since truth divides us as well as unites. Paul’s double qualification (“if…so far as”) recognizes this, but the obligation to strive for peace in our personal relations with others remains. We must be free from the desire to “get even.” Such release from the instinct for revenge is possible because the believer knows that God will right all wrongs in His own perfect judgment. Scripture urges us, while God remains patient with the wrong doer, to show grace to him. As you reflect on these verses be reminded just how often it “depends on you” on a daily basis. While there maybe someone who comes to mind in regards to “getting even” with; also be reminded that you to are a “wrong doer” of whom God is showing His patients with.

Daily Word

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:14-17. Paul reflects here on the teachings of Jesus found in Matthew (5:39,44). The genuine unity of the body of Christ is especially evident in the empathy of its members in moments of high joy or deep sorrow. Paul’s language gives the idea of Christians sharing the same thoughts with respect to one another, another indication of the strategic role of the mind in sanctification. One manifestation of this will be an absence of conceit and pride in worldly position. Christians should be distinguished by their readiness to “associate with the lowly.” Many will look at this, and will agree whole heartily. But, at the end of the day is there an evidenced application of this in your life for others to distinguish you?

Weekend quote

The dearest idol I have known, Whatever that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, and worship only thee. ~ William Cowper

Weekend Quote

The most fatiguing activity in the world is the drive to seem other than you are; it is less exhausting to become what you want to be than to maintain a façade. ~ Sydney J. Harris

Daily Word

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13. The remainder of this chapter is a life that is pleasing to God. Not surprisingly, LOVE heads the list, for all that Paul says is embraced by the call to love. Love cannot be reduced to sentimentalism. Christians are to hate evil. There must be no hesitation or sloth in Christian living. We should be “fervent,” living for Christ with enthusiasm and energy. Hospitality was very important for early Christians, for most of them could not afford hotels when traveling but depended on the provision of fellow believers. How much different would your life be today if you were to put into practice, and daily living the above scriptures?

Daily Word

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: If prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 Christians should concentrate upon and give their energies to the gifts God has given them, whether in serving others, teaching God’s word patiently, or in exhortation and encouragement in the things of God. Some interpreters see “faith” as the prophets own faith. Others understand “faith” to mean the truth content of the gospel as the standard and measure of each prophetic utterance, testing whether the utterance conforms to “the pattern the sound words.” Paul recognizes the wide variety and practicality of these gifts and the intertwining of natural endowments with them. Throughout, it is clear that the blessing of those ministered to is the paramount consideration in using the gifts. How diligent are you in using the gifts God has given you to bless and minister to the body of Christ around you?

Daily Word

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5.. Paul makes use of the analogy of the body and its various parts to illustrate the nature of the church. He stresses it’s unity in verse five. Church is so much more than a building we show up to once or twice a week, and of above all other places we go. This should be the one place where which we should find love, peace, and unity among one another. To simply show up and do nothing is in itself a selfish act. Do you add to, or take away from, the unity of your church?

Daily Word

For by grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3. Paul’s ministry exists only because of grace, as do spiritual gifts. Realistic assessment of one’s gift (”think with sober judgment”) is essential, and involves a recognition of one’s “measure of faith,” that is, knowing to what extent one has the faith suited for exercising particular gifts. The faith by which we are justified is a separate question. Sometimes the frustration and discouragement brought about in serving the body of Christ is simply our own doing of attempting to operate outside that which God has gifted us to operate in. Our you operating in the gift God has given you or struggling in your attempt to something else?

Daily Word

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2. For Christians our mind-set is to be determined and reshaped by knowledge of the gospel, by the power of the Spirit, and by the concerns of the age to come, rather than by the passing fashion of this age. Only by such sanctifying renewal is the Christian made sufficiently sensitive to “discern” the behavior that is God’s will in each situation. “By testing you may discern” translates in the Greek, which often has the sense of finding out the worth of something by putting it to use or testing it in actual practice. In all honesty with yourself; how often do you really put the worth of God’s word to use or to test in each of the situations you face throughout the day as you walk with Christ?

Weekend Quote

It takes real faith to begin to live the life of heaven while still upon the earth, for this requires that we rise above the law of moral gravitation and bring to our everyday living the high wisdom of God. And since this wisdom is contrary to that of the world, conflict is bound to result. This, however, is a small price to pay for the inestimable privilege of following Christ. ~ A.W. Tozer

Weekend Quote

Hold loosely all that is not eternal. ~ Angus Maude Royden

DDaily Word

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. “By the mercies of God” is to love the poor and needy, and support those who cannot support themselves in a sinful world. The doctrines of Grace in Chap. 3-11 leads to a life motivated by gratitude. Jew and Gentile now belong together as the people of God for whom the final blood sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice that remains is that of thankful response by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. “Bodies” means whole persons as embodied individuals. Spiritual worship is the worship that is appropriate for redeemed creatures to offer. How much more time and effort do you put into presenting yourself to those here in this world then you do in presenting yourself before God?

Daily Word

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever, Amen. Romans 11:33-36 The words of Isa. 40:13 teach that no human being knows the mind of the Lord apart from revelation, and no one can serve as God’s adviser. Likewise the majestic words of Job 41:11 are a reminder that no one ultimately gives anything to God, instead, everything humans have is a gift from God. Today be reminded that everything you have, even the very next breath you take is a gift from God…the creator of heaven and earth.

Daily Word

For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they to have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Romans 11:30-31. Salvation history is structured to feature God’s great mercy. God saved the Gentiles when one would only expect the Jews to be saved, but in the future He will amaze all by His grace again by saving the Jews, so that it will be clear that everyone’s salvation is by mercy alone. The final now in this text does not mean the promise to the Jews in now fulfilled but that the promise of Jewish salvation could be filled anytime. The disobedience of the Jew leads to God’s mercy reaching the Gentile; the mercy of God to the Gentiles leads to the reception of mercy to the Jews. There is no difference…All have sinned, and God has mercy on both. What does “mercy” mean to you exactly, and how does your understanding of it impact your relationship with Christ on a daily basis?

Daily Word

As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards to election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:28-29. The unbelief of Israel has benefited the Gentiles, as this is the period of history in which Gentiles are being saved, while most of Israel remains in unbelief. But God’s electing Promise given to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be fulfilled in the future. Israel will be saved because God never revokes His saving promises. “Gifts” means thing freely given by God, and the word can be used to refer to different kinds of gifts. Sometimes the word refers to spiritual gifts for ministry and sometimes to the gift of salvation, but the context here favors yet a third kind of “gifts,” namely, the unique blessings given to Israel which Paul mentioned at the beginning of this long section. “Calling”( same root word in GK) for “election” refers here to calling to salvation. The process of Christian conversion, involving illumination, regeneration, and the transformation of the will. It is a sovereign work of God performed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today meditate on the depth of your conversion and recognize it is much more than a simple prayer!

Daily Post

And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins. “ Romans 11:26-27. A critical expression at this point in Paul’s argument, and one whose meaning is much debated ( All Israel). It could mean “all (spiritual) Israel,” that is, all elect persons both Jew and Gentile. Alternately, it may mean “all” Israel in the sense of “all Jews destined to be saved throughout history.” Or, as suggested above, it may point to a time of mass conversion among Jewish people.” When I take away their sins,” The salvation of Israel fits with God’s covenantal promise to save his people and forgive their sins. God has always been a God of Grace...be it over sin, disobedience, or unbelief His Grace is sufficient for you! Spend a few moments pondering His Grace over your life…

Daily Word

Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Romans 11:25. Paul discloses a mystery to the Gentiles to prevent them from being proud. The “mystery” does not necessarily refer to something puzzling or difficult to grasp, but to something that was previously hidden and is now revealed. The mystery has three elements: 1) at this time in salvation history the majority of Israel has been hardened; 2) during this same time the full number of Gentiles is being saved; and 3) God will do a new work in the future in which he will save all “Israel.” As we go through this book of Romans…Do you see the importance of understanding the riches of biblical history that is foundational to who you are in Christ today?

Daily Word

And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. Romans 11:23-24. The cutting off of Israel is because of their unbelief, and not because the Gentiles were inherently better qualified for life in the olive tree. Moreover, the Gentiles believers should never forget that the gospel came to the Jews first. Has unbelief or lack of commitment hindered the process of your being fully grafted into the body of Christ or are you living your life fully grafted unto His body for His glory?

Daily Word

For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you to will be cut off. Romans 11: 21-22. The Gentile readers must contemplate God’s kindness and severity. His severity has been the portion of the Jews who have not believed, but His kindness has been poured out on the Gentiles. Still , they must persevere in the faith. Other wise they to will be judged as unbelievers. We as Christians should thank God for our conversion, look to Him to keep us in His grace, and wait with confidence for His final triumph, according to His plan.

Daily Word

Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I may be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. Romans 11:18-20. Gentile believers are warned against arrogance, for its God’s saving promises (root), not their goodness, that saved them. Thus Gentiles might be tempted with pride because God removed the Jewish branches from the olive tree and grafted them in instead. But this should provoke fear and awe, for the Jews were removed because they failed to believe and the Gentiles remain only because of their continued trust. Meditate on this for a few moments…How would your life change today if you could be cut off because of “unbelief”? Just because we claim to be Christian, and attend church once a week does not mean we BELIEVE; does arrogance play any part in your walk with Christ?

Daily Word

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. Paul refers back to OT When Jeremiah speaking to the men of Judea and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He reminded them that the Lord had once referred to them as a “green olive tree, beautiful with good fruit.” Hosea made reference to this as well in Hos. 14:6. The illustration of the root and branches will be elaborated on more in the next few verses. The people of God are portrayed here as the olive tree. When Paul says some branches are removed, he probably has in mind the majority of the Jews in his day. Gentiles as wild shoots were grafted into the olive tree and now share in the root (promises made to the patriarchs). Today meditate on the fact that you to have been grafted in to the body of Christ. Your nourishment comes directly from the root (JESUS). Are you strong enough to maintain and grow with the other branches or are you allowing the disease of life to weaken you becoming the branch that looks like it needs to be trimmed?

Weekend Quote

Prayer for today: Lord, how excellent are your ways, and how devious and dark are the ways of man. Show us how to die, that we may rise again to newness of life. Rend the veil of our self-life from the top down as Thou didst rend the veil of the temple. We would draw near in full assurance of faith. We would dwell with Thee in daily experience here on this earth so that we may be accustomed to the glory when we enter Thy heaven to dwell with Thee there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Taken from A.W. Tozer)

Weekend Quote

My Prayer for today: O God, I have tasted thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to know thee; I long to filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. (Taken from ~ A.W. Tozer)

Daily Post

For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead. If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. Romans 11:15-16. The Phrase “life from the dead” may simply denote unprecedented blessing. Although the wording is slightly different from Paul’s normal usage (resurrection from the dead), some take the phrase to refer to the general resurrection of the last day, understanding the conversion of the Jews to be an event of end times, an immediate herald of the final resurrection. Paul applies spiritually the principle that the first fruits serve as the pledge of the final harvest as explained in Numbers 15:17-21. Does your idea or understanding of “first fruits” extend beyond your tithe? Why or why not?

Daily Post

There is much to much to be thankful for that cannot possibly be contained in a single day of celebration. Today I will be surrounded by family, and enjoying great food and watching football (ALL DAY); thinking about all the incredible friends both near and far who bless me through out the year, I will celebrate in my heart as the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 100: Make a Joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us and we are his; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him and bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations! HAPPY THANKSGIVING to one and all...Hope your day is ABUNDANTLY BLESSED!

Daily Post

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. Romans 11 13-14. Why Paul singles out the Gentiles in the Roman church is made clear in latter verses (17-24). Paul had a special calling and commission to preach to the good news to the Gentiles. But he uses his ministry to the Gentiles also to benefit the Jews, for he hopes that the more Gentiles come to salvation, the more this will provoke the Jews to jealousy, so that they will be saved. I wonder If my relationship with Christ has ever exampled enough to others that it would provoke a jealousy for what they were missing without Him?

Daily Post

Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their inclusion mean? Romans 11:12. In the context of Paul’s argument, “full incursion” here can only signify their reception of Christ and their restoration to God. The more difficult question is whether the term “full” points to full restoration of the remnant or to the restoration of the full number of the nation in some sense. The second seems to fit better the general direction of the passage. While this passage speaks of restoration to God for Gentiles and of Jew’s as a nation. Meditate for a moment on your own personal restoration to God…was your restoration to God “full restoration” or ‘ partial restoration”? How does your life in Christ demonstrate His restoration in your life to others around you?

Daily Post

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass “salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Romans 11:11. Once again the form of Paul’s question anticipates (and receives) a negative answer. The Jews’ rejection of Christ is not irreversible. Paul sees a divine pattern and purpose behind the unbelief of which the Jews are guilty. The pattern of his thought in v. 11, therefore, is as follows: a) the transgression of the Jews has led to the justification of the Gentiles, b) the salvation of the Gentiles will cause the Jews to envy; c) the envy of the Jews’ will draw them to the same salvation as the Gentiles. God’s plan is as divine today in your life as it has been throughout the history of time. Trust God no matter what the circumstance you may be facing!

Daily Word

To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances! To seek Him is the greatest of all achievements! To find Him is the greatest human achievement! ~ Raphael Simon

Weekend Quote

God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. ~ C. S. Lewis

Daily Word

What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.” Romans 11:7-10. The passages cited describe a biblical pattern of divine activity in the judicial hardening of hearts- a pattern Paul sees repeated in his own day. Paul then prays for judgment over the Jews of his day who have rejected Christ. I often wonder why it is that most Christians appear today to refuse to believe that One’s heart can be hardened. Perhaps it is that lack of belief or fear that allows compromise to be worn like a second skin?

Daily Word

“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But What is God’s reply to him? “ I have kept myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. Romans 11:3-6. In Elijah’s time there was wholesale apostasy, and yet the presence of a remnant of the faithful indicated that God had not fully and finally rejected His people. Paul’s thinking about the remnant is rooted in the teaching of Isaiah, whose son Shear-jashub’s name means “a remnant shall return.” ELECTION and Grace are inseparable, for both show that salvation is God’s work alone, and that it has nothing to do with works. Today, remember that you were chosen by grace, and nothing you can do will earn you favor with God…you already have His favor…give Him PRAISE!

Daily Word

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am a Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? Romans 11:1-2. The majority of Israel failed to believe. Does this mean that God has rejected his people? Paul presents himself as an example of the remnant that has been preserved, a remnant that indicates that God is not finished with Israel and that He will fulfill the promises made to His people. Foreknew reaches back to the OT, where the word “know” emphasizes God’s special choice of, or covenantal affection for, his people. The Bible is filled with the promises of God…Like many of Israel, what promise(s) are you failing to believe in God for?

Daily Word

But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.” Then Isaiah is so bold to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” But of Israel he says, “ All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people. Romans 10:19-21. The failure of the Jews cannot be excused because they did not hear the message, or because they did not understand it. Moses and Isaiah contrast God’s own people with those who lack understanding, and with those who were not God-seekers but who were brought to know Him. The prophesy of Isa. 65:1 has been fulfilled in that the Gentiles who did not seek after God have now experienced God’s saving promises. Israel, on the other hand, has fulfilled the words of Isa. 65:2. They have rebelled against and disobeyed the gospel message. Still, God extends His hands to them, inviting them to be saved. On the other hand, God still longs for all to be saved. Though it may not seem impossible to understand how both these statements are true, the bible teaches both, and one should not use either truth to deny the other. Do you put in enough time in the Word to know why you believe what you believe, or do you simply follow hanging on to the coat tails of those who do?

Daily Word

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for “Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Romans 10:18. The immediate context of the citation from Psalm 19:4 is that of God’s general revelation (Ps. 19:1-3). Paul’s use of it to prove from scripture that Israel has heard the message of God implies that his quotation of this section of the psalm carries with it the teaching of the entire psalm, which speaks of both general revelation in nature and special revelation in His word. The latter takes place in the context of the former. The underlying logic may be: if those without special revelation have “heard” the message of God’s glory in creation, how much more have those who received special revelation heard that message. The special revelation refers to the proclamation of the gospel message. Today, stand up, step up, and speak up…proclaim the gospel message to someone that needs to hear it in your circle of influence!

Daily Word

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:14-17. With a series of rhetorical questions, Paul considered the chain of events necessary for a person to be saved. Vs. 13 is linked to vs. 13 with the word “call”. The logic of these verses is clear: First, People will call on Jesus to save them only if they believe He can do so; Second, belief in Christ cannot exist without knowledge about Him; Third, one hears about Christ only when someone proclaims the saving message; Fourth, the message about Christ will not be proclaimed unless someone is sent by God to do so. That is why Paul was so urgent about spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth, for he believed that the only way to be saved was to hear and believe in the gospel. It is not enough to let your life demonstrate an example of Christianity to those around you. You must share the gospel with others. When was the last time you did so?

Daily Word

For the scripture says, “everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13. Paul again cites Isa. 28:16 to emphasize that trusting in Christ (not works righteousness) is the pathway to salvation. Shame here refers to the end time humiliation that those judged on the last day will experience when they are sent to hell. God bestows His saving riches on all, both Jews and Gentiles who call on Him. Paul goes on to quote from Joel 2:32…”Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We see here that the Lord is “Lord of all” meaning no respecter of man…but how is “Lord of all” applied in your life and daily walk?

Daily Word

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:8-10. In the parallelism of vs.10 Paul reverses the order of verbs in vs.9 and thereby indicates that heart- belief and mouth confession belong together for justification (“righteousness’) and salvation. Saving faith is not mere intellectual agreement but deep inward trust in Christ at the core of one’s being. Many today confess to be Christian demonstrating a faith that appears to be “head-faith” lacking the depth to reach the heart. Do you trust Christ at the core of your being or have you simply settled for an intellectual agreement that has failed to travel any farther than “head-belief?”

Daily Word

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, who will ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is to bring Christ up from the dead. But what does it say? ”The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim). Romans 10:5-8. Paul quotes Lev.18:5 regarding the righteousness that is based on the law, to show that those who keep the law will attain life. But as Paul has already shown, life will not come in this way since all violate the law. Paul then quotes Deut. 30:12-14 to show the contrast between the righteousness based on faith and the righteousness based on the law. The righteousness based on faith reinterprets these OT statements and sees them now fulfilled in Christ. There is no need to travel to heaven to bring Christ to earth, for God has already sent Him into the world. Nor should anyone think they must bring Christ up from the realm of the dead, for God has raised Christ from the dead. What God requires is not superhuman works but faith in the gospel Paul preaches. Do you base your righteousness on the law and “works” or on faith?

Daily Word

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:1-4. A heartfelt appeal to the sympathy of his fellow Christians, the pathos of which is underlined by his recent reference to his relatives in the flesh. Paul’s concern in Chp 9 was with the salvation of the Jews, not merely with their role in redemptive history. He speaks here from personal experience, as to both the reality of the zeal and its wrong-headed and wrong-hearted character. Even in the context of the covenant God had made with them, they perverted His grace by seeing it as dependant on their own law keeping. The only hope you have of righteousness before God is complete submission in Christ. There is NOTHING else that you can do…period! On a scale of 1-10 where would you rate your submission unto Christ?

Daily Word

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Romans 9:30-31. Having accounted for Jewish unbelief in terms of divine sovereignty, Paul now diagnoses it is due to a fatal prior commitment to a false way of righteousness. Divine sovereignty and the guilt of human willingness are for Paul two aspects of reality. By God’s grace and sovereignty, Gentiles who did not seek God’s righteousness have now received it faith through in Christ, but Israel as a people have failed to receive it because they sought it by legal means in which it could not be found. Christ has been to the Jews a stumbling stone over which they have fallen. There are many things we do today thinking that because of them we will look good or find greater acceptance in God’s eyes. What is it that has become a stumbling stone for you?

Daily Word

As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call beloved.” And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Romans 9:25-26. Paul quotes Hos. 2:23 and 1:10 to illustrate the stunning grace of God- that those who are not His people…will be called “sons of God.” In calling the Gentiles into salvation, God calls sinful people to Himself, just as in saving Israel He showed mercy to the undeserving. No one can presume on God’s grace. In calling anyone to salvation, He shows undeserved mercy to those who were not His people. Meditate on this one today and recognize just how undeserving you were because of the sin in your life. Remind yourself of His great mercy upon your life today as live and walk as “sons of God.”

Daily Word

What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory- even us whom he called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles. Romans 9: 22-24. The addition of “beforehand” in connection with the vessels of mercy may be pointing to the mercy that originates in God’s good pleasure from eternity, while the wrath in view is in direct response to existing ungodliness and unrighteousness. The distinction between the elect and reprobate does not lie in anything in themselves (all deserve wrath), but exclusively in the will of God. Within that context, however, the objects prepared for destruction experience the wrath that is the only possible and just reward for sin. God created a world in which both His wrath and mercy would be displayed. Indeed, His mercy shines against the back drop of His wrath, showing thereby that the salvation of any person is due to the marvelous grace and love of God. If this is difficult to understand, it is because people mistakenly think God owes them salvation!

Daily Word

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will.” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? Romans 9:19-21. By what right can God lay the blame for their sins on those He has hardened against Himself? Paul answers partially in terms of human experience. It is unreasonable and irreverent for anyone to question the righteousness of God’s ways. Potters have every right to do as they please with the clay. All belong to “the same lump” of fallen humanity in Adam; all actively sin even before God hardens them in sinning. That God should show mercy to any from the Adamic lump and create vessels of honor from it is the kindness of grace; that others should become vessels for lesser use is a matter of His sovereign prerogative and is itself a display of perfect justice towards them. It doesn’t mean we give up on those around us; we keep preaching the gospel and living a Christ like example. However, recognize also that without His sovereign justice His love would lack merit and His grace would be cheap.

Weekend Quote

Self is one of the toughest plants that grows in the garden of life. It is, in fact, indestructible by any human means. Just when we are sure that it is dead, it turns up somewhere as robust as ever to trouble our peace and poison the fruit of our lives. ~ A.W. Tozer

Weekend Quote

A thousand voices clamor for attention, and a thousand causes vie for our support. But until we learned to be satisfied with fellowship with God, until He is our rock and our fortress, we will be restless with our place in the world. ~ Erwin W. Lutzer

Daily Word

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “for this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills and, and hardens whomever he wills. Romans 9:16-18. It was God who spoke those words to Pharaoh through Moses (Ex. 9:16), but for Paul the words of scripture and the voice and authority of God are one. The divine choice is an expression of free and sovereign grace. It is not merited by anything in those whom are chosen. God owes sinners no mercy of any kind, only condemnation; so it is a wonder that He should choose to save any of us. Like every truth about God, the doctrine of election involves mystery, and it sometimes stirs up controversy. But in scripture it is a pastoral doctrine, helping Christians to see how great is the grace that saves them, and moving them to respond with humility, confidence, and praise! Again, take some time and meditate on this…look back over the past couple of days and reread what has been posted. Put it all together and read it through as one whole piece.

Daily Word

As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Romans 9:13-15. Paul explains by citing two biblical texts (Ex.33:19, 9:16) from which he concludes that God is righteous in showing mercy to some while he hardens His heart to others. When God shows mercy it is not a person receiving a reward earned by one’s own efforts, but God’s sovereign free grace extended to persons who are morally incapable of any acceptable effort. God owes mercy to none, so there is no injustice when mercy is not shown. Mercy is a divine prerogative; it rests on God’s good pleasure. When God “hardens” Pharaoh’s heart, He does not create fresh evil in it, but gives Pharaoh over to his already evil desires as an act of judgment, resulting eventually in God’s display of “power” in the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. What is it exactly about this passage that makes you feel a little uncomfortable; has it become clear to you yet that there are some who are not chosen by God?

Daily Word

For this is what the promise said: “about this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing good or bad- in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls- she was told, “ the older will serve the younger.” Romans 9:9-12. When looking at predestination the case of Jacob and Esau clinch the argument in three ways: 1) because they were twins, as nearly equal in nature as possible; 2) because the purpose of God reversed even the small distinction that did exist, by causing the older brother to serve the younger; 3) because the purpose of God was stated before they were born (and therefore was not dependent on their actions). Election is not based on foreseen actions, deeds, or faith. Rather, it is based on God’s sovereign predestined grace. Remember to go back and look at yesterdays post…Again, meditate on this for a bit and be reminded you were CHOSEN!

Daily Word

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” Romans 9:6-8. Even though many Jews have failed to believe; God’s promise to them has not failed, for there was never a promise that every Jewish person would be saved. It was never the case that all the physical children of Abraham were truly part of the people of God; for Gen. 21:12 teaches that the line of promise is traced through Isaac, not Ishmael. In the Old Testament era, natural descent did not automatically guarantee inheritance of the promise. God chose who should inherit it. Meditate on this one long and hard today…as scripture(s) over the next couple of days will challenge that which many have been taught and believe as truth. If there was never a promise for that every Jew (God’s chosen people) be saved…Why would He promise that every gentile be saved?

Daily Word

I am speaking the truth in Christ- I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit- that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:1-3. Here Paul himself now accounts for rejection by most of his fellow Jews. Scripture nowhere defines “conscience.” Here, Paul clearly thinks of it as self-awareness informed by divine revelation. Paul is taking a lawful oath to swear to his sincerity. Although Paul is an apostle to the Gentiles, he echoes the sentiments of Moses in the face of the unbelief of the Jews. They are his own countrymen and he agonizes over them. To be willing to suffer God’s curse for them is a strong statement of love. So many Christians today are too caught up in themselves seeking only that which God can do for them. Never giving any real thought to those living the world around them except to point out their sin. When was the last time you held sorrow or your heart anguished over those dead in sin around you?

Weekend Quote

God delivers us from sin; we have to deliver ourselves from individuality, that is, to present our natural life to God and sacrifice it until it is transformed into a spiritual life by obedience. ~ D.W. Lambert

DailyWord

No, in all these things we are more than conquers through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39. The strength shown in enduring the hostility of persecutors and the pain of circumstances is astonishing. No aspect of the created order, nor any event or being within it, can end our enjoyment of the active love of God to us in Christ. Meditate on this today…recognize that whatever you may be going through He has made you a conqueror! You are His child and NOTHING can separate you from His love! Read through this…then read through it again…!

Daily Word

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “for your sake we are being killed all the daylong; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” Romans 8:35-36. The ease with which Paul uses the phrase “the love of Christ” interchangeably with the “love of God in Christ” testifies to his underlying assumption of the identity of essence between the Father and the son. Paul’s appeal to Old Testament Scripture indicates that suffering is not an unexpected novelty for God’s people. But in Christ such sufferings become stepping stones on the pathway to glory. As Followers of Christ His Word never promises us the luxuries that this world has to offer. Victory in this life is not achieved through living a happy go lucky self pleasing life in the flesh. Everything that you walk through is ordained by God for His purpose, and to draw you closer to Him and bring Him glory. Both happiness and victory in this life are found through faith, obedience, and glorifying God through whatever circumstance is set before you.

Daily Word

Who shall bring charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:33-34. The judge has already dealt with all charges against us in the death and resurrection of Christ, self-justification id futile. “At the right hand of God” is the position of honor and executive authority. There can be no condemnation for us, if our enthroned sin-bearer intercedes for us in heaven while the Holy Spirit intercedes in our hearts. If you are living your life under “self made” condemnation recognize the truth in this passage and walk in His freedom today and forever more!

Daily Word

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32. Here Paul’s words are an effective echo of the Greek translation text of Gen. 22:12. The phrase “gave him up” is used elsewhere of active participation in the judicial condemnation of Christ. Even for the worst of us (for us all) who now believe. Once more, Paul reasons from the greater to the less: for God to give His Son to die for us was the supreme gift, guaranteeing the subsequent gift of everything else that we need for our full and final glory. What has God not given you that you think you need at this moment in your life? More importantly what has God given you that you fail to recognize and utilize for His glory?

Daily Word

What than shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. There will certainly be opposition, but Paul’s point is that it lacks the ability to destroy faith. Since “God is for us”, victorious spiritual survival is assured. “For us” expresses the eternal commitment of the all mighty love that is spelled out in later verses. Today remind yourself that no matter what, or whom may come against you…God is on your side, and who or what is greater than that? NOTHING!

Weekend Quote

There are two dangers the church must avoid. Isolation from the world and imitation of the world. ~Leighton Ford

Weekend Quote

The church has often been more concerned to prove itself right than to present the message which by its transforming effect is its own proof. ~ Myron Augsburger

Daily Word

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30. Those predestined are, in due time, “called,” or effectively summoned through the gospel into saving fellowship with Christ. Note that all those “called” are also “justified.” The call cannot refer to the outward call of the gospel that many reject. It is an inward call of God that performs what He intends. All who are predestined are called in this way. Predestination includes God’s determination that a person will receive such an effective call (that is, the “effectual call). Predestination is not based on God’s knowing beforehand how people will respond to the gospel. Just as the predestined are called, so the called are both justified and certain to be finally glorified. The past tense of “glorified” indicates that from God’s standpoint the work as is good as done. He will complete it as planned. They whom God hath accepted in His beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. The regenerate are saved through persevering in faith and Christian living to the end as God preserves them. The regenerate may backslide and fall into sin. In so doing they oppose their new nature and the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin and compels them to repent and be restored to righteousness. When regenerate believers manifest a humble, grateful desire to please the God who saved them, the knowledge that He has pledged to keep them forever increases that desire.

Daily Word

For those whom he forknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first born among many brothers. Romans 8:29. It is a plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory as a guaranteed certainty. The destiny appointed for believers (conformity to Christ and glorification with Him) flows from divine foreknowledge. Here it is persons, not facts or events, that God is said to foreknow. God does foresee events, but Paul’s point is that God has of His own initiative chosen the objects of His active, saving love. “Know” implies intimate personal relationship, not merely awareness of facts and circumstances; it is virtually the equivalent of “elect”. When Adam "sinned" was there any part of him left uncorrupted by sin? What was it in you that was good, pure, or holy enough in your life of sin that made you turn towards a Holy God?

Daily Word

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. We as Christians are to assess the present in the light of our assurance about the future. As true Israelites, in whom the first and great commandment was fulfilled, our love for God is evoked by knowledge of His love for us. To be “called” is to be brought to faith. The “purpose” of God guarantees “good” for His people. For them this is not necessarily easy and quiet, but being like Christ. Whether it is building faith, character, or destroying pride, arrogance, or even through the tragedy of the loss of a loved one. God’s providence rules in such a way as to ensure everything that happens to us is working for our ultimate good. Taking a long hard look at all that is going on in your life at this moment; both past and present. What are you blaming the enemy or others for rather than recognizing the greater picture of purpose?

Daily Word

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27.God made us and redeemed us for fellowship with himself, and prayer is an important part of that relationship. God speaks to us in and through the contents of the bible, which the Holy Spirit opens up and applies to us and enables us to understand. We then speak to God about Himself, ourselves, and people in His world, shaping what we say as response to what he has said. The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our state of weakness, of which we are constantly conscious. Perplexity as how to pray for oneself is a universal Christian experience. Our inarticulate longings to pray properly are an indication to us that the indwelling Spirit is already helping us by interceding for us in our hearts, making requests that the Father will certainly answer. The most important conversations in your day are prayer...is it a strength or weaknesses in you’re life?

Daily Word

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of child birth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:20-25.the present condition of creation is not the final one; it is like a mother groaning in labor pains. The entire creation has a destiny planned by God, and longs to be fulfilled, much as believers do. Our salvation has begun- we have the Holy Spirit as down payment- but it will not be consummated until the resurrection (the full realization of adoption in Christ). Inevitably, therefore, you’re Christian life involves waiting in hope. Chew on this one today…God has planned out your destiny both here and now, and for eternity. Maybe for you it’s time to stand up, stand tall, and stand strong in HOPE!

Weekend Quote

No one questions the need of times of formal address to God, but few admit in any practical way the need of quiet waiting upon God, gazing into His face, feeling for His hand, listening for His voice. God has special confidences for each soul. Indeed, it would seem as though the deepest truths come only in moments of profound devotional silence and contemplation. ~ Charles Brent

Weekend Quote

The Spirit-filled walk demands that we live the Word of God as a fish lives in the sea. By this I do not mean that we study the bible merely, nor that we take a “course” in bible doctrine. I mean that we should “meditate day and night” in the sacred word, that we should love it and feast upon it and digest it every hour of the day and night. ~ A.W. Tozer

Daily Word

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For creation waits wit eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:18-19. Paul began this major section of the letter (Assurance of Hope) by emphasizing the final hope of believers, and now he concludes with the same emphasis. The ultimate glory that Christians receive is so tremendous that the “sufferings of this present time” are insignificant in comparison. We must look forward to the resurrection of the body and to the new heaven and new earth. Spend a few moments today and reflect on HEAVEN…resurrection of your body…eternity on a NEW earth, and express you’re THANKFULNESS to HIM.

Daily Word

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17. This joint witness, of our own spirit and Holy Spirit surfaces in the Cry “Abba! Father, “as explained in yesterdays post. In this life there are many ways in which we suffer. Some suffer greater than others. Often times we are quick to blame the enemy for circumstances that take place in our lives that were our own doing. Whining and complaining does not glorify God. Praying the circumstance or situation through, and trusting God in whatever the outcome may be does. When was the last time you experienced “suffering” in your life, and how did it glorify God?

Daily Word

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15. In addition to justification and freedom from condemnation, believers are taken into the family of God and are persuaded by the Spirit that they belong there. The cry of the believer, “Abba! Father!” indicates how vividly union with Christ was realized in the experience of the NT church. The cry is an expression of an assured awareness of sonship. The idea of adoption does not appear in the OT legal system, and Paul seems to have borrowed this apt concept from Roman law, filling it out with the biblical theology of God’s fatherhood over His people. Interestingly, today’s church seems more interested in creating experiences with signs and wonders, prophetic sharing etc…that our union with Christ having been justified and set free is no longer fulfilling enough. What makes you cry “Abba! Father”, or when was the last time you did for the right reason?

Daily Word

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who live by the Spirit are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14. The body is not evil itself. Sin originates in the heart, the spiritual center of our being, including the will. But since we live in physical bodies, sin finds expression through the body. Therefore, not only the inner points of origin, but also its bodily expressions, sin must be put to death, that is, terminated. This way of holiness is now further described as the leading of the Spirit and is specified as the mark of God’s sons. How much does holiness play a part in your life that those around you see the “mark” that specifies you as a son of God?

Daily Post

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:10-11. The passage itself emphasizes the Holy Spirit, His work, and His close association with Christ. The indwelling “Spirit of God” is called the “Spirit of Christ” and His indwelling is the means whereby “Christ is in you.” These passages do not take away the distinction between Christ and the Spirit as separate persons of the trinity. Rather, Paul teaches that Christ and the Holy Spirit work together in applying the resurrected Christ to the believer. The Spirit’s presence now is a guarantee of the future bodily resurrection of the believer. Meditate on this for a few, and recognize the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within you…you need not look any farther for a “guarantee” or “proof” regarding your eternity!