The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10

The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. v8-9

Paul is writing about Israel and how Christ revealed Himself to the Jews and how "they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness" (v3).  He was the Messiah expected by the Jews but they did not see Him as such.

Therefore, since The Word is near us - in the form of scripture, the church, the Holy Spirit, and those who share these with us - we should take the time to know Him as He is revealed in all of these things.  We are all seeking something, something that is real and who will fill our lives with the Fruits of the Spirit.  With Jesus, we get all of this and more, but we must simply believe and profess our faith. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the One True God - the One who created and is in all things - and also our Savior. Thank You Jesus for adopting us as Your children and giving us fruits of the Spirit and everlasting life!  We are undeserving of such love and blessings.  I know for myself that I worry.  Please forgive me Father and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Romans 9

Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. v18

In Romans 9, Paul tackles the subject of God's sovereignty (see also Paul's words on this in Colossians 1:16-17). John Piper tackles this subject as well - here and Piper, I think boils it down for us: 

"Now, the way he controls all things may differ. Whether it’s more or less direct or more or less indirect, more or less by active intrusion or more or less by tactical permissions — however it is, God controls it, and the control is complete and pervasive. Nothing in the universe is random or without divine design and purpose."

Key here is that we don't know HOW he may be in control - for example, He could allow or direct something or someone.  This means free will exists, although being either God directed or sin directed.  Key also is that NOTHING can stop God's purpose or plans. 

God does love us.  He wants us to have abundant lives.  He forgives us.  And He gives us the fruits of the Spirit.  God is great!  We should desire to serve and glorify Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blesses me far beyond what I can imagine - I am undeserving of all the ways You bless me.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. v37-39

As a follow up to my post yesterday, I am further encouraged by the verses for today - v31-39.  In v35 Paul poses a question:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? v35

In v37-39 Paul answers his own question by indicating that NOTHING shall separate us from the love of God. 

We must remind ourselves that such love does not spare us from difficulty but we are nonetheless not far from God's love.  See also John Piper's post on this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always with me and always loving me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 


 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. v28

Paul wants us to know that everything we experience - the good and the bad - God uses for our good, underscoring that God has a plan for our life...just as it is stated in Jeremiah:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

John Piper believes that "[n]o promise in all the world surpasses the height and breadth and weight of [Romans 8:28]".

We must try and view our life's circumstances through the lens of what God is doing for us, and that He loves us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I have seen in my own life how You have used both good and difficult circumstances for my good and of course for Your glory.  You are good!  I love You Jesus and I am grateful for Your hand in my life.  Yet I am undeserving.  I worry and I have other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

Romans 8

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. v18-19

Paul reminds us that our earthly life may be filled with challenges, including suffering - yet God promises a Heaven where we will have no such challenges - the Perfect City as John Piper describes it.

John describes Heaven in Revelation 21: 

God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

DesiringGod.com gives us a great post on how we can strive for Heaven as we experience the struggles in this life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who created Heaven and Earth and everything else in the universe.  You provided Heaven as our eternal resting place and You are saving a place for us - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry.  I know I should not but I do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. v6

As Paul continues to unpack how the Holy Spirit provides freedom, he shares with us another nugget - this time how the Spirit gives us life and peace.  This is particularly comforting because at any given point in our lives we worry about this or that and Paul wants us to be free of these earthly worries - Jesus of course says the same thing in Matthew 6.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the abundance and peace You provide - I am blessed...far more than I deserve.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! v21-25

Paul describes the struggle he had as a pious Jew and the struggle we all have without Jesus - we all want to be good, be better, and avoid sin - yet since The Fall we cannot avoid sin being in our nature. But Jesus provides The Way!  Hallelujah!  Jesus died so that all of humanity's sin would die with Him - giving us grace, forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, the Word, eternal life...and SO much more! Amazing grace indeed!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who provides life...and abundantly...far more than I can ever imagine!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such abundance.  I worry...all the time.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Romans 6

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. v17-18

In Romans 6:15-16, Paul challenges us to obey God and become slaves to righteousness.  We should desire to please God now that we have accepted Him into our heart and as a result of our renewing of our mind (see also post yesterday) we do not conform to the patterns of this world and knowingly sin just because we know God is full of grace and that we can expect grace in light of our sins of commission.  This would be pure arrogance - see also a post of mine from another blog.

God detests sin and we focus with great vigor a path to renew our minds and hearts to be "after God's heart". 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and is full of grace for me - You have transformed my heart and life to be more like You.  I know there is much work to do and I must finish the race - yet I am grateful for what You have done for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of the blessings You have poured out for me.  I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. v13-14

Paul describes how prior to Christ entering our life we are slaves to sin but with Christ we are given new life and we are now under grace.

Although I am perhaps jumping ahead, this calls to mind Romans 12:2 where we are encouraged to be transformed by the renewing of the mind so that we can better discern God's will for our lives.  When God enters and transforms our hearts and minds HIS will becomes OUR will.

See also recent post on free will.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who has both transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving.  I worry...far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5

The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. v20-21

I recently posted how scripture reveals to us our sin and the depth of our sin.  Similarly, scripture reveals to us the depth of God's grace (although we will never fathom the true depth and breadth of God's love).  See also post from DesiringGod.com on these verses in Romans - the author indicates that scripture should drive us into the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and knows all about all of my sin - even the sin I have yet to commit - yet You love me and forgive me all the same.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love and grace.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. v2-4

God does not want us to boast about any of our own abilities but instead at what He is able to do through us, particularly through our weakness as it becomes clear that God is at work, and as Paul says we are strengthened and molded into more of His image.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has produced much through my trials and weakness - I've been greatly strengthened - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  I am selfish, etc. and I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Romans 4

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. v20-21

God made a covenant with Abraham, and even at 99 years old, Abraham (see v19-20) "did not waver".  Paul uses the covenant with Abraham as a reference point for us to believe Jesus in the same way that Abraham believed in God.  God makes many promises, and we must not only believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, but also believe in the many promises God makes. 

God will never fail us.  

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and never leaves me - thank You Jesus!  You are an incredible comfort - yet I am undeserving.  I am harsh with my words and actions and my sin is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your messages for me today and every day.

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

Romans 3

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. v20

Although the most oft-quoted verse regarding how all of us are equal in our sin is Romans 3:23, Paul gives us v20 which helps us understand as well that it is through scripture that God reveals to us the depth of our sin - that we can ONLY be reconciled to God through faith in Christ.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You HAVE revealed sin to me and You have both softened my heart for You and others, and You have transformed my heart and life to be more like You. Thank You Jesus!  I know there is much to do so please help me grow closer to You to be more like You.  I am undeserving of all of what You have done for me - You saved a sinner like me.  Please forgive me for how I sin, especially my harshness with others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you".

Romans 2

As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you". v24

Paul is blasting the Jewish leaders for their hypocrisy and as I read this I reflect on how I strive to be like God yet I acted very poorly and rudely with someone this afternoon from work.  I want to be more like God yet today I missed the mark...badly.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who is full of grace and love...and I know You love me.  Yet I am undeserving.  I am harsh with my words and actions and particularly today with a co-worker.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me be a doer of the Word.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For God does not show favoritism.

Romans 2

For God does not show favoritism. v11

In Romans 2, Paul addresses those of the Jewish faith who demonstrated hypocrisy, as many claimed to be righteous yet sinned equally in God eyes.  According to John Piper, "[God] sees through [external appearances] and goes to the heart of the matter and is not partial to appearance and circumstance. Nobody breaks the rules and gets away with it, no matter how powerful or clever or wealthy or networked. All are judged by the same measure."

Core to addressing hypocrisy - and our faith for that matter - is our heart condition.  We must focus on getting a "new" heart - one that is softened and transformed more into the likeness of God. God of course does this for us when we draw near to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given me a new heart and a new life - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful.  Yet I am undeserving.  I am selfish and I have much more sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.

Romans 1

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. v25

As I begin my study of Romans, it helps for me to better understand some of the background and structure of this letter by Paul.  The linked resource (overviewbible.com) breaks down Romans into the following sections:

- How our sin makes us enemies of God (Ro 1:18–3:20)
- How Jesus reconciled us with God (Ro 3:21–5:21)
- How the Spirit changes us from sinners to sons of God (Ro 6–8)
- How God glorifies Himself in salvation (Ro 9–11)

One key aspect of sin highlighted in v25 is how we focus on the created vs the Creator. We are all guilty of this sin and in the U.S. this is particularly true; David Platt is known well for addressing this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love me and You created me - You also saved me and adopted me as Your family and as a child of God.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin - I am selfish...among my many sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. v24

Paul is leaving Ephesus and saying farewell to the elders there.  He knows that difficulty, hardships, persecution, etc. awaits him (v22-23) yet he is led by the Spirit to focus on God's calling for his life.  We are ALL called to share our testimony and the Good News of Jesus Christ - to our family, and others.  This morning I think of how I must snatch others from the fire.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You have snatched me from the fire - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful - yet I am undeserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and Spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited[.]

Acts 19

And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited[.]

While Paul was in Ephesus, a riot broke out among those craftsmen who benefited from trade in idols (v23-28).  The essence of the beef with Paul and the Way (v1) is that we lose when we follow Jesus.  All of us, in some form or fashion resist submission to Jesus because of this concern.  Yet we must recognize that all of what we have comes from God - He is the source of everything - all of our life and sustenance.  We must also recognize that, although we lose our life as we know it when we follow Jesus, we gain far more than what we lose. 

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:14-16

 

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:7-9

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided me with life and everything that I experience - thank You God!  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Thank You - yet I must acknowledge that I am undeserving.  I sin daily and often - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my faith towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

Acts 19

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. v17

As Paul continues his mission in Ephesus, he baptized believers in the name of Jesus (vs John), placed hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (v1-4).  Perhaps envious of how God was using Paul (v11-12), some sought glory for themselves but this backfired (v13-17).  This is a powerful example of how we must seek God's glory first, and respect His name vs using it for worldly gain. John Piper also instructs us how fear and respect for God should be used as a preservative for our faith - that we not run away from God as His power may be used for our destruction. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always with me...watching over me and protecting me - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of Your love and protection. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

Acts 18

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. v26

God wants us to STUDY scriptures and to understand what He wants to say to us from both a head (more absolute) and a heart perspective (His personal message to us). This applies of course to what we understand and the understanding of others.  This is the sharpening process that God intends for us. We are intended to be in fellowship with other believers for this and many other believers.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves and who has given me both scriptures and others in my life and resources to better help me understand Your messages for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I sin daily - please help me Lord.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Acts 17

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ v24-28

There is much to unpack here as Paul helps the Athenians understand the One True God (vs all of their idols).

First we must understand that God has no limits in any way - not physically or via any limits to His capabilities.  He also does not need us but created us so that we may seek Him and glorify Him and bring others to Him...so that we may be saved (see also John 3).  God is not far from us and we are His offspring.  God loves us and He cares for us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love and care for me - thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of Your love.  I have briefly drifted from You and I need Your forgiveness for many things. Please forgive me and help me overcome from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. v11

Luke remarks that "the Berean Jews were of more noble character" in part because of their "great eagerness" with which they received Paul's messages and the extent to which they examined Scriptures to validate Paul's words against Scripture.  God wants us to "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6) and He promises that those who do will be "filled".   We should trust Luke's assessment of the Berean Jews' noble character (for more on Luke go here).  We should also trust what else the Bible has to say about going to Scripture daily.

While we don't want to seek human approval, we should focus on pleasing and glorifying God, and growing closer to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are an awesome God and You have definitely filled me and given me more of a hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings and the many more You pour out for me daily!  I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  I worry and I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.