[B]ecause of the grace given me by God...anything except what Christ has accomplished through me...by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ[.]

Romans 15

[B]ecause of the grace given me by God...anything except what Christ has accomplished through me...by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ[.] Romans 15:15b,18-19

This evening, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter nineteen Great Commission Christians, which covers Romans 15:14-15:33.  My focus today is v15:15b-19, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Remember that Fruitfulness Is the Result of Divine Enablement."  Echoing what I posted from my initial thoughts yesterday, today Paul highlights how Christ worked through him to enable obedience (v15:18), "by the Spirit of God (v15:19) - throughout much of where Paul traveled in his missionary journeys. My commentary emphasizes this as the sole focus for us in these verses and warns against pride - as believers work in service of the gospel (in whatever role, including pastors, missionaries, lay persons, etc.) often allow results get the better of them and cause an inflated view of self - pride. We are urged to remain humble in service of God and to allow Him to work through us (as we deny selves). My commentary also points to how Paul describes how the entire Trinity is at work here - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - in these verses. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed author of all and all I have is due to Your hand and Your hand alone - I am humbled that do so much for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I worry and I have other 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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept 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.

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience[.]

Romans 15

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience[.] Romans 15:17-18a

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter nineteen Great Commission Christians, which covers Romans 15:14-15:33.  My focus today is v15:16-18, which my commentary refers to under the heading "See Life and Mission Through the Lens of Worship."  Building on my post yesterday, where Paul's focused on characteristics of a healthy gospel-centered church, in this morning's verses, Paul moves to describe his role in preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and how Paul attributes the growth of the church through the Gentiles to God working through him.

My commentary highlights how Paul's words describe a "priestly service" (v15:16) to the Gentiles. He was a Jesus "worshiper who sought to make more worshipers.  He was a living sacrifice who sought to see more living sacrifices."  We are encourages to "see our mission through this lens of worship." 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has brought disciple makes into my life to develop me into more of a disciple - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this and the many other blessings You pour out for me.  My sin of worry and other sins continue.  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 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

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

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter nineteen Great Commission Christians, which covers Romans 15:14-15:33.  My focus today is v15:14-15, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Be Part of a Healthy, Gospel-Centered Church." While I have been posting on how Paul has been focusing on church unity, here, Paul offers words to help us understand where a church should focus around which unity can be built.  Key words from today's verses are "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another."  Goodness implies love; filled with all knowledge implies understanding of the gospel and scripture; and instruct one another implies how we are to study the Word together and to "sharpen" each other, borrowing from Proverbs 27:17.  I am also reminded how in the early formation of the church (Acts 2:42-47), how the new believers "had all things in common" meaning that although they call came from different walks in life with unique challenges, etc, they shared a passion for Jesus Christ - a much stronger bond than say a common interest in reading, movies, or food, etc. We should unite around this shared passion for Christ, and again not let unessential matters divide us. 

As I charge forward with this chapter in my commentary, I read from the commentary that this section (Romans 15:14-33) is a missionary focused, written by the "greatest missionary ever."  As I unpack this section, the commentary will provide eight (8) takeaways, starting with today's which use v15:14-15 to help us understand characteristics of a gospel-centered church.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed me in great gospel-centered churches where I am known, loved and where I have grown in Christ!  Huge blessings indeed - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues, including worry, etc. 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.

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.

Romans 14-15

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. Romans 15:5-6

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter eighteen Gospel Unity, which covers Romans 14:1-15:13.  My focus today is v15:1-13, which my commentary refers to under the heading "The Lord's Example." In these verses, Paul builds on my discussion yesterday to further the case for church unity. We are encouraged to see how we have "an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (v15:1).  I know I too often seek to please myself, whether that is out of being right or to just find comfort by lack of action - convicting indeed! We are again told to build others up (v15:2). We are reminded of Christ's example that He did not seek the easy path of pleasing himself but instead willingly submitted His life for us - see v15:3. Paul tells us that we should review our Old Testament to find hope to follow Christ's example and "to live in such harmony with 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" (v15:5-6).  We exist to glorify God - remember this! OT is referenced that we should be clear about God's saving plan as it was written in the OT - therefore we should not stand in the way of God's great design and work - unite among believers, weak and strong - we are all brothers and sisters in Christ!  Paul wraps up today's verses by providing scripture from Psalm 18:49, 2 Samuel 22:50, Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 117:1-2, and Isaiah 11:10. 

My commentary stress humility - so that we may put the needs of others first.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I have been weak - You have placed other more mature believers in my path to build me up...to strengthen me in my faith - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessing.  My sin continues...worry, etc. 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.

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14-15

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter eighteen Gospel Unity, which covers Romans 14:1-15:13.  My focus today is v14:13-23, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Love." Here, Paul picks up where he left off (see post yesterday) and focuses again on how we must avoid judgement of one another in the church - unity is important. He uses ceremonially unclean foods again as the example to make his point that "[t]he kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (v14:17).  Service, honor and worship of God (akin to "matters of importance" level 2) from yesterday's commentary are important in God's eyes so there is where we should focus (as well as "matters of importance" level 3). We are to pursue "what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v14:19) and "not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God" (v14:20) - we must not do so for any unessential/inconsequential/debatable matter of faith (level 1).  

My commentary looks at today's verses and emphasizes that, particularly for stronger or more mature believers, are not to flaunt freedom in Christ in front of weaker, less mature believers - we are not to put any "stumbling block" or "hindrance" in the way of a believer (v14:13) as this would not be "walking in love" (v14:15a).  We are warned not to "destroy the one for whom Christ died" (v14:15b). Once again - church unity is important! We are encouraged to follow Paul's lead by looking at his words from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. The commentary goes further on the subject of "flaunting" freedom in Christ with weaker believers by warning us to look at v14:22 and to see that we are not "to broadcast your views on disputable matters, trying to convince people that you are right."  A useful saying is provided: "[i]n essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, but in all things charity."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your grace and mercy.  I am often impatient with younger, weaker believers.  Please forgive me Jesus!  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.

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Romans 14-15

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter eighteen Gospel Unity, which covers Romans 14:1-15:13.  My focus today is v14:1-12, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Liberty." With the start of Romans 14, Paul moves from a focus on living in the light (with urgency) and on loving others (including  enemies), to a warning that we not judge other believers over inconsequential matters and not to "quarrel over opinions" (v14:1). Paul argues his case that regardless of whether someone "observes the day," "eats,' or "abstains," as long as they honor and give thanks to the Lord - their worship is proper in the eyes of the Lord.  "Honor of the Lord" and "thanks to God" are mentioned thrice and twice respectively - underscoring Paul's point. Paul wraps up these verses with a sober reminder how all will face the Day of Judgement (including with reference to Isaiah 45:23), implying that our primary focus should be that each invidividual believer pursue holiness and their own journey with God. 

My commentary points out that Paul sought to drive unity among believers who focused on strict adherence to cultural and social practices (i.e. eating, etc.) versus those who ate "anything" and found freedom from the law - the commentary refers to the latter as perhaps stronger more mature Christians and likely Gentiles in Paul's day as Jews were more likely to follow the Mosaic ceremonial law even as believers.  Regardless, Paul, again drives unity among both camps around the gospel and Jesus Christ.  The commentary goes further to describe "three levels of importance" (1) matters essential for salvation, (2) matters important to the faith and the church but not important for salvation, and (3) matters of indifference--debatable nonessentials/preferences.  We should unify around (1) and (2) and not let (3) divide the church. Stronger believers should not condemn or judge weaker believers and vice-versa. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who placed supportive and encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ in my life - those who don't judge or condemn me for inconsequential matters.  They also encourage and support me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings!  My sin continues - again 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 Your 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.  

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 12-13

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

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v13:11-14, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Live in the Light." As Romans 13 closes, Paul urges believers to act - we've seen and experienced the Light and now we must put into practice what we preach and hear. He gives us warnings against debased living...against living in the flesh.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

My commentary reminds me that Paul's urgency is important because we never know the hour of our own demise nor the hour of Jesus' promised return (Matthew 24:36). We are urged as well to review similar text in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8.  We must "cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." Similar text is found in Ephesians 6:10-17.  How we do this is with and through Christ and the Holy Spirit as He enables a Christ-centered life. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God and You provide the full armor of God and You are a lamp for my feet - thank You for walking with me and protecting me as I go.  I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving of how You bless me and how You provide salvation.  My sin continues - worry primarily.  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. 

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 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.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 12-13

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 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.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v13:8-10, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Love Your Neighbor." Perhaps underpinning my post yesterday, which discusses how to submit to earthly authorities, as they placed in our lives by God, today we see the primacy of love above all commands.  This is consistent with Jesus' words in Matthew 22:34-40 where the Jewish leaders sought to test/trap Jesus by asking him what the most important commandment is; Jesus responds with how we are to first love God, then to love others as "[o]n these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."

 

My commentary refers to v13:10 where it says that "love is the fulfilling of the law" by describing the law as "train tracks" whereas the Holy Spirit is the engine: "[w]ithout Christ the law is powerless; without the law, love is directionless.  Because of Christ, the Holy Spirit has been poured into believers' hearts, enabling us to love; and Spirit-empowered love involves keeping God's commands."  We are encouraged to see how loving is a permanent obligation. My commentary points out that both Jesus' and Paul's words (v13:9) on loving others refers back to Leviticus 19:18. We are further encouraged to see how love involves looking for ways to "bless others" - to listen, care, give, etc. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love for me.  It is my proper response to worship You and love others as You love me.  I am so grateful that You love and You first loved me as a sinner - thank You Jesus for such grace and mercy.  I am not deserving of such grace and mercy.  I continue to sin and often fail to love others as You love me.  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.

Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, or he is God's servant for your good.

Romans 12-13

Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. Romans 13:3-4

 

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v13:1-7, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Look at the State Rightly." In these verses, Paul pivots from chapter 12 (see post yesterday), where he implores us to not retaliate against those who persecute us and cause us harm. He ends with a command to "overcome evil with good." In 13:1-7 the focus is on doing good in the context of governing authorities (v13:1). We are to recognize that governing authorities are authorities placed in our lives by God - v13:1-2 (see also Colossians 1:17).  We should not fear authorities in our mission to do good (v13:3-4) but we should fear authorities when we sin - and we should fear God as well on this count (v13:4-5). Paul uses an example of this how we are to pay taxes to government, to pay respect, and to honor authorities (v13:6-7).

My commentary describes how God placed authorities in our lives to "carry out judgement in the present age."  It is also described as not popular among many as starting with Adam and Eve we are rebellious. In the United States, dissent is a form of expression of freedom of speech. We are reminded that Paul wrote this during Nero's reign in Rome and his intent was to avoid fighting or ignoring Roman rule in light of Christ's Heavenly rule.  Yes, Jesus reigns, but He also places rulers above us.  We are however to submit/obey only to the extent that these rulers do not push us to sin as we are to "obey God rather than people" (Acts 5:29). Regardless of whether earthly rule is pleasant or painful it is by God's design and He has "His purposes."  Praying for our leaders is encouraged. Even in the face of challenging political times (i.e. persecution), there are no fewer needs to serve - do good.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is good to me - all the time!  I am blessed to live in the USA where it is not oppressive as it is elsewhere - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this blessing as my sin continues...daily.  Worry, lack of leadership, etc. 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 repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live 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”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12-13

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live 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”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-19, 21

 

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v12:17-21, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Leave Vengeance to God." As I posted yesterday, once again, the focus today is for believers to be "counter-cultural." God wants us to act in such a way that others see Him in us.  This of course requires us to submit to Him - through daily scripture reading, prayer, worship, service, etc. - and allow Him to work through us. It is certainly not natural for us to avoid vengeance or even for us to avoid the thought of vengeance; it then goes beyond natural human custom for us to treat someone who harms us with hospitality (v12:20). This requires the Holy Spirit to move within us to cause obedience. I am often reminded of true stories and examples of how God moves in us to draw others to Him through forgiveness - check this out - a classic for sure and a great example of God at work!

Scripture is clear - love and forgive others as God has done for us - see John 13:34 and Ephesians 4:32. 

 

My commentary points to Paul's use of both Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21 as divine inspiration for Paul in verse v12:17.  We are reminded that God's wrath exists, is real, and He can just as easily exercise His wrath on us (as all are deserving of such wrath - Romans 6:23) - so should be clear that we are to leave wrath and retaliation/vengeance to Him.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of mercy, compassion and forgiveness for me - thank You Jesus!  Of course I am completely undeserving of such mercy, compassion and forgiveness as I have sinned greatly and I continue to sin - worry, anger, harsh words, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my 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.

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.

Romans 12

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. Romans 12:9-10

  

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of God's Mercy, which covers Romans 12:1-16.  Building on my post yesterday, where I focused on Romans v12:3-8, this morning I review the v12:9-16 and the associated commentary. While the sub-heading of the text (ESV) refers to these verses as "Marks of the True Christian," the commentary indicates that irregardless of the subheading the implication and intent of these verses is for Christians to outwardly demonstrate lives that oppose conformity to worldly behavior - we are to be "counter-cultural."  Our renewed mind (v12:2) transforms our thinking and actions, enabling us to live this worldly-opposed life and God works through us, causing our obedience.  While we see a number of commands, including how we are to love and treat our "enemies" or those who persecute or treat us harshly, the over-riding command is to love others as God loves us (see John 13:34) - given all believers where at one point enemies of God (see Romans 5:10).  My commentary stresses that such love leads to action - empathy and compassion towards others (see 1 John 3:16-18).  We must also hate evil as God does. We must also live with zeal - not apathy!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that even while we were still enemies of God, You loved us and offered salvation for those who believe - what an amazing gift of grace!  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not deserving.  I have gossip, worry, harsh words, anger, etc. in my life.  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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For by the 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

For by the 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

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of God's Mercy, which covers Romans 12:1-16.  My focus today is Romans 12:3-16, which my commentary refers to under the heading Offer Yourself to Your Church.  As my post yesterday indicates, Romans 12 includes extensive "imperatives" in light of the "mercies" and grace Paul describes previously to Romans 12. These imperatives include:

• Do not think of yourself highly; do not be haughty or be wise in your own sight; think of yourself with sober judgement - clearly and with an eye towards how we are all sinful and in needed of God's correction and molding; be humble and associate with those in need (v12:3,16)
• Give of our time generously to the church and others based on our and others' gifting (v12:4-8); see also 1 Corinthians 12
  
• Love others and hold fast to what is good - just as God does, hate sin and evil (v12:9)
• Support and encourage one another (v12:10, 15)
• Be joyful/cheerful and full of zeal (v12:11)
  
• Be patient in our trials (v12:12)
• Pray (v12:12)
• Provide and give to ministries in your church; offer up possessions (home, etc.) as hospitality (v12:13)
• Bless those who persecute you; be harmonious (v12:16)

For this morning, my focus is on these imperatives as an appropriate response to God's grace and mercy.  My commentary states and emphasizes how this morning's text urges us to live together and in unity in the church, depending on each other to fulfill the church's mission and strengthening the church. We are to see the imperatives here is not exhaustive as the commentary refers to the imperatives here as "teaching and serving gifts" whereas elsewhere in scripture there is focus on verbal and non verbal gifts. Teaching gifts are emphasized to be seen as practical, spiritual and for exhortation (i.e. "comforting, encouraging, pleading"). Bottom line, gifts are to be used for the good of the church and its mission. 

Given the substance and degree of material worthy of review from today's commentary - I end my time today pausing after a review of the commentary that looks at 12:3-8 and will pick up tomorrow with the commentary looking at 12:9-16. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the Church and for providing brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I can serve and grow in relationship in Christ and experience greater fullness of life. What a tremendous blessing.  I am not deserving of how You knit together the church and how it blesses me. My sins are great and they continue.  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 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 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.

Romans 12

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. Romans 12:1 

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of God's Mercy, which covers Romans 12:1-16.  My focus today is Romans 12:1-2, which my commentary refers to under the heading Offer Yourself to God. On the heels of Paul's closing marks in Romans 11, where Paul marvels at the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God, as well as His judgements and ways, Paul then pushes us to - therefore (v12:1) - be a living sacrifice - to serve and love God out of an outpouring of gratitude for what He has done for us and continues to do for us as He provide for all of our needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.   We are also cautioned to avoid conformity to the world, but instead to seek Him and how nearness to God can help us avoid this by directing our thoughts and desires to be more in line with Him. 

My commentary describes how Romans 12 moves from the "indicatives (the grammar of certainty and actuality)" of the gospel to the "imperatives (the grammar of commands)." We are to "rejoice in the glorious indicatives of the gospel!  The facts of the gospel have caused us to soar in worship throughout Romans, and now they give the proper basis for practical obedience.  God's grace should not make us lazy or passive but passionate and devoted to God, and this passion is 'rooted in faith and energized by the power of the Holy Spirit.' We are to see how Romans 12:1 echoes words expressed by Paul in Romans 6:13 and 6:19. The commentary describes how Paul highlights 'living sacrifice' as a form of dedication - the use of the word "sacrifice" along with "temple," and "priesthood," is used "without the actual physical apparatus associated with them...sacrifice is metaphorically applied to Christian service."  We are encouraged not only to offer our bodies to God (v12:1), but also our mind (v12:2).  We must avoid how worldly influences lead to a "polluted mind...[and] life." If we are able to orient our bodies and minds to God through scripture, worship, prayer, service, etc. then "we will be able to recognize and appreciate what honors God, and we can then set ourselves to obey his will."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what an awesome God You are that You offer the Holy Spirit to advocate for me and to assist me...with all things.  Thank You Jesus for the Holy Spirit and for how You never leave or forsake me and how You have molded me...it has not always been easy but that is not what You promise.  I am blessed by all that You have done and what You continue to do.  Yet I am not deserving.  My sin of worry, etc. continues.  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.

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?”

Romans 11

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?” Romans 11:33-34

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11.  My focus today is Romans 11:33-36, which my commentary refers to under the heading God Deserves the Glory Forever. As Paul questions the mystery of the grafting in of the natural branches initially cutoff from the root (Jesus), Paul realizes that while he does not understand everything about how God works, he does know that God is good and his ways, although not always known, are good and perfect - worthy of glory and worship. My commentary points out that Paul, just as he has done through Romans, references the Old Testament - first in v11:34 (Isaiah 40:13) then in v11:35 (Job 41:11). We are reminded that God is self-sufficient, that nothing can thwart God's plans, and that we should never question God's judgements and ways - again they are perfect: "He acts in his own wisdom and is obligate to no one."  The commentary indicates that Paul seeks to warn Roman Christians to avoid such questioning of God. 

 

Comment and discuss this post here.

 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy and Your ways are perfect!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving of the grace and mercy You pour out for me.  I have questioned Your ways and judgement...and I have other sins of worry, anger, etc. 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 accept 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 has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

Romans 11

For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Romans 11:32

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11.  My focus today is a second look at Romans 11:11-32, with a review of the commentary text under the heading God Will Continue Working Out His Saving Purposes in the Future. The commentary starts with describing how Paul moves from v11:1 where he asks if Israel's "rejection was total" and where in v11:11-32 he examines whether Israel's rejection was "final."  Paul argues that their rejection is not total nor is it final.  We are to see how Paul uses "positive jealousy" in v11:14; he uses a reference from Deuteronomy 32:21 to describe "not a sinful jealousy" or "as a curse" (as it was intended in Deuteronomy), "but here it becomes a means of drawing Israel back to God.  Gospel jealousy can provoke an 'I want in on the riches of Christ!' mentality."  Paul also wants the Gentiles to see how inclusion of the Jews will bring greater gain to Gentile believers - expansion of the kingdom!  My commentary longs on the point of gospel jealousy and urges us to live our faith in such a way to spur such positive jealousy in others - it uses as an example how Paul and Silas singing in the jail (and subsequent earthquake) spurred their jailer to ask "[s]irs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). In v11:17-24, the commentary describes Paul's use of the olive tree and how the natural branches (ethnic Israel) were initially cut off due to unbelief then the "wild" branches (Gentiles) were grafted into the root (Jesus).  We are encouraged to see Paul's stern warning to the Gentiles to remain humble and not be smug towards unbelieving Jews - instead they should be heart-broken and fear God since their own faith was not due to anything they did but due to God's grace.  Just as Israel many times throughout its history suffered punishment from God, so too can the Gentiles should it stray from God - persevering faith.  Paul then moves to v11:24-32 where he expresses hope for the Jews that they be grafted back in to the root - the commentary expresses great mystery around how and when this grafting back in will occur.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are indeed a God full of grace and mercy and I too can be counted among Jews grafted back into the Root so enjoy the nutrients of the Tree of Life - Jesus Christ!  Thank You Jesus for saving me.  I am not deserving of such mercy and grace - my sin of worry, anger, etc. continues.  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. 

For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

Romans 11

For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Romans 11:32

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11.  My focus today is Romans 11:11-32, which my commentary refers to under the heading God Will Continue Working Out His Saving Purposes in the Future.  In these verses, Paul moves from examining the question of whether God's Word failed or not (it did not!), to what WAS the purpose of saving only a Jewish remnant. Paul states that Jewish rejection of Jesus or unbelief led to the Gospel going to the Gentiles, leading to jealousy on the part of the Jews (v11:11).  He goes on to state that if Jewish unbelief or "rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead" (v11:15). He warns the Gentiles not to be arrogant or proud to the Jews (v11:18, 20, 25), but instead to "fear" (v11:20) and scripture elsewhere seeks for believers to be a light. Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20 to show how it was God's design and plan all long to save only a Jewish remnant initially, then to save the Gentiles but for the Jews to always be "grafted" back in again should they "not continue in their unbelief" (v11:23).  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of mercy and compassion on me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such mercy.  My sin of worry and other sins continues. 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.

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

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 11:5-6

  

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fifteen From Theology to Doxology, which covers Romans 11.  My focus today is Romans 11:1-10, which my commentary refers to under the heading God Has a People, Chosen by Grace. Here, Paul continues to build his case that God's Word and promises have not failed.  In v11:1-10, Paul looks more closely at God's Word and Promises from the Old Testament and he reminds us that God never promises to save all the Jews, only a remnant.  Of course Paul is one of them and he shares his credentials in v11:1.  Paul then references scripture from 1 Kings 19:10, 14, and 18 where Elijah shares his frustration with God regarding Israel's hardened hearts and how they are seeking to kill Elijah (v11:4).  Paul uses God's response to Elijah (1 Kings 19:18) where God indicates that He will punish Israel but save a remnant of seven thousand.  Paul then writes how those saved are elected by God by grace alone and not "on the basis of works" (v11:6). In v11:7, Paul summarizes Israel's failure to "obtain what it was seeking," writing that "[t]he elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened."  Paul uses Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23 to illustrate how this was all part of God's design and plan.  

My commentary encourages us to look at Romans 11 broadly and see three themes:

1. Zeal for evangelism - as Paul seeks to save as many of his fellow Jews as possible
2. Call for unity - Paul writes to both Jews and Gentiles with the hope that both see each as part of the same church and both called by God and both children of God
   
3. Call for worship - Paul writes that our response to God's immense and unlimited mercy should be ceaseless worship

Specifically in v11:1-10, my commentary describes how Paul provides three "proofs" of how God has not rejected Israel in its entirety: (1) Paul himself (v1b); (2) God's saving of seven thousand who "had not bowed down to Baal--even though the majority of Israel had indeed rebelled against Yahweh;" (3) application of God's saving grace through election via v11:5 "[s]o too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace."  The commentary sums it up very well by stating: "[m]any worry that the choosing of some and not all would be unjust, but this idea overlooks the fact that election is gracious.  No one deserves to be elected, and thus the election of any is a merciful gift of God that cannot be claimed as a democratic right (quoting Schreiner)."  We are encouraged to be motivated to be faithful....it may seem lonely, uncool, etc. but God is at work!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is so full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your grace and mercy - not at all!  My sin of worry, gossip, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  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.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 9-10

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 

This morning/afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fourteen The Faithful Evangelist, which covers Romans 9:30-10:21.  My focus today is Romans 10:14-10:21, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Urgency of Evangelism.  Paul has focused much of his writing in Romans 9-10 on anguish for the unbelief Jews, how this has not been the result of the failure of God's Word, but instead it has been part of God's plan to save people from all nations Jews and Gentiles alike - starting with a Jewish remnant - not all of the Jews. Yesterday, my post emphasized how it is God alone, faith alone, and grace alone that saves and how our heart condition and zeal for God are key. This morning in 10:14-21, Paul once again leans on the Old Testament (Deuteronomy to demonstrate how we have an obligation and are called by God to share the Good News, but again, by plan and design, there are those who will find God who were not seeking and those who God has shown Himself but did not ask for God (v20, Isaiah 65:1).

My commentary wants us to see clearly Paul's reference of Isaiah 52:7 where those who share the Good News have "beautiful feet" despite how "messengers normally traveled on foot...[and how the feet] might be dirty and smell[y] after a long, hot journey."  Paul continues as he states how (by God's plan and design) that although not all who hear believe (v16), the commentary encourages us to continue to share the Good News.  Paul once again extensively references the Old Testament - see also Deuteronomy 30, 32; Isaiah 53; Psalm 19.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has given me the gift of faith - of hearing and accepting Jesus as my Savior.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I continue to sin...including worry, harsh words, etc. 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 the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.

Romans 9-10

But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30:14 

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fourteen The Faithful Evangelist, which covers Romans 9:30-10:21.  My focus today is Romans 10:5-10:13, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Necessity of Faith in Christ.  As Paul continues (see post yesterday and previous posts) to describe how with Christ faith alone provides salvation, he describes how our heart condition is key to salvation (v9-10). Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:14 and the words Moses communicated to Israel as he described "[h]ow to love God and keep His commandments" and communicated various important encouragements and warnings associated with walking with God. The verses this morning include one of the most quoted in all of the Bible as many refer to it as key to a believer answering the call from God to believe (ie: altar call):

 

[I]f 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 10:9-10

 

My commentary this morning points additional Old Testament references by Paul in v10:5-13, including Leviticus 18:5 (10:5), and Deuteronomy 9:4 and 30:12-13 (10:6-7). The commentary indicates that Paul inserts "Christ" into his reference of Deuteronomy 30:12-13 and his discussion of how God and the Word is not "far off" and inaccessible and how we are only able to access God through Christ and not of our own doing: "[w]e cannot descend and be raised on our own, but Christ has done it for us!" Similarly, the commentary points out how in v10: 6 Paul partially uses Deuteronomy 9:4 but inserts language specific to the New Covenant based on Christ: "[i]n Deuteronomy 9:4 God says that Israel is not going to enter the land because of their righteousness but because of his promise--that is because of God's grace and faithfulness.  Saving faith recognizes that righteousness does not come from ourselves, for we cannot keep God's law perfectly; it is by God's grace alone through faith alone that we are saved."  We are encouraged to look back on Romans 10:2 where our heart should demonstrate "zeal for God". My commentary then points to how Paul uses yet another Old Testament reference in v10:11 by quoting Isaiah 28:16. Finally, in v10:13, Paul uses a reference from Joel 2:32. In v10:12-13, we are reminded by Paul that believers are to come from all nations. The commentary ends by encouraging us to see how it is ONLY through belief in Jesus that we are saved - emphasizing that other views such as those from Universalists are to be rejected. We are to snatch others from the fire with a sense of urgency and focus on how this is done - through God alone.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You alone save - thank You Jesus for willingly surrendering Your life so that I can have salvation and life to the full among the many riches You provide as a child of God.  I am not deserving of salvation and these riches - 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.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Romans 9-10

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4

 

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fourteen The Faithful Evangelist, which covers Romans 9:30-10:21.  My focus today is Romans 9:30-10:4, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Intensity of Paul's Burden. Here, Paul continues to express anguish (see previous few days posts covering Romans 9) over Jewish unbelief by contrasting how the Gentiles achieved righteousness through faith but the Jewish people largely sought righteousness through works (v9:32). Paul quotes Isaiah once more in v33, and how Jesus was prophesied to become the Messiah and cornerstone of the church. His anguish spills over into chapter 10 where he shares how he believes the Jews had "zeal for God, but not according to knowledge....seeking to establish their own [righteousness]" (v10:2-3). In v10:4, Paul states that for those who believe in Christ, they are justified - not based on works or obedience to the law but on based on faith and God's grace. 

 

My commentary encourages me to notice the intensity of Paul's burden for Israel in 10:1-4. Just as Paul is "burdened" or heartbroken for unbelievers we should be as well and be both humble and graceful about it.  We should thank God for conversion and belief in some, and pray for unbelievers at the same time. 

 

Comment and discuss this post here.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me faith - not based on anything I did but because You loved me and because You are full of patience, compassion, mercy and grace - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I am sinful - full of harsh words, worry, etc.  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.