Passing it on

Talk about your plug for evangelism, Ro ch 10 is all about this. V9 notes that confession with your mouth and belief in your heart are keys to salvation. We sometimes gloss over that. Confession can be easy. Believing in our hearts does not mean we cannot have doubts or struggle to understand things. Rather we know that God has done for us what we cannot do ourselves. It is not our actions that make us right with God. However, that is not a 'get out of jail free' card. Paul discusses this elsewhere that we don't go on sinning to show how much faith we have that God forgives. Be ready for rejection and ridicule when you bring this news to others. Few will accept it.

Who's Driving?

Fairness, that seems to be a sticking point with many regarding following God. They might argue that some are blessed, and some not. It doesn't seem fair. Romans ch9 addresses this issue. A question we should also be asking though is 'what have we earned'. Answer is nothing. All have sinned. Who are we to question God. That makes His mercy and grace all the more awesome. We are not worthy, yet God does bless us. He has given all a chance, we just need believe. We shrink God into man-made rules and vision, not understanding that God knows the full story. It might be like a 2 year old directing the parent on how to drive. Kinda funny eh? Do you think God feels likewise when we have a tantrum from our carseat? Prob not, He is searching for the binkie!

Mountains before us

Do you feel loved today? Do you feel special? You should. Paul gives us reason in Romans ch8. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? He gave His only son for us! I love you all, but a few dollars is all you might get from me. In v35--37, Paul asks whether current unsettling situations should separate us from God. He writes through Christ, we are more than conquerers....what encouagement! We serve a BIG God, so whatever life throws at us, He can handle. The mountain in front of you is a speed bump in the rear view mirror. Yet we look at the mountain and that is all we can see. God made the mountain, He knows the paths to get us over. But we need to seek Him. He will not force Himself on us, that is what love is. Seek Him...he knows the way!

Struggling with Sin

Struggling....gee, who could relate. In reading Romans ch7, it appears Paul could. He notes that the Law of God revealed his sin. He notes in v14-25 the struggles he has with that sin, in knowing what is right to do, but then not doing it. And vice versa. Like me, i know starting my day off with a devotion strengthens me. Yet it has been over a week since this happened. Hope you have been consistent. Life should not interupt the connection with the maker of that life. Reading and knowing God's Word will show us the errors in our ways. The stories are for our growth and understanding, since we do the same things. King Solomon was right, there is nothing new under the sun. But daily devotions need to be my way of welcoming that sun. Do what we know is right to do!

Confidence vs Doubt

Confidence, how is yours? The opposite is doubt, which Satan loves to use on us. Paul writes on this in Ro ch5. V2, because of our faith....we confidently look forward to sharing God's glory. There is not doubt. We are sure. Doubts weaken us. Doubts strip away our ability to lead others. Doubt stops us. Paul continues noting that we will run into problems. These are for our benefit to strengthen us. Yet even in our weakness, even when we doubt and stumble, God loved us enough to send His son as the solution. Ch5v8 is a real keeper. Most of us will not give up our meager possessions, let alone our sons! Armed with this info, can we not confidently stride into today knowing we are safe. No matter what happens, God has our back. Don't doubt, we were not made for it!

Its the Relationship Thingy

It's a relationship thing! Paul clearly states this in Ro ch4v13. It is not by our works. Truth is, relationships do need work and attention. How close are you to someone you never talk to, see or think about? It is the same with God. If we don't seek Him, read His Word, pray, and meditate, we are not growing in our relationship with Him. The mmost amazing thing is that the God, creator of the universe, wants to be in a relationship with us! Some of my neighbors don't even want that and they are on my street! Relationships start with desire. Desire to get to know someone. It grows through time, consistency, and experience. Our faith and belief in God is what makes us righteous (v24). Seek Him, don't let Him be a 2nd string QB, He is more than a clipboard holder!

Obedience is not without Passion

Deep theology, simplified. Paul writes in Acts ch3, like he is explaining faith vs. Works to an audience today. Amazing how things really don't change! He begins with focusing on God and His righteousness. This is the answer to why God allows bad things to happen to good people (see also 3:23). He then proceeds into how we are all in sin together. Next, he writes about how Christ took care of what we could not. Finally, he notes that faith is what matters, but through true faith, you will obey. You might say we become domesticated in God's house...we obey, but that doesn't mean our spirit is broken or we don't have passion. We should be like the dog, wagging our tail joyfully when the master is near...and He always is! Ch3 is great ammo to use when attacked by nonbelievers. Woof

Mirror Mirror....

Romans ch2 could be subtitled "the Mirror chapter". Paul writes on how we are quick to judge others, yet we have the same sin. We have to be aware of sin, and realize we all have it. The slippery slope is when we compare our sin with others and determine that we "aren't so bad". We have to be careful not to judge others. It is the heart that matters, what we seek, rather Who we seek. Our lives are definitely riddled with coloring outside the lines. It is by God's grace that we are afforded an opportunity to even turn from sin. See v4. Keep in mind, this life is not for a grade, we cannot earn or work towards a passing grade. But if we truly seek and desire God, He promises us eternity with Him. That is the goal. Be careful about judging others, we haven't been givven that task

Road to Salvation begins

Welcome to Summer '13! We begin in Romans. Written by the Apostle Paul,, this is great theology. His purpose is to show how God made us right in His sight, everyone. Kinda levels the playing field. Rome was filled with Pagans and those who worshipped idols and other gods. Like DC today? It was the seat of earthly power. Key verses in ch1 are v1-Paul introduces himself as a slave...the lowest possible relation, showing his humility, v16-17 Paul writes boldly of his purpose for the letter, and v20, we have no excuse for not seeking God. This is so appropriate today in our culture. We have lost our way and need these reminders. Are we slaves to Christ? Does He rule our lives? I deserve hanging for desertion! Come along in Romans...it is a powerful road!

The Road Ahead

In Acts ch20 we see the importance of evangelism in Paul's life. V24, Paul is determined to finish the work that the Lord has put before him. Paul had done much already and had endured many hardships, pain and suffering. But he realized that he was not done. When are we finished? Like Paul, never. Don't get discouraged by this. There will be ebbs and flows of your ministry. Each of us has a ministry! Like one in recovery, we need to take one day, one moment at a time, not focusing on the tremendous and long task ahead. Paul was not alone in his work. Throughout Acts, he is accompanied by other believers who help him, hold him accountable and press forward with him. We need do likewise. We might not be Pauls, but we can be the support team. Now, onto the next task!

Pray and wait

In Acts ch12, Peter is arrested. The believers meet together and pray for his release. Angels came and did just that. Peter flees back to where the believers are. He knoccks at the door, and a young servant girl comes to answer. In her excitement to tell the others, she does not open the door. The others do not believe her story that Peter is knocking at the door, EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE PRAYING TO GOD FOR THIS VERY THING!!! How often do we pray to God, then either not believe that He can do it, or we decide He needs our help. We rush in to assist, and miss God's timing and purpose. Why do we pray? At times it seems more like asking permission rather than truly turning it over to God. We are in such a hurry. Why? Ours is truly the half hour sitcom life. Pray and wait!

Introducing God's Servant

Who can God use for His purpose? Anyone. In Acts ch 9, we see God using Saul, a noted terrorizor of Christians. God supernaturally called Saul. That might not happen everyday. God's ways are not our ways. Yet we can come to understand what God has revealed to us in His Word and by the Holy aSpirit. In Saul's case, God used an ordinary man and believer named Ananias. Are we willing to let God use us? Ananias feared for his life when called to approach Saul. Notice that God did not punish him for his hesitation, rather He encouraged Ananias. God encourages us as well. Are you being led? Are you listening for God? How can we if our lives are so jammed packed and busy. Margin in life is important not only for sanity and good health, it is important to hear God's leading.

How much you ask?

You can't buy the Holy Spirit. In Acts ch8v18-20, Simon attempts to offer money to Peter so that he could bless people with the HS. Peter rebukes him noting that serving God is not what we "get" out of it, but how we glorify Him. That is easier to forget than you think. We can be jealous of others who seem to "get it" while we struggle. We might even see others getting away with activities that are not good. Not to worry, God sees all. He knows our hearts and our motives. Simon was not asking to help further the kingdom, he was seeking fame and possibly another revenue stream. How do we use the gifts God has given us? For what we get out of them, or how we can glorify Him?

Introducing Paul!

Introducing, Paul. In Acts ch 7 at the end, we see the religious leaders stoning Stephen, an elder in the early church. Saul's intro to us is so hauntingly evil, it causes one to step back. The Jews are stoning Stephen and suddenly there is Saul, at who's feet the Jews put their coats. Normal practice in a good stoning is to remove one's coat! It is like something out of a movie. I can see the camera pulling back from the scene and there he is, evilly watching over the entire event, saying nothing but giving approval. Pride, arrogance, and egotism on full display. This is Saul! Wait, this is the same guys who will win hearts over to Christ? Talk about a change. See, our obstacles to growth in Christ are not new. As we read on, we'll see our story of change in SAUL - PAUL.

Being Bold

Howdy! In Acts Ch5, we read about Peter's bold stand against the Pharisee council. See in v28-30. The Pharisees threaten with death, but Peter stands determined. What would cause a person such change? Remember Peter once denied even knowing Jesus 3 times at Jesus' arrest. The Holy Spirit gave Peter confidence of the truth. Such confidence that he could not help but tell others. To see if Peter's truth was on target, read a little ahead in v38. A Pharisee named Gamliel tells them that if Peter's influence is from man it will soon die off. But if from God, you cannot stop it. 2,000 years later,, can we answer that? We might nto shout from rooftops about Jesus, but we should not keep Jesus only to ourselves...be bold!

Enemy Territory

In Acts ch 3, Peter and John heal a lame man. Inside the temple they go, where Peter seizes upon the oppotunity to evangelize in the name of Jesus. What is our opportunity, and do we take it? Or do we thing we won't know the right words. The Holy Spirit will lead us. Peter and John were entering enemy territory, yet they could not help but talk out. We all have enemy terr, it is in how we handle it as to how hostile it becomes. Be bold entering your enemy territory, you are not alone!

Come Holy Spirit

May the fourth be with you! Luke starts the book of Acts with the promise from Jesus of the Holy Spirit. He tells the disciples that this helper will guide and lead them, and help them remember all of Jesus' words and deeds. In ch2, the HS comes upon the believers in mighty fashion. If you haven't had the same experience, fear not. God uses events and people differently. He parted the Red Sea in Exodus, but stopped the Jordan River from flowing in Joshua. Similar result, different approach. It is the same with the HS working in your life. As we seek God and His will, the HS become more active in us and helps us. Events in the Bible are written as testimony and examples that we might believe. Scripture may be complete, but God's work in men is not.

Daily work

Epilogue, skipping ahead to John ch21, we see the disciples getting with life after Jesus' death and ressurection. Peter decides to go fishing, and other follow. But life is not the same. Once you have encountered Jesus and the HS, nothing is the same. Your life has different purpose. You go from living for yourself to living for God. Ch 21 shows Jesus restoring Peter. He restores us each day as we seek Him. Jesus instructs Peter to take care of His sheep. Baa. Who are our sheep today? Are we leading them? Following Jesus is not a one time prayer and then boom, everything is cheery. It is a life long pursuit of God. Seeking Him constantly, serving Him faithfully and sharing Him boldly. We have work to do. On to Acts!

What is Truth

What is truth? Pilate asked this question of Jesus in John ch18. Is truth relative? The modern world will say it is. Truth, they say, depends on how you view it and from where you stand. Jesus declared to Pilate that He came into the world to testify to the truth. Our faith is based on this. One true God. Jesus, true son of God. Bible, true word of God. Nice to know, but what does it matter since very few are listening. Talk to someone today about Jesus and you might get the "that is nice for you" response. There was true fear about Jesus by the Pharisees. Surely, over history there has been leaders of movements that threaten the establishment. Was this different? Yes, it spoke to the truth, and not just a relative one. Speak it with confidence today!

Focus and denial

We read in John ch 18 of Jesus' arrest and Peter's denial. What prompted Peter to deny? It certainly wasn't being unsure of who Jesus was, or was it? Fear prompted Peter to deny he knew Jesus. He was afraid of being arrested as well. He didn't know Jesus' fate and wanted to save his own neck. But he forgot who Jesus was and is. Jesus is the one with the power and auuthority. Even today, I deny out of fear. I don't share with other who Jesus is and what He has done for me. Others need to hear, so they too can make a decision. Time is running short, we should not delay. Peter focused on temporary situations, forgetting that Jesus is eternal. Let us not fall into that same trap. Jesus has commanded us to love one another and make disciples. Will fear hold us back?