December 1, 2007

Preparing the Way

Though it Seems Impossible
Luke 1:18-20

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 5-6 : PM – 2 Peter 3

And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." (Luke 1:18).

Dorothy was delighted when she became pregnant with her only child well past her 40th birthday. When the usual discomforts of pregnancy came upon her she smiled and said, “I know just how Elisabeth felt when she was pregnant with John.

Of course, Elisabeth was much older than Dorothy; and pregnancy seemed impossible. Her feeling were so ambivalent that she hid herself for five months (Luke 1:24).

God specializes in things that seem impossible. When He sends wonderful, seemingly impossible blessing to us, we should rejoice and praise His name. Especially at Christmas, we can celebrate the “impossible” fact that the mighty God who created heaven and earth became flesh in the form of a sweet little boy of humble birth to bring our salvation.

Thank You, God, for seemingly impossible blessings.

November 30, 2007

Preparing the Way

Through Faithful Servants
Luke 1:5-7

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 4 : PM – 2 Peter 2

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless (Luke 1:6).

I know a couple who met and married many years ago. After trying to conceive for a few months, doctors told them they would never be able to have children. Having grown up with seven siblings and the desire to have a large family of her own, she felt lost and hurt. How could God have allowed this to happen? The husband had his own doubts as well. As they tried to get on with their lives, God’s promise that He would always be there penetrated their hearts. They both loved the Lord and did what they knew to be His will.

Much like the couple above, Zacharias and Elisabeth were faithful to God. God uses faithful servants to complete His work and to impact the lives of those around them. I know this very well. You see, I am good friends with one of the four children God gave to the couple mentioned above.

Lord help me always to remain Your faithful servant.

November 29, 2007

Preparing the Way

Through Prophecy
Malachi 4:5-6

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 3 : PM – 2 Peter 1

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).

My favorite time of the year is Christmas. We know the story of the Christ’s being born in a manger. But how often do we stop to thing that the events leading up to the birth of Jesus were foretold many years before they actually occurred?

Chapter four of Malachi explains the coming of a prophet who would help prepare the way for the Lord. While Elijah the prophet is mentioned, the New Testament saw the fulfillment of this prophecy in John the Baptist. He was considered an “Elijah” in his time because he called God’s people to repentance.

John’s role in the Christmas story is rarely told. An angel prophesied John’s birth, and he was born six months prior to Jesus. The reason he is so important is that he prophesied the coming of the kingdom of God and salvation through Jesus. He alerted people that the kingdom of heaven was at hand.

Lord, use me as a voice to announce to others the good news about salvation through Jesus.

November 28, 2007

Preparing the Way

With power and love
Isaiah 40:10-11

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 2 : PM – 1 Peter 5

Behold, the Lord GOD shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him (Isaiah 40:10).

Who doesn’t love a good story about a good, strong king who loves his people? A king who defeats his evil enemies with grace and honor but puts morality back into the fight? A king whose very mention of his name brings an automatic respect from those within listening distance? A king who in the face of difficulty still displays heartfelt determination to win without sacrificing his own men and does so without apology? A king who in the face of turmoil hears his people cry for vengeance and waits patiently for the appropriate time to act?

We have such a King! Our King can speak worlds into being with His own breath. Our King created the greatest mountain heights yet hears the trickle of the smallest water stream making music to its Creator.

This same King, our invincible God, loves His children and cares for them. How wonderful it is to know our God can rule with power and with love.

O God, thank You for ruling with power and with love.

November 27, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

With the Fruit of Holiness

Romans 6:19-23

Read the Bible through:
AM – Daniel 1 : PM – 1 Peter 4

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life (Rom. 6:22).

Oranges, apples, and pears seem to peek interest at harvest time. How difficult it is to wait patiently as the seed is planted and tend to the seedling until the tree has become sturdy. How wonderful to see the tree begin to reach toward the sky with buds that display the promise of the inevitable fruit it will yield. What a marvelous process the Lord has granted to provide daily nourishment for our world.

We have spiritual fruit as well and can grow in the same manner. As we continually grow in our relationship with Jesus, we find that spiritual fruit, such as peace, and joy, and love, come quite naturally at times. What we find miraculous is that at the moment we think we can’t handle another difficult situation, God through the Holy Spirit can give us grace to display even more peace and love than we ever imagined would come from inside us.

Lord, thank You not only for the promise of everlasting life, but also for giving me the fruit of holiness.

November 26, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

Servants of Righteousness
Romans 6:15-18

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 47-48 : PM – 1 Peter 3

And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

The story is told of a small-town pastor who, because of limited budget, was sometimes reduced to cleaning the bathrooms in the church. No one thought much about it until one of his childhood friends came to visit and found the pastor cleaning the sinks. When the friend asked the reason for the pastor’s tasks, the pastor simply answered, “If Jesus can reduce Himself to losing His life for me, I can reduce myself to cleaning a dirty sink!”

Just as the pastor sought to serve others, God desires us to serve Him with a similar servant spirit and obedience from the heart. Obedience from the heart happens after being freed from sin. This takes place only when confession and true repentance of sin occurs. As we grow in our personal relationship with Jesus, we begin to have the mind of Christ and become the servants of righteousness.

God, I humbly seek to be Your servant in all I do.

November 25, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

Alive unto God
Romans 6:12-14

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 44-46 : PM – 1 Peter 2

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God (Rom. 6:13).

When I was a small child, I was not able to do many things for myself. I could not tie my own shoes, and I certainly needed help choosing my clothing. It seems as though many things that have become habit and routine as I have matured were all large rather complex tasks I had to learn.

Before we entered into a relationship with Jesus, we didn’t know how to conduct ourselves in accordance to God’s Word. Once we accepted Jesus as Savior, we began to learn behavior expected of believers.

Just as I had to learn functional behaviors, we all have to learn to allow God to prompt us to display acceptable behaviors. Romans 12:1 refers to our bodies being “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” We mature by yielding ourselves to God.

Lord, may I come to You as a small child in faith but learn quickly to follow you in righteousness.

November 24, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

Alive unto God

Romans 6:7-11

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 42-43 : PM – 1 Peter 1

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:11).

Some things do not interest me. Hockey is one of those things. I am afraid I will never be able to comprehend the joy of winning a soccer match. Although I can appreciate the effort of those involved, I fear my interest in those things is nil and dead.

But I have a friend who has a true passion and desire to communicate through music. We could say he is alive to music. He constantly and openly shares his interests in music.

Just as he is alive to music, how much more so should I be “alive unto God?” I should want to be interested in what He has to say to me through the Bible. I need a hunger to be with his people in a local body of believers on a regular basis. I want to always have the desire of being aware of other people’s needs by listening and putting others first.

When we become believers in Jesus, we are transformed – "dead unto sin, but alive unto God.”

Thank You, Lord, for showing me what being alive is all about.

November 23, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

Crucified with Christ
Romans 6:5-6

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 40-41 : PM – James 5

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin (Rom. 6:6).

My wife spent six years in preparation to teach secondary music. She learned methods of teaching, arranging of music, psychology, and trends in order to most effectively teach in a classroom setting.

As she progressed in her education, she focused less on general knowledge and more on the advanced skills of a musician. As she learned more about music, she became a better musician. She could never go back to the lesser knowledge she once displayed and operate in the same manner.

The same is true in our spiritual walk. As we draw closer to Jesus, we become more like Him. We, as Christians, can no longer tolerate our former attitudes or habits. Because we are “crucified with him,” we, as Christians, can no longer tolerate our former attitudes or habits. Because we are “crucified with him,” we can never go back to the lesser knowledge we displayed before we became Christians. .

Oh, Lord, I have been crucified with You. Thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin.

November 22, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

In Newness of Life
Romans 6:3-4

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 38-39 : PM – James 4

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

Couples, who take marriage vows, agree to love one another and cling to each other for life. That couple is now considered to be one person.

Now, that they are married, they grocery shop differently, watch different television programs, and adjust to a completely altered sleeping schedule. They must focus on what’s best for the couple rather than be obsessed by their on personal agenda. That is a complete thought process change.

The same is true when we become Christians. Our appetite for God’s word increases, and we become less concerned with self and more interested in other’s needs. Our old lives are ‘buried with him…into death.” As those old desires leave us, we become more like Jesus as we “walk in newness of life.”

Father, thank you for newness of life in Christ.

November 21, 2007

Salvation Begins a Life of Obedience

Dead to Sin
Romans 6:1-2

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 35-37 : PM – James 3

How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? (Rom. 6:2).

In college, I had a friend who was well liked and easy-going. He seemed to truly have a close walk with the Lord. After college, he admitted to a homosexual lifestyle and having several partners during college.

As Christians, God has called us to look past the sin, to reach out and love the sinner. It is my personal conviction that gossip, covetousness, and dissension is just as much a sin as homosexuality, adultery, or idolatry. But as Christians we are to flee from sin.

Why would we allow sin to be present in our lives if we are Christians? God has called us out of the darkness of sin into His light of righteousness. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we are no longer to be bound by sin in our lives. We will cease our intention to sin. God has taken our sins and cast them into the sea of forgetfulness. Being “dead to sin” gives us freedom in our daily lives – freedom to live fully in the Spirit and freedom from the death to which sin would sentence us.

Lord, give me the wisdom to flee from sin.

November 20

Salvation Means New Life

Eternal life
Romans 5:19-21

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 33-34 : PM – James 2

That as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:21).

The message received by Ruth Irby on September 11, 2001, from her son, retired Colonel Wendell Irby, now a civilian employee at the Pentagon, was “Mother, I’m OK.”

Colonel Irby had been speaking on the telephone with his wife, Mary, when the deafening explosion occurred. “What was that?” he asked. Soon he learned except for the fact that his group had to be temporarily moved due to renovations, they would have been in the direct path of the hijacked airliner on that life-changing day.

Yes, our lives were changed; but thanks be to God, Wendell’s life had been changed for eternity many years ago when he invited Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. Amid the uncertainties of September 11, there was one great certainty in Ruth’s mind: no matter what that day might bring, Wendell was safe in the arms of Jesus for eternity.

Thank You, Lord, for assuring me of eternal life.

November 19

Salvation Means New Life

Abundance of Grace
Romans 5:17-18

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 31-32 : PM – James 1

For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:17).

Samuel Myers, Jr., was the victim of the first legal hanging in Johnson County, Texas, on the charge of murdering his stepmother. Years later, on his deathbed, James Bowden confessed to the crime. Samuel Myers had been innocent and died in the gallows that should have been for James Bowden.

Jesus Christ died on a cross that should have been for me and for all humankind. The big difference in these events is that our Lord was totally sinless, yet because of His great love for us He willingly took our place. Myers was an unwilling victim; Jesus, the willing sacrificial lamb.

“Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the lamb was spilt.”

This is abundant grace giving us new life.

Lord, for Your abundant grace I dedicate my life to Your service.

November 18

Salvation Means New Life

Joy
Romans 5:9-11

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 29-30 : PM – Hebrews 13

And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Rom. 5:11).

The parting remark of a former early-morning television show host was “Make it a good day” rather than “Have a good day.”

A good day results from joy in the heart and soul, not from superficial, external happiness. The psalmist wrote “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30:5).

No one escapes disappointments, injuries or losses. But a Christian can weather the storms victoriously because with salvation comes a new life where abides deep-seated joy, even during trying times.

The recent loss of her spouse due to illness left a friend sad and lonely. She explained that through this trial she also felt joy in her heart just thinking of her husband’s life with God in heaven, free of suffering. This friend made it a good day by recalling the blessing of belonging to Christ and rejoicing “with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Pet 1:8)

Lord, thank You for the joy I have in knowing You.

November 17

Salvation Means New Life

Love
Romans 5:5-8

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 27-28 : PM – Hebrews 12

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).

The word love occurs numerous times in the Bible because love is its theme.

When I was a child my “Granny Hattie” always planted a vegetable garden out back of the house. I delightedly shadowed her as she planted seed in the long, straight rows. She let me plant okra, my favorite vegetable, cautioning, “Now plant them this far apart,” spreading her hands to show me. “And keep them even so our seed will last to the end of the row.”

We are God’s favorite creation, the seed of His love. We would wither in sin but for His gift of life, His Son’s death and resurrection. Nurtured by His guiding hand and watered with His love, we mature in His garden of service.

In Jeremiah 31:12 God promised Israel, having been held captive in Babylon, “their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.”

Thank You Lord for nurturing me with Your love.

November 16

Salvation Means New Life

Hope
Romans 5:3-4

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 25-26 : PM – Hebrews 11

And perseverance, character; and character, hope (Rom. 5:4).

They sat in the shady city park listening to the U.S. Army Fourth Infantry Division Band. The audience was drinking in the patriotic music. They had just heard on the television news, “The United States has struck strategic military sites in Afghanistan.”

Most had brought lawn chairs, some quilts, while others found park benches or swings; but all sat in unified appreciation of the soldier band.

Sitting in front of us were a woman and her World War II veteran father. Filled with emotion she reached across and took his hand for just a moment. A gentle squeeze said: “I love you. It’s going to be OK.”

Yes, it’s going to be OK for those who have their hope in Jesus Christ. A Christian’s hope is much more than wishful thinking. The believers’ hope is the knowledge that God holds the future in His hands, right where we are nestled.

Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus.

November 15

Salvation Means New Life

Peace with God
Romans 5:1-2

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 23-24 : PM – Hebrews 10

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I telephoned my wife with panic in my voice and asked, “Do you have the Television on?” When she told me that she did not, I gave her the shocking news that an airliner had just flown into a tower of the New York World Trade Center.

As I was talking to her about this terrible accident I was horrified to see another plane crash into the second tower. This was no accident. This was a deliberate act of terrorism.

For a short time during those days we witnessed a renewed interest in patriotism, but more importantly, spiritual.

I saw a woman on television whose husband was missing in the New York ruins, Ground Zero. She said: “I couldn’t bear this without God’s help. My faith in Him gave me peace.”

The peace the world gives is so fragile and temporary. But the peace that comes from putting one’s faith in God is lasting and surrounding.

Lord, thank You for the peace only You can give.

November 14

Salvation Means New Life

Resurrection Faith
Romans 4:19-25

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 21-22 : PM – Hebrews 9

Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification (Rom. 4:25).

What’s in a name? The New Testament Book of Philemon tells the story of a slave named Onesimus, meaning “profitable.” Onesimus, however, was not very profitable to his master, Philemon. He had stolen from Philemon and run away.

But Onesimus learned about Jesus Christ whose name means “Yahweh is Salvation.” Onesimus trusted in Jesus to forgive his sins through His death and resurrection.

One meaning of resurrection is to “bring back into use.” The Lord gave Onesimus a new life. His friend, the apostle Paul, willing to repay Onesimus’ debt, wrote to Philemon asking that he take Onesimus back as a brother rather than as a slave. By so doing, Philemon would live up to his name which means “affectionate.”

Having faith in Christ’s resurrection brings to one a new life and a new name, Christian, meaning “follower of Christ.”

Lord, thank You for giving me a new life and a new name.

November 13

Everyone Needs Salvation

By Grace
Romans 4:13-18

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 19-20 : PM – Hebrews 8

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Rom. 4:16).

Abraham was certainly not saved by keeping the law. It had not yet been given when God promised Abraham “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). He was declared righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 tells us Abraham “believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Paul repeated this truth in Galatians 3:6 and added in Galatians 3:7 “Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.”

We are part of the promise God made to Abraham –heirs of salvation, his spiritual seed, receiving righteousness because we believe in God’s grace-gift, Jesus Christ. My children often sang a perky song they learned in children’s choir. Part of the lyrics asserted, “Father Abraham has many sons, I am one of them and so are you.”

Father, how thankful I am for Your grace.

November 12

Everyone Needs Salvation

Justified by Faith Alone
Romans 3:29-30

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 17-18 : PM – Hebrews 7

Since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. (Rom. 3:30).

The Jewish people took pride in the fact they were descendants of Abraham, chosen by God as His own. They were familiar with Deuteronomy 7:6: “"For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Circumcision was a physical sign of their separation unto God.

Now Paul was telling them the Gentiles (the uncircumcised) also were able to be right with God. They could no longer view the God of Israel as their private possession –He was “One God” who would justify both Jew and Gentile alike “by faith.” It was a fact they resisted.

Even today we continue to complicate God’s plan that we are justified by faith alone. Our flesh struggles to comprehend the incredible grace and mercy of the One who originated and completed His plan to bring people to Himself.

Father, I acknowledge Your Son as the Way, the Truth, and the Life – my only source of salvation.

November 11

Everyone Needs Salvation

Boasting is Excluded
Romans 3:27-28

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 15-16 : PM – Hebrews 6

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith (Rom. 3:27).

One definition of boastomg is “to glory in having or doing something.” Church members can sometimes be heard boasting regarding their churches. They might make proud reference to new buildings, successful programs, attendance, or offerings. While it is far better to be positive about our local church body, one should always be cautious about the motive for our pride and note the right recipient of praise for successes is Jesus Christ. We do well to remember Christ is the head of the church and the source of every eternal work the church accomplishes.

Paul made it clear that nowhere is this truer than in the area of our salvation. He indicated “boasting … is excluded” because believers have done nothing to merit right standing with God. By faith we simply receive what Jesus obtained for us. It was Paul’s understanding of this truth that led him to proclaim in Galatians 6:14 “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father, You alone are worthy of all praise.

November 10

Redemption in Christ Jesus
Romans 3:23-26

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 13-14 : PM – Hebrews 5

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:23-24).

Believers have been set free from the penalty of sin because our payment was made by Jesus. He is our redemption. We are, therefore, redeemed.

Thankfully, some of us never get over the grace of God and how it redeemed our lives. My former pastor never referred to his salvation without tears flowing. A youth leader tells of his own wild youth, then weeps as he describes his encounter with God in the Oklahoma hills. A retired wrestler, in a voice raspy from blows to the throat, shared the story of his salvation with prison inmates.

I have often told my own testimony about how a faithful God intervened in my teen age years.

Father, I am awed by your goodness in redeeming me.

November 9

Everyone Needs Salvation

For all who believe
Romans 3:21-22

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 11-12 : PM – Hebrews 4

Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference (Rom.3:22).

How awesome a thought that salvation is available “to all and on all who believe.” The small child, the weary widow, the homeless alcoholic, even the arrogant intellectual -we welcome their decision to follow Jesus. Yet we often resist the idea that the Ted Bundys, the Hitlers, and the Osama Bin Ladens have access to that same grace, forgiveness, and mercy; “for there is no difference.”

Allen accepted Christ while in prison. Through Bible studies and a chaplain, he grew in his faith. Upon his release, he made himself accountable to a local pastor and developed relationships with other believers. Now, years later, he is married to a Christian woman and gives testimony of a redeemed life.

Lord, I praise You that salvation is for all who believe.

November 8

Everyone Needs Salvation

From Empty Religion
Romans 3:9-18

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 6-7 : PM – Hebrews 2

As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one. (Rom. 3:10).

At a recent memorial service, the pastor told those attending that the man who died was a respected church member and a good man. He taught Sunday School and coached young boys in athletics, developing sportsmanship and molding their character. He was a good provider and a good employee. He was a good dad to his children and a faithful husband to his wife.

The pastor then went on to remind us that all of those things did not take away the sting of death. Goodness was not what allowed him to face his suffering and death with faith and acceptance. That is because no one is righteous enough to attain victory over sin and death. He assured us it was his personal relationship with Jesus Christ that brought salvation, allowing him to trust God in this difficult life. That knowledge also allowed his family to sing with confidence “It Is Well with My Soul.”

Father, thank You that I can be declared righteous because of Christ in me.

November 7

Everyone Needs Salvation

No Salvation by Works
Romans 3:19-20

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 8-10 : PM – Hebrews 3

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:20).

Paul indicated in Galatians 3:24 that the law served as a “schoolmaster” to bring people to Christ. James 2:10 asserts that if his readers had tried to live by the law “yet offend in one point’ they were guilty of breaking all law. The law did not provide the Jews with salvation; it only revealed their need for it.

When the speed limit sign says 35 and my speedometer reads 50, I know I have broken a civil law. When I break one of God’s commandments, I face the truth. I have sinned. The law reveals my sin. I am not “justified in his sight.” And I have no works to offer God that will redeem my disobedience or earn salvation for me. Prayer, giving, or a multitude of good works will not merit God’s grace or assure me of salvation. But the good news is Jesus died to make available to me the righteousness of God. I cannot earn it, but I can receive it by believing in Him.

God, help me remember my salvation is a gift, and Jesus is the giver.

November 6

Everyone Needs Salvation

From empty religion
Romans 2:2:25-27

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 3-5 : PM – Hebrews 1

For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. (Rom. 2:25).

“Toe the mark.” “Toe the Line.” “Walk the straight and narrow.” “Go by the book.” Americans use many colorful idioms to express the importance of following the law. Law is good and necessary to society, but law is never enough.

Paul used circumcision as an example of the law’s not being enough. In order for the law to be adequate, he pointed out, it must be kept perfectly.

Paul knew by experience the futility of keeping the law perfectly. He realized it could not be done.

He wanted everyone to be delivered from empty religion that invokes laws that cannot be fully kept. He desired that all to whom he wrote would experience the ultimate gift of love expressed in Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself promised, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Father, thank You that in Jesus I have fullness of life, not empty religion.

November 5

Everyone Needs Salvation

From Dishonoring God
Romans 2:17-24

Read the Bible through:
AM – Ezekiel 1-2 : PM – Philemon

You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? (Rom. 2:23).

When I was growing up, my mother would often caution me as I left our house, “Remember who you are.” It was her code for reminding me I was representing our family –in the activities in which I engaged, in the words I spoke, and in the character I displayed.

Paul was eager for Christians to exemplify Jesus Christ in ways that would bring honor to His name. In practice, Jews were not willing to offer help to Gentiles. This carried over to those Jews who professed Christ. Such rigidity and lack of mercy brought them a poor reputation with the world. That reputation was seen as representative of God.

Paul’s question was blunt. He forthrightly asked, “” (Matt. 22:37-40). Refusal to be merciful to others broke that law.

Today would be a good time to contemplate how well each of us is doing in remembering “Whose we are.”

Father, my desire is to honor You every day.

November 4

Everyone Needs Salvation

From God’s judgment
Romans 2:14-16

Read the Bible through:
AM - Lamentations 5 : PM – Titus 3

In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel (Rom. 2:16).

“I’ve Got a Secret” was a popular show in the early days of television. A panel of four celebrities would try to guess the secret of a contestant through questioning. The show was lighthearted and fun to watch. Discovering someone’s secret entertained us.

Although we can keep secrets from one another, the Bible clearly teaches there are no secrets from God. In fact, at the coming of Jesus Christ, all that is hidden will be known.

Those of us who are related to God through Christ do not have to dread that day. On the contrary, we live our lives knowing that Jesus, our Advocate, will stand with us at the judgment. He has exonerated us by His death on the cross. With Paul we can rejoice, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1)

Hallelujah for the cross that freed us from God’s judgment.

Father, thank You for my salvation. Thank You for sending Jesus to deliver me from condemnation

November 3

Everyone Needs Salvation

From God’s Wrath
Romans 1:18-20

Read the Bible through:
AM - Lamentations 4 : PM – Titus 2

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18).

In recent years the term politically correct has been a byword of our nation. Expression of one’s belief, particularly as a Christian, is seen as provocative and insensitive. We are urged to see all lifestyles as equal and to be tolerant of all things. Political correctness has led us to be a society with few moral absolutes. The truth of God is being suppressed.

Paul warned his readers of the danger of suppressing the truth about God. The truth was then as it is now: God is our loving Creator and deserves our worship and praise.

Paul’s admonition is timely. The 21st century suffers from the same kinds of evil. Today the truth is still squelched in the name of being politically correct. We must pray for our nation to repent of it tolerant, anyway-you-want-to-live society in order to experience God’s forgiveness rather than His wrath.

Father, let the truth be the hallmark of my life as I seek to follow You each day.

November 2

Everyone Needs Salvation

The Gospel: God’s Power
Romans 1:16-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - Lamentations 3 : PM – Titus 1

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Rom. 1:16).

When a couple in our church had their first baby I watched the young father standing at the nursery window.. To the casual observer all of the babies in the nursery looked much alike: red-faced, wrinkled, wrapped tightly in blankets. But to this young man, one was a standout. To all who stopped to look at the babies, he proudly said, “That’s my son. Isn’t he great?”

We, like that boy’s father, have every reason to speak proudly. We have the gift of eternal life given us by God the Father through His beloved Son, Jesus. The power of God brings salvation to all who will receive it. That salvation is the forging of a relationship between God and us. It is deliverance from fear of death and despair. It is the gift of fullness of life now and forever.

Such wonderful news is nothing to be ashamed of. Indeed, it is a cause for celebration.

Father, help me to celebrate my salvation that comes through Your power alone by sharing it with someone else.

November 1

Everyone Needs Salvation

The Gospel for All
Romans 1:13

Read the Bible through:
AM - Lamentations 2 : PM - 2 Timothy 4

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles (Rom. 1:13).

When Grace became engaged, she was eager to tell everyone immediately. Nick was more reserved than she. He wanted to wait to tell others about their plans so he could savor the experience as a couple first. She was frustrated by the delay. Eventually, her excitement won him over. And tell it she did.

Paul was experiencing frustration in much the same was. He was eager to reach Rome where the church was already established. From Rome, he could reach Spain and other areas for which his heart longed.

Paul’s understanding that the gospel was for all motivated him to keep moving farther from Jerusalem just as Jesus commanded in Acts 1:8.

Father, lead me to be aware of lost people around me. Make me a bold witness of You everywhere I go today.