Today's Bible reading is the 12th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=Romans%2012
The second verse of Romans chapter 12 is instrumental as one goes on to consider the many admonitions that follow it. In this second verse Paul wrote, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." From the day of our salvation onward we are involved in a transformation process that involves the renewing of our minds. This is God's work of sanctification that cannot be accomplished in the flesh and is ever dependent upon His Spirit, His word and His ways. The admonition is against conformity to the world's ways and for our transformation through the renewing of our minds. Conformity happens all too often in the lives of believers.The world's ways are the natural inclination of the flesh. If we wish to heed the call against conformity we must heed the call to transformation through the renewing of our minds. We must avail ourselves to that which God has provided for the believer in Christ for victory in this area. His Spirit, His word, His gift of prayer and the gifts He has given members of the body of Christ for the edification of His church. I believe today's passage, and the whole of God's word, teaches us that failure to be involved in that which He declares as transforming, the renewing of our minds, we will find ourselves being conformed to this world. May we be diligent and sober minded about this important matter of transformation and may our minds be renewed so that we "may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 11th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=NASB&search=Romans%2011
I couldn't help note the contrast of the “seeker friendly’ movement (and its theology) of our day and scripture passages like today's and those of previous day’s reading in the Book of
Romans. In Romans chapter three we had read the emphatic truth that “there is none
who seeks for God”. Of course, that was followed by the words, "There is none who does good, there is not even one." In today’s passage we find Paul writing of his nation
Israel and how God had not rejected them but how He would save a remnant of
Israel by His “gracious choice”. And then Paul goes on to describe Israel as
“seekers”. He writes that although they were “seeking”, they were unable
to obtain that which they sought. Consistent with the entire text of Romans, Paul goes on to say that it is the chosen who obtain that which the seekers do not. The "chosen of God" have much to be thankful and grateful for. May we never cease to rejoice in and proclaim the wonder of “God’s gracious choice”!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 10th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10&version=NASB
Today's scripture reading reminds us that the basis of the glorious news of the gospel of Christ is found in the gospel itself and that it is not dependent upon men to esteem it so. The "good news of good things" that we are privileged to know and to share is good because He is good. The rejection by the masses regarding the truth and validity of the gospel message has no bearing on the goodness of the message. The Apostle Paul's heart's desire and prayer to God was for the salvation of his Jewish brethren. He knew first hand that a "zeal for God", that was not in accordance with knowledge from God, was in the end, futility. Like they, he had sought to establish his own righteousness up until the day that he came to know the Righteous One by name; the name of Jesus. He then became one of those whose "beautiful feet" took him on his life's journey preaching the glorious truths of the gospel. May we be counted among those who have been "sent" by God to bear the good news of the gospel of His Son.
Today's scripture reading reminds us that the basis of the glorious news of the gospel of Christ is found in the gospel itself and that it is not dependent upon men to esteem it so. The "good news of good things" that we are privileged to know and to share is good because He is good. The rejection by the masses regarding the truth and validity of the gospel message has no bearing on the goodness of the message. The Apostle Paul's heart's desire and prayer to God was for the salvation of his Jewish brethren. He knew first hand that a "zeal for God", that was not in accordance with knowledge from God, was in the end, futility. Like they, he had sought to establish his own righteousness up until the day that he came to know the Righteous One by name; the name of Jesus. He then became one of those whose "beautiful feet" took him on his life's journey preaching the glorious truths of the gospel. May we be counted among those who have been "sent" by God to bear the good news of the gospel of His Son.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 9th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9&version=NASB
When I read the 9th chapter of Romans I can't help but consider the proclamation of sovereignty found in verses 9-13 which says, "For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.”And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” If you have never taken note of this passage, note that Paul is inspired to be quite specific regarding the timing of what God had said of Jacob and Esau. Before either had been born, God had made a sovereign choice. Had he waited until after they were born there would forever be the assumption that God's choice was based on the amount of right or wrong each had done. But the choice was not about them but God. It was so that His "purpose according to His choice would stand". As we saw back in chapter three, God purposed to exclude man's ability to boast. Of course, we know that man's tendency is to do just that; boast in his own self accomplishments and his own perceived self-worth. I'm reminded of the importance and purpose that is involved in God's timing. In chapter four we saw that God had purposed to credit righteousness to Abraham's by faith before the physical act of circumcision would occur. In Galatians we read that God sent His Son in "the fullness of time". Back in Romans chapter five we read that "at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." May God help us to well content and rest in His timing.
When I read the 9th chapter of Romans I can't help but consider the proclamation of sovereignty found in verses 9-13 which says, "For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.”And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” If you have never taken note of this passage, note that Paul is inspired to be quite specific regarding the timing of what God had said of Jacob and Esau. Before either had been born, God had made a sovereign choice. Had he waited until after they were born there would forever be the assumption that God's choice was based on the amount of right or wrong each had done. But the choice was not about them but God. It was so that His "purpose according to His choice would stand". As we saw back in chapter three, God purposed to exclude man's ability to boast. Of course, we know that man's tendency is to do just that; boast in his own self accomplishments and his own perceived self-worth. I'm reminded of the importance and purpose that is involved in God's timing. In chapter four we saw that God had purposed to credit righteousness to Abraham's by faith before the physical act of circumcision would occur. In Galatians we read that God sent His Son in "the fullness of time". Back in Romans chapter five we read that "at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." May God help us to well content and rest in His timing.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 8th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=NASB
The eighth chapter of the Book of Romans contains several well known and often quoted Bible verses that have been dear to the hearts and minds of believers for centuries. One of those verses is Roman's 8:28 that says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Over the years I have often heard this verse misquoted in a way that, I believe unintended, dismisses the central truth that it speaks of. Brothers and sisters in Christ will say, "all things work together for good for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Leaving out the "God causes" part results in an assertion that "things" somehow have the capacity "to work together for good" and that there is some sort of universal and mystical connection between all things. But "all things", good and bad, lack the power to work together for good in the life of the believer or anyone else. The child of God is dependent upon the sovereign "causer", the One who caused the creation of the "heavens and the earth", to take hold of all things, the good and the bad, and cause them to work together for good in the lives of "those who love God". Let us never cease to give God the glory for being the One, the only One, who can "cause all things to work together for good" to each one who loves Him.
The eighth chapter of the Book of Romans contains several well known and often quoted Bible verses that have been dear to the hearts and minds of believers for centuries. One of those verses is Roman's 8:28 that says, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Over the years I have often heard this verse misquoted in a way that, I believe unintended, dismisses the central truth that it speaks of. Brothers and sisters in Christ will say, "all things work together for good for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Leaving out the "God causes" part results in an assertion that "things" somehow have the capacity "to work together for good" and that there is some sort of universal and mystical connection between all things. But "all things", good and bad, lack the power to work together for good in the life of the believer or anyone else. The child of God is dependent upon the sovereign "causer", the One who caused the creation of the "heavens and the earth", to take hold of all things, the good and the bad, and cause them to work together for good in the lives of "those who love God". Let us never cease to give God the glory for being the One, the only One, who can "cause all things to work together for good" to each one who loves Him.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 7th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7&version=NASB
The Apostle Paul and I share a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that makes us each members of the body of Christ. We are brothers in Christ in God's family, the Church. But I could think of many things that I do not have in common with the Apostle Paul. He was a religious man before coming to know Christ as Savior and I was not. He was called as an apostle by the Lord Jesus Christ and I was not. He preached to the multitudes and traveled on missionary journeys covering hundreds of miles and I have not. He suffered great persecution for his faith while I have not. But today's passage of scripture reminds me that, in addition to our common faith, the apostle and I, along with all believers, share many other truths of the faith. We have each been joined "to Him who was raised from the dead in order that we might bear fruit for God". Each of us, lacking the ability in ourselves to "bear fruit for God" have been joined together with the Lord Jesus, the vine, and now as we abide in Him we can "bear fruit for God". Like the Apostle Paul, I am quite aware that sin remains dwelling within my flesh. As Paul writes of in today's text, so have I also experienced. Doing the things that I hate, the very things that I wish not to do and not practicing the things I desire to do. Finding that the willing is present but the doing is not. Yes, I share Paul's desire to one day be delivered from "the body of this death" and trust that He who has set me free from the power and penalty of sin will one day deliver me from the very presence of sin. Oh, to be unaffected by sin one day! The One who knew no sin became sin for us while those who have known sin all of their lives will one day be removed from even its presence. Praise be to God for the work of the Lord Jesus and all that He accomplished on Calvary's cross.
The Apostle Paul and I share a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that makes us each members of the body of Christ. We are brothers in Christ in God's family, the Church. But I could think of many things that I do not have in common with the Apostle Paul. He was a religious man before coming to know Christ as Savior and I was not. He was called as an apostle by the Lord Jesus Christ and I was not. He preached to the multitudes and traveled on missionary journeys covering hundreds of miles and I have not. He suffered great persecution for his faith while I have not. But today's passage of scripture reminds me that, in addition to our common faith, the apostle and I, along with all believers, share many other truths of the faith. We have each been joined "to Him who was raised from the dead in order that we might bear fruit for God". Each of us, lacking the ability in ourselves to "bear fruit for God" have been joined together with the Lord Jesus, the vine, and now as we abide in Him we can "bear fruit for God". Like the Apostle Paul, I am quite aware that sin remains dwelling within my flesh. As Paul writes of in today's text, so have I also experienced. Doing the things that I hate, the very things that I wish not to do and not practicing the things I desire to do. Finding that the willing is present but the doing is not. Yes, I share Paul's desire to one day be delivered from "the body of this death" and trust that He who has set me free from the power and penalty of sin will one day deliver me from the very presence of sin. Oh, to be unaffected by sin one day! The One who knew no sin became sin for us while those who have known sin all of their lives will one day be removed from even its presence. Praise be to God for the work of the Lord Jesus and all that He accomplished on Calvary's cross.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Today's Bible reading is the 6th chapter of the Book of Romans. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206&version=NASB
The final verse of today's chapter contains the well known scripture passage that says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." May we praise God for the free gift of eternal life that is ours in Christ! Scripture teaches us that in Christ we have both eternal life and newness of life. Oh, to be grateful for the privilege that is ours to "walk in newness of life"! The believer in Christ has been "freed from sin" and is no more bound to it. To be sure, the believer is not immune from committing acts of sin, but unlike he or she was prior to their salvation, their new life in Christ, they are no longer enslaved to sin. As we see in today scripture reading, they can now present themselves "as instruments of righteousness to God". Although there are struggles as the Spirit and the flesh war for our affections, sin need no longer be are master. May we heed the truth found in verse 11 of today's text, "Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
The final verse of today's chapter contains the well known scripture passage that says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." May we praise God for the free gift of eternal life that is ours in Christ! Scripture teaches us that in Christ we have both eternal life and newness of life. Oh, to be grateful for the privilege that is ours to "walk in newness of life"! The believer in Christ has been "freed from sin" and is no more bound to it. To be sure, the believer is not immune from committing acts of sin, but unlike he or she was prior to their salvation, their new life in Christ, they are no longer enslaved to sin. As we see in today scripture reading, they can now present themselves "as instruments of righteousness to God". Although there are struggles as the Spirit and the flesh war for our affections, sin need no longer be are master. May we heed the truth found in verse 11 of today's text, "Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
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