Romans 11:28-32 – “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, ²⁹ for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. ³⁰ Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, ³¹ so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. ³² For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was reminded of God’s love for the nation of Israel and His desire for us to be transformed into one body in perfect unity. (Romans 11:19-32)

God’s desire for His people to become formed into one body with no middle wall of partition separating us.   He wants transformation into Him, which prevents conformation to the flesh and world (Romans 12:1-2).

In Romans 12:4-5, we are reminded that the Body of Christ has many different-looking and functioning parts, just as the human body does. But all for the purpose of health, life, and fluid function.

In Romans 12:6-8, we have a short list (enough to paint the picture) of Grace Gifts or Functions. In vv. 9-10, we have a picture of Agape in personal interaction.

Romans 12:11-16 gives us a pattern for life!  How we see others is filtered through the grid of how we see Jesus and ourselves.  If we are filled with ourselves, we cannot follow the directive of scripture regarding others. If we are dead to ourselves but alive to Him, we cannot disobey because Christ in us will respond as Christ Himself.   That includes making personal convictions universal laws. (Romans 14:13-19).

Romans 15:1 is arresting! “We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not seek to please ourselves.”   Unity cannot come if we make personal convictions universal laws. Judgmentalism divides, and a house divided against itself cannot stand. Being one with Jesus and one with the body opens the door for the power of God to flow freely.

Today is a day of revealing and release. Let’s move under the spout where the glory comes out!

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”

Today, as I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God, the issues of life moved my heart.  We all face difficulties from time to time.   Job said that man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.  Peter told us not to be surprised by fiery trials that come.  Paul told us that in the Last Days it would be difficult. Trouble comes to one and all and does not discriminate. It is an equal opportunity tormentor!

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invited us to roll all our cares onto his shoulders and leave them with Him.  He invited us to learn His ways and His life. We are informed in Scripture that it is Christ “in” us that is our hope and salvation.  David said in Psalm 24:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them ALL.”   How many? ALL!!!

I believe that the outcome of our troubles and how we handle any situation, or even life itself, depends largely, if not entirely, on our outlook and mindset.   It is Perspective!   If we know that we are “in” Christ, dead to sin and alive to God, we can embrace the reality expressed by Jeremiah and Jesus – “With God, NOTHING is Impossible!”

Don’t you hate it when you start telling someone of a difficulty or an event, only to hear them say, “That was nothing!”   They then relate their own story.  What do you mean, NOTHING?  To me, it was far more than NOTHING!   How dare you!   But that is precisely what God is saying when we bring our problems to Him – That is NOTHING!  However, God is not trying to one-up us but to bring us to the revelation that in Him, NOTHING is Impossible!   We are IN Him!   That means NOTHING is Impossible for us!

To live a life of Faith, we must settle the issue of God’s Character.  That’s right, God’s Character! If we embrace the truth and reality that God is eternally the same, does not lie, cannot fail, the creator of all things, and that NOTHING is Impossible with Him, we can move from amounts to relationships.  Faith is not a merchant-shopper relationship; it is a Covenant!

We have to settle the issue of God’s Existence (He is). We must settle the issue of God’s Character (His Integrity). We must settle the issue of God’s Ability (All Things Are Possible). THEN, knowing that He is living His life through us and that we are IN Him, we move from hoping to believing and begin to act as if God were telling the truth.

Difficulties come, but God is greater than all our problems!  If we truly see Him as He is and ourselves as we are IN Him, then we move from fretting over troubles and trials to rejoicing because we know Who we are and Whose we are!

LORD, help us to trust You enough to roll all our cares on You!

Romans 1:28-32 – “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹ without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; ³² and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, the vision of Ezekiel and Paul’s revelation of grace held my focus.   I dare not attempt to interpret Ezekiel’s vision, but some things challenged me.

In Ezekiel 1:4, he saw a whirlwind coming from the north.  Whirlwinds often represent confusion and chaos, leaving devastation in their wake.  He saw a figure that he later identified as being heavenly in origin. He saw “4,” living creatures, “4” faces, “4” wings on the creatures.   God does nothing without purpose.  “4” indicates completeness and creation, a message, and even judgment. 4+4+4 = 12.  Could that be a message for the whole nation of Israel and further a message to the Spiritual Israel of God?  You decide.

In Ezekiel 7, God’s presence revealed the corruption in His house.  Lust is far more than physical; it covers life. In verse 16, there was worship of the elements rather than the Creator. (I see parallels today.)  Ezekiel 9, God separated and marked the pure in heart who were distraught by the wickedness they saw.

Man’s corruption brought Jesus to the Earth and nailed Him to the Cross.  When we lose sight of God and allow our hearts and minds to elevate anything above Him or add anything to Him, Blindness comes and results in abominable practices. (verses 24-32).  This is far more than homosexuality or other perversion.

In that state of deception, depravity, and self, God is left on the outside, and self-justification rules.   Romans 3:9 informs that every person needs a Savior.

The question in my heart today is – “Is God truly first?”  Do I have any of the items listed in Romans 1:29-31, present or manifest in me?  Do I have a weak mind that leads to corruption and a gratifying self?  

The list: all manner of iniquity, fornication (flesh or spirit), bitterness, malice, extortion, envy, murder (hate is a seed), strife, deceit, evil (unwholesome) thoughts, slander, backbiting (gossip included), haters of God, revilers, proud, boasting, inventors of evil things, weak-minded, disobedient, or lacking respect and appreciation for God’s Covenant and our word.

Lord, make my heart pure and purge from me all dross! Transform me completely and leave no wicked thing in me. I surrender all. I would rather be crushed than corrupted. Prune me (that’s like praying for patience) so I can be fruitful. Help me die to myself and live to and through you. Amen!

FATHER, help us to make you First in our Lives in All things!

Acts 24:28 – “Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, a declaration by King Agrippa captured my thoughts.    Almost persuaded!   How many of us have been almost persuaded and failed to apprehend the fullness of the prize set before us?

Paul was giving his defense before the court of King Agrippa in Acts 26.  As he related his experience and explained his ministry, the King said in verse 28, “With little effort, you almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Almost persuaded is like almost being pregnant.  Almost is incomplete and has the same effect as never!  It is like Felix in Acts 24:25, “When I have opportunity or when it is convenient, I’ll consider Jesus.”

James warned that life was fleeting and temporary.  Paul declared to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 6:2, NOW is the accepted time.  He also reminded us that at the cessation of physical life, there is judgment. No second chances after death.  It is now or never, so do not delay doing what you know to do.

Not only do we need to receive Jesus for salvation, but we need to complete our assignment.  Receiving Him is step one; obeying Him transports us into the rest of His purposes.  It allows us the hope of hearing, “Well done…Enter in.”

Don’t be almost persuaded about Jesus or His promises. Act now!

Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, the thought of simplicity and value filled my mind.  As I read in the Book of Acts, several things gripped my thoughts.  

The simplicity of faith was one of them.  The matter of trust is the link to everything!  That’s true in every dimension of life, but especially true in God. If we do not truly trust Him, we will never become what He designed us to be.

In Acts 19, the seven sons of Sceva illustrate the misguided idea that religious ritual works. The Name of Jesus is not a magic potion.  It has no power unaccompanied by Faith!  It is His Name, by faith in His Name. Faith releases and connects to the power of the Name.

Another was the value of the Gospel message.  We know how valuable and important it was to Jesus and the New Testament Church, but what about us?  The value of the Gospel message can be directly connected to our experience.

If the message rescued us, transformed us, and gave us new life, we deem it of great value.  If it is just a ticket to heaven, it may not hold the same compelling power for us.

Having an anchor, a memorial stone (experience), is powerful. Paul frequently referred to his Damascus Road experience. It was the ever-present reminder of the genuineness of Jesus, salvation, and his own conversion. My event was far less dramatic, but something that I go to for encouragement time and again. A Bible alone at a kitchen table just after midnight, Jesus came to me and transformed me.   Yours may be going forward in a service with no fanfare.  BUT it holds your heart!

In Acts 20, we see the value of the Gospel to Paul. He took it to the streets, the homes, his work, and the synagogue, etc.   God’s heart is that everyone be redeemed. Without that initial event, nothing else transpires!   How valuable is the Gospel to us? Actions speak louder than words!

LORD, help us to experience the simplicity of faith!