Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 15: 17-19 – And if Christ had not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

Observation:

Without the resurrection of Christ, we (believers) are still dead in our sin. If Christ was not raised from the dead, our faith is in vain and we would still be lost. If the resurrection is not real, our hope would not be in an eternal life with God and a new body, rather life would tragically end with this world.

Application:

The Good News is Jesus rose from the dead on the third day to fulfill the prophecy in the scriptures and pay our sin debt in full. Therefore we can be made right with God. Jesus resurrection is historically verifiable as evidenced by eyewitness accounts recorded in His word. Through faith, Jesus resurrection and our subsequent resurrection, as we are with him, allow us to conquer death. Every day, I must remember this is the only reason for our hope and be prepared to share the Gospel with all. Our greatest need has been and always will be met by Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

Prayer:

Father,
Thank you for the resurrection so we can be victorious and have a relationship with you. Let my only hope be in you. May the Spirit guide me to share your truth with those who are lost.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 14:19

Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Observation:

Paul gives direction as to the exercising of gifts in the local church. He clarifies that of all the gifts, prophesy is the greatest because this word from God is given in a language understood by all.

Application:

Not much has changed. The gift of tongues continues to be either abused or ignored with few exercising the gift correctly. Almost 2000 years ago this debate over this gift was clarified by Paul. A handful of things…
1. Speaking in foreign tongues is one of the manifestations of the spirit, BUT not the only one and is not required for salvation and is not given to all believers.
2. Abusing tongues confuses people and creates an unhealthy church environment. When the church gathers the desire is for the body to be edified and built up. If this gift is abused or used in disorder, people walk away confused and discouraged.
3. Prophesy is the greatest gift because it is God’s word spoken clearly to His people with no need for interpretation.
4. If someone has the gift of tongues but no one is present to interpret, one should keep it to themselves. Therefore God will reveal to them if there is someone present to interpret before they begin speaking.
5. God’s Word has been given to us through the scriptures. This does not make tongues unnecessary, but it does certainly limit its usefulness since almost every service will be filled with believers who understand the language the scripture has been interpreted into. The teaching of Gods Word is the clearest and most effective form of edification in our local church today.
6. I should not deny the existence of gifts I don’t have or have not seen exercised. Yet I should live I faith believing God can do anything He wants and pray that He uses me however and whenever he wants to build up the church.

Prayer:

Father help me navigate our local church through understanding the power and presence of your Holy Spirit. May I continue to press into my relationship with you and may your Spirit work in an through me however you desire. May I not quench your movement because of my disbelief or lack of faith.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Observation:

There are things in my life that are far from perfect, but there’s a love in my life that is absolutely perfect. I’ve made choices in my life that have hurt me and others tremendously. But there’s a love in
my life that heals those that hurt.

God’s love is the real deal, period. “And these three things remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

I believe most of us understand the power of faith and hope. We realize how faith and hope shape our thoughts, our actions, our past, and certainly our future. As powerful as both of them are, Paul tells us love is greater.

Think about this for a moment. When we finally meet with the One and only perfect source of love, face–to-face, then faith and hope will no longer be needed! Faith and hope, as powerful as both are – have no more value when finally in the presence of perfect love. Because there will be nothing else to have faith or hope for. It will be the only sure time of our existence when we can literally know and say, “I’ve arrived” or “I won!” No wonder
it’s called heaven!

I visualize, in my mind’s eye, it going like this: “Hi, this is heaven, home of perfect love. Come on in. Go ahead and leave any faith or hope you have at the door. They are no longer required! Ever!”

Wow!

Application:

Until Heaven comes, I’ll take full advantage of current faith, hope, and love.

We are flawed people in a flawed world on a flawed journey looking for perfection.

A wonderful source to help you and me on this journey is consistently reading God’s words – the B.I.B.L.E. (basic instructions for the best living
on earth).

God will talk to you personally through the Bible. You will feel Him. He will encourage you, love you, and help you grow.

Prayer:

Lord Please remind and motivate us to pursue more of you. More of this incredible phenomenon you created, you are, and give – called love. In your name I pray. Amen

Scripture:

1 Cor. 12:28- 31 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

Observations:

Paul continues his letter to Corinth and discusses the importance of being a member of the body of Christ. He makes it clear that for the church body to be effective, we need all the parts. He uses examples of actual body parts to make his point. He then discusses various gifts, such as teaching, prophesy, etc. and shares that not everyone has the same gifts. He also ranks the gifts in order of honor.

Application:

I have a confession. Jordan Spieth is a better golfer than I am. Stephen Curry shoots the basketball better than I do as well. My guess is that Jordan Spieth practices golf much more than I do and Stephen Curry practices basketball much more than I do. Even if I practiced as much as they did, I probably would never be as good as them. They have unique physical talents given to them by God. Just because I can’t hit a golf ball like Jordan Spieth doesn’t mean I can enjoy golfing. Even though I am old and can’t jump as high as I used to, I still enjoy playing basketball. The difference in the sports example is that I am happy being mediocre in golf and basketball. I know I will never be great at these games and that they are just games. I do them for fun. Spiritual gifts, however, are to be done for a purpose. His purpose. We all are given spiritual gifts by God. Many times, however, I want to be good at God’s gifts without practice. For example, I can sit and listen to a great sermon by Andy Stanley or Jason Smith and think “wow, I wish I could teach like that”. Usually their messages are simple. Their words are not complex. But they have a style and a delivery that I don’t have. And I won’t have unless I start teaching. Another example is around Discipleship. I can’t be expected to show someone how to be a disciple unless I am a disciple to others. In this chapter, Paul makes it clear that not everyone can or will have each and every spiritual gift from God. He does state that we should desire to have more spiritual gifts. He also makes it clear that: • We are all valuable to the church. Everyone can contribute in an important way to the church. • The church is a body, Christ is the head. I must be in God’s will and involved in the body of Christ to realize God’s will and to make the biggest impact. • I should not judge or compare my value based on others gifts or perceived value. I should judge my own value based on what I am doing with the gifts God has given me. I may never preach a fantastic sermon. But I will try. I may never be called a fantastic teacher but I will try. I may never be the best apostle but with prayer and a purpose I will try. I may never be considered the best at using any of God’s spiritual gifts but I will continue to pray that God will use me for His purpose. I will continue to seek his will for my life. If God wants me to be the little toe on the body of Christ, that is what I will be for His purpose. I have been given gifts and I function in the church body in a specific way. I cannot compare myself to others with certain gifts, I just need to do what God wants me to do and use my gifts to His glory.

Prayer:

Father, help me to realize the gifts that you have given to me. Help me to function in the body with your purpose in mind, not mine. Help me to be satisfied with how you want to use me for your glory not how I want to be used.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10: 13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Observation:

Paul is writing to the Corinthians who are engaging in all kinds of wrongdoing, idol worship, sacrifice, fortification and lust. How is a Christian supposed to resist in this kind of society? How are we to resist in our society today? Paul tells us all that we must stand strong. It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to give in. We all experience temptations. Paul tells us that if we just look for it, God will provide us a way out.

Application:

Sometimes when I am tempted, I do not stand firm. I do not look for the way out that God provides for me. I must spend more time praying and more time in God’s world and less thoughts and deeds in this world. Sometimes I feel that there is no way out of my temptations. I must remember that this is common to mankind throughout the ages. I am not the only one ever to have these thoughts and deeds. If only I will remember to look to God, he will provide my escape.

Prayer:

Holy Father, I want to stand strong and resist my temptations. I need your help to show me your way out. Help me to remember the price that Jesus paid for my sins. Help me to remember that the cross is because of my sins. I want to be like Christ and resist all of my temptations. I know that it can only be done with your help. Please help me when I need it most and keep me strong in your love.

– Don J

Scripture:

??1 Corinthians? ?7:32-34? ?ESV??
“I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.”

Observation:

When a man or woman is married, that relationship naturally impacts their emotions, interests, and anxieties. A husband and wife should be concerned with each other. It will impact the depth of their commitment and flexibility in following Christ and fulfilling the great commission.

Application:

Paul’s advice here is not a command from God. He makes that very clear. However it is advice to those who are single. If you are serious about pursuing the things of God and being undivided in allegiance to the mission of Jesus, stay single. However, if you are married, your marriage will and should be a strong commitment to your spouse that impacts your emotions, interests and anxieties. Marriages will impact one’s level of commitment to the mission of Christ.

I have heard so many people say God first, spouse second, kids third and so one and so on. Paul’s description here is slightly different and I believe more realistic. When you are a family man you have already committed your life to serve and please your spouse. Putting God first is not as black and white when you are already committed to a spouse. It isn’t that you are forced to obey your spouse ovet God, it’s just that you aren’t obeying Him alone. You are united with another person and the call of God is to obey together. This makes decision making more complex and many times hinders someone’s flexibility. In marriag, in order to honor your spouse, you must learn to lead and wait for them to grasp, understand and be on board before decisions are made. When one is single, this step is non-existent.

Couple action steps-
1. Paint a more realistic picture of married life pursuing Jesus. Be honest that it is many times a struggle to be a highly effective missional couple because being on the same page takes committed work.
2. Share the importance of this in premarital counseling and ensure the spiritual speeds of each other are kept in account.
3. Don’t treat single people like they are missing out. Instead treat them as the most flexible, mobile, and useful kingdom members in the body.
4. Honor marriage and singleness alike.

Prayer:
God thank you for these frank words on marriage. Being a mission minded married couple is difficult but not impossible. Help me be sensitive to my wife’s needs and desires and not run them over for the sake of “mission”. Also let me lead my wife to love Jesus and to model servanthood.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 6:19?-?20 NIV

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Observation:

Bought
Price

Bought – God thinks our body is so valuable he sends his holy spirit to dwell in it. And For the creator of the universe to buy us,our bodies, is quite astonishing.

Price – whether I feel like my body is an old model,, updated, late model, luxury, or standard, God thinks it’s a Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ashton Martin. No. Better, the best. This is not a cheap body. This body has value so high, Jesus paid the ultimate price for it. Wow. We posess a very special body.

Application:

Honor. Show Jesus the respect and love he deserves. He does it for us, when we don’t deserve.

I was recently watching where Navy SEAL’S are trained to protect and die for each other. It’s not only their duty, it’s their honor. Not necessarily to die, but the willingness to die. They leave no man behind. These men truly love and trust each other. It’s the only way they are able to successfully do their mission.

In case you ever run across a group of SEALS – be sure you don’t cross one. Or you crossed all of them!

Perhaps if we treat our body with the knowledge of knowing we’re not a one man team. Through the holy spirit we share this body. This very valuable, highly priced body — with Jesus. We’re not a one man team. Honoring Him with our body ensures we reach his mission, our mission. Together with Him.

Prayer:

Father thank you for never leaving any part of your body behind. Even though it cost you the ultimate price. May we protect our body because they’re part of your body. In Jesus name, amen.

-James Smith

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

Observation:

Paul is addressing a sin issue within the church. He is scolding the church for allowing a man who claims to be a believer to remain in fellowship with church while having a sexual relationship with his own father’s wife. The church was boasting that they were extending grace and forgiveness yet the man was not in repentance and was continuing the sinful behavior. Paul then challenges them to discipline the man by removing him from the fellowship so he would repent. Then Paul makes an interesting statement that clarifies his position on dealing with the immoral. It’s not the responsibility of the church to judge immoral lost people. Lost people will and should act lost. However, if a believer within the body is caught in sin and entangled, don’t ignore it or turn a blind eye. Instead confront it. If it is not repented of, bring judgment upon him for the sake of the health of the church and furthermore to put him on a path of repentance.

Application:

“Christians shouldn’t judge but love and accept everybody”… I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that. Yet in today’s reading the scripture actually calls believers to judge. However our judgment is not to be executed on the world but rather on ourselves as the church. God takes sin seriously among the ranks of the church. Sin renders the church disjointed and ineffective. When the behavior of believers matches the behavior of the world the question that begs answering is “what exactly does the power of the Holy Spirit accomplish in the life of the believer?” The primary role of the church is fulfilling the Great Commission. When the church allows unrepentant sin to go unaddressed we are hindering our effectiveness in accomplishing our primary role. Confronting sin sounds harsh and “un-Jesus” like, yet the truth is Jesus confronted sin. He didn’t ignore it. Judging sin in the church is necessary for church health and for that individual to experience repentance. For if the Spirit within them is being ignored, the Spirit corporately within the church needs to call it out.

Obedience to this passage in our culture is incredibly difficult. In the first century an unrepentant brother or sister was cast out of fellowship. This highly impacted every area of their life because to a first century believer, the church members were the only people they could rely on. Many of them had been totally cut off from family and their old life upon trusting Christ. Therefore the sting of being cast out by the church had a common response, Repentance! The pain felt by being out of fellowship drove them to recognize their mistakes and repent. They would reconcile with God and be received back by the church to function again as an integral part of the Body. However today when elders or leaders call believers out on their sin, people usually just get offended, leave and go to another church down the street. Our church culture is so afraid of confrontation because we don’t want to “shoot our own wounded”. So how then do we display the love of Jesus while at the same time being obedient to this New Testament teaching?

1. Watch our life and doctrine closely. As a believer our first responsibility when judging sin should be looking in the mirror. Let us be aware of the log in our eye before we look at the speck in others.

2. Teach the Bible. One of the reasons sin runs rampant in the church is the body is ignorant of sin. Jesus’ call was for us the teach believers how to obey everything Jesus commanded, not just the convenient stuff.

3. Confront believers in love. Offer prayer and any resources available to help the struggling brother.

4. Get the leadership of the church involved if the believer remains in sin. Sometimes getting leaders involved increases the validity of the charge and brings credibility to the confrontation.

5. Make the tough call for the health of the church and the fulfillment of the mission. Remember the church’s primary function is not to be a hospital for the hurting but rather a sending agency to fulfill the great commission. It is when we forget this that sin is treated casually and the health and vitality of the church is pushed aside for the sake of being tolerant and politically correct.

6. Pray. Pray for health. Pray for repentance. Pray for God’s Spirit to convict. Pray for restoration.

Prayer:

Father, may I love you and the people you have called me to lead. May I love people enough to not leave them where they are, especially when where they are is toxic and dangerous. Give me the boldness to confront sin within the church, starting with my own sin. Help me lead with grace and truth. Holy Spirit, move in me and among us as a church so that you are doing the majority of the confrontation and reconciliation. Give me wisdom to know when you are calling me to step in through your Spirit’s power. I pray for Good Life. I pray for health for the sake of mission. May we be serious about obedience and about sharing the Good News and life down the street and to the ends of the earth.

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 4

Vs 1 “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ …”
Vs 3 “… it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or any human court.”
Vs 4 ” … it is the Lord who judges me.”
Vs 12 “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we answer kindly.”
Vs 16 “I urge you, then, be imitators of me.”

Observation:

Paul tells us what the life of an apostle looks like.
An apostle of Jesus will be a servant who will be judged harshly by others and treated lowly.
How lowly? Paul uses the phrase “scum of the world”!
This consists of being reviled, persecuted, and slandered as normal for him.
And he doesn’t waste time time worrying about it.
In fact, he says the worlds judgement is “a very small thing”!
Why? Because he’s a servant of Christ!

Application:

So, I consider myself a servant of Christ.
But do I care if I’m judged by others? Probably more than I’d like to admit.
Maybe a better question is, does my “serving Christ” even warrant judgement by others? Is it noteworthy? Does it standout in an ocean of “humanitarians” that all consider themselves serving “the greater good”?
Any serving I do, am I seeking to raise my status or Christ’s?
Jesus said “let you light shine” so others would “glorify the Father”.
Who is glorified by my service? Me or God?
I can’t ever recall being “reviled”.
We American Christians throw around being “persecuted” a lot, but usually because we got an “eye roll” from the co-worker who doesn’t want to be told they’re going to hell.
I don’t think we know the persecution Paul’s talking about.
And if I’ve ever been “slandered”, I’m sure it was a consequence of my own actions.
Why was Paul reviled, persecuted, and slandered?
Because of the offense of the Gospel.
Why am I? Because of the offense of me.
I need to imitate Paul.
If Paul offended someone because of serving the Gospel, their judgement was “a very small thing”.
I need to serve Christ.
Serve in a way that His light will shine.
And stay aware of any circumstance which I can “bless”, and “answer kindly”.

Prayer:

God, thank you for your Word.
And thank you for Paul and his example.
Give me boldness and courage to serve in a way that provokes a response of glorifying You.
And if the response is not to glorify You,
Give me the fruit of the spirit to love the people You out around me.
Amen.

-Dan Shontere

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 3: 18-19 “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”

Observation:

Paul is writing to a church in Corinth that is very much caught up in things of this world. Immoral behavior, instability, divisions, jealousy and envy, lawsuits and marital difficulties are all present in Corinth. Sounds like our world today. Not much changes. We can use these wise words to apply to our lives today.

Application:

Often, I must be reminded that it does not help me to be “wise by the standards of this age” The successes and wisdom of this world will not help me at all in God’s kingdom. The things that we strive for in this age are not the things that we should be striving for in God’s kingdom. Money, talent, power and fame are what is valued today as well as valued back in Paul’s day. However, God blessed the poor and humbled the powerful. My talents are useless unless that talent is used to further God’s kingdom. The world may think of me as a fool but in God’s eyes I am wise.

Prayer:

Father, I need to be reminded to keep my eyes on your prize. Things of this world should not attract me. I want to be focused on your kingdom and being a disciple and making disciples to your kingdom. Thank you for leading me to what really counts. Keep reminding me to value your kingdom above all else. With my eyes and heart on your kingdom, I will be truly wise.

– Don J

Scripture:

Psalm 71:1?-?3 NIV

In you, Lord , I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

Observation:

Plea
Protection
Praise

Plea – clearly the Author (I think David, but I’ve heard possibly Jeremiah) is in a rough place, seeking rescue. When I’m in a rough place I, too, plea. The challenge is, if I’m not careful, my plea will be to deaf ears or shallow things.

Protection – in a world that appears to socially and politically be getting worse and worse, it’s comforting to know we can plea and be protected through God. He is our refuge.

Praise – at the end of this chapter, the Author shifts from plea to praise. What’s cool is the praise comes before the protection is proven. The Author had faith!

When I’m struggling I have a plethora of sources to run to – I bet you do, too. Friends, family, or many worldly escapes – money, power, sex, drugs, booze, food, gossip, Facebook, religion, etc. These are all sources that may temporarily seem to help. But they will one day require a backup plan. However, I know my Lord is the only source who never requires backup. He’s the end all! He’s THE rescuer.

Application:

Faith. As Helen Keller said, when the outlook seems dim, try the uplook, He’s always bright! Faith in the Lord, during our plea and need for protection will allow immediate praise! How cool! Darkness can immediately become light, even with no apparent results. What other source offers this!?

Prayer:

Lord thank you for being our rock, our refuge. Thank you for giving a peace which surpasses all understanding. When there seems no reason for peace – there you are. This in itself increases my faith. I praise you Jesus. Amen

-James Smith

Scripture:

Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.

Observation:

This Psalm sing the praises of God based on God’s deliverance and triumphs over his enemies. The author of this psalm sings praises to God for the triumph over physical and spiritual suffering and pain. It is filled with examples of how God provides little things, like send rain, and provide more complex examples of his protection like parting the Red Sea.
This verse specifically mentions some of the weakest members of a community. Fatherless and widows. People with no one to look out for them other than themselves. A group of people that often rely on others for basic necessity. These people often get overlooked yet, He is the Father and Protector.

Application:

We just had Mother’s Day last week and at one point during the day my wife read a tribute to a young mother that we know who had lost her only child this past year. The baby was born but only lived 3 days. Last Sunday, all of her sisters were posting pictures on Facebook of activities they were doing with their kids. This young mother was not able to do that. She was obviously having a very rough day. There was really nothing we or her family could do for her to ease the pain she was feeling. But this verse reminds me that God is always there to provide the fatherly love that we need. He is Our Father and Protector. We can always turn to him for all of our needs.
No matter what situation I find myself in, I can always trust in God to be my father and my protector. Once we are a child of God, that relationship does not change. I will always be his child. He will always be my father. We can rest on that for a long time.
This verse demonstrates His compassion for me and for you. He loves us and He cares for us. God loves all of us. Everyone is important enough to love and to save. I need to look at others with the same perspective and not judge based on appearance, social status or situation.

Prayer:

My Father. Our Father. You are a great and powerful God. You provide me with simple things and great things. You love me, protect me and provide fatherly wisdom and guidance. Thank you for your compassion and mercy.

-Paul Palmer

Scripture:

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Observation:

Paul progressed from discussing life in the body of Christ to how a believer should live their life and how they should respond to people that try to persecute them. It is easy to think how hard life would have been for early Christians. As Americans we do not feel the same sense of danger as some Christians but we can still feel the sting of persecution. Paul provides a Christian viewpoint and an example of how we are to respond when these situations occur.

Application:

Bless is an action verb. It means I am instructed to act in a certain way. To consciously make a decision to behave in a certain manner. Curse is also an action verb. When dealing with someone that is persecuting me, I can choose to act on one of two ways. I can behave in a hostile manner and with the same level of respect they show me or I can react in a way that is opposite of their behavior by showing them love. Paul’s example of a reaction is counter cultural to the way most people think. Rather than getting even or having hatred toward our enemy we are to love. We are not even instructed to just let it go or turn the other cheek but we are to bless those that persecute us and not curse them. Bless means to bestow God’s favor and kindness. Curse is basically the opposite. That just doesn’t make sense. Why should I have to bless someone that is hostile to me, that treats me or my family unfairly or poorly simply because of my religious beliefs? Persecution can come in many forms. Of course it can occur through non-Christians but it can be through believers as well. It doesn’t matter where or by whom, we are instructed to bless those that persecute us. Not out of obligation but out of love. If I curse someone that persecutes me, how am I any better that the one doing the persecution? I have stooped to that level and there is no difference in my behavior than theirs. I must remember that they persecute out of ignorance and that by providing them with an example of how to live a Christian life according to your word, they have a better chance of coming to know you, to understand you and to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. God provided me with the example of how I am to live my life. Jesus lived a perfect life in God’s eyes yet while he was on earth he was persecuted. He was mocked, pursued, jailed, and beaten. They tried to stone him multiple times. Yet he never did anything but show love, mercy and kindness. I am called to be a reflection of the light and by blessing those that persecute me, I am continuing to live by Jesus’ example.

Prayer:

It is hard to bless those that treat us poorly. Even more so when we are persecuted by those that call themselves Christians. Help me to be slow to anger and quick to think of you during times that I think I am being persecuted. Help me to remember that they persecute out of ignorance and that by providing

-Paul Palmer

Scripture:

Romans 10:20 “And Isaiah boldly says, I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

Observation:

Paul continues his discussion on righteousness. In Chapter 10 he talks about his desire for the Israelites to be saved. He outlines that works does not accomplish this. Jesus and his grace alone saves. Either someone is bringing the message (v 14 & 15), or God is revealed to those who are not even seeking Him.

Application:

What struck me in verse 20 is that the power of God reaches even those who are not seeking him. “Seek and find” is the rule for man, not for God. Those not even seeking Him often find God. The Gentiles were not even seeking Jesus, yet Jesus manifested himself to them. How many people are utterly lost, and somehow Christ finds them? Paul himself was hit upside the head with blindness on the Damascus Road. Was there ever a less likely candidate to be saved than Paul? Was there ever a more powerful tool to show us a path to God than Paul? No one is too far lost to be found by God’s love and grace. In verse 14 & 15 it says that I am tasked with bringing the good news to those who do not know it. However, it is the power of God that closes the deal. I must always remember that with God all things are possible. It is not my limited skills and talents that saves people, it is the awesome grace of God.

Prayer:

Father, Make me your vessel to share your good news. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Let me always remember that it is thru Your grace and power that we are saved.

– Don J

Scripture:

Rom. 11:1 “I ask then, had God rejected His people? By no means!

Rom. 11:5 “… at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.”

Rom. 11:6 “But if it is chosen by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”

Rom. 11:11 “… Through their (Israel’s) trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles. So as to make Israel jealous.”

Rom. 11:13 “Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them.”

Rom. 11:30-33″For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable His ways!”

Observation:
Paul want to explain to the Romans (and all non-Jews) how they can be brought into the family of God.
In the same way that the Jews did not earn their way into God’s family (vs 6 “chosen by grace”), the Gentiles, us, also are saved into God’s family by actions not our own.
God is now wanting to graft all people into one family tree.
This can be exceptionally confusing when we all live such different lives in such different manners and in such disobedient ways.
But through the mystery and grace of God, after trespass there can be salvation, after jealousy there can be mercy.

Application:

Paul receives the grace of God and then lives his whole life as ministry. He says his ministry, which is his life, will make his fellow Jews jealous. But they will be jealous of his relationship with God! I think there is something strange in our culture that likes to provoke or create jealousy in others. (Jealous of our stuff, jealous of our family, jealous of our kids, jealous of our status, jealous of our social life.) But jealous of our relationship with God?! Do I live in such a way that people around me would think, “I want what he has, but not his stuff or family. … He has something I can’t see … but I know I don’t have it … And I want it.” Are people jealous of my relationship with God? Am I living in such gratitude for God’s mercy, such joy in the Lord, such love of others that it couldn’t be of my own power? Am I condemning others or showing mercy to others? Am I living in such a way that people even ask what makes me different?

Prayer:
God, thank you for your salvation.
Thank you that even disobedience is not the end of the story.
Thank you that you honor your covenant.
That you show grace and mercy.
Forgive me when I don’t.
Give me the courage to live life as ministry for you’d
Amen.

-Dan Shontere