Category: Good Life Journal

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 15

    Journal Ro 15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

    Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

    For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

    May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live is such harmony with one another, in accord with Jesus Christ, that together with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ro 15:1-6

    Observation:  Again, Paul brings up distinctions within the local church; not for division’s sake but to point out differences that must be aligned to bring glory to God.  After all, the strong cares for the weak: that is what service in the Kingdom and local church looks like.

    Analysis: I am aware that I have a certain tendency.  I used to call it “leadership” and sometimes still try to justify my actions and character by calling it leadership.

    Jesus nailed it in Luke 22: “And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority are called benefactors.  But not so with you.  Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the “leader” as one who serves.  For who is the greater: One who reclines at table or one who serves?  Is it not the one who reclines at table?  But—I am among you as the one who serves.”

    My tendency is to exercise “boss-manship” and call it leadership.  I fight constantly to exercise being a servant, especially around home.  I usually think in this manner: “We who are strong have an OBLIGATION to BOSS the failings of the weak so that I am pleased with the output.”  Boy, did I do this a bunch with my wife once upon a time.

    I also did this with the concept “Accountability.”  “I am older and more experienced, therefore let me tell you and hold you accountable to perform what I told you.”  When the roles were reversed, it didn’t go over well with me, either.

    What was the issue in me, then?  It was that I neglected this tiny instruction: “an OBLIGATION to bear with the failings of the weak.”

    So, what is my action with this?  The Gospel.  First off understanding that I am where these folks are at before the throne.  2nd: I didn’t get strong overnight, many folks had to exercise much patience with me, including the Most High.  3rd: Strength equals service, not avoidance of service.  It is never “they have to earn their chops, just like I did.”  4th: and to everyone I am in contact with, point to, talk about, preach the Gospel—start with the face in the mirror; then the spouse; then etc. etc.

    Succeeding in establishing that servanthood mindset isn’t a one and done experience.  It starts with a decision, dedicating it to the Father to establish, and then a lifetime of tuning before me….

    Hammer point: Paul was patient.  Paul was kind, gentle, and much more.  Jesus did the whip thing—I am not Jesus.  The OT prophets aren’t necessarily a good example either.

    What did I learn?  A statue is brought out of a stone with tap-tap-taps of a tiny hammer; not a bing-bang-boom of the sledgehammer.

    Prayer:  Father, look at what you do!!  I write about this not 2 hours after I commit the infraction Your Word talks about.  I got to apologize to my wife for my conduct, confess where the sin came from, and repent.  How good are You?  I saw it this morning and throughout the day.  AMEN

     

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 14

    Romans 14

     

    14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions

     

    Vs 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

    Vs 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

     

    Vs 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

     

    Vs 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother

     

    Vs 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

     

    Vs 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.

     

    Observation

     

    Paul is coming pleading with the Romans to not let their religious attitudes of judging others hurt their relationships with each other, but especially not to impede the work of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

     

    Welcome the one who God welcomes!

    Do not make stumble the one who God makes stand!

     

    Interestingly, this is a chapter all about “do not judge”.

    Yet, at the core of his argument to not judge is a distinguishing between those “weak” and “strong” in the faith.

    So, Paul is “judging” between “weak” and “strong” while telling us “do nor judge”.

    How does this make sense?!

     

    Application

     

    In my relationships with others, especially other Christians, am I tempted to judge their spiritual maturity?

    If so, it may be a sign of my own immaturity.

    Or at least, how I act on that judgement is an indicator of my own maturity of faith.

     

    I need to distinguish between right “judgement” and wrong “judgement”.

    This is the difference between “discernment” and “condemnation”.

     

    Paul is certainly telling all not to judge each other, but he specifically tells the strong in faith to welcome the weak in faith and to not quarrel over opinions.

     

    So, in other words, discern who is strong in faith and who is weak in faith. That is a good thing to do.

    But never condemn anyone in the faith … dismissing the one welcomed by God … or knocking down the one God makes stand!

     

    If I do so, what’s at risk? … potentially the very work of God, Himself, in that person.

    This is not to say I could impede God, but that I could be a “stumbling block” to another person.

     

    Ironically, what’s one of the most perceived opinions of Christians by non Christians? Judgmental!

     

    What if Non-Christians looked at Christians and thought, “Wow, they seemed to be all about peace and joy!”

    The Kingdom of God is indeed unstoppable, but I can, unfortunately, seem to put brakes on it.

     

    My job is to “discern” … determine who is weak and strong in faith… and welcome them all!

    God’s job is to “condemn” … determine who is “in or out” … who has faith at all

    (“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”)

     

    Prayer

     

    Thank you, again, God, for your Word

    Help me live it wisely

    With discernment and not condemnation

    Help me Holy Spirit to see others with your eyes

    And love them with your heart

    In Jesus name

    Amen

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 16

    Journal Ro 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture:  “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help here in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

    Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.  Greet the church in their house.

    Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.  Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners.  They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me…”  Ro 16:1-7

    Observation: I notice that Paul is specific with naming folks in his letters.

    Analysis: Who holds my heart and thoughts in Christ?

    I have friends and acquaintances, more acquaintances than friends.  But who do I know that I would commend in Christ to somebody else, much less to another church?  Do I hold anybody I know in such esteem that I would say, “Hey, would you give these folks a hug in the Lord for me?  I can’t go into many details, but these guys are rock stars in Jesus in my opinion and the opinion of others.”  Or, even just listing out characteristics of note; things about them that are noteworthy and worthy of commendation.

    These are the two principles that I am reminded of in this last chapter:

    1. Be diligent in looking for evidences of Grace in others.  The scripture back up for this is Heb 3:13: “But exhort (or encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”  How can I keep my friends from sin?  By communicating what I see by looking for it and then saying something.  Out of 10 things I see, say 9 good things before 1 bad thing.
    2. Be visible in pursuit of Christ and godliness.  Scripture back up: “…but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching…Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”  (1 Tim 4:13b-15)

    Did any of these folks Paul is pointing attention to conspicuously looking for notice?  Thinking the best of them, probably not, and I would bet that Paul is astute enough to see the difference between authenticity and being a fake.

    “…so that all may see your progress.”  Letting my “little light shine”, not hiding my lamp under a basket, is about being humbly authentic in pursuing Jesus in all my life, every aspect.

    It is also sharpening my eye to celebrate increasing godliness in others.

    Prayer:  Father, another hammer point from your Word; this time in a list of greetings at the end of a letter.  Increase my eyesight to notice, really notice, evidences of Grace in others.  AMEN.

     

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 9

    Journal Ro 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and acceptable to God—which is your spiritual worship.

    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Ro 12:1-2

    Observation:  There are two things that Paul is making sure is communicated by appeal:

    1. Response to the World, and;
    2. Response to God.

    Analysis: What is it about me that I can get all caught up in the detail and ignore the big, sweeping, 50,000-foot things of what God says to me?

    I mean, really: Later in this chapter I see how I am to navigate the world of the church and within the brotherhood of believers; like “keep my head on straight about my ego”; “don’t have fake love, have genuine love”; and other things.

    But to do those things starts with everything before 12:1 but is succinctly summed up as action/attitude steps.

    • Present yourselves as a spiritual sacrifice in worship.  Now I take that mental picture to the nth degree: I lay my life, my will, my ego, my wants and dreams and desires, etc. at the foot of the Cross.  This isn’t about Salvation now; it is about how am I going to live my life?
    • Don’t be conformed to this world.  Hard to do when from birth until now my life has walked in lockstep in conformance to everything around me.

    Being a Christian disciple is broadly about these two things: Responding sacrificially to God and conforming my mind to His mind.  It is not about mission or tasks or anything like that.  It is about being changed to be more like the character of Jesus, becoming godly, pursuing holiness.

    Remember the difference between Justification and Sanctification: I am Justified in Christ.  That is all the Trinity’s purpose and execution. Presenting my body, conforming my mind: this is Sanctification, the process in which I am in partnership/association with the Holy Spirit to accomplish.  Having mission, tasks, behavior change, etc. is important—but it is not the main point of being a disciple.

    Hammer point: Justification and Sanctification. Justification is done by God.  Sanctification is to be pursued with God.

    What did I learn?  I can get caught up in the detail of doing Christianity and not realize I am not becoming.

    Prayer:  Father, it is hard to split the hairs of theology.  I appreciate the word you dropped in my dreams last night that for man we learn step by step, 1st things over 2nd things, then 3rd things and so on.  I don’t go from 1+1=2 right to E=MC2; nor can I coherently add the 1+1 discussion and the e=mc2 together without context drawing them together.  So, please help the readers put the above in proper Biblical context.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 11

    Scripture 

    Romans 11:20 – That is true.  They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith.  So do not become proud but fear.

    Observation

    Paul is issuing a warning to the believers in Rome and using grafting branches into an olive tree as an analogy.  Paul is telling the believers that that because of their hard hearts and unbelief many of Jews will be broken off from the tree.  Gentiles who believe through their unwavering faith, can be grafted into the covenant relationship represented by the olive tree.  With that we are to remain humble, fearful of God and not proud because God has saved us.

    Application

    The creator of the universe wants to have a relationship with me.  God has done everything in sending Jesus to pay for my sin debt in full so I can be reconciled to Him as His adopted child.  An all knowing, all holy, all powerful God who knows my every thought cares about me and loves me immeasurably.  This is no reason to be proud or look down on others who are lost for whatever reason.  We should fear God, be strong in our faith, love others and have our hearts be broken as God’s is for those who are separated from Him.

     

    Prayer

    Father,

    Thank you for the truth in your word and loving us so much you sent Jesus so we can believe through faith in Christ and have a relationship with you.  Let me be humble before you, remain strong in my faith and share your gospel to glorify you!

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 10

    Scripture: (Paul speaking) “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (Clue!) For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, AND seeking to establish their own (like Adam), they did not submit to God’s righteousness…

    For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Ro 10:1-4)

    Observation: Right after Paul talking about Election and God’s Sovereignty over creation (like who is a vessel of mercy and of wrath), Paul pours his heart about Israel.  He probably had some certain former colleagues in mind…

    Analysis: What is the difference between the emotion of “being in Christ” and the knowledge of “being in Christ?”  I think it is how I deal with the word “believe.”

    Two synonyms in my handy dandy Microsoft thesaurus are “Trust” and “Being certain or confident of.”  Another word that is frequently associated with “believe” is “faith.”

    Most every Christian would recall Heb 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen.”  So, are “faith” and “believe” the same?  What has been the two distinctions in my life?  It has been that I have fiercely defended my faith, many times without knowing the facts about my faith—in other words, having “faith” without knowledge or blind, factless conviction.  The second distinction is concluding that I need to know about the Faith in order that my faith is on solid foundations.

    Paul relates that his former colleagues demonstrated zealousness for God.  (I have known guys like that.)  But, Paul continues, that their zeal doesn’t have knowledge behind it; and the insinuation is that their zeal is somehow misplaced AND, more importantly, misses the mark of salvation.  Their zeal, missing that mark, is attempting to affirm righteousness before God with only zeal as the basis.

    Is “faith”, without desiring or having a drive to know more, saving faith?  I have misgivings.  Certainly zeal alone isn’t enough.

    One of the synonyms of study is “studious”, or the verb phrase “being studious.”  The idea is persistently pursuing God by the main instrument of Grace available: The Bible.

    I dreamed last night about speaking to a crowd. I began by saying “If there is one thing that I can communicate today is that the Word of God is GREAT!  It is STUPENDOUS!  I am excited now as I was when I was 15 years old reading my copy of the Living Bible as I am 50 years later.”

    I want my zeal to ever grow through my years left on this earth.  Not to establish my own righteousness or to be content where I am in Christ, but to realize, layer of knowledge upon layer of knowledge, that Christ is my righteousness.

    What did I learn:   Precept upon precept, line upon line; that is how I grow in Christ.  A neat study trick is to read the scriptures out loud but like they are my words written instead of Paul’s. Read with appropriate inflection…out loud.

    Prayer:  Lord, I am thinking about lyrics: “I want to know you more.  I want to touch you, I want to see your face, I want to know you more and more…” I am so appreciative for this forum, for what you cause me to think and write.  I pray, Lord, that as it helps me drive towards you, it helps others as well.

    I pray for my wife that she become more well…AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 9

    Journal Ro 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
    Scripture: “What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he (God) says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
    So, then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
    For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So, then, he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
    You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault; for who can resist his will?”
    But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
    What if God, desiring to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy (which he has prepared beforehand for glory), even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?” (Ro 9:14-24)
    Observation: Nothing like jumping in the deep end of the theological pool to see how well I swim. Anybody interested in a case study of the Sovereignty of God?
    Analysis: Yeah, this is about the doctrine of Election.
    Love verses Wrath. Acceptance verses condemnation. Mean God verses Loving God. Or, bluntly: the fact that God does make decisions about who will get mercy and who will not. It is supremely difficult to wrap my mind about that.
    I have had a lot of deep thinking and arguments on both sides. It is difficult to split the difference. But that is the issue; according to the Scriptures there isn’t a difference. It is Holy God and all his Incommunicable and Communicable attributes.
    Ever try to make a positive argument on not everyone will be present in heaven on the Last Day? Ever think that it may be the fault of a person who didn’t present the Gospel to someone—and the whisper, “It will be your fault…all your fault, because you chickened out telling them about Jesus.”
    Fact is that no matter how I present the Gospel, God saves, I don’t. I deliver the message, only God draws a person to Him…and that was not decided on the spur of the moment as if God is time-bound like I am. It was decided before anyone was born. In fact, before time began.
    God is Sovereign, period. Sovereign over time and space. He makes sovereign decisions according to His own will. It isn’t just about rule; it is how He holds creation together and, etc. It is about what He PURPOSES.
    There is a split that I must navigate: What God does sovereignly according to His divine and eternal PURPOSE and what He directs and commands me to do as His creature.
    Hammer point: Succinctly: my obligation and pleasure is to preach, present, talk about, point to the Gospel. Humanity’s option is to respond to the Good News. Will all respond positively to the Gospel. No. But I am not God, nor have the mind of God in deducing that. So I transform my mind with the truth.
    Prayer. Is there one thing that disturbs me more, Father, that I am not in ultimate control of my own life? List that up with the Sin of Adam: I want to be sovereign in my own mind, in my own skin; like Adam wanted, I would like to control my own destiny.
    O Lord, somehow in your mysterious Ways on how mankind is built, I do have autonomy—but it is a dependent autonomy, not a Sovereign autonomy like Yours.
    Father, I want to embrace and grow into Your Truth in this and grow in understanding. Help my foot not to slip. AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 8

    Journal Ro 8 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

    • For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death;
    • For God has done what the law (weakened by the flesh) could not do.

    By sending his own Son (in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin), he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us—who (now) walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

    (Clarification) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh BUT those who live according to the Spirit (they) set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

    For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

    (Further clarification) For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s Law—indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Ro 8:1-8)

    Observation: It reads like Paul is starting to sum up all the stuff he wrote about before, i.e., clarifying that those who are in Christ have no condemnation.  But, it is not a simple reasoning; much has to be understood…

    Analysis: All the previous 7 chapters broke down the imperative or need of the Gospel.

    Good thing, too.  I need constant reminder of why I need a Savior.  Why is that?  Don’t I know that things go better with Jesus?

    It is that flip attitude that catches me off guard.  I can read Romans and forget the enormity of what had to happen to make me worthy of the presence of God.

    “There is therefore NOW no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Looking at the word “in” in the handy dandy thesaurus, I find as an adjective the word “accessible” and further “approachable.”  In a way, I could say “I can approach God only through the approachable-ness of Christ.  Without Christ I cannot approach God; I am condemned before God without Christ.”  I can only access the presence of God because of Christ.

    Through the Law, I read, I can approach God ONLY if I fully obey the Law, completely conform to and execute its demands.  But I can’t because of my weak flesh.

    Therefore, God, by sending his own Son to be the payment for my failed ability to fulfill the Law, made it possible through that Atonement for me to approach God.

    This is the process to review to “preach the Gospel to myself.”  And it is only a facet in the whole Gospel jewel…

    Hammer point:  In Christ, no condemnation.  Out of Christ, full condemnation.

    Prayer:  Lord, I get excited unraveling, unpacking the scriptures about the Gospel.  It seems the deeper I go, the firmer the foundation becomes.  Eye and sight are clearer; hearing is more acute; understanding is deeper.  Make humility in me, O Lord.  Please.  AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 7

    Scripture

     

    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God

     

    7 Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin

     

    22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,

     

    23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.

     

    24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

    25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

     

    Observation

     

    Paul’s has a “tug-o-war” occurring in him between the “law of God” and the “law of sin”.

    Paul is stating the significance of God’s law, but not for its saving power for its revealing power.

    It shows me who I am.

    What is a straight line without something to show the line is straight.

    In this way the law can be celebrated … it actually reveals my need to be saved.

    Then I can celebrate my Savior … Jesus Christ!

     

    Application

     

    I can see in Paul’s statements about the law how much the early words of Joshua can make sense now …

    Meditate on the Law day and night …

    And again the first words of David in psalms …

    Meditate on the Law day and night ….

     

    Paul actually says the law of God becomes the “law of my mind”!

    He knows it … he concentrates on it … So much that it becomes a part of him.

    I need to focus on the Word of God and understand that the laws of God come from outside of myself …

     

    And then I can find not only relief but celebration in the first words of John when he says …

    In the beginning was the Word … and the word became flesh ….

     

    It’s all about Jesus … it’s always been all about Jesus …

    All of it … all the law … ultimately should continuously point me to Jesus ….

    And not just that I reject the law …

    But I belong to God … I’m accepted ….

    Is there any greater thing in the world than to be accepted … by God …through Christ!

     

     

    There is NO hope for “self-improvement” … I need to be “delivered”, as Paul says.

    Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

     

    Prayer

     

    Thank you, God, again, for your Word

    Thank you that it reveals my weakness and your strength

    Thank you that you deliver me

    In Jesus name

    Amen

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 5

    Scripture:

    [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

    Observation:

    This pattern is God’s plan for us to become stronger and ultimately have hope.

    As a Christian, hope doesn’t just come to us instantly when we pop up out of the baptistry, with our life being nothing but good times from there on out.  It doesn’t just happen overnight or the next day.  The fact is, we WILL have suffering in this life and that is God’s plan.  This is His pattern to build hope from character, and character from perseverance built from suffering,

    Application:

    Romans is so good and it seems like there are gems in every verse.  Verses 3-5 in this chapter are verses I personally seem to need to hear over and over.  I’m probably no different than anyone else when it comes to needing to remember God’s purpose as I go through trials.

    Rejoice in our sufferings.  But God, I really don’t want to suffer.  And when I do suffer, I’d much rather complain and pray that You remove me from the situation(s) causing my tribulation.

    If it were MY plan I’d snap my fingers and have character and hope instantly, without going through the trials God allows me to go through in order to build me up.

    Who do I think I am?  Do I really think that my plan is better than God’s plan?  Do I think that the pattern He has defined is a bad pattern?  No.  No I don’t.

    This comes up over and over around our house but analogous to growing a strong tree, it does not grow to be a strong tree without plenty of wind and probably some dry times, to get its roots to grow deep and its trunk strong.  Neither should we ever expect to grow strong in our faith and have ultimate hope in God, without living the pattern He has laid out for us.

    Prayer:

    Lord thank you for choosing a sinner like me.  Thank you for putting me through the trials I’ve been through because I know you are in control and that you allow my suffering in order to ultimately build me up.  As I go through any suffering in this life, I will look to you as my strength.  Build me up to honor you.  My hope is in you Lord.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 5

    Scripture: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also:

    • Obtained access by faith into the grace in which we stand, and;
    • We rejoice in HOPE of the glory of God.  Not only this;
    • We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that:
      • Suffering produces endurance, and;
      • Endurance produces character, and;
      • Character produces hope, and;
      • Hope does not put us to shame—

    because God’s love has been poured into our heart through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us…

    …God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son…More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”  Excerpts from Ro 5:1-11

    Observation: More lawyer logic from Paul extending from Chap 1 thorough 4.  Not to be avoided or ignored as too heady to understand; it is imperative to absorb and embrace.

    Analysis: When I see the word “therefore”, I need to see what it is “there for?”

    Sentence structure means so much lending to understanding.  Take the first sentence: “Therefore”—a summing up of previous statements leading to conclusions in the following statements, and “since”—a support of a plainly stated fact…makes the subsequent statements impactful.

    We have been “justified by faith” so that we have peace with God by reconciliation to God through the Cross.

    My faith is in the Cross as the expense for my sin.  Jesus, the Son, paid the traitor’s price to be reconciled to the King—the only quid pro quo (trade of value) happened on the Trinity side of creation, none on the earthly side…and certainly nothing that I have.

    I see that as a result of reconciling me to God, I can expect:

    1. Access to God;
    2. Hope in God;
    3. A certain expectation of suffering BUT which will bring;
    4. Endurance;
    5. Character;
    6. More hope, and;
    7. A certain lifting of shame.

    This is just unpacking 11 verses, just reading the Words of Life.  Did I pick out of my memory banks other stuff?  Certainly, that is not out of the question.  Disciples stand on the shoulders of Godly men that have come before us.  But there is a whole bunch of value of just reading, reading slow, and putting the scriptures unto paper, breaking it up (I like doing that—clears up sentences and helps me focus) and journaling the resulting thoughts.

    Hammer point: “…his love for us while we were yet sinners—Christ died for us.”  Is there any sentence in the Bible that is more insightful to His Grace?

    Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for me.  I don’t think of that often enough.  It isn’t always front of mind.  I think of money, TV shows, disappointments of life, bills, wishing I was doing anything else or going somewhere way more than I think of the Cross.  With that confession, I wonder why you died for me, since I obviously don’t deserve it.

    That is the description of Grace, though.  Right?  AMEN

     

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 4

    Scripture

    Romans 4:16 – That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring

    Observation

    Paul is exhorting to the Christians in Rome that the promise of God to Abraham is not through circumcision or keeping the law rather by faith. The faith that Paul is speaking of is coming before God and having faith in His son Jesus.  The promise is that God will redeem all those that are His in Faith.  This promise is given through the grace of God as a free gift to those who choose to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior.

    Application

    I must remember and believe that Abraham is the father of many nations and I am his offspring through faith.  This is not anything that Abraham has done or that I can do to obtain.  The promise rests on the grace that God freely gives us, nothing else.  The promise through faith in Jesus is guaranteed to all his off spring.  God’s promises in His word are steadfast and true.  By the grace of God alone, I can place my faith and trust in Christ and be redeemed to a new life.

    Prayer

    Father,

    Thank you for your grace and loving us enough to send Jesus so we can trust in you, repent, be redeemed and have a relationship with you.  Let me share the good news in that promise that you guaranty to glorify you.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 3

    Scripture: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law (although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it) … (it is) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

    For there is no distinction: (for) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are (only) justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption that is Christ Jesus—whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

    This was to show God’s righteousness because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

    It was to show his righteousness at the present time so that he might be Just…and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”  Ro 3:21-26

    Observation:  Like a good lawyer, Paul parses his argument carefully…and in doing so, peels the curtain away from the mystery that is the Gospel.

    Analysis: My wife and I have been reviewing Romans together.  No doubt about it, it can be a mind twister…and, more unfortunate, it can cause the reading believer to start looking for something else to read.

    When I was just starting in the faith, that was the way it was for me.  Phooey on Romans; ahhh, I like reading Ephesians better.  Yep, that is exactly the way it was.  After that, I just picked up on eye-candy scripture references out of Romans—a little scripture bullet here, a bible bomb there—just enough to keep my hand in it.

    And then about 20 years ago my attitude changed.

    My pastor at the time introduced me to Systematic Theology…and all the stuff I learned in the previous 30 years started to fall into specific patterns starting with the Attributes of God.

    Ro 3 has a bunch to say and most of the time in my past I picked up on v23 where “all have sinned…” but now that didn’t include me ‘cause “now I am a Christian.”  How shortsighted.

    A “key” (not the only key, but one of them) to understanding the width and breadth of the Gospel is found right after that: “…and are (only, my insert) justified by his grace as a gift…to be received by faith.”

    It makes the end of the passage understandable: “…so that he might be Just…” (all fall short and all deserves his Furious Wrath) … and “the Justifier” for those who have faith that Jesus was the Atonement for sin (his Mercy and Grace as a gift).

    What’s the point?  Previously in Chapter 2, Paul talks about how men make distinction.  Here in Chapter 3, God does not make distinction, period.  Now the Atonement, found at the Cross, becomes wonderous in our eyes.

    Hammer point:  The Gospel is way more that can be imagined.  Way more…

    Prayer: Father, thank you for the time I had with my wife today going over this very subject.  Your Grace is all that I need.  It allows me to draw near to you in faith, realizing what I deserve but grateful that You made a way.  AMEN.

  • Good Life Journal – Romans 2

    Scripture: “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges.  For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things…Do you suppose, O man…that you will escape the judgment of God?  Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience?

    But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed…for God shows no partiality.”  Excerpts from Ro 2:1-11

    Observation: Paul sets up the expanse of the Gospel’s power and reach in Chapter 1.  Continuing, Paul starts to build the foundation so that the Gospel can be understood from God’s perspective.

    Analysis: Previously, at the end of Chapter 1, there is a bunch of identifying marks and statements about sinful behavior.  In my biblical data gathering days, it was the rage to feverishly embrace those so that I would have a ready quiver full of scripture arrows for attack or defense, whatever was needed.

    I had also used that (as well as other scripture) to create a checklist of sorts for the face in the mirror: I don’t do [that]—check.  Or [that]—check.  Still struggling with the other [thing]—confess and ask forgiveness—check.  Repeat as necessary; but O my goodness, certainly don’t to [that], [that], or that other [thing].

    I would also use that checklist in looking out the window at either broad sections of folks or a particular individual: Woe to that guy who is doing [that], [that], and [that].

    And I would think: Thank God I don’t need deliverance from that kind of stuff—Jesus set me free.  But those heathen; they certainly do.

    And what I have just set up is a distinction.

    There are two phrases in the scripture selection: 1) “…no excuse…every one of you who judges…”, and; 2) “God shows no partiality.”  What is in the core of the Gospel?  All men everywhere and in every time are judged by God as traitors and are condemned.  All men deserve God’s righteous wrath.

    It is the word “deserve” that should be paid attention to.  All men, everywhere and in every time.  The last thing that I want to do is “presume on His kindness, forbearance, and patience.”

    Presumption: to rely on something without facts or evidence.  It is different than faith.  Presumption will include such sentences as “God will love me, no matter what…”

    Will God not love me?  Isn’t God a god of Love?  Certainly is.  He is equally Holy and is a righteous Judge because of His Love and His Holiness.

    It is good to daily remember: His Judgement towards me is unswerving; I am condemned.  His Love for me is shown at the Cross, where His Son was given all of His Full, Righteous, Furious, Wrath of punishment about sin because of my sin.

    I must daily approach the Cross, for my faith in the Atonement isn’t a one and done approach.

    Hammer point: Sin has no hierarchy.  What I think as small and insignificant is equally as deserving as the sin that is culturally abhorrent.

    Prayer:  Father, I daily must pound on the Gospel to my heart.  Daily I want to dissect the attributes of the Gospel because I don’t want to be uninformed to a point where I presume on your mercy and grace.  I also want to judge (evaluate) properly.  How can I ever celebrate the Gospel, that you died for the world without asking in the same breath: “But, why did you die for me?”  AMEN

     

  • Good Life Journal – Unplugged

    Acts 4 and sharing with others: Providing benevolence (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture:  And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.  Now the number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.  And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.  There was not a needy person among them…Acts 4:31-34a

    “And (Jesus) answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Luke 3:11

    They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.  1 Tim 6:81

    Observation:  When it comes to giving, I think I remember all the scriptures about tithing and offerings and the like.  What I don’t remember often enough is sharing the blessing of abundance with others.

    Analysis: It occurs to me there is opportunity in this time of Covid-19.

    I say that like a light just popped on; you know, like the cartoon light bulb that just “appears” and indicates “Wow, I didn’t think of that before.”

    Fact is, opportunity to share (especially financial stuff) faces me every day.

    Without belaboring any point, within our local church there are friends and acquaintances in some sort of need.  Sometimes it isn’t need (like the power is about to turn off) but is some other kind of need.  Today, there is financial need.

    What is to be done?  Answer: Seek God.

    Simple enough.  Who should?  Answer: the face in the mirror.

    Among this local church there may be folks that God has richly blessed and have in abundance.  There may be those who are like the widow with 2 pennies at the temple.

    Seeking God is to remember that all I have is His, what does He want me to do with it—and ask to be shown what to do.

    This post isn’t to shame into obedience; far from it—it is to encourage folks to start thinking, praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to kick our backsides into gear.

    We must start somewhere.  If the face in the mirror is talking back with an objective, check out one of our friendly neighborhood elders or deacon and execute.

    Benevolence doesn’t have to be big, it just needs to be in obedient faith.

    Hammer point: Down and dirty: if there is $5 or $10 just laying around doing nothing, call the Office and invest it into the Kingdom.  Goodness gracious though, don’t be an Ananias and Sapphira while considering what to do.

    Prayer:  Father, those who have ears to hear, let them hear.  No condemnation to any; I pray for folks to not pay attention to and resist the deceiver.  Grant us baby steps in practicing faithfulness.  AMEN