Saturday, May 31, 2014

Good Conscience

Each person must live according to their conscience – Rom 14:3-4

Vs 3 – The one who eats everything must not look down on the one who does not.  The one who follows a strict diet should not condemn the one who eats everything.  The first group can suffer from pride and the second from legalism or judgment.  

Vs 4 -  Again in the same format as previous chapters Paul begins his question and answer format.  “Who are you to judge some one else or their servant?  To his master he stands or falls.  If he does stand it is because the Lord enabled him to do it.  Each person has to give an account of their lives.  Each one of us has our own personal responsibility.  This is what Jesus said to Peter about John in John 21:33, “Jesus said to not worry about another but to follow Him.”  Paul told Timothy to avoid foolish arguments such as traditions, genealogies and minor differences.  Focus on your relationship with God and the Holy Spirit will straighten out the other matters.

Friday, May 30, 2014

Help those who are weak

Help those who are weak – Rom 14:1-2

Vs 1 – Paul says that we are to accept those whose faith is weak or weaker than ours without passing judgment on matters of dispute.  There have always been areas of contention and there will always be but we must come to a mutual understanding.  Christians are at different levels of understanding and growth.  They may be strong in one area and not another.  We must find mutual grounds of discussion and go from there.  Never pass judgment on another especially on areas you do not agree on.
Vs 2 – One Christian has no problem eating every kind of food while another only eats vegetables.  There are conscientious differences in opinion especially in the matter of food.  Yet we should not break fellowship over what Paul deems as minor things.  We break fellowship when someone teaches wrongly about Jesus Christ knowingly.  It is our job to correct in love but if someone refuses to change their mind about their wrong teaching about Jesus Christ then we must for conscience sake break fellowship until they come back to the truth.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Light and Darkness

May 29 – Light and darkness – Rom 13:13-14

Vs 13 – Paul once again uses the imagery of light and darkness.  Light represents good
and darkness for evil.  Paul then lists some the things that God views as evil.  Sexual sins,
drunkenness, bad living, broken relationships, strife and divisions.  Those who walk in
the light do things that are open and transperence.  Evil people cause jealousy and
divisions wherever they go.  
Vs 14 – Paul closes this chapter with exhorting his readers to cloth themselves with the
Lord Jesus Christ.  Make sure you have your amour, prayer life, bible reading,
attendance to God’s house and testimony bring honor praise and glory to the Lord.  Do
not think how you can gratify the flesh.  Thinking about doing something is the first step
on a long road of being close to God.  As you think so goes your life.  Paul is warning
about unrighteous living and exhorting his ready to love Godly love for the praise and

glory of God.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Understand the Times

Understand the times – Rom 13:11-12

Vs 11 – Paul then tells his audience to understand the times in which they live.  Every
generation who lives is closer to the coming of the Lord.  The time has come that all
people wake up from their slumber.  Mankind has wasted their time, talents and resources
on the wrong things.  The hour of the Lord’s coming is closer than anyone thinks.  This
is an exhortation to live ready.
Vs 12 – The time of darkness is over and the light of a new day is dawning.  Paul says
that we must put aside our deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  This is one
the first reference to the whole armor of God that was so gallantly revealed in the Book

of Ephesians.  Prayer, righteous, peace, salvation and truth.  Paul makes it clear that darkness has nothing to do with light so forget the deeds of darkness and hold to truth.  It will be the only thing that will give you victory in this dark and dangerous world.  Remember Jesus is the truth.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Some of the commandments

Some of the commandments – Rom 13:9-10

Vs 9 – Paul then lists some of commandments.  Then he sums it up with the great
Commandment which is also known as the Shammad.  Love God with every fibre of your
being and loving your neighbor as yourself.
Vs 10 – Love is a communicated attribute of God which never harms anyone.  When you

love someone you are fulfilling the most basic tenet of the faith and the commandments.  Love is an expression of what has been communicated t us.  Jesus said that this is the one way hat people know that you are His disciples by loving one another.  The devil loves to divide and have people fighting among them.  We are called to walk in the opposite spirit by loving others.  This is both a challenge and opportunity.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Give what is deserved

Give what is deserved – Rom 13:7-8

Vs 7 – Give to everyone what you owe and they deserve.  Paul then list four examples,
taxes, revenue, respect and honor.  There is a law of sowing and reaping here.  No matter
what you sow you will get that back by the Lord.
Vs 8 – Paul is giving practical advice.  Owe no man anything.  Keep your accounts with
Others short and free of debt.  We have only one debt to owe.  It is loving our fellow man
and when we do that we are fulfilling the requirements of the law.  The law of love is loving God, ourselves and others.  If we do this we will be on track doing the will of God and touching others for Christ.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Proper View of Civil Leaders

Proper view of Civil leaders – Rom 13:1-2

Vs 1 – Paul says that every Christian must submit to ruler authorities.  It may be national, provincial or municipal.  Each has been raised up by the Lord.  The only time a Christian must disobey is when the civil authority asks them to do something contrary to the Bible or conscience.

Vs 2 – When someone rebels against rightful civil authority they are rebelling against God Himself and they will bring both natural and divine judgement.  Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar and unto God the things that are God’s.”  One time a Christian was caught in a dilemma.  His government was demanding that all Christian literature to be burned.  He knew he had to hide his literature yet it was also tax time.  So on one hand He was disobeying the government and yet when it came to pay his taxes he paid them.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Walk in a opposite spirit

Walk in an opposite Spirit – Rom 12:20-21

Vs 20 – Paul says we are to walk in an opposite spirit to those around us.  We feed our enemy, we quench their thirst.  This way we heap hot coals of love on their head.  This is not a revenge thing but it is an act of love.  The fire of God will burn away ours and their hatred.

Vs 21 – Do not be overcome by evil.  Overcome evil with good.  This whole chapter has been a re-emphasis of the Sermon on the Mount in one form or another.  We are called to be overcomers.  We do not by resisting the devil and his attacks and we overcome evil by doing good.   You make a choice of walking in the opposite spirit and choosing God’s way instead of your own.  Abraham Lincoln once said, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget your own.”  Walking in Christ will always be opposite to what the world wants and a clear distinction of the Christian lifestyle.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Practical Lifestyle

Practical Lifestyle – Rom 12:18-19

Vs 18 -  This is such a practical way to live.  If it is possible and it does depend on us.  We have the decision.  Live in peace with everyone.  Paul is saying we have the choice of whether or not we will live in peace with others.  Love and peace is a choice.  So choose wisely.
Vs 19 – Do not take revenge but let God fight your battles.  When you forgive part of that process is giving up your right for revenge.  You let God keep the books and trust Him to avenge you. His promise is that He will.  A little child prayed one time, “Lord make all the bad people good and all the good people nice.”  Being kind, and living in harmony is a personal choice make it your aim today.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Live in Harmony

Live in Harmony – Rom

Vs 16 – Live in harmony with one another.  Paul said a similar thing in the book of Ephesians when he said, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the faith.”  Do not be proud but be willing to associate with someone in a lower social or economic class.  Practical advice because in Rome 80% of its inhabitants were slaves and the church had a similar makeup.

Vs 17 – Do not repay any one evil for evil.  Christians represent God and we are called to be holy, righteous and good.  Evil is associated with the devil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  It is true we live our lives for an audience of one but we also are ambassadors for Christ.  So live your life to show Christ in a positive way.  A Malay proverb says, “A debt of money may be repaid, a debt of kindness is a dent throughout life.”  Your one act of kindness could change someone’s life.  

Monday, May 19, 2014

Prophetic Word - May 19, 2014

Prophetic Word for May 19, 2014

Do not be afraid of anything that face you.  God has promised you in 2 Tim 1:7, that no spirit of fear will control, overcome or destroy you.  God has promised you love that is communicated to you through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  He will give you power over every fearful situation or giant problem.  No weapon form against you will prosper.  The Lord will strengthen you and help you.  Remember He holds you with His righteous right hand.  His power will make right in your weakness.  Today the Lord will give you soundness of mind.  Soundness of mind means that you will have the right focus on view of the situation.  You will see God's sufficiency and your inability.  God will help you and give your all you need at the time.  So do not fear but trust.  Faith is the ability to trust God when everything tell you that you should not.  Faith is both an intellectual and volitional act.  You hear God's word, you believe and trust God's word and then you act on God's word.  So trust and obey like the old hymn said.  You will see God work.

Practical Expressions of Life

May 19 – Practical Expressions of Faith – Rom 12:14-15

It is evident that persecution will come in the Christian life.  Our reaction will determine the outcome.  We are to bless and not curse.
Vs 15 – Paul is listing practical expressions of faith.  Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.  We are there for others.  Never entertain selfishness because it will stifle your ability to be a genuine help for those who are either

Vs 14 – Paul then emphasizes a command Jesus gave in the Sermon on the Mount.  Bless those who persecute you.  Bless and not curse. joyful or in sorrow.  There once was a man who lived so well that when he was accused of wrong doing no one believed the accuser.  Live your life so well that the town gossip will vouch for you.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Be Sincere

Let all that is done be sincere – Rom 12:8-9

Vs 8 – If you are an encourager, giver, leader or compassion person do all these in the name of the Lord.  The body of Christ needs the encourager, giver, leader and compassion person.  These are done in a spirit of love and joy.

Vs 9 – Love must be sincere and without selfishness.  The Christian is to hate what is evil and hold onto that which is good.  Part of the mission of the church is to act as a restraining and enlightening force.  Society will know what is expected of them if we tell them.  Hating evil and clinging to God will help us to be holy and righteous.  Paul has been looking at the motivational gifts but the foundation for these gifts is love.  Love is the conduit in which these gifts flow and operate.  Holy and righteousness are the glue that holds all we do into place.  Love is the power behind all that God does and we should do,

Thursday, May 15, 2014

God's gifts

Motivational Gifts – Rom 12:6-7

Vs 6 – We all have different gifts and each one is given by the grace of God.  If we are called to prophesy let it be done in proportion of our faith.  Prophesy is giving a message in the language of the hearers.  It is given for exhortation, edification and comfort.

Vs 7 – If it is serving let them serve.  If it is teaching let them teach.  These are two and three of the motivational gifts.  Servers are the people who work in the background.  Teachers are people who help educate the church.  Each gift is designed by the Lord to help the church reach its full potential.  When one is not functioning in their gift the whole church suffers.  God has call us to serve so let us once again seek God`s face about where we fit and then get active so we can serve Him and others.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

A modest Estimation

Modest estimation -  Rom 12:3-5

Vs 3 – Paul then says that we should not think more highly of ourselves but have a modest estimation of our own self worth.  This is accordance to the measure of faith you have been given.  You need to know who you are in Christ but measure it in the light of the word and your faith.
Vs 4 – Paul then uses the illustration of the body to point out that each person has been given a specific function in life and we are to do it for the glory of God.

Vs 5 – Paul then begins setting up his next point.  He is about to teach on the motivational gifts.  He says that a body is made of many members it still is one body and each member belongs to each other.  You cannot operate separate from others in the body of Christ.  Everyone must be doing their part to see our churches be effective.  So ask the Lord to show you what you can do for Him and then do it for His praise and glory.  Someone is waiting for you.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Our bodies in life

Our bodies in life – Rom 12:1-2

Vs 1 – Paul encourages his readers to present their bodies as living sacrifices to the Lord.  A living sacrifice is a person who desires to be obedient to the Lord.  This presentation is in view of God’s mercy.  It is the mercy of God that allows us to receive God’s grace.  We do not get what we deserve.  This life is to be holy and pleasing to the Lord.  John reminded his audience in Revelation 2-3 that we have an audience of one.  The Lord is watching us.  Paul then says that this choice is what is considered reasonable or a spiritual service.

Vs 2 – Paul then says to not be conforming to the patterns of this world.  Do not follow materialism, pride and pleasure.  Transform your world by transforming your mind.  Allow the Holy Spirit to take a hold of your thought life.  This is called walking in the Spirit.  When your mind is renewed then you will know what the pleasing and acceptable will of God is for your life.

Monday, May 12, 2014

God is God

God is God – Rom 11:35-36

Vs 35 – Who has ever given to God that He should repay.  God owes no one anything.  There is no person or thing greater than God.

Vs 36 – Here is a reality.  All things came from Him and through Him.  He is the giver and sustainer of life.  All things are to Him.  To Him be the glory forever Amen.  Reality check, God is God.  In this doxology Paul showcases the sovereignty of God.   When one knows that God is sovereign you do not need to have everything explain.  You know God can be trusted.  An example of this was Job he was a very intelligent man yet he did not have to have God explain everything to Him.  He simply stated. `Though you slay me Lord, I will trust you.  I pray that someday all of us can come to that level of trust.

Friday, May 9, 2014

God Keeps His word

God keeps His Word – Rom 11:27-29

Vs 27 – God will keep His covenant that He is going to take away their sins.  God always keeps His promises and His agreements.  Redemption and salvation is what the Lord promises to give to His people.
Vs 28 – Paul says as far as the gospel is concerned Israel is an enemy of God because of us, but as far as being God’s people the Jews are loved on account of the Patriarch’s.  Abraham, Isaac and Jacob created the covenants and Israel’s election is sure because of this.  One day they will be saved.

Vs 29 – God gifts and callings are without repentance.  They cannot be revoked.  When God gives a gift He is not sorry He did.  His gifts and calling are forever.  If we refuse to take them then certain consequences follow. So keep close to the Lord and live in his victory.  God is not sorry He called you and He will use you as you make yourself available.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Answer while there is time!

Answer while there is time – Rom 11:25-26

Vs 25 – Paul then reveals a powerful truth here.  Israel has suffered a time of hardening until the full number of the gentiles being grafted in or saved has come to its fullness.  What Paul is saying that the gentiles are in a time of grace but that will not always be the case.  That is why it is so important to respond while there is time.
Vs 26 – Paul makes it clear that a time is coming when all Israel will be saved.  He then quotes a scripture that states a deliverer is coming to Zion and the godlessness of Jacob will be turned away from them.  This is a promise for Israel and the Jews.  It is wonderful that God is not finished with a covenant group.  That is why we can stand upon the promise of Acts 16:31 that states not only shall we be save but our household as well.  As the old hymn states we can stand on the promises of God.  So stand on each promise.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

True Acceptance

True Acceptance – Rom 11:22-24

Vs 22 – Consider God’s kindness and sternness.  He was stern to those who rejected Him but kind to you.  So Paul tells the Romans they must continue in His kindness otherwise you could be cut off.  So much for once saved always saved.
Vs 23 – Here is a reality if the Jew repents of their rejection they will be grafted back in.  The grace of God is being extended to all.  
Vs 24 – Paul calls his readers a wild olive branch that has been grafted in.  Contrary to nature they have been grafted into a cultivated tree.  So how much more those which are the natural branches could be grafted into the tree?  The issue is acceptance or rejection.  God’s mercy is a wonderful thing.  With it you a grafted in and with it all the benefits of heaven are yours.  Yet do not take God’s mercy for granted that which has been given can also be taken away with we go away from God.  It depends on us.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

A Proper Attitude

A Proper Attitude – Rom 11:19-21

Vs 19 – You will say that some of the branches were broken off that we may be grafted in.  In other words it is the grace of God that others rejected Christ so I could be grafted in.
Vs 20 – It was their unbelief that caused them to be broken off and now you have been grafted in by faith.  Paul then says that they should not become arrogant but afraid.  Spiritual life is given because of grace, so rejoice and be glad but never cocky or arrogant.
Vs 21 – If God did not spare the natural branches because of their arrogance and unbelief, He will not spare you either.  With the proper attitude we should possess thanksgiving and praise for the grace of God that has been extended to us.  Thanksgiving and gratitude are expression of our true appreciation for what God has done.  

Monday, May 5, 2014

Do not boast

Do not Boast – Rom 11:17-18

Vs 17 – Paul then talks about how some branches have been broken off or cut off and other branches have been grafted in among the others and now being nourished by the sap that comes from the root of the tree.  Paul uses the olive tree as the example here.

Vs 18 – Paul then reminds his readers that they should not boast because they have been grafted in at the expense of the Jews.  We do not support the root but the root supports us.  It is by grace and grace alone that we have been grafted in at the expense of Israel.  Grace is a wonderful blessing it is not just unmerited favor but a complete life.  God will keep you and empower you by His grace.  By His grace we have the privilege of abundant life.  Grace will keep us from the world, the flesh and the devil.  Grace is a wonderful mercy extended to all mankind and applied by faith.

Friday, May 2, 2014

A heavy price

A Heavy Price – Rom 11:9-10

Vs 9 – David saw what was happening and he wrote, “Their unbelief has become a trap, snare and stumbling block.  These things have become a retribution to them.”  Imagine missing God’s message because you are stuck in a certain mindset.  So sad.
Vs 10 – Their eyes were darkened so they cannot see and their backs were bent forever.  Rejection carries such a heavy price.  Every day we have the opportunity to say yes or no.  With each decision comes certain consequences.  There is a scene in Indiana Jones, “The last crusade,” where Indiana is given a choice of chalices and cups to choose from.  He is told to choose wisely.  The wrong cup would bring death.  Today choose wisely whom you will serve.  Joshua said in Joshua 24:15, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

A Spirit of Stupor

A Spirit of Stupor – Rom 11:6-7

Vs 7 – Paul then asks another question, “Now what or what then?”  Israel sought earnestly to possess what they did not possess, but the elect or those who made themselves chosen by listening and obeying the world of God did possess.  Their hearts became harden because salvation is by grace and not by works.
Vs 8 – It is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes so they could not see and ears so they could not hear to this very day.  Their refusal of the Messiah gave them the ability not to hear, see or understand.  Rejection leads to spiritual stupor.  Rejection also leads to eternal damnation.  This is not a condition or place that any one should be in.  As a Christian we should pray that those in our world would have their eyes open and see the wonderful love and grace of God.  Especially those with in our family circle.  Claim the promise of Acts 16:31, which states that not only shall we be saved but those in our household as well.