Romans 12 - 5.22.25

S – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. “ Romans 12:2

O - Romans 12 serves as a pivotal chapter in the book of Romans, emphasizing practical Christian living and the transformation that comes from faith. It also marks a transition from the theological teachings of the first eleven chapters to practical applications for Christian living. Paul urges believers to respond to God's mercy by living sacrificially and using their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and the world (Biblehub.com)

A – A few ways we can live out the practical application are Daily Dedication - begin each day by consciously dedicating your actions and decisions to God, seeking to honor Him in all you do. We need to be renewing our minds - engage in regular Bible study and prayer to renew your mind, which will allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and attitudes. We need to know what our gifts are and use them - identify your spiritual gifts and find ways to use them in service to the church and our community, which helps foster unity and growth. And we should all be practicing genuine love. Make a deliberate effort to show sincere love to those around you, including acts of kindness and forgiveness, even when it is difficult.

P – Lord I pray first and foremost our commitment would be to YOU. I pray for the strength and willingness to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, fully dedicated to Your purposes, and not our own. I pray for a renewing of our minds, giving us Your daily wisdom and guidance in all areas of life. I pray for humble hearts that seek to serve others with the gifts You have given each of us. I pray that we would fill our hearts with Love and Forgiveness and that you would help us to love others sincerely, and to forgive those who have wronged us, reflecting Christ's love in our relationships. And may we be inspired to live lives that are transformed by God's grace, marked by sincere love and humble service, which will draw out others to You! In Jesus’ name!

- Crystal Flory

Romans 11 - 5.21.25

Scripture: Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Observation

Over and over in the book of Romans, Paul reminds us that it is only through God’s grace that we are saved.

Romans 3:10 As it is written:“There is no one righteous (free from guilt or sin), not even one;

Following the law will not save us, because we are imperfect and incapable of perfection. God is perfect.

Romans 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Good works will not save us. We cannot work our way into God’s love and forgiveness. We cannot save ourselves. We need a savior.

Romans 4:6-8 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

All we have to do is believe and ask.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Application

I am so blessed to have my sins forgiven. And yet, I still struggle sometimes to understand and accept that forgiveness. I cannot comprehend how God can continue to forgive me when I don’t deserve it. But really, that is the point. I don’t deserve it. I never deserved it. And there’s no way I can ever do enough to deserve it. I continually try to make it about me, when it is really about Him - his love, his forgiveness, his grace, his righteousness.

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

Prayer

Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning. I am blessed because my sins have been forgiven. I am blessed to serve a righteous and holy God who hates sin, but loves me enough to show me grace. I am blessed to serve a God who has patience as I struggle and grow and learn. Thank you that through faith I can have relationship with you. Thank you for your grace.

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 109 - 5.20.25

SCRIPTURE:  In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. Psalm 109:4

OBSERVATION:  In this Psalm, David is pleading with God to help him during a time when he is wrongly accused, hated without cause, and being attacked at every angle. This Psalm might have been penned while David was being persecuted by Saul or when his son, Absalom, rebelled against him. David is acknowledging the wrongs that are being done against him, yet he goes directly to God in prayer. He is recognizing God’s Sovereignty, power, and protection by being a man of prayer.

Even through all he endured, David’s response is “but I am a man of prayer.” The “but” is countering the accusations and wrongs being done against him. He could have said “but I will get revenge” or “but I will make them pay.” No, he didn’t take matters into his own hands but knowing that God holds all the power in life, he went to prayer. David knew the most important action he could do was to reach out to God in prayer.

APPLICATION:  David’s example in this one little verse says it all: his first line of defense was prayer. I can’t imagine all that he went through and the personal pain he felt – the betrayal by those he thought loved him. He went through a lot yet David reflects a deeply humble heart and knows that God is the one who can protect and rescue him. He didn’t go after his accusers with personal revenge, but he prayed. He not only prayed for protection but he also was praying for those doing the terrible things against him. He didn’t seek his own justice against anyone, but he prayed God’s justice would prevail. David’s response to all the atrocities he suffered was to pray.

When we pray to God, we’re acknowledging He has power over every situation in life. He can move, change, save, and protect. David knew this very well and ultimately all that he went through is encompassed in verses 26 – 27. He wanted God to have all the glory and recognition in saving him:

26 Help me, Lord my God;
    save me according to your unfailing love.
27 Let them know that it is your hand,
    that you, Lord, have done it.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for the opportunity to come before your throne and pray! Lord, thank you for loving me through everything – even in times of trials and the challenges in life. Help me to be a person of prayer in every situation in life. Lord, you are above it all. Help me to always come to you and to pray for those who have done anything against me or my family. Let each person come to know you and see your hand in each situation. You deserve all the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus name! Amen

- Mary Oberg