Romans 1 - 10.8.24
SCRIPTURE
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16 – 17
OBSERVATION
Paul is writing to the believers in Rome where he recounts his desire to come and encourage them all. He writes in verse 11 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” He shares his passion, obligation, and eagerness to share the gospel with “Greeks, non-Greeks, wise and the foolish.” Paul’s deep passion was in sharing the gospel to everyone and encourage the faithful.
Paul then solidifies his position as a believer in the gospel message and that God provides salvation to “everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” See when Jesus died on the cross, salvation was now open to ALL. Matthew 27:50 – 52 says “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.” The torn curtain symbolized that the barrier between God and man had been removed.
APPLICATION
When I was a kid, I would eagerly watch The Ten Commandments every year. I was in awe of God’s power that was shown in the movie. Later I found a Bible and decided to read along the entire story that was shown in The Ten Commandments movie. I was brought to faith by the power of God shown in the Old Testament scriptures. His Word brings faith. That’s why reading God’s Word, the Bible, is so important for us: it grows our faith more and more.
While reading the Old Testament scriptures, I realized how special the Jewish people were to God. I wondered if a non-Jewish person would be special to God as well. Later, when the salvation was message was shared with me, I realized God did love me as well. Paul’s message in this scripture solidifies what I experienced by faith: that God’s salvation message is for everyone!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your love that is never ending. Throughout time you’ve shown that your love endures. In the beginning, your message was only for the Jews. It was exclusive. After Jesus, the salvation message is for everyone. Hallelujah!! You came, died for our sins, and rose again for each of us. I’m so grateful for your saving grace. Help me to never forget and never take for granted that your love is for all. Help me to share your love with everyone in every circumstance. Thank you, Lord, for opening your gift of salvation for all.
- Mary Oberg
Deuteronomy 31 - 10.7.24
Scripture
Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 23 NIV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”….23The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.””
Observation
Moses was telling the Israelites that he wasn’t going to cross over to the Promised Land with them and that he was getting older; however, Joshua, was going to lead them into the land that the Lord had promised to them. Moses had to encourage the Israelites to be strong, courageous and unafraid, because the Lord would be with them. He also commissioned Joshua and said the same thing to him. Then in verse 23, God commanded the same thing to Joshua!
If the words of being “strong, courageous, not afraid and not discouraged because of God’s presence with you” shows up 3 separate times in this passage, it must be important.
Application
Do it afraid.
I remember our guest speaker Nicole (who is a missionary to the Middle East), speak about how she does a lot of things afraid. Sometimes, God calls us to do things completely out of our comfort zone or completely out of what we want. Because He is God, of course we must submit and be obedient, but it’s not always easy. I want to encourage us all that whatever fears we have about what God is calling us to do, whether at work, church ministry or in daily life, He is with us, so we don’t have to be discouraged, but rather can be strong and courageous.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for always calling out the best in me. Thank You that no matter what I have to face in life or what you are calling me to do, that You are with me and I don’t need to be afraid. Thank You Lord for the reminder that we don’t need to stay stuck in fear, because we have Your strength, courage, and presence with us. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Psalm 62 - 10.4.24
Scripture Psalms 62:5-8 NIV
”Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.“
Observation:
God is
My hope
My rock
My salvation
My fortress
My refuge
Because of this I can find rest in Him and trust Him. David wrote this when he was under attack. Even though people were against him, he chose to write a song of praise and sing before the Lord.
Application:
God wants to give me rest in times of trouble. When things are what seems to be a continuous fight He wants me to trust Him and do what David did, pen a song of praise. May I go through each day remembering that God fights the battles for me and there are times He brings me to a place of refuge and rest. I choose to completely trust Him and seek to obey, fighting when necessary and taking refuge to rest when necessary. I choose to seek Him to know what cause of action to take.
Prayer:
My Father God, Thank you that you want me to come to you as a my Father. You want to shelter me in your wings. You sent your Son Jesus and provided from my salvation. He paid such a great cost. You also sent the Holy Spirit to teach and guide me. By doing so you are always with me. Lord, today and every day may I take refuge in you. I know you are my fortress and my rock. I won’t be shaken as long as I trust in you and obey your Word. Show me when to fight and when to take refuge. Please renew me as I rest in You. Thank you that you grow me in trials. You provide for my needs and even the desires of my heart. What a marvelous Father you are! Amen
- Cindy Howard