November 1
Jesus’ Calendar
Read Romans 15
Romans 15:17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
WHEN our kids were young, and when all the schedules and priorities had to be met, the natural thing to do was to determine who would do what, and when it would be done. Being a parent means guiding the activity of a household, determining the priorities, and confirming that all things get done.
We had a planning calendar on the refrigerator to be sure all was in order. Life got a little edgy when people didn’t do what they needed to do. The family’s needs drove all of us to particular activities. When we each did our part, family life was good.
The Apostle Paul seeks to define himself as clearly as he can as a member of Christ Jesus’ “family”. He tells the Romans in this sentence that he is doing his part, and Christ Jesus is the one who motivates him.
Everything Paul has done to minister to Jews and Gentiles has been the result of what Jesus has done to him and through him. Jesus has set the calendar with his Gospel message, and Paul gives glory to him as the catalyst for everything he does.
When you consider how you spend your time, is Jesus Christ your catalyst? When you mark your calendar for the week, do you mark down what Jesus has marked on your heart to do?
Pause and Consider: what’s on your to-do list?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
October 31, 2010 An Eternal Meal
October 31
Eternal Meal
Read Romans 14
Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
CHURCH SUPPERS, potlucks, or whatever you want to call them are pretty popular occasions. People love to bring their favorite foods-the recipes they love to make. And people enjoy eating and drinking together. These are good things. Jesus liked these events. He did some great ministry while enjoying a meal.
But there’s more to the Kingdom of God than that, isn’t there? It would be wonderful to see the church potluck be a place to invite the homeless and hungry in for a meal. It could be a place to invite people who are lonely and discouraged. It could be a place of righteousness, peace and joy.
Proper eating and drinking are the foundations of physical health. And a meal can be a means to a person’s spiritual health. When you invite someone to a meal, their heart is grateful. And you have the opportunity to speak to them about them. You can ask how they’re doing. You can show Jesus’ love and tender mercy.
You can even tell the person of Jesus’ righteousness that saves them to a life in heaven to feast with him forever.
Pause and Consider: who to invite to a meal.
Eternal Meal
Read Romans 14
Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
CHURCH SUPPERS, potlucks, or whatever you want to call them are pretty popular occasions. People love to bring their favorite foods-the recipes they love to make. And people enjoy eating and drinking together. These are good things. Jesus liked these events. He did some great ministry while enjoying a meal.
But there’s more to the Kingdom of God than that, isn’t there? It would be wonderful to see the church potluck be a place to invite the homeless and hungry in for a meal. It could be a place to invite people who are lonely and discouraged. It could be a place of righteousness, peace and joy.
Proper eating and drinking are the foundations of physical health. And a meal can be a means to a person’s spiritual health. When you invite someone to a meal, their heart is grateful. And you have the opportunity to speak to them about them. You can ask how they’re doing. You can show Jesus’ love and tender mercy.
You can even tell the person of Jesus’ righteousness that saves them to a life in heaven to feast with him forever.
Pause and Consider: who to invite to a meal.
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 30, 2010 It's Now
October 30
It’s Now
Read Romans 13
Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
ONE of the families in our church came to live in the area for only 2 years. Because they are a family gifted in many ways and eager to use their gifts for the Gospel, their short stay and their willingness to serve create the perfect picture of what Paul is talking about here.
For you see, they understood that God has awakened them to the Gospel, and they have but a short time to make an impact for Christ in this community. There isn’t time to “figure things out” and to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a church and making commitments. There is no time to hold back—there is only time to go forward, to say, “Here I am.”
As Christians, we need to live life this way. What if you only had 2 more years to live? Or 2 more months? Or 2 more days?
If you pray, read the bible and/or go to church, it is likely God is talking to you in some way. It could be last Sunday’s sermon. It could be a verse you read this morning. It could be a thought you had while you prayed. It could be a Christian friend or series of friends saying something to you.
My question to you is: Are you urgent about what you hear? Do not wait until it is convenient for you to respond. The time is now—when God calls.
Pause and Consider: what you need to do now.
It’s Now
Read Romans 13
Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
ONE of the families in our church came to live in the area for only 2 years. Because they are a family gifted in many ways and eager to use their gifts for the Gospel, their short stay and their willingness to serve create the perfect picture of what Paul is talking about here.
For you see, they understood that God has awakened them to the Gospel, and they have but a short time to make an impact for Christ in this community. There isn’t time to “figure things out” and to weigh the pros and cons of choosing a church and making commitments. There is no time to hold back—there is only time to go forward, to say, “Here I am.”
As Christians, we need to live life this way. What if you only had 2 more years to live? Or 2 more months? Or 2 more days?
If you pray, read the bible and/or go to church, it is likely God is talking to you in some way. It could be last Sunday’s sermon. It could be a verse you read this morning. It could be a thought you had while you prayed. It could be a Christian friend or series of friends saying something to you.
My question to you is: Are you urgent about what you hear? Do not wait until it is convenient for you to respond. The time is now—when God calls.
Pause and Consider: what you need to do now.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
October 29, 2010 A Trust Builder
October 29
A Trust Builder
Read Romans 12
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
WHAT does it mean to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices”? I’ve been thinking a good deal about sacrifice lately.
Sacrifice is a big deal with God. In the very first sacrifice in Genesis 4, God preferred Abel’s sacrifice to Cain’s. Abel’s sacrifice was the image of the blood sacrifice that God would require of the Hebrews for centuries. And the blood sacrifice is what God required of his Son for you.
Sacrifice in God’s view is a way to turn your heart to see him. If, for example, we don’t sacrifice our time, our Spiritual gifts or our money to God, we have no opportunity to truly trust him.
For example, years ago, I began to “sacrifice” my time to read the bible every day. As I gave my time to know God’s Word, I began to know him. And each day in the last 3 decades, I have grown into a deeper, trusting relationship with God. I shudder to think what I would have missed had I not set aside that time with him.
If we don’t sacrifice to God, we cannot experience his giving back to us. We will not grow into a place where we know him at all, much less totally trust Him. The more we release what we have to him, the more we trust him when we see how he gives back to us.
Sacrifice is a trust-builder. Be willing to give what you have to God and watch him generously give back to you.
Pause and Consider: that all you have has come from God. It is more than appropriate to give some back to him.
A Trust Builder
Read Romans 12
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.
WHAT does it mean to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices”? I’ve been thinking a good deal about sacrifice lately.
Sacrifice is a big deal with God. In the very first sacrifice in Genesis 4, God preferred Abel’s sacrifice to Cain’s. Abel’s sacrifice was the image of the blood sacrifice that God would require of the Hebrews for centuries. And the blood sacrifice is what God required of his Son for you.
Sacrifice in God’s view is a way to turn your heart to see him. If, for example, we don’t sacrifice our time, our Spiritual gifts or our money to God, we have no opportunity to truly trust him.
For example, years ago, I began to “sacrifice” my time to read the bible every day. As I gave my time to know God’s Word, I began to know him. And each day in the last 3 decades, I have grown into a deeper, trusting relationship with God. I shudder to think what I would have missed had I not set aside that time with him.
If we don’t sacrifice to God, we cannot experience his giving back to us. We will not grow into a place where we know him at all, much less totally trust Him. The more we release what we have to him, the more we trust him when we see how he gives back to us.
Sacrifice is a trust-builder. Be willing to give what you have to God and watch him generously give back to you.
Pause and Consider: that all you have has come from God. It is more than appropriate to give some back to him.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
October 28 2010 Your Life's Purpose
October 28
Your Life’s Purpose
Read Romans 11
Romans 11:36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
ARE YOU wondering what is your life’s purpose? Then dwell on this verse. You are among the “everything” that “comes from him”. And you “exist by his power”. And this is so because you are “intended for his glory”.
A life of purpose is pleasing the One who created you and showing him to those who don’t know him. God wants you to live the type of life that shows those around you how good and gracious is he. God wants you, in your activities, your attitude and your words to let people know of his grace that brings salvation to all who believe in him.
How do you show God to those you meet each day? The key thing is this: live as closely as you humanly can to God’s ways. There are many, many resources today that tell you how you can have happiness, peace, money, a better job and more friends. But nothing is as true and lasting as the Word of God.
When God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He means to actually do this—not to simply think about it. He means to serve someone in trouble; he means to forgive someone; he means to give a listening ear. And the list goes on.
When you live according to God’s Word, you bring him into the reality of daily living. People around you see that he is indeed real and alive. And God’s name will be praised and glorified.
That’s your life’s purpose.
Pause and Consider: how you can make this purpose real in your life.
Your Life’s Purpose
Read Romans 11
Romans 11:36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
ARE YOU wondering what is your life’s purpose? Then dwell on this verse. You are among the “everything” that “comes from him”. And you “exist by his power”. And this is so because you are “intended for his glory”.
A life of purpose is pleasing the One who created you and showing him to those who don’t know him. God wants you to live the type of life that shows those around you how good and gracious is he. God wants you, in your activities, your attitude and your words to let people know of his grace that brings salvation to all who believe in him.
How do you show God to those you meet each day? The key thing is this: live as closely as you humanly can to God’s ways. There are many, many resources today that tell you how you can have happiness, peace, money, a better job and more friends. But nothing is as true and lasting as the Word of God.
When God says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He means to actually do this—not to simply think about it. He means to serve someone in trouble; he means to forgive someone; he means to give a listening ear. And the list goes on.
When you live according to God’s Word, you bring him into the reality of daily living. People around you see that he is indeed real and alive. And God’s name will be praised and glorified.
That’s your life’s purpose.
Pause and Consider: how you can make this purpose real in your life.
October 26, 2010 A Deep Passion
Deep Passion
Read Romans 9
Romans 9:1-4 I speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel.
WOW! Is Paul passionate for his people, or what? I can’t understand such a deep love! What? Offer my soul to God to trade Heaven for Hell so a group of people would be saved? I couldn’t do that.
But Paul expresses this! God has placed in Paul a deep, deep passion for the Jews who have not yet proclaimed faith in Jesus. That’s why Paul is able to endure many hardships—shipwrecks, beatings, jail, deprivation and ill-health—for the sake of his own people to know the Gospel. He desperately wants all to know Jesus as Lord of their lives.
Where did that passion come from? I think each of Christ’s apostles developed this passion for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They had the opportunity to become intimate with Jesus. Jesus showed them his love by going to the cross and coming back from the grave. They saw the reality in the flesh of our Lord’s triumph over death!
So the apostles understood more completely than any of us can how real and true and perfect God’s love is for us. That’s why they were willing and able to give their lives entirely for the Gospel.
Can we be like this? Only when we come to know Jesus in a deeply intimate way. Study the Word. Pray and listen.
Then go and do. Jesus will become real to you, too.
Pause and Consider: where you are most passionate. It’s easy to get involved in the things related to that passion, isn’t it?
Read Romans 9
Romans 9:1-4 I speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel.
WOW! Is Paul passionate for his people, or what? I can’t understand such a deep love! What? Offer my soul to God to trade Heaven for Hell so a group of people would be saved? I couldn’t do that.
But Paul expresses this! God has placed in Paul a deep, deep passion for the Jews who have not yet proclaimed faith in Jesus. That’s why Paul is able to endure many hardships—shipwrecks, beatings, jail, deprivation and ill-health—for the sake of his own people to know the Gospel. He desperately wants all to know Jesus as Lord of their lives.
Where did that passion come from? I think each of Christ’s apostles developed this passion for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They had the opportunity to become intimate with Jesus. Jesus showed them his love by going to the cross and coming back from the grave. They saw the reality in the flesh of our Lord’s triumph over death!
So the apostles understood more completely than any of us can how real and true and perfect God’s love is for us. That’s why they were willing and able to give their lives entirely for the Gospel.
Can we be like this? Only when we come to know Jesus in a deeply intimate way. Study the Word. Pray and listen.
Then go and do. Jesus will become real to you, too.
Pause and Consider: where you are most passionate. It’s easy to get involved in the things related to that passion, isn’t it?
Monday, October 25, 2010
October 27, 2010 Preach the Gospel
October 27
Preach the Gospel
Read Romans 10
Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
ARE YOU a bit uncomfortable with these words? The Apostle Paul calls us to action with the word “call”. He states in the previous verses that one must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. So, he asks, how do people get to know about Jesus so they can call on his name?
Paul tells us that we have the responsibility to “preach” to them. Now don’t think you’re off the hook because you’re not a “preacher” or do not have the gift of preaching.
It’s true. Not everyone does have that gift to “officially preach” in front of others. But we all do have a gift or several gifts from the Holy Spirit to use to “tell” the Gospel. For example, we can tell of Jesus’ faithfulness to us. We can demonstrate with acts of love and kindness that the Gospel is real and changes lives. And we must also send others to preach.
Missionaries come to mind when we think of sending people. We can also help local ministries with our support of time and money. We each can speak encouragement to support those who feel called to publically preach.
Paul calls on the early Christians in Rome to be people who act for the Gospel. Through the Holy Scriptures, God uses these words to call us today.
Pause and Consider: What you need to do today to “preach” the Good News and call someone to the life-changing, eternal Truth.
Preach the Gospel
Read Romans 10
Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
ARE YOU a bit uncomfortable with these words? The Apostle Paul calls us to action with the word “call”. He states in the previous verses that one must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. So, he asks, how do people get to know about Jesus so they can call on his name?
Paul tells us that we have the responsibility to “preach” to them. Now don’t think you’re off the hook because you’re not a “preacher” or do not have the gift of preaching.
It’s true. Not everyone does have that gift to “officially preach” in front of others. But we all do have a gift or several gifts from the Holy Spirit to use to “tell” the Gospel. For example, we can tell of Jesus’ faithfulness to us. We can demonstrate with acts of love and kindness that the Gospel is real and changes lives. And we must also send others to preach.
Missionaries come to mind when we think of sending people. We can also help local ministries with our support of time and money. We each can speak encouragement to support those who feel called to publically preach.
Paul calls on the early Christians in Rome to be people who act for the Gospel. Through the Holy Scriptures, God uses these words to call us today.
Pause and Consider: What you need to do today to “preach” the Good News and call someone to the life-changing, eternal Truth.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October 25, 2010 Welcome Peace
October 25
Welcome Peace
Read Romans 8
Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
LIFE AND PEACE. These are the gifts God gives to us through his Spirit. Are there any better gifts?
When you walk through life, there are many days in which conflict seems to rule. In the workplace, in our homes, in our relationships, and unfortunately, even in the church. People argue, disagree, and separate.
People in any kind of “group” have their own ideas, their own desires and their own goals. Most of the time, they give no thought to the good of the group. How do we get past this conflict, these competitions for priority of our desires over others?
The answer is seeking peace from the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is a guide, a Counselor, a Comforter, a Strengthener. He is the Spirit of Truth. When you read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will help you see the power of making peace with such tools as humility, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.
The Spirit of God “opens” God’s Word to you in such a way that it becomes a manual of instruction to help you in life’s issues. The Spirit’s presence in you is the only way you can truly understand God’s way of peace.
Do you need peace in your life? Then open God’s Word, the bible, and pray to the Spirit to show you how to respond. Proverbs, the Psalms, and all the New Testament shows you how Spirit-filled men and women overcame conflict and welcomed peace into their lives.
You can do the same.
Pause and Consider: the bible as a practical guide to bring peace to your life.
Welcome Peace
Read Romans 8
Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
LIFE AND PEACE. These are the gifts God gives to us through his Spirit. Are there any better gifts?
When you walk through life, there are many days in which conflict seems to rule. In the workplace, in our homes, in our relationships, and unfortunately, even in the church. People argue, disagree, and separate.
People in any kind of “group” have their own ideas, their own desires and their own goals. Most of the time, they give no thought to the good of the group. How do we get past this conflict, these competitions for priority of our desires over others?
The answer is seeking peace from the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is a guide, a Counselor, a Comforter, a Strengthener. He is the Spirit of Truth. When you read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will help you see the power of making peace with such tools as humility, forgiveness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.
The Spirit of God “opens” God’s Word to you in such a way that it becomes a manual of instruction to help you in life’s issues. The Spirit’s presence in you is the only way you can truly understand God’s way of peace.
Do you need peace in your life? Then open God’s Word, the bible, and pray to the Spirit to show you how to respond. Proverbs, the Psalms, and all the New Testament shows you how Spirit-filled men and women overcame conflict and welcomed peace into their lives.
You can do the same.
Pause and Consider: the bible as a practical guide to bring peace to your life.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
October 23, 2010 Gift of Forever Life
October 23
Gift of Forever Life
Read Romans 5-6
Romans 6:22-23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WHAT a contrast in this sentence—Paul summarizes his teaching in Romans 6 with this very distinct, plain sentence that makes all the difference in who we are now and who we will be for eternity.
Do you grasp that eternal life is a gift? This is the powerful hope we find in Jesus Christ. When people talk of other religions having the same God, check it out.
No other belief or understanding offers a God, who gave of himself to a cross so he might give us the gift of life.
What’s more, only our God gives his Spirit to help us know him and to live within us, so we can understand how we are to live our lives.
When you begin to deeply absorb the truth of God’s gift into your heart and mind, you begin to grasp what it is to worship him, to obey him, and to follow him in all things.
God is so incredible! He gives life to us forever if we but accept the offer. His gift is a way to turn us completely around, going from a life of death and destruction to an eternal life of hope and peace.
If you have yet to experience that hope and peace, take some time and pray to God. Admit you have done wrong, and you need to change. Trust Jesus to be your Savior. He will give you life forever.
Pause and Consider: what it means to be saved from death.
Gift of Forever Life
Read Romans 5-6
Romans 6:22-23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WHAT a contrast in this sentence—Paul summarizes his teaching in Romans 6 with this very distinct, plain sentence that makes all the difference in who we are now and who we will be for eternity.
Do you grasp that eternal life is a gift? This is the powerful hope we find in Jesus Christ. When people talk of other religions having the same God, check it out.
No other belief or understanding offers a God, who gave of himself to a cross so he might give us the gift of life.
What’s more, only our God gives his Spirit to help us know him and to live within us, so we can understand how we are to live our lives.
When you begin to deeply absorb the truth of God’s gift into your heart and mind, you begin to grasp what it is to worship him, to obey him, and to follow him in all things.
God is so incredible! He gives life to us forever if we but accept the offer. His gift is a way to turn us completely around, going from a life of death and destruction to an eternal life of hope and peace.
If you have yet to experience that hope and peace, take some time and pray to God. Admit you have done wrong, and you need to change. Trust Jesus to be your Savior. He will give you life forever.
Pause and Consider: what it means to be saved from death.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
October 22, 2010 God Loves to Receive You
October 22
God Loves to Receive You
Read Romans 4
Rom 4: 25 Because of our sins Jesus was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God.
IS THERE any possible way we can understand with our human mind what this sentence means?
God “gave” his Son over to death. Think of this. What would it be like to put your child into the car, take him to a place of execution so that he could make your neighbors right before God? The concept is unimaginable—we could not do such a thing. Our love for our neighbors would not be nearly as strong as our love for our child.
But that’s what God did. He purposely delivered his Son to the cross. He abandoned his son to his accusers and allowed him to be mocked and beaten. What kind of Father is this?
He is the perfect Father. His love is filled with grace and mercy, and he was willing to send His Son to die for your salvation—so that you can be made right before him.
And he is the perfect Father because he knew his Jesus’ obedience to his purpose would raise Jesus to the throne of heaven to be worshiped forever.
Are you thinking you might be too unworthy to go to God today—that something you’ve done or haven’t’ done will separate you from him? Do you think perhaps God doesn’t have time for you, or that he doesn’t care about you?
Look to the cross. It is life for you. That’s what God has done for you.
Pause and Consider: Can a God who has demonstrated his love to you so powerfully and lovingly ever refuse you his salvation when you invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
God Loves to Receive You
Read Romans 4
Rom 4: 25 Because of our sins Jesus was given over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God.
IS THERE any possible way we can understand with our human mind what this sentence means?
God “gave” his Son over to death. Think of this. What would it be like to put your child into the car, take him to a place of execution so that he could make your neighbors right before God? The concept is unimaginable—we could not do such a thing. Our love for our neighbors would not be nearly as strong as our love for our child.
But that’s what God did. He purposely delivered his Son to the cross. He abandoned his son to his accusers and allowed him to be mocked and beaten. What kind of Father is this?
He is the perfect Father. His love is filled with grace and mercy, and he was willing to send His Son to die for your salvation—so that you can be made right before him.
And he is the perfect Father because he knew his Jesus’ obedience to his purpose would raise Jesus to the throne of heaven to be worshiped forever.
Are you thinking you might be too unworthy to go to God today—that something you’ve done or haven’t’ done will separate you from him? Do you think perhaps God doesn’t have time for you, or that he doesn’t care about you?
Look to the cross. It is life for you. That’s what God has done for you.
Pause and Consider: Can a God who has demonstrated his love to you so powerfully and lovingly ever refuse you his salvation when you invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 21, 2010 A Problem A Solution
October 21
A Problem and A Solution
Read Romans 3
Rom 3:23-25 everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25 God offered him, so that by his sacrificial death he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him.
WHAT’S THE WORLD need to know? Here it is:
There’s a problem: everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence.
There’s a solution to this problem: by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.
What does knowing that do for you today? I pray it gives you comfort, hope, joy and peace, knowing how deeply God loves you.
Sin makes us wrong before God. We must be made right to be with God. God’s love sent his Son to die for your sins to make you right with him. Christ Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead to be the cleansing agent that makes you right to be with your living LORD.
Whether this is the 10,000th time or the first time you’ve heard this, stop for a while and meditate on this reality. Rejoice in this life promise. The Creator of the vast universe has paid a huge price to freely give you life.
Pause and Consider: how completely, lovingly and sacrificially God has solved the problem.
A Problem and A Solution
Read Romans 3
Rom 3:23-25 everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. 24 But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25 God offered him, so that by his sacrificial death he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him.
WHAT’S THE WORLD need to know? Here it is:
There’s a problem: everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence.
There’s a solution to this problem: by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.
What does knowing that do for you today? I pray it gives you comfort, hope, joy and peace, knowing how deeply God loves you.
Sin makes us wrong before God. We must be made right to be with God. God’s love sent his Son to die for your sins to make you right with him. Christ Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead to be the cleansing agent that makes you right to be with your living LORD.
Whether this is the 10,000th time or the first time you’ve heard this, stop for a while and meditate on this reality. Rejoice in this life promise. The Creator of the vast universe has paid a huge price to freely give you life.
Pause and Consider: how completely, lovingly and sacrificially God has solved the problem.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 20, 2010 A Very Good Life
October 20
A Very Good Life
Read Romans 2
Rom 2:9-11 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
PAUL is very direct with his words. Some find this offensive to hear about punishment and to be accused of doing and even being “evil”.
But two realities of life are these: Evil exists. Good exists. We must know this and accept it. And we must know the difference, or we will be eternally trapped in evil’s darkness and suffering.
I don’t know why this is so hard to understand. A simple illustration of this is balancing a checkbook. If you make a subtraction error, it doesn’t balance. You have made a mistake. When you correct the mistake and subtract correctly, your checkbook balances.
When you make a mistake in life, you are out of balance. Too much to drink, too lazy to work, too busy to read God’s Word, too corrupt to honor your marriage, too violent to live in peace with others, too busy to be at home. Evil breaks down families and communities. Evil fills the jails.
Yet, people say, “It’s all relative. Each action we take needs to be understood in its own context.”
What does God say to that attitude? He condemns it. He judges it. He says, “Obey my commands.”
Yes, the language is direct. Love the Lord’s commands. Do good for him and for others, and you will experience a very good life.
Pause and Consider: that God is very direct. After all, it’s a matter of life.
A Very Good Life
Read Romans 2
Rom 2:9-11 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
PAUL is very direct with his words. Some find this offensive to hear about punishment and to be accused of doing and even being “evil”.
But two realities of life are these: Evil exists. Good exists. We must know this and accept it. And we must know the difference, or we will be eternally trapped in evil’s darkness and suffering.
I don’t know why this is so hard to understand. A simple illustration of this is balancing a checkbook. If you make a subtraction error, it doesn’t balance. You have made a mistake. When you correct the mistake and subtract correctly, your checkbook balances.
When you make a mistake in life, you are out of balance. Too much to drink, too lazy to work, too busy to read God’s Word, too corrupt to honor your marriage, too violent to live in peace with others, too busy to be at home. Evil breaks down families and communities. Evil fills the jails.
Yet, people say, “It’s all relative. Each action we take needs to be understood in its own context.”
What does God say to that attitude? He condemns it. He judges it. He says, “Obey my commands.”
Yes, the language is direct. Love the Lord’s commands. Do good for him and for others, and you will experience a very good life.
Pause and Consider: that God is very direct. After all, it’s a matter of life.
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 19, 2010 No Shame
October 19
No Shame in the Gospel
Read Romans 1:16 – 32
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
I’M ASHAMED to say I can’t say, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel.” One time I had a conversation with a “good, church-going man”. He has done things in his church and in his community. The conversation shifted to Heaven and the likelihood of him going there. I asked him if he was sure Heaven was his eternal home.
His answer surprised me. After all, he had earlier spoken of Jesus. But then he said, “I hope so.” He thought that if he did the best he could, helped people and did good, that God would allow him to be in Heaven. I paused and thought for a minute—then I said, “There’s nothing you can do to be welcomed into Heaven. It is what Jesus did for you on the cross.”
He stopped talking and sat silent—then I said, “Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?” I didn’t get a reply. And that’s as far as it went. Two things I ask myself—Why did I wait and ponder if I should talk to him about “works versus faith”? And Why didn’t I push the conversation further?
Is it because I am ashamed of the gospel? Could be. It could be I don’t trust Jesus’ words enough to press the point to someone I just met. Perhaps it is because I didn’t want him to feel awkward or challenged. I do know I needed to lovingly and patiently take the conversation further.
One thing that I am feeling about this is that I am more ready to ask the questions the next time. I don’t feel I am a gifted evangelist, but I’ve never really tried. I’ve never really opened my mouth for the gospel. But I want to try. I want to present Christ. This is what he has commanded me to do, and I want to do it.
Pause and Consider: how important it is to tell people the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
No Shame in the Gospel
Read Romans 1:16 – 32
Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
I’M ASHAMED to say I can’t say, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel.” One time I had a conversation with a “good, church-going man”. He has done things in his church and in his community. The conversation shifted to Heaven and the likelihood of him going there. I asked him if he was sure Heaven was his eternal home.
His answer surprised me. After all, he had earlier spoken of Jesus. But then he said, “I hope so.” He thought that if he did the best he could, helped people and did good, that God would allow him to be in Heaven. I paused and thought for a minute—then I said, “There’s nothing you can do to be welcomed into Heaven. It is what Jesus did for you on the cross.”
He stopped talking and sat silent—then I said, “Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?” I didn’t get a reply. And that’s as far as it went. Two things I ask myself—Why did I wait and ponder if I should talk to him about “works versus faith”? And Why didn’t I push the conversation further?
Is it because I am ashamed of the gospel? Could be. It could be I don’t trust Jesus’ words enough to press the point to someone I just met. Perhaps it is because I didn’t want him to feel awkward or challenged. I do know I needed to lovingly and patiently take the conversation further.
One thing that I am feeling about this is that I am more ready to ask the questions the next time. I don’t feel I am a gifted evangelist, but I’ve never really tried. I’ve never really opened my mouth for the gospel. But I want to try. I want to present Christ. This is what he has commanded me to do, and I want to do it.
Pause and Consider: how important it is to tell people the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October 18, 2010 Give Grace
October 18
Give Grace
Read Romans 1:1-15
Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think most people do what they do for the same reasons. Hopefully, our activities are based on our desires to live well in peace with God.
Paul defines his purpose in life as a result of God’s grace—”to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”
Paul was mindful that God had given to him God’s love and grace for his salvation. And Paul receives the grace, knowing God didn’t give him salvation to keep, but in grace he is to offer that same salvation to others.
Our purpose is also to give the gift. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if we took the salary we made at work and put it into a bank and never used it. Our money would do no one any good. Our family would suffer because we would not use it for food or shelter. We would have no money to help others in need or even care for ourselves.
Keeping the Gospel to ourselves is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace gift if we do not share it. We’ll have some benefit, but we’ll have much more if we invest into God’s great love for us. God wants you to enjoy salvation’s blessing, experiencing it in all it offers in this life and the next.
Pause and Consider: how you can fulfill this purpose. God offers himself to you—will you offer him to others?
Give Grace
Read Romans 1:1-15
Romans 1:5-6 Through Christ and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
WHAT motivates you to do what you do? Some of the things I do are to fulfill my responsibilities in my work, to help out at home and to be in relationship with my family. I think most people do what they do for the same reasons. Hopefully, our activities are based on our desires to live well in peace with God.
Paul defines his purpose in life as a result of God’s grace—”to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.”
Paul was mindful that God had given to him God’s love and grace for his salvation. And Paul receives the grace, knowing God didn’t give him salvation to keep, but in grace he is to offer that same salvation to others.
Our purpose is also to give the gift. Keeping God “to ourselves” would be as if we took the salary we made at work and put it into a bank and never used it. Our money would do no one any good. Our family would suffer because we would not use it for food or shelter. We would have no money to help others in need or even care for ourselves.
Keeping the Gospel to ourselves is similar. No one will benefit from God’s grace gift if we do not share it. We’ll have some benefit, but we’ll have much more if we invest into God’s great love for us. God wants you to enjoy salvation’s blessing, experiencing it in all it offers in this life and the next.
Pause and Consider: how you can fulfill this purpose. God offers himself to you—will you offer him to others?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
October 17, 2010 The Un-Perfect Servant
October 17
An Un-perfect Servant
Read Romans 1:1-4
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.
HOW do you introduce yourself? I remember when I was a child how adults would ask me, “Who is your father? Who is your mother? What is her maiden name?”
Today I sometimes connect with people who know my children. Or I connect with people through what I have done. Or they get to know me for what I am doing. But I’ve never said, “I am a servant of Jesus Christ.” when I introduce myself.
Should we say that? It is a bit scary to verbalize your commitment to Christ. After all, if we say it only to ourselves, there is no one to hold us accountable. If we have an “un-servant” attitude, we can get away with it—in the public’s eye.
But what happens if we let people know that we live for the purpose of serving Jesus Christ? What if we confess that orally to God? Does the thought of committing to God publicly and privately in these ways scare you because you know you’re not perfect? I hope not.
Paul made that statement knowing he wasn’t perfect. Paul had struggles with his relationship with God. He had issues with others in the church. He wasn’t always perfect. Only Jesus has lived perfectly.
God does want you to commit to him in your heart and publicly. He knows you will need help to fulfill that commitment. He wants you to trust him to help you and to guide you. That’s what Paul did, and he is a good model to follow.
Pause and Consider: how you feel about commitment. Jesus needs that from you.
An Un-perfect Servant
Read Romans 1:1-4
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.
HOW do you introduce yourself? I remember when I was a child how adults would ask me, “Who is your father? Who is your mother? What is her maiden name?”
Today I sometimes connect with people who know my children. Or I connect with people through what I have done. Or they get to know me for what I am doing. But I’ve never said, “I am a servant of Jesus Christ.” when I introduce myself.
Should we say that? It is a bit scary to verbalize your commitment to Christ. After all, if we say it only to ourselves, there is no one to hold us accountable. If we have an “un-servant” attitude, we can get away with it—in the public’s eye.
But what happens if we let people know that we live for the purpose of serving Jesus Christ? What if we confess that orally to God? Does the thought of committing to God publicly and privately in these ways scare you because you know you’re not perfect? I hope not.
Paul made that statement knowing he wasn’t perfect. Paul had struggles with his relationship with God. He had issues with others in the church. He wasn’t always perfect. Only Jesus has lived perfectly.
God does want you to commit to him in your heart and publicly. He knows you will need help to fulfill that commitment. He wants you to trust him to help you and to guide you. That’s what Paul did, and he is a good model to follow.
Pause and Consider: how you feel about commitment. Jesus needs that from you.
Friday, October 15, 2010
October 16, 2010 You Can't & You Can
October 16
You Can’t & You Can
Read Acts 28
Acts 28:24 Some believed and some didn’t.
THE FINAL account of the “Acts of the Apostles” has Paul teaching the Gospel to the Jews in Rome. Here is one of the greatest Gospel teachers in history. The Spirit of God has used him to physically and spiritually heal hundreds of people. Paul has started churches around Asia Minor. He has done magnificent work for God.
Yet not all believe his teaching.
I point this out to actually encourage you. As we determine what it is to be a faithful Christ follower, we must understand that there are things we can control and things we can’t.
The thing we can control is our own heart to obey God as fully as we can. We can control our heart with a devotion to God in reading his Word, confession of our sins, learning from others, and helping to build the community of Christ with the spiritual gifts he has given to us.
But we can’t control others’ hearts. Their response is not in our power. Your speaking is how you respond to the Gospel. Their hearing is their response to the Gospel.
Thus, do not feel you have failed if people do not listen. This happened even to Paul—most of the time. You succeed when, in God’s view, you share the Gospel with your words and your actions.
That’s what Paul did in the Power of the Spirit. And you can do the same.
Pause and Consider: what you can control and what you can’t. On what will you focus?
You Can’t & You Can
Read Acts 28
Acts 28:24 Some believed and some didn’t.
THE FINAL account of the “Acts of the Apostles” has Paul teaching the Gospel to the Jews in Rome. Here is one of the greatest Gospel teachers in history. The Spirit of God has used him to physically and spiritually heal hundreds of people. Paul has started churches around Asia Minor. He has done magnificent work for God.
Yet not all believe his teaching.
I point this out to actually encourage you. As we determine what it is to be a faithful Christ follower, we must understand that there are things we can control and things we can’t.
The thing we can control is our own heart to obey God as fully as we can. We can control our heart with a devotion to God in reading his Word, confession of our sins, learning from others, and helping to build the community of Christ with the spiritual gifts he has given to us.
But we can’t control others’ hearts. Their response is not in our power. Your speaking is how you respond to the Gospel. Their hearing is their response to the Gospel.
Thus, do not feel you have failed if people do not listen. This happened even to Paul—most of the time. You succeed when, in God’s view, you share the Gospel with your words and your actions.
That’s what Paul did in the Power of the Spirit. And you can do the same.
Pause and Consider: what you can control and what you can’t. On what will you focus?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
October 15, 2010 A Joyful Task
October 15
Joyful Task
Read Acts 25 – 27
Acts 26:17-18 I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
WHY DO we go to the world with the name of Jesus? Paul gives the answer here as he tells his story to King Agrippa. Paul is saying in effect, “This is what Jesus has told me to do.”
Jesus sent Paul, and he sends us to 1) open the eyes of those blind to him. 2) turn people away from Satan’s darkness to Jesus’ light 3) see the results of people being saved through the forgiveness of their sins.
I know. You don’t want to talk to anyone about Jesus. Too many people look at you as if you’re crazy or judgmental when you speak about God and Jesus. And if you mention the Holy Spirit—wow, their eyes really roll!
Too many people have too casual an attitude regarding their eternal destination. They have no time to even stop and ask you a question about it. They use sneers, disinterest or “That’s nice.” to turn you away and to run away from having to face the reality that just possibly there is a heaven and hell. And just possibly there is a God who judges. And just possibly there is a God who saves.
When we ask ourselves, “Should I say something?” let’s remember this: No other task is so great and noble. This is the “love work” Jesus gives us to do as we “love one another”. People need the to opportunity to respond to “Jesus saves.”
This is a joyful task Jesus has given us to do.
Pause and Consider: how wonderful it is that someone told you, “Jesus saves.”
Joyful Task
Read Acts 25 – 27
Acts 26:17-18 I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
WHY DO we go to the world with the name of Jesus? Paul gives the answer here as he tells his story to King Agrippa. Paul is saying in effect, “This is what Jesus has told me to do.”
Jesus sent Paul, and he sends us to 1) open the eyes of those blind to him. 2) turn people away from Satan’s darkness to Jesus’ light 3) see the results of people being saved through the forgiveness of their sins.
I know. You don’t want to talk to anyone about Jesus. Too many people look at you as if you’re crazy or judgmental when you speak about God and Jesus. And if you mention the Holy Spirit—wow, their eyes really roll!
Too many people have too casual an attitude regarding their eternal destination. They have no time to even stop and ask you a question about it. They use sneers, disinterest or “That’s nice.” to turn you away and to run away from having to face the reality that just possibly there is a heaven and hell. And just possibly there is a God who judges. And just possibly there is a God who saves.
When we ask ourselves, “Should I say something?” let’s remember this: No other task is so great and noble. This is the “love work” Jesus gives us to do as we “love one another”. People need the to opportunity to respond to “Jesus saves.”
This is a joyful task Jesus has given us to do.
Pause and Consider: how wonderful it is that someone told you, “Jesus saves.”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 14, 2010 What Shall I Do, Lord?
October 14
What Shall I Do, Lord?
Read Acts 22 - 24
Acts 22:10 And I said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord told me, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told what awaits you in the years ahead.”
“LORD, LORD.” Paul says to Jesus. Jesus has broken into Paul’s life to change his life and to affect a change in the world for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have always been amazed at Paul’s quick response to the bright light he describes and the change to his physical surroundings. He seems to immediately know who has broken into his life. When Paul says, “Lord.” he’s not using the term casually. He’s saying, “Lord” because he has immediately given up all of his hateful aggression against Jesus of Nazareth.
The Spirit of God has spiritually taken a knife to Paul’s heart and cut it open to release the festering hatred and opposition that had captivated Paul’s heart for years. The Spirit removed the desire to kill and destroy Christians. The Spirit made Paul’s heart an empty vessel ready to fill with the truth. Paul, in an instant, recognized who had come to him, and he said, “Lord.”
Everywhere in Scripture when God dramatically comes to people—whether it’s a burning bush, an angel of light, a staircase out of heaven, a voice in the night, or many other ways, ordinary people come to the point where they say, “What shall I do, Lord?”
When Paul asked the question, he was fully prepared for his Lord’s answer. Jesus rushed into Paul’s heart. Jesus filled Paul’s heart with uncompromising love for him. Jesus rushed into Paul’s heart with a power and a passion to change the world.
Are you ready to ask the question, “What shall I do, Lord?”
Pause and Consider: how life-changing the answer will be.
What Shall I Do, Lord?
Read Acts 22 - 24
Acts 22:10 And I said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord told me, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told what awaits you in the years ahead.”
“LORD, LORD.” Paul says to Jesus. Jesus has broken into Paul’s life to change his life and to affect a change in the world for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I have always been amazed at Paul’s quick response to the bright light he describes and the change to his physical surroundings. He seems to immediately know who has broken into his life. When Paul says, “Lord.” he’s not using the term casually. He’s saying, “Lord” because he has immediately given up all of his hateful aggression against Jesus of Nazareth.
The Spirit of God has spiritually taken a knife to Paul’s heart and cut it open to release the festering hatred and opposition that had captivated Paul’s heart for years. The Spirit removed the desire to kill and destroy Christians. The Spirit made Paul’s heart an empty vessel ready to fill with the truth. Paul, in an instant, recognized who had come to him, and he said, “Lord.”
Everywhere in Scripture when God dramatically comes to people—whether it’s a burning bush, an angel of light, a staircase out of heaven, a voice in the night, or many other ways, ordinary people come to the point where they say, “What shall I do, Lord?”
When Paul asked the question, he was fully prepared for his Lord’s answer. Jesus rushed into Paul’s heart. Jesus filled Paul’s heart with uncompromising love for him. Jesus rushed into Paul’s heart with a power and a passion to change the world.
Are you ready to ask the question, “What shall I do, Lord?”
Pause and Consider: how life-changing the answer will be.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October 13, 2010 You Will Know
October 13
You’ll Know
Read Acts 20 – 21
Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
WOW. The Apostle Paul displays his complete willingness to go where the Lord calls him to do the Lord’s work. Aware of impending imprisonment and other hardships, he stays steadily committed to God’s work.
Completing the work God gave him to do is a goal that extends beyond the preservation of life. This is based on Jesus’ discipleship requirement to “take up your cross and follow me.”
Can any of us reach that level of obedience? We can be on the journey to that place of trust when we listen to the Holy Spirit. He is calling us, too, just as he did Paul in those early days of the Church. He guides and directs—we need to listen and go. How will you know?
When you’re in tune with God’s Word, you will know him. As with a close friend, you will know when he speaks to you about something specific.
God will speak to you through other people. You will hear a constant theme (For example, “You’re a great teacher.”) as people speak to you about how they see you. You will be encouraged in some specific way. People will come up to you “out of the blue” and affirm what you are thinking about doing. These are ways God speaks to you.
Be in touch. Be ready to listen. And go forward with confidence into God’s great purpose for you.
Pause and Consider: what God is saying to you through his people.
You’ll Know
Read Acts 20 – 21
Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
WOW. The Apostle Paul displays his complete willingness to go where the Lord calls him to do the Lord’s work. Aware of impending imprisonment and other hardships, he stays steadily committed to God’s work.
Completing the work God gave him to do is a goal that extends beyond the preservation of life. This is based on Jesus’ discipleship requirement to “take up your cross and follow me.”
Can any of us reach that level of obedience? We can be on the journey to that place of trust when we listen to the Holy Spirit. He is calling us, too, just as he did Paul in those early days of the Church. He guides and directs—we need to listen and go. How will you know?
When you’re in tune with God’s Word, you will know him. As with a close friend, you will know when he speaks to you about something specific.
God will speak to you through other people. You will hear a constant theme (For example, “You’re a great teacher.”) as people speak to you about how they see you. You will be encouraged in some specific way. People will come up to you “out of the blue” and affirm what you are thinking about doing. These are ways God speaks to you.
Be in touch. Be ready to listen. And go forward with confidence into God’s great purpose for you.
Pause and Consider: what God is saying to you through his people.
Monday, October 11, 2010
October 12, 2010 God in the Extreme
October 12
God to the Extreme
Read Acts 17 – 19
Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
WHAT IS the purpose of these miracles? It is obvious that the Holy Spirit’s power miraculously healed the sick, but was there a reason for the healing other than to make people well?
Since the time sin entered the world, God has been moving to make known his name and transforming power to save people from all sin known to humanity. Quite simply, God needed to make his name and power known in an extreme way to overcome sin’s extreme affects.
So he went to extremes to save people.
The very thought of an eternal God, who would come to earth, die a criminal’s death, then rise again to glory was preposterous! God is so far removed from the type of limited, death-dealing gods people create in their own image, that he needed to abruptly interject himself into people’s lives, and say, “Look! I’m the LORD of life!”
And he is still making his name known in extreme ways today. We have heard of accounts recently of similar types of circumstances in which God has healed many, many people. God wants to overcome sin. To do so he must extremely inject himself into life just as he did so long ago.
God’s healings bring people to attention. God glorifies his name, and he changes lives from death to life!
That’s extreme.
Pause and Consider: God is available to you to the extreme.
God to the Extreme
Read Acts 17 – 19
Acts 19:11-12 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.
WHAT IS the purpose of these miracles? It is obvious that the Holy Spirit’s power miraculously healed the sick, but was there a reason for the healing other than to make people well?
Since the time sin entered the world, God has been moving to make known his name and transforming power to save people from all sin known to humanity. Quite simply, God needed to make his name and power known in an extreme way to overcome sin’s extreme affects.
So he went to extremes to save people.
The very thought of an eternal God, who would come to earth, die a criminal’s death, then rise again to glory was preposterous! God is so far removed from the type of limited, death-dealing gods people create in their own image, that he needed to abruptly interject himself into people’s lives, and say, “Look! I’m the LORD of life!”
And he is still making his name known in extreme ways today. We have heard of accounts recently of similar types of circumstances in which God has healed many, many people. God wants to overcome sin. To do so he must extremely inject himself into life just as he did so long ago.
God’s healings bring people to attention. God glorifies his name, and he changes lives from death to life!
That’s extreme.
Pause and Consider: God is available to you to the extreme.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October 11, 2010 Be Still and Go
October 11
Be Still and Go
Read Acts 15 – 16
Acts 15:12-13 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
I HAVE seen this many times—people obedient to God’s calling share the wonders of God’s miraculous reality in the world. His power changes lives every day. And the stories of his power causes listeners to be silent and to be in awe of the mercies of the reality that Jesus saves.
Today, the “Gentiles” are the non-believers who need to hear about God. God has called us to be the type of people Barnabas and Paul were—passionately active for the Lord’s work and eager to tell of God’s power.
Every day we have the opportunity to take the miraculous and wonderful Word of God into the non-believing world. But this can only happen when we tell the story of God’s love in action.
Go and tell the world, “God loves you!” Then come back and tell to the rest of us what you saw God do through your words. This will excite us, stir us and prompt us into action.
God’s ways are wondrous ways. Be still and listen to them. Be obedient and go tell them.
Pause and Consider: how God’s wonders need to be told.
Be Still and Go
Read Acts 15 – 16
Acts 15:12-13 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.
I HAVE seen this many times—people obedient to God’s calling share the wonders of God’s miraculous reality in the world. His power changes lives every day. And the stories of his power causes listeners to be silent and to be in awe of the mercies of the reality that Jesus saves.
Today, the “Gentiles” are the non-believers who need to hear about God. God has called us to be the type of people Barnabas and Paul were—passionately active for the Lord’s work and eager to tell of God’s power.
Every day we have the opportunity to take the miraculous and wonderful Word of God into the non-believing world. But this can only happen when we tell the story of God’s love in action.
Go and tell the world, “God loves you!” Then come back and tell to the rest of us what you saw God do through your words. This will excite us, stir us and prompt us into action.
God’s ways are wondrous ways. Be still and listen to them. Be obedient and go tell them.
Pause and Consider: how God’s wonders need to be told.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
October 10, 2010 Rigth Forever
October 10
Right Forever
Read Acts 13 - 14
Acts 13:38-39 “(People) Listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins! 39 Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and declared righteous-something the Jewish law could never do.”
DO YOU want to go deep with God? Here is the deep and lasting truth. I hesitate to say anything about this scripture for fear I’ll muddle it with my limited view.
But there is no muddling God’s Word when we come to this understanding. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Savior. Trusting Jesus, you will be saved.
Jesus cleans up all the dirt in your life, and presents you clean and right to your righteous Father in heaven.
Yes, trust in him. Trust in him and be saved from guilt and fear. Trust in him and step boldly into the life he has for you!
Jesus saves. In Jesus, you are right with the Father forever.
Pause and Consider: the message of salvation is pure and clear.
Right Forever
Read Acts 13 - 14
Acts 13:38-39 “(People) Listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins! 39 Everyone who trusts in him is freed from all guilt and declared righteous-something the Jewish law could never do.”
DO YOU want to go deep with God? Here is the deep and lasting truth. I hesitate to say anything about this scripture for fear I’ll muddle it with my limited view.
But there is no muddling God’s Word when we come to this understanding. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Savior. Trusting Jesus, you will be saved.
Jesus cleans up all the dirt in your life, and presents you clean and right to your righteous Father in heaven.
Yes, trust in him. Trust in him and be saved from guilt and fear. Trust in him and step boldly into the life he has for you!
Jesus saves. In Jesus, you are right with the Father forever.
Pause and Consider: the message of salvation is pure and clear.
Friday, October 8, 2010
October 9, 2010 God Changes Your Thinking
October 9
God Changes Our Thinking
Read Acts 10 - 12
Acts 10:33 “So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
THESE words come from Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment of the Roman army. He is certainly a man, from this description, who would be prone to reject God and Jesus Christ. But the Spirit had moved in him, and he became obedient to the Lord, sending for Peter.
On Peter’s arrival, this Gentile was prepared with his entire household to listen to the Word of God. What an example this is for us today! Cornelius was excited, ready and willing to hear God’s words. He was eager to know what the Lord wanted him to do, and he expressed a great desire to be informed.
Is that our attitude when we sit in church on Sunday or listen to a bible teacher, or open Scripture? Are we eager to hear what the Lord will say?
Peter spoke God’s Word to this Roman family. God’s Word has the power to change, to make new, and that is exactly what happened to Cornelius and his family.
Listen to God’s Word, and it will change you, too.
Pause and Consider: that God may be telling you to change your thinking.
God Changes Our Thinking
Read Acts 10 - 12
Acts 10:33 “So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
THESE words come from Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment of the Roman army. He is certainly a man, from this description, who would be prone to reject God and Jesus Christ. But the Spirit had moved in him, and he became obedient to the Lord, sending for Peter.
On Peter’s arrival, this Gentile was prepared with his entire household to listen to the Word of God. What an example this is for us today! Cornelius was excited, ready and willing to hear God’s words. He was eager to know what the Lord wanted him to do, and he expressed a great desire to be informed.
Is that our attitude when we sit in church on Sunday or listen to a bible teacher, or open Scripture? Are we eager to hear what the Lord will say?
Peter spoke God’s Word to this Roman family. God’s Word has the power to change, to make new, and that is exactly what happened to Cornelius and his family.
Listen to God’s Word, and it will change you, too.
Pause and Consider: that God may be telling you to change your thinking.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 8, 2010 In The Power
October 8
In the Power
Read Acts 8 – 9
Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
HUGE challenges are in the Church today. Our culture seems intent on turning away from God. Throughout the world Christians are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. But threats against Christ’s Church are not new. From its beginning there have been persecutions. Governments and cultures have opposed Jesus.
How then, has the Church grown in the midst of this adversity? Of course, it is the power of God through his Spirit that has grown the church. As the Spirit has changed lives, he has powerfully established a community of believers to be in activity with the Father and Son.
The Spirit convicts the human heart to follow God. This picture of the church is a picture of people truly following Jesus as they join to worship God, serve in Jesus’ name, and find strength in the Spirit.
What would happen if each one of you who is reading this today prays that the Holy Spirit will powerfully transform Jesus’ church? What would happen if we all prayed for the Spirit’s power to enable the church to stand fast to overcome the challenges the Church faces today?
Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen your faith and hope in God. Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen the Church to joyfully be the Good News to the world.
Pause and Consider: how you will pray for the church today.
In the Power
Read Acts 8 – 9
Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
HUGE challenges are in the Church today. Our culture seems intent on turning away from God. Throughout the world Christians are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. But threats against Christ’s Church are not new. From its beginning there have been persecutions. Governments and cultures have opposed Jesus.
How then, has the Church grown in the midst of this adversity? Of course, it is the power of God through his Spirit that has grown the church. As the Spirit has changed lives, he has powerfully established a community of believers to be in activity with the Father and Son.
The Spirit convicts the human heart to follow God. This picture of the church is a picture of people truly following Jesus as they join to worship God, serve in Jesus’ name, and find strength in the Spirit.
What would happen if each one of you who is reading this today prays that the Holy Spirit will powerfully transform Jesus’ church? What would happen if we all prayed for the Spirit’s power to enable the church to stand fast to overcome the challenges the Church faces today?
Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen your faith and hope in God. Pray for the Spirit’s power to strengthen the Church to joyfully be the Good News to the world.
Pause and Consider: how you will pray for the church today.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 7, 3010 A Spirit Filled Family
October 7
A Spirit Filled Family
Read Acts 6 - 7
Acts 6:1-2 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”
YES, there were “issues” in the early church. And why not? People weren’t perfect then as they’re not perfect now. The lessons to learn here is how the church dealt with the issue.
People were being neglected because the Apostles were busy teaching, preaching and praying, doing the work they were gifted and called to do. But they heard a need in the church. And they came up with a solution.
In that solution, they did two things: First they stayed with their primary work. It’s not that waiting on tables was demeaning or below them. It was simply not the work the Spirit of God had given them to do.
The second lesson is this: they recognized others in the church with gifts to fill the need. By inviting other gifted, “filled with the Spirit” men into the ministry, these men were empowered to serve in the Spirit’s power. The community was strengthened. A church community is the best community when people are actively engaged to use their spiritual gifts.
You can use this lesson in your family. A family is the best family when people are actively engaged to listen to each other, resolve problems constructively and care for each other physically and spiritually.
Pray for the church and pray for your family to be a Spirit-filled community.
Pause and Consider: how your family can be a better community in Christ.
A Spirit Filled Family
Read Acts 6 - 7
Acts 6:1-2 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”
YES, there were “issues” in the early church. And why not? People weren’t perfect then as they’re not perfect now. The lessons to learn here is how the church dealt with the issue.
People were being neglected because the Apostles were busy teaching, preaching and praying, doing the work they were gifted and called to do. But they heard a need in the church. And they came up with a solution.
In that solution, they did two things: First they stayed with their primary work. It’s not that waiting on tables was demeaning or below them. It was simply not the work the Spirit of God had given them to do.
The second lesson is this: they recognized others in the church with gifts to fill the need. By inviting other gifted, “filled with the Spirit” men into the ministry, these men were empowered to serve in the Spirit’s power. The community was strengthened. A church community is the best community when people are actively engaged to use their spiritual gifts.
You can use this lesson in your family. A family is the best family when people are actively engaged to listen to each other, resolve problems constructively and care for each other physically and spiritually.
Pray for the church and pray for your family to be a Spirit-filled community.
Pause and Consider: how your family can be a better community in Christ.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 6, 2010 What a Church Should Be
October 6
What a Church Should Be
Read Acts 4 - 5
Acts 4:33-35 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
DO YOU want to know what a church should be? Look here and see. The first citizens of Christ’s Kingdom had a true understanding of what he required of them. They looked to living life glorifying God instead of bringing glory to oneself. They shared their goods, their land, their money, and they gave to those who had none. There was a complete submission to God. Indeed, it must have been an amazing thing to be in such a community as this.
Can the church be this way today? Of course it can if the community of believers plugs into the power of the Holy Spirit in the same way this first church plugged in. The connection begins when we pray to seek God’s truth. Then we take steps to live it out in the joy and the blessing of the Spirit.
Let’s be a “testifying church” giving to anyone as he had need.
Pause and Consider: the true meaning of community as defined here.
What a Church Should Be
Read Acts 4 - 5
Acts 4:33-35 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
DO YOU want to know what a church should be? Look here and see. The first citizens of Christ’s Kingdom had a true understanding of what he required of them. They looked to living life glorifying God instead of bringing glory to oneself. They shared their goods, their land, their money, and they gave to those who had none. There was a complete submission to God. Indeed, it must have been an amazing thing to be in such a community as this.
Can the church be this way today? Of course it can if the community of believers plugs into the power of the Holy Spirit in the same way this first church plugged in. The connection begins when we pray to seek God’s truth. Then we take steps to live it out in the joy and the blessing of the Spirit.
Let’s be a “testifying church” giving to anyone as he had need.
Pause and Consider: the true meaning of community as defined here.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October 5, 2010 You Are, Too
October 5
You Are, Too
Read Acts 1 – 3
Acts 1:3-4 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
I THINK that too often we as Christians fail to comprehend the power of this verse. Yes, we have evidence and the account of Jesus’ resurrection in the Gospels, and they tell us in various vignettes what Jesus did and said upon his return from the tomb.
“He gave many convincing proofs” tells us our Lord was actively involved with his disciples, and he was not some unformed ghost figure.
Luke (author of Acts) is clear that there was ample evidence that Jesus was alive again, and it is significant that we understand the volume of evidence presented to the disciples and people of that time. Oh, to have some detail of these “convincing proofs”, so we would know more of our Lord!
But he has given us enough. His wisdom, his grace, his hatred of evil and his command to “love one another” are some examples.
You can trust your Lord Jesus is alive! And you are, too, in him.
Pause and Consider: ways you have seen Jesus’ life make a difference in your life.
You Are, Too
Read Acts 1 – 3
Acts 1:3-4 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
I THINK that too often we as Christians fail to comprehend the power of this verse. Yes, we have evidence and the account of Jesus’ resurrection in the Gospels, and they tell us in various vignettes what Jesus did and said upon his return from the tomb.
“He gave many convincing proofs” tells us our Lord was actively involved with his disciples, and he was not some unformed ghost figure.
Luke (author of Acts) is clear that there was ample evidence that Jesus was alive again, and it is significant that we understand the volume of evidence presented to the disciples and people of that time. Oh, to have some detail of these “convincing proofs”, so we would know more of our Lord!
But he has given us enough. His wisdom, his grace, his hatred of evil and his command to “love one another” are some examples.
You can trust your Lord Jesus is alive! And you are, too, in him.
Pause and Consider: ways you have seen Jesus’ life make a difference in your life.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
October 4, 2010 Jesus Already Did
October 4
Jesus Already Did
Read John 19 - 21
John 19:17 He went out, carrying his cross
IS IT not enough that his back is a mass of blood and broken skin, blood dripping off his forehead from a painful crown of thorns, that his wrists and arms are numb from the ropes that tied him to the pole as the soldiers lashed him? Is he not broken and weakened enough? Now he has to carry his own cross?
Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, bears his cross to the place where he will be crucified. He bears his cross to demonstrate the truth of his own words, Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Yes, these words are figurative, symbolic of perseverance through trial and difficulties that come against us from the world as we follow Christ. But our Lord sets for us a real example. He shows us in the reality of his walk to the cross, that bearing a cross is a burden at best, and it is impossible without help.
Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus when he can bear the wooden beam no longer. In a like manner, we must face our cross and bear it forward. And as we do, our Lord will step in to say, “Here, I know this is too heavy for you alone. Let me help you.”
When we face a difficulty in our lives, a cross to bear, we know we can trust our resurrected Lord for his help. He has bore his cross for you and for me. He knows how hard it is to bear it alone.
Living a life trusting Jesus is turning to Jesus and calling to him for help. He will come alongside you to strengthen you. And when your journey is complete, Jesus will lift that cross from you forever.
You don’t have to go to Golgotha. Jesus already did.
Pause and Consider: Jesus’ great love for you.
Jesus Already Did
Read John 19 - 21
John 19:17 He went out, carrying his cross
IS IT not enough that his back is a mass of blood and broken skin, blood dripping off his forehead from a painful crown of thorns, that his wrists and arms are numb from the ropes that tied him to the pole as the soldiers lashed him? Is he not broken and weakened enough? Now he has to carry his own cross?
Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, bears his cross to the place where he will be crucified. He bears his cross to demonstrate the truth of his own words, Mark 8:34 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Yes, these words are figurative, symbolic of perseverance through trial and difficulties that come against us from the world as we follow Christ. But our Lord sets for us a real example. He shows us in the reality of his walk to the cross, that bearing a cross is a burden at best, and it is impossible without help.
Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus when he can bear the wooden beam no longer. In a like manner, we must face our cross and bear it forward. And as we do, our Lord will step in to say, “Here, I know this is too heavy for you alone. Let me help you.”
When we face a difficulty in our lives, a cross to bear, we know we can trust our resurrected Lord for his help. He has bore his cross for you and for me. He knows how hard it is to bear it alone.
Living a life trusting Jesus is turning to Jesus and calling to him for help. He will come alongside you to strengthen you. And when your journey is complete, Jesus will lift that cross from you forever.
You don’t have to go to Golgotha. Jesus already did.
Pause and Consider: Jesus’ great love for you.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
October 3, 2010 Jesus' Cup for You
October 3
Jesus’ Cup for You
Read John 17 - 18
John 18:11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me?”
OH, I don’t like this lesson. Jesus’ words tell me that my sin put the cup of death on him. My sin is responsible for the Son of God to suffer and die. Ugh.
Yes, that is a hard thing to understand. When I sin, it affects my Creator—even to the point he would die for me.
When we live in the light of Jesus’ resurrection, we become aware of how precious we are to our heavenly Father. Understanding the Father had to deal with our sin by killing his Son should cause us to mourn and weep. Each sin must be covered by Jesus’ blood! Can we truly comprehend such sacrifice and offering?
When we do come to some level of understanding Jesus’ sacrifice, we should also feel a great gratitude, a grand gladness as we take to heart our Lord’s life-giving sacrifice.
For you see, our sin actually makes us enemies to God. But he has loved his enemies. He has loved you and me so much that he died for us. He has loved us so much he canceled our sin, and he set us free.
Jesus, in the midst of his sorrow, welcomed the cross because of his great love for you.
Truly trusting the Father’s great love, we come to understand that we are precious in his sight. We are here because of him. We are given salvation because of his love. Jesus took the cup and changed us from the enemies of God to the children of God forevermore.
Pause and Consider: how great it is to be a friend of the Lord Almighty.
Jesus’ Cup for You
Read John 17 - 18
John 18:11 Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me?”
OH, I don’t like this lesson. Jesus’ words tell me that my sin put the cup of death on him. My sin is responsible for the Son of God to suffer and die. Ugh.
Yes, that is a hard thing to understand. When I sin, it affects my Creator—even to the point he would die for me.
When we live in the light of Jesus’ resurrection, we become aware of how precious we are to our heavenly Father. Understanding the Father had to deal with our sin by killing his Son should cause us to mourn and weep. Each sin must be covered by Jesus’ blood! Can we truly comprehend such sacrifice and offering?
When we do come to some level of understanding Jesus’ sacrifice, we should also feel a great gratitude, a grand gladness as we take to heart our Lord’s life-giving sacrifice.
For you see, our sin actually makes us enemies to God. But he has loved his enemies. He has loved you and me so much that he died for us. He has loved us so much he canceled our sin, and he set us free.
Jesus, in the midst of his sorrow, welcomed the cross because of his great love for you.
Truly trusting the Father’s great love, we come to understand that we are precious in his sight. We are here because of him. We are given salvation because of his love. Jesus took the cup and changed us from the enemies of God to the children of God forevermore.
Pause and Consider: how great it is to be a friend of the Lord Almighty.
Friday, October 1, 2010
October 2, 2010 Jesus' Life, Big Difference
October 2
Jesus’ Life, Big Difference
Read John 14 - 16
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete.
WHY do we ask questions? (There’s another one.) It’s to get answers for things we don’t know, to clarify an issue, to gain knowledge and to know what to do.
The disciples asked Jesus many questions as he taught them. Sometimes they did not understand until they saw the complete picture of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. When they looked at the “whole” Christ, they understood.
When the Holy Spirit came upon them in power at Pentecost, the questions stopped and the teaching began. They took on the full knowledge of Christ crucified, dead, buried, raised and ascended to heaven. Then they lived it. With that knowledge their lives changed, and the world changed.
Living in total trust of the Savior is seeking answers from him to our questions, and it is about paying attention to his answers. When his truth is told to you, absorb it and live the truth for your risen Lord.
When you live in the full knowledge of your risen Lord, you, too, will make a difference in the world and an eternal difference in someone’s life (lives).
Pause and Consider: how affirming it is to know you can make a difference in the world with the power of Jesus’ life.
Jesus’ Life, Big Difference
Read John 14 - 16
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete.
WHY do we ask questions? (There’s another one.) It’s to get answers for things we don’t know, to clarify an issue, to gain knowledge and to know what to do.
The disciples asked Jesus many questions as he taught them. Sometimes they did not understand until they saw the complete picture of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. When they looked at the “whole” Christ, they understood.
When the Holy Spirit came upon them in power at Pentecost, the questions stopped and the teaching began. They took on the full knowledge of Christ crucified, dead, buried, raised and ascended to heaven. Then they lived it. With that knowledge their lives changed, and the world changed.
Living in total trust of the Savior is seeking answers from him to our questions, and it is about paying attention to his answers. When his truth is told to you, absorb it and live the truth for your risen Lord.
When you live in the full knowledge of your risen Lord, you, too, will make a difference in the world and an eternal difference in someone’s life (lives).
Pause and Consider: how affirming it is to know you can make a difference in the world with the power of Jesus’ life.
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