Romans 1 02.10.22
SCRIPTURE Romans 1:8 NIV
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
OBSERVATION
Paul wrote to the Roman believers from Corinth towards the close of his third missionary journey as he prepared to leave for Palestine with an offering for the poor believers in the Jerusalem Church (Romans 15:25).
In his letter, Paul highlights something truly “Praise” worthy to the believers in the Roman Church. “I thank God for you, because your FAITH is being reported ALL over the world”.
UNDERSTANDING
The Roman historian Tacitus writes that in the city of Rome “flow all things that are vile and abominable, and they are well encouraged”. Yet, in the midst of such a “moral cesspool” the Roman saints were living singularly pure lives and giving glorious testimony to the supernatural source—the transforming POWER of the Gospel of Grace found in Jesus Christ. (Precept Austin)
The Testimony to the “Life Changing” Power of the Gospel was SO evident in the Roman Church that it stood apart and shone bright---in the midst of the city’s moral decay. The believer’s FAITH was SO Powerful and Bore such Fruit that the news of their Faith spread worldwide.
LIFE APPLICATION
How do I apply this to my life?
Many churches strive to be known for various things. Some boast in their beautiful architecture and stained-glass windows, others take pride in large attendance and multiple services, while others offer various programs, many admiral traits to be sure. But if I could boast of one thing—I would surely choose…Faith in Jesus. A Faith that is of such a magnitude that it is reported worldwide.
I love what Pastor Levi shared on Sunday about a young woman who said upon coming to know Jesus as her personal savior “It was as if I had been seeing all my life in black and white—Now, everything is in Color”.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing everything we need to GO and be Your witness. You have given us your Holy Spirit for wisdom and power and YOU go before us to prepare the hearts of each one you connect us to. Thank You that Your Gospel Truth has Power independent of our eloquence or formal theological training. May we simply and Joyfully speak your Truth in Love.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might GO and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)
“You are now to be a living letter testifying to the transforming Power of the Gospel. Known and read by everyone—a letter of Christ—written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor 3:2-3) My personal life scripture)
Tina Kudelka
Psalm 99-2.9.22
Scripture
Psalms 99:8 NLT
“O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong.”
Observation-What does it say?
This is a psalm that writes about God’s holiness, righteousness, and how He rules from His throne with justice. God is holy and worthy of all of our praise! But in this particular verse, it points out that Moses, Aaron, and Samuel were amongst God’s priests. They heard from God and followed His ways. If they ran into trouble, they would call on God for help and He would help them. But if they went down the wrong path and went astray, God would forgive them of course, but they would be disciplined for their wrong doings.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Our God is forgiving, but He is also righteous and just.
I have a friend at work who likes to push my buttons when it comes to my faith. Whenever I share with him about tithing, serving in ministry, or even when it’s just about flat out doing the right thing, he always likes to play the devil’s advocate and tries to convince me that “God is a forgiving God. He will forgive you if you slip up this time.” To which I respond, “Yes He is forgiving, but He is also righteous and just.” Sure we all know God is forgiving and loving. But there is also another side of the coin too. A side that is fair and just. A side who is loving, but also a side who hates sin. It’s a fine line we need to be careful to walk on correctly. It’s kind of like our own kids when they mess up and break our rules. Sure, as a parent we have an unconditional love for them and we are going to forgive them. But, we also need to discipline them whenever our kids break those rules. Because what kind of parent would I be and what kind of kid will I be raising if I just continue to just let my children break the rules without any consequences?! What kind of example would I be setting to allow this sort of chaos to take place? There needs to be rules. There needs to be respect for the ones who make them. That is why I remind my kids about their actions in life. I remind them that there are always good and bad consequences regarding every decision they make in life. They should always seek God for wisdom regarding these decisions. This not only goes for them, but for we as adults too. We need to make sure the decisions we make are godly ones; decisions that will reap good rather than bad consequences in life.
“For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”-Proverbs 3:12
Life Application
Be a child of God, striving to live a life that pleases the Father.
Father God I pray that You forgive me of my sins. Forgive me for taking advantage of your unconditional love, kindness, and forgiveness. Help me to listen and obey to Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. May my life at work and at home bring You glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
1 Samuel 1-2.8.22
SCRIPTURE:
1 Samuel 1:10
"Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, "Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant's affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all his life..."
OBSERVATION:
Hannah had been childless. God had closed her womb. As the days went on, she became very sad, even to the point of not wanting to eat, especially because her husband's other wife had children, but Hannah had none! Hannah was being provoked by her rival year after year because she had no children, and the constant provoking became extremely irritating to Hannah! She prayed to God. She pleaded for a son. She vowed that if He gave her a son, she would give him back to God. Hannah's prayer came from a deep longing within her. She desperately wanted a child, and, in time, God answered her, and took her up on the vow she had made to Him. The very thing she longed for was the very thing she vowed to give back to God. Because Samuel was really God's child, Hannah wasn't really giving him up, she was giving him back to be used by God. Hannah weaned him, and at about 3 years old she took him to the tabernacle to present him before the Lord. With her husband's permission, she dedicated Samuel to the Lord's service.
UNDERSTANDING:
Hannah prayed, and the Lord granted her what she asked of Him.
After God answered her prayer, Hannah praised Him for bringing Samuel into the world, who by the way, went on to become one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. God is sovereign, and He knew that Hannah would long for a son, dedicate her son, and that Samuel would be used to do God's will.
LIFE APPLICATION:
When we find ourselves longing for what seems impossible, and we cry out to God, He hears us! As long as we aren't asking selfishly, God honors and answers our prayers. Hannah's prayer was a prayer of faith. Her "faith full" prayer led to a "faith full" response.
Years ago after I got saved, I vowed to God that I would read the Bible every day of my life if He would help me get out of a personal problem that I was facing. He heard my prayer, and He graciously brought me the help I desperately needed, and I have kept my vow. Vows are oftentimes hard to keep, so when making them, we need to be careful, especially regarding the ones we make to God!
Like Hannah, I pray that the vow I made years ago will be kept until I take my last breath on earth.
Because I have experienced the love of God through His mercy and grace, I praise Him with my whole heart, and entrust my entire life to Him, as well as the lives of our two sons, two daughters in law, and our five grand children. I love them all, and entrust them into the loving hands of our ever-lasting Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ.
-Robin Orefice