Romans 13-2.28.22
Scripture
Romans 13:14 NLT
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is writing the church in Rome, reminding them to show respect to people in authority, to love each other and treat each other the way they want to be treated and to rid themselves of their old sinful desires. Instead, clothe themselves with godly things and principles. Follow the teachings of Jesus.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Out with the old. In with the new.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” -2 Corinthians 5:17
You ever watch those makeover shows? One show that comes to mind is “The Biggest Loser”. It’s a show where they have contestants who are overweight and are in desperate need of change in their unhealthy lifestyle. The contestants then undergo a strict diet and exercise program with a personal trainer. Then, after several months of diet and exercise each contestant weighs in and the contestant with the biggest weight loss is declared the winner. The results and transformation of each contestant is jaw dropping! Not just for the winner, but for every contestant who participated in this challenge. Their lives are forever changed!
The same should be said for anyone who accepts Jesus in their hearts as their Lord and Savior. The old life is gone and their new life has begun. It’s like those contestants from that weight loss show I was talking about. Many (if not all of them) began the competition with serious health ailments. But after completing the show, a lot of those ailments no longer affect them. They have a new shot at life now! So it’s only wise that they should stay clear of the things they used to do (eating junk food, overeating, and not exercising) in order to maintain that success right?! The same goes for a Christ Follower. We are born new! We are now freed from our sins, a new creation in Christ! We are no longer under the penalty of death. We have success through Jesus! So we too should be wise and stay clear of those things that we used to do before Jesus saved us because success is all about learning from your mistakes, moving forward, and never looking back.
Life Application
Show the world the new you. Give God all the glory!
“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.”-Romans 13:13
Here is a sample scenario of how to apply the life changing transformation Jesus gives us, and how we can in turn use it to share the gospel with others.
Typical friend or relative: “Whatever happened to that guy we used to know? You know, the guy controlled by alcohol and other substances? The guy who swore like a sailor and had the most offensive jokes? Whatever happened to the guy who was always angry and hated life?”
Your response: “Well let me tell you about the grace of God, and how only God can change a person like that, and turn him into the person you see here today.”…
-Moses Gaddi
1 Samuel 14 - 2.25.22
Scripture
1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”
Observation – What does it say?
The Israelites were at war with the Philistines. King Saul’s son, Jonathan, decided to give God an opportunity to give them victory. So, he recruits his armor bearer to come with him with the hope, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.”
As you continue reading, you discover that God indeed moves on their behalf and grants them victory.
Understanding – What does it mean?
Give God an opportunity to move through you.
When I look at my own life, I tend to air on the side of king Saul – sitting with my weapons waiting for God to initiate something. I overhear someone at a coffee shop talking about their struggles or see someone in front of me in line at the grocery store with crutches. I would love for God to reveal himself to these people at their point of need. I know I have the answer and everything could change with a simple prayer. But, instead of initiating anything I ask God to cause some interaction to take place and wait. And if you’ve been there, you know the interaction rarely happens on it’s own.
Who knows what God would do if we had the boldness to just step out and offer to pray for someone, invite someone to church, share our God-story with someone, etc.
Jonathan’s story has gone down in history and we’re reading and discussing it today, all because he decided to give God an opportunity to move. “Perhaps the Lord will act.”
Life Application
Give God an opportunity to move through me TODAY.
Rather than waiting to hear God speak in an audible voice and tell me to reach out to someone, just reach out! He’s already clearly commanded us to make disciples. He’s clearly said that these signs will accompany those who believe: In Jesus’ name we will drive out demons, speak in new tongues, lay our hands on the sick, and they will be made well. (Mark 16:17-18) He has asked us to seek and save the lost, to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We’re commanded to be prepared to preach the gospel in season and out.
We are often waiting for God to give us a command that he’s already given! We’re waiting for him to give us some vision or dream or prophetic word to guide us when he’s already clearly given us direction in his word.
God, give me the boldness of Jonathan to step out and give you an opportunity to move through me today. I want to be used by you! Please help me to ditch my comfort zone so I can experience your love and power and truth flow out of me to change the world around me. Amen.
-Levi Thompson
1 Samuel 13 02.24.22
SCRIPTURE- 1 Samuel 13:13 AMP
“Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for [if you had obeyed] the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.”
OBSERVATION
God had commanded Samuel to WAIT for seven days (10:8), but as the days passed on, Saul grew more concerned. Saul’s men began to hide and even deserted the army by crossing the Jordan. Those who remained were paralyzed with fear. Saul was desperate by the seventh day as he saw the enemy mobilizing and his troops mobilizing. The situation “looked” hopeless.
UNDERSTANDING
What does this mean?
“And without Faith it is impossible to Please God” (Hebrews 11:6a)
We aren’t told why Samuel delayed and arrived at the Very LAST minute—but he did arrive ON the seventh day. My takeaway is that Saul got off track for two reasons:
Saul focused on his Circumstances instead of God. God is bigger than any circumstance we find ourselves in.
Saul was disobedient. If Saul had been obedient and WAITED for Samuel—his obedience would have kept him in alignment with God— God said, “If you had “obeyed” I would have established your kingdom over Israel forever”.
LIFE APPLICATION
Obedience is Better than Sacrifice
Wait on God’s Timing
No matter what circumstance we find ourselves in—Nothing is too difficult for God. His timing may not be our timing—But—we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are HIS lovers who have been called to fulfill HIS designed purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Lord Jesus,
Help me Lord to learn to be still and wait patiently on YOU. Help me to be Quick to respond when you speak to me. Forgive me for the times I step ahead and behind. Give me fine tuned hearing and Your Heart to be in complete harmony with YOU. In Your Holy Name I Pray. Amen
Tina Kudelka