Romans 11 - 2.20.23
Scripture
“And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” -Romans 11:23 NIV
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” -Romans 11:33-36 NIV
Observation-What does it say?
"The Apostle Paul trusts that God won’t give up on His covenant people, the nation of Israel. God is not done with Israel and He has used their rejection of Him for His own purposes. God’s covenant family is described as a big olive tree and the rejectors of Jesus have been cut off. But, one day, Jesus will be acknowledged by His people (Romans 5-16, the Bible Project)."
Understanding-What does it mean?
God is patient and merciful. He keeps His promises and His mercy extends to the depths of sin.
The rebellion of the nation of Israel can be read in the book of Ezekiel (in the Old Testament); however, we also read about the hope for the nation, hope for God’s chosen people, through a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would be the atonement for their rebellion and sin. His redeeming power had and has no limitations.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV
Life Application
No matter what a person has done in their past, no one is too far gone for Jesus to save.
There is no such thing as a person who cannot be saved by God. That’s why we must keep pressing forward in faith to share the Gospel with the unsaved, the unchurched and the rebellious. It is a FREE gift that cannot be earned, but given solely because God loved the murderer, fornicator, adulterer, idolator, liar, cheater, drunkard, worrier, basically me and you so much. If He loved me and you so much to forgive and save us, we must also love sinners enough to forgive them and share the gift that Christ has so freely given to us.
Thank You Lord for the hope we have through Jesus Christ. I pray that we would never stop to be on mission to share Your Good News with those who need to hear it and receive it. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Romans 10 - 2.17.23
Scripture - What stood out?
ROMANS 10:11-13
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Observation - What does it say?
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans shares where and what God’s righteousness leads towards - submission and acceptance of the life and work of Jesus Christ.
Understanding - What does it mean?
I recently had a dream Lord. Deborah and I were moved from couple to couple and we were unable to share Jesus with them. I was filled with such sorrow at being denied. They were so close to being saved. They were so close to knowing the gospel of Jesus, if only we were allowed to speak! But we weren’t. It was so devastating to not be able to share about You and Your Son!
I can’t imagine how the Apostle Paul felt. These were brothers and sisters he was speaking to. Descendants by blood. They believed in the Father. And not the Son. They refused to believe in Jesus! But despite what I believe what must have been a deep, unimaginable sadness and frustration your good and faithful servant Paul, carried on. He urged all to believe in Jesus and to call on his name.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
I can’t stop thinking about that dream Lord. I was filled with so much sorrow, anguish, and mental agony not being able to share about Jesus to people who needed to be saved. I don’t remember why I wasn’t able to share, whether it was my own cowardice, or because the authorities forbade it. If I have the chance to share about you today, Lord. Help me to speak. Please, don’t let me stay muted. For my heart desires…My heart cries out - I wish none of you to die, rather repent! Come to know Jesus and be saved! I love you! But Jesus loves you more! And Jesus is God!!!
Please, grant me Your words and Your facility today Lord, to share about You Jesus.
In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
Proverbs 31 - 2.16.23
Scripture
Proverbs 31:2 NIV “Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!”
Observation-What does it say?
King Lemuel shares wisdom his mom gave him regarding his role as king. The first 7 verses, she gives advice on ways to protect his role as king. Verses 8-9, she speaks on how to treat the people, especially the poor, needy and those who cannot speak up for themselves. However, a bulk of this chapter, Verses 10-31, his mom gives him advice on the type of woman he should look out for to take as his wife, a wife of virtue and noble character.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Listen to the advice of those who love us, protect us and want the best for us, such as our parents, spouses or spiritual parents/mentors. God gave them to us for a reason.
King Lemuel’s mom is protective of her son as evidenced by the advice she gives him in this chapter. She wants to protect his professional life, but most importantly, his personal life. King Lemuel’s life as a king, which is a public influential figure and I’m sure attached with many riches, can be ruined by the wrong choice in wife. Therefore, the wife he chooses needs to be trustworthy, a hard worker, loving, a servant to the people, a good manager of the home, worthy of respect and wise. Most importantly, she must fear the Lord. He cannot only look for the most charming and beautiful woman, because that is fleeting and deceptive. All those good character traits are the fruits of being a Godly woman.
Life Application
Seek to be a Godly woman (or man) and attract the same in the process.
What I find interesting about this chapter is that it not only describes what a good woman is like. Many of those traits are equally important for the male as well. The King has to be trustworthy. He has to be loving, a servant to the people, a good manager of the home, wise, worthy of respect and most importantly have fear and respect for the Lord, allowing the Lord to tell him how to lead as king and lead his family. I hear many singles (and I admit I did this myself as a single person before growing up a little), have a list of the type of person they want to marry; however, they don’t look at themselves to see if they are the type of person someone else would want to marry. I truly believe we should be the person we want to attract. I’m not talking about having the same likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc. Our differences are what make us unique.
Our focus must be on the most important things which matter, which is our character and relationship with Jesus. Also, for marrieds like myself, this doesn’t end after the ring is on the finger. It continues afterwards as well.
Dear Lord, whether we are single, engaged or married, I pray that we would be and continue to be the type of person our future and current mates would want and the type of person our friends would be refreshed to be around. I pray we would be men and women of godly character whose substance doesn’t only go as far as outward appearance, but one who is trustworthy, faithful, hard working, loving, a servant to people, a good manager of our home and finances, wise and worthy of respect. Help us Holy Spirit to live our lives in pursuit of Your fruits as we seek You first in everything we do. Amen.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:30-31 NIV
-Michelle Gaddi