Romans 2 - 11.13.23

Scripture

Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT

“But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.”

Observation

Paul is calling out all those who sit in judgment—in their thoughts, words, and actions—over the sinfulness of others. He warns them to be careful not to judge others on their sinfulness, when they themselves are sinful. The people should be motivated and inspired to turn away from their sins because of God’s patience and kindness for them. But instead, the people are stubborn and refuse to turn from their sins. They continue to judge others harshly and by doing this, they are bringing God’s judgement and wrath upon themselves. Now I don’t know about you all, but why would anyone want to bring God’s wrath and judgment upon themselves?

“He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”-Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8

Application

“The bill comes due.”

It’s a line from one of the Marvel movies that always stood out to me because it is so true. I mean, let’s think about it.🤔 If you have someone who continues to live an unhealthy lifestyle by eating unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking excessively, and not exercising, it’s only a matter of time when their body will break down on them. Whether it’s excessive weight gain, muscle and joint pains, diabetes, heart disease, organ failure, or even cancer… the bill comes due. It’s a price we pay from the choices we make in life and I believe that is the point the Apostle Paul is trying to get across here. If we continue to live our lives selfishly and sinfully, there will come a time when “the bill comes due.” We are all subject to God’s judgment when that time comes. So I guess my question for all of us today is, “what kind of tab am I running up?” Am I willing and able to pay that price when that bill comes? 🤔

“And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.”-Romans‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.”-2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬ ‭

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know my time here on earth is limited. I pray that I make the best of my time. May the time I have be used to glorify You, and point others to Jesus. May my life be about building Your Kingdom and not my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

-Moses Gaddi

Hosea 13 - 11.10.2023

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Hosea 13:5-6

I cared for you in the wilderness,

    in the land of burning heat.

When I fed them, they were satisfied;

    when they were satisfied, they became proud;

    then they forgot me.

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

Satisfaction led to pride. ‘When they were satisfied, they became proud.’ These verses particularly stood out to me this morning Lord because Deborah and I jokingly talk about how we ended up in the desert. And while we oftentimes describe the current season of our life’s journey together as a time in the wilderness and debate whether or not this season is anything if at all like the period in the wilderness for the Israelites that had been rescued out of Egypt, we both agree one one thing - you have fed us in our greatest time of need. We even have the ‘lbs’ to prove it.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

Lord, I would like to fast today. During my fast I would like to remember all the times in the past eight years that you fed me and my family. And we were satisfied. Help me to remember these moments. And as I remember them I will thank you. Out loud. In private. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Thank you God. 

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Lord, I pray that my satisfaction doesn’t turn to pride. I am grateful that you have kept me well all these years, in the ups and downs of my life both near and far from you. Let me not fall into this pattern that you described. Help me to guard against this curious development, one in which being nurtured by you leads to instead of gratitude, an arrogance.

I love you Lord and am forever grateful. Holy Spirit I pray that I may never forget this. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.

-kenneth lee

Acts 28 - 11.9.23

Scripture - Acts 28:30 - 31 - For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Observation – In this chapter Paul finally arrives in Rome where God had promised him safe passage. There were MANY obstacles along the way and Paul could have been killed several times, however, God would let nothing stop his servant, and His servant never stopped. He prayed for, and healed many, he remained calm and trusted God in all the chaotic circumstances he went through. He didn’t complain or ever lose hope. His confidence remained in the Lord. He was very aware of God’s presence and His control over every circumstance.  He knew God was with him even when he was under persecution. He knew God was with him even when he was being dragged from one ruler to another to plead his case and put in one jail after another even though he was innocent. He knew God was with him even during the storm, when it looked like the sea would devour everyone on board. Just as Pastor Levi’s very timely message Sunday, titled Even If…..Paul reminds us that there is never a time, nor place, nor circumstance when He is isn’t with us.

Application - It’s crazy for me to really think about all the times that I freeze up sharing the Gospel. I have never been persecuted as Paul has. I never had people try to put me on trial or throw me in jail for something I didn’t do, yet I still find excuses for not being outwardly 100% devoted to the Lord – I had a bad day, it’s too hard, I am just way too busy to stop and share, this or that person doesn’t LOOK like they will listen to me, or they already told me they didn’t want to hear it. Boo Hoo! I really need to get over it. Paul was beaten, wrongly accused, isolated, etc. and he just kept plugging away - sharing with the soldiers, the jailers, the Centurion, and even Kings. God used all his trials to cause interaction with prominent ears and even gave him favor with those in authority over him so that EVEN WHEN he was stuck at home under house arrest for two years, he was able to share the Gospel. He was able to write letters to friends, family, the churches, as well as receive visitors who cared for his needs, and listened as he taught them and shared the Word - and the Word spread throughout the world! That’s impact. That’s a life worthy and honoring of God. I want to live like that. So that everything I am doing revolves around sharing His love and the Gospel. I want to make an impact on the world!

Prayer – Lord help me proclaim your Kingdom and teach others about you with all boldness and without hindrance because you are with me EVEN when it is hard, or I’m busy, or stressed, or uncomfortable. You are with me when I’m scared, angry, hurt and confused. You are with me in the pain and suffering that life brings. You are with me in the joy and laughter, in the wind and when a butterfly goes by and reminds me of my mama. You are with me when I see my child going through a difficult time and it feels hopeless. You are with me when I am laughing uncontrollably with my family or friends. You are with me in all the words I speak in YOUR name!

Father, in the name of Jesus, I am of good courage. I pray that you grant to me with all boldness to speak forth your word. I pray that freedom of utterance be given me that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news of the Gospel – that I may declare it boldly as I ought to. Prayers.org

- Crystal Flory