Romans 2 - 8.27.26
SCRIPTURE: Romans 2:1 – 4
“1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
OBSERVATION
Criticism, judgement and repentance. In verses 1 and 2 are the answers to the questions in verses 3 and 4.
We aren’t perfect and have the same faults as those we criticize. We must never forget because of the fall of man in the choices of Adam and Eve, we are born with a nature to sin (fall short of God’s best) that has consequences. BUT WE are blessed with the “riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead us to repentance.”
“Got Questions” shows the definition of repentance as “The word repentance in the Bible literally means “the act of changing one’s mind.” True biblical repentance goes beyond remorse, regret, or feeling bad about one’s sin. It involves more than merely turning away from sin. In its fullest sense it is a term for a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.”
APPLICATION
Matthew 7:3-5 says “3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye”.
First look at our own weakness before we criticize the weakness of others, wrong actions or words and pass judgement. Often when we see a weakness in others, it is the same weakness we have or we wouldn’t recognize it. One way or another these scriptures have great application to show kindness, forbearance and patience before we speak.
The application is to Watch your words!
The bible offers many profound insights on looking in the mirror, emphasizing self-reflection and spiritual awareness.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror; for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." James 1:23-24
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, my savior, my teacher, let me read your word and show me what I am to learn, change and give to others. Lord, I truly do not want to be hypocritical of others but this creeps up. And Lord, I know that I have no idea why others may say or act the way they do because of pain and suffering in their families or life style. Lord, if I see someone I might be critical of, let me show them kindness, encourage them, and pray for them. I cherish you, my father, who brought me out of the darkness into your light. I ask that I see clearly. I want the light of your glory. Thank you for your words, Lord and for the mirror of your truth. I cherish every word and I am humbly asking for the riches of your kindness, forbearance and patience, so that I show these to others. Amen!
- Charleen Zakarian
Proverbs 16 - 8.26.26
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Observation
Today I am filled with gratitude for my church family at Desert Streams. I am thankful for your partnership, your prayers, your love and your support. I am so lucky to be surrounded by a church who loves God with their whole heart and loves each other. Although I am thankful for each of you, I forget to say it. God has been working on me, showing me the importance of speaking words of encouragement and lifting each other up.
Application
God created us to live in community and to support each other. He created us to need each other. And throughout the Bible he encourages us to lift each other up.
I asked Google how it impacts someone when we share kind words:
· Receiving a genuine compliment activates the same brain region stimulated by receiving cash or a physical gift.
· Kind words cause a release of dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical, which can make the positive feeling persist for hours or days.
· A sincere remark makes people feel seen, appreciated, and valued for their unique efforts or personality rather than feeling invisible.
The goal of sharing kind words is not to flatter someone, but to encourage them and promote spiritual growth. And it strengthens our relationships and makes us feel good too!
I Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Romans 15:2, Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
Prayer
God, please continue to remind me of the importance of not holding my words of encouragement, support, and thankfulness in, but to freely share them with others. Forgive me for the times when I think of sharing, but forget to follow through. Help us to encourage one another daily and continue to grow in love. Amen
- Debbie Dunn
Acts 28 - 8.25.26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:28 - 31
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] (Some manuscripts include here “After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves”)
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
OBSERVATION
Paul is in Rome and gathered with the local Jewish leaders where he witnessed to them all day about the kingdom of God, the Law of Moses and the Prophets to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced and some would not believe. He then quoted from Isaiah the prophet in Isaiah 6:9-10 about their unbelief (verses 25 – 27) which applied to this very situation – specifically the Jews who would not listen and were arguing about the message Paul had given to them about Jesus. Paul’s response, in verse 28, starts with “Therefore” which is saying in response to the Prophet Isaiah and your stubborn unwillingness to hear the salvation message of Jesus, this is the result: “you’re not listening but the Gentiles will.”
Although the scripture doesn’t mention how they felt after hearing Paul say the salvation message is for the Gentiles and they will listen, I imagine the Jews were probably shocked and quite upset with those words. To this day, Jews are known as “God’s chosen” people but Jesus brought salvation to all.
Verses 30 – 31 show that although some of the Jewish leaders in Rome did not agree with Paul’s witness, he continued his ministry for two years to all who would listen, with boldness and without anyone interfering! Neither the Jewish or Roman leaders interfered with his work. God gave him great favor.
APPLICATION
When sharing the salvation message to others, some will have a hard heart and won’t listen. You can spend all day sharing the truth and scriptures, only for the person to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to everything shared. But don’t give up and don’t be discouraged!! Be like Paul and continue sharing the message to others, welcoming people and sharing God’s love.
Paul welcomed “all who came to see him.” To welcome someone into your home, it means sharing your place of refuge and peace, and willingly sharing it with others. Just like sharing God’s love and the message of salvation, we welcome others into fellowship and God’s peace. Being hospitable is showing God’s love.
Paul shared the Gospel message with boldness! He was not afraid to tell everyone about the salvation message. Being bold can be intimidating (I can attest to this) yet it’s just another way of standing firm on what you believe. This is something I’m learning more and more about. One thing that helps me not be so afraid of “being bold” is reading Paul’s experience in Rome (and many other situations). He shared the truth, he stood firm and was bold, and some believed and some didn’t. The potential outcome didn’t seem to matter to him. He stood on the truth of the Gospel knowing it’s up to the recipient of the message to accept or deny it. Sometimes I put too much emphasis on the outcome, wanting it to always be a “yes, I believe” when I need to let God handle that part. The outcome is not up to me but I can stand firm on what I believe, share the truth in love, and let God do the rest.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your word which is full of so many powerful messages about sharing the salvation message to others. Give me the right words, help me to be bold, and not be concerned about the outcome. Holy Spirit, empower me with your wisdom and words in sharing the salvation message. Open up the eyes and ears to those around so they will hear and accept Jesus as their savior. In Jesus name, amen!
- Mary Oberg