The value of peace

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” We live in a trouble filled world.  Difficulties in life, health concerns, skewed relationships, chaotic political and monetary environment and the list is endless.  Yet, as Christians, all the turmoil of life is nonexistent as we place our hope and trust into the loving arms of our Savior.  Life suddenly becomes enjoyably peaceful full of the relaxed comfort only found through faith in our God.  Isn’t that a fabulous way to live.  

A truth beyond comrehension

Romans 4:25 “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” A child-like faith is required to believe this verse’s truth.  There is no question or discussion as to—how can this be?  There is only an acceptance.  The proof of this truth is coming.  Our Savior lived, died, rose and ascended into heaven.  That truth gives us comfort and peace for all of eternity.  We praise God that we will never have an intellectual doubting faith, but rather a child-like trusting faith.

Even the good are bad

Romans 3:23-24 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” None of us, no matter how righteous we think we are, can come before God with anything other than a contrite, humble and thankful heart.  The free gift of grace is so valuable the world itself cannot possibly contain all the thank you, Jesus appreciative words we owe our Savior.  We lovingly live our lives saying –Thank you, Jesus– from morning through evening.  Thank you, Jesus! Have a great weekend.

God’s faithfulness

Romans 3:3-4a “What if some do not have faith?  Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?  Not at all! God’s faithfulness has never and will never be determined by what man thinks.  His truth, His promises are absolute.  Never do you or I have to be concerned with man’s fallible, intellectual, self determined opinions relating to God and His faithfulness.  You and I have the privilege of studying His Word and listening to what God says of Himself.  What a joy that is.

Prejudice and God

Romans 2:11 “For God does not show favoritism.” Isn’t that quite an impactful statement.  Instead of all the protesting of today’s world, all signs could simply state this verse in Romans.  God, in His Word, always says it all. 

Persistence

Romans 2:7 “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Our lives are continually faced with determining choices.  Relationship choices, ethical choices, monetary choices, worship choices, dress choices and the list is endless.  How do you and I know which choices to make?  Are there right or wrong choices?  Definitely there are right and wrong choices.  As Christians we are in the constant state of mind asking our Heavenly Father to help us always make the right and wise choices.

God is obvious

Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Nothing is more obvious than God.  The more one studies nature, the human structure, psychology, anything on this earth or in the universe,  the more phenomenal the wonders of God are evident.  My opinion?  Your opinion?  No!  Look around–Look around at the obvious.  See our magnificent God as He surrounds us with His evidence.  Study His Word where His magnificence is truly revealed.   Sorry I have skipped these devotionals for about a week.  I have been in the hospital having emergency surgery of colon cancer.  All was gotten, hopefully.  Healing is happening.  Thank you for your prayers!  Thank God for continuing to bless us all as He always will.

You are righteous

Romans 1:17a “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith,…” Because of our Savior’s life, death and resurrection you and I are perfect before our Heavenly Father.  By ourselves we are far from righteous, but if someone asks you—are you perfect?—-you can correctly say—yes, I am.  How about you?  Those questions would lead to a very interesting discussion.

Be bold, never ashamed

Romans 1:16a “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” Many have tried their best to wreck the authenticity of the Bible.  God’s Book always prevails.  His Word contains the truths of salvation.  His Good News is what all of Christendom thrives on.  His gospel is what gives us a wholesome life on this earth and an eternity in Paradise.  You and I have an inheritance beyond our ability to comprehend.  How can we do anything other than praise the God of our Salvation? Have a great weekend.

encourage one another

Romans 1:12 “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” What is a word which can determine the difference between success and failure?  That word is encouragement.  Children need encouragement.  Adults need encouragement.  Spouses need encouragement.  Students need encouragement.  Addicts need encouragement.  God, through Paul, also speaks that success word.  Christians need encouragement.  Eliminate encouragement and depression results.  Loneliness and failure become the mindset.  Encouragement may be the most important interactive word in any of our lives.  Encouragement—let’s practice it!

Paul’s desire

Romans 1:11 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—” Paul’s desire showed his love for all who read his letter.  His desire was to make all readers, including you and me, experience a heart joined with God.  He constantly prayed for everyone he came in contact with that they would have a faith which was strong.  Can we learn a lesson from Paul?  Do our prayers include thoughts of a strong faith for all those we come in contact with?  We should for what could be more important?

You are called

Romans 1:6 “And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” There is often a serious mistake made that pastors and teachers are called but the rest of the congregation is to sit in silence and listen.  Nothing could be further from the truth as Paul in this verse explains.  Every believer has a special calling to live for his Savior and to tell others about Him.  That is every Christian’s responsibility.