Romans

Stop facing life as you used to and be free. Christ has opened the door. Don't forget it! Tell it to others!

Verses to ponder... Romans 6:12-14 That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you've been raised from the dead!—into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God.

Here we read that sin is not to have control over us. If you were in church Sunday, you may remember that the "sin" mentioned here is not individual sin, but our "sin nature", ie the old self. Here sin is personified as a monarch, having reign over us, with us in submission to it. That is the way it used to be! But it is not to be that way any longer!!!!!!!

The sin nature is that other dominant factor in our lives. The saving grace of Jesus Christ and the new life that brings is the other dominant factor in our lives.

Our corrupt human nature is what we used to be before conversion. God has given to us, through His Son an open door to victory over sin, as well as opening the door to heaven for us!

Continuing victory for the believer does not depend on his own efforts, but on the abundant supply of God's grace sufficient for every need.

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Day 6

Verse to ponder... Romans 6:15 What then [are we to conclude]? Shall we sin because we live not under Law but under God's favor and mercy? Certainly not! (Amplified version)

When we looked at verses 1-14 last week we came away with the reality that the Christian has been freed from slavery. Specifically, Christians do not need to live like non-Christians, since they are under new management. Christians should disregard the "old boss" and obey the "new boss."

Verse 15 contains an interesting question. Paul is asking us to consider that fact that since we are not under the law, should we sin because now we are under grace? Under the law does not have the context that we should not obey it, but rather it is not the "final answer."

Our new master has expectations for us to live up to (whoever said the Christian life was boring or easy didn't think about this). He expects us to honor and reflect His character.

How clean is your reflector today?

Remember, God did not save us so that we could continue sinning, but He set us free so that we could enjoy a godly life in His service. We'll look at this some more tomorrow when we think about serving God instead of sin on a day to day basis.

Day 7

Verses to ponder... Romans 6:16 Do you not know that if you continually surrender yourselves to anyone to do his will, you are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness (right doing and right standing with God)?(Amp.Version)

1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin. If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. (The Message)

In verse 16, the basic truth presented is that "Obedience results in slavery." As we have previously stated, we face a crossroad. Choose to be a slave to sin, or choose to be a slave to the Savior. Frankly, I see many Christians who try to walk holding on to both masters! It cannot be!

Paul reminds us that the result of choosing to be obedient to sin (slave to sin) enslaves us to a lifestyle that ends in death. The death he is referring to is alienation from God.

When we disobey the Lord (choose the old way of life), we do not lose our salvation, but we do sever our fellowship with Him. That is why often times people "drop out" of the church scene for a while, or forever.

The result of broken fellowship is a loss of blessing, joy, peace, spiritual growth and a clear conscience.

So today, take a spiritual health exam. Examine these concepts above in light of your life and see what action steps you may need to take.

You can avoid all of this if you choose to obey God and submit to His counsel. Genuine repentance will restore fellowship with Him.

Day 8

Verse to ponder... John 8:34 Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. (The Message)

What does this verse mean in practice? A slave, as this verse articulates is someone who is not in ultimate control of his own actions, someone at the disposal of others.

Here's an example; choosing to tell a lie. Have you ever noticed what happens when you tell a lie? Ultimately you cannot just tell one (it's like eating one Jay's potato chip; or so they say). The bottom line is that we are not in control.

Sin pushes us farther than we care to go. Also, sin infects others with the same attitude. For example, I wake up in the morning grouchy and impatient (you realize this is just a fictional example) and I snap at someone. Then the other person snaps back and soon everyone is contaminated by the first outburst.

You are probably acquainted with this rhyme...

I said a very naughty word, only the other day.

It was a truly naughty word I had not meant to say.

But then, it was not really lost, when from my lips it flew;

My little brother picked it up, and now he says it too.

This is the way any sin begins to spread. So, work today at not giving opportunity in your lives for sin to work.

Take care!

Day 9

Verse to ponder... 2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NIV)

What happens when we sin? In Romans 6 Paul states that the wages (what we earn) for sin is eternal death. What are the elements of death? Well, first, death involves darkness, or the end of life and light. Then there is helplessness, for the corpse can do nothing. Finally there is corruption because the corpse begins to emanate a stench because it is decaying.

These elements of death are present in the Christian's life when they sin. Darkness sets in when we sin. Please note again the verse I asked you to think about. Next, limitations develop. When we cling to things we know that are wrong, we experience a loss of opportunity. This may be why many Christians never seem to discover the adventure of serving God. As I have stated before these people "sit on the premises, rather than stand on the promises!" Sometimes the whole Christian experience is nauseating to us. It is because death has been brought in by sin and the experience reeks in our nostrils!

If you are struggling with sin in your life, please remember that you have been set free from sin and are now slaves to God. We do not have to experience death in our lives, we only have it because we choose to. It is one of the tragedies in a Christian's life. Don't choose sin!

Day 10

Verse to ponder...Romans 7:4 So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.

     I cannot substantiate this story as to it's accuracy, but it does communicate a truth that many Christians seem to wrestle with. Here goes... Before the Civil War, there was a plantation owner who married a beautiful woman, and they lived happily in a lovely home. The husband became sick and suddenly died. It was a great loss for her. She loved him dearly.
    Her love drove her to do a strange and morbid thing. She had her husband's body embalmed in a sitting position in a chair, enclosed in an air-tight glass case, that was placed in the entry way of her home. The minute you opened the door, you were looking at him!
    Her friends knew that this wouldn't do, so they encouraged her to travel. Travel she did. She traveled North, then abroad for almost two years. During that time, she fell in love and married once again. The newly married couple traveled back to the plantation. The new bridegroom picked up his lovely bride and carried her across the threshold, only to meet the gaze of the man in the air-tight case.
    "Who is that?" he inquired? She had forgotten about that case and she informed him that it was her first husband. They both decided that it was time to bury him, which was the proper thing to do. She was married to a new man; the old man was dead.
    There are many believers who have dug up the Law, in fact, they have never buried the Law. They have the Law sitting in a glass case and they are trying to live by the Law in the strength of the old nature.
    Just as seeing the old husband, positioned in the glass case wouldn't do, neither will it do for any believer, joined to Christ to live by the Law.
    Our new life is described for us in God's Word and here we have come to know that we, as His followers; joined to the living Christ, are to live our lives to please Christ. This cannot be overemphasized in our lives. This is what God's Word tells us and implores us to follow. Keep learning, applying and living for Christ!

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Day 11

Verses to ponder.. Romans 7:1-25 (not going to print these today!)

When we see Romans 7, we usually don't think of the Apostle Paul struggling with sin. We often struggle admitting our own struggles with it too! Too many times our unrealistic ideas of the spiritual life cause us to think that we should be perfect.

For the remainder of this week, let's let Paul's struggles be our struggles. Here's the suggestion. Write out the 25 verses in your own words. Compose the words in the 1st person.

Ask the Lord to speak to you through this exercise.

We'll touch on it for the rest of this week.

Day 12

Verses to ponder... Romans 7:14-23 (again, due to length, I'll not print these for you.)

We continue to examine Romans 7. Max Lucado tells a story concerning himself about coming to terms with the "civil war" of the soul.

He recounts finding a short cut from the traffic jammed freeway. To him, it was a breath of fresh air, not to be tied up in traffic on the freeway.

The next time his wife was with him and they were caught up in the same traffic jam, he stated to her that he had found a short cut that would save them time and therefore protect them from becoming exasperated in the bumper to bumper traffic.

When the short cut route was completed, he asked his wife what she thought. She proceeded to tell him that he had broken the law. She said, "you went the wrong way on a one way street."

He protested vehemently about this. She encouraged him to go back and look for the sign. He did. To his amazement, there was a sign that said "Do Not Enter." It was after finding the sign that the civil war began. He said the civil war was between the "ought to" & the "want to." Here is his "discussion" between the two perspectives.

Ought to: "It's illegal."

Want to: "But I've never been caught."

Ought to: "The law is the law."

Want to: "Buy the law isn't for careful drivers like me. Besides, the five minutes I save I will dedicate to prayer."

Ought to: "Pray in the car."

This is where many of us struggle; the civil war. Before we accepted Christ, we all had loopholes to help us with situations. When we came to know Christ, we then saw the signs! It sure would have been easier if we had never seen the signs! Would it be though?

Pay attention to Paul's words again in verses 14-23. Reflect on his questions, but put them into the context of your life.

See you tomorrow!

Day 13

Verses to ponder... Romans 7:14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. 18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

We are continuing to consider insights in Romans 7. Here's the $64,000 question for today...

If we are dead to our sin nature and to the Law's demands, then why do we have such a difficult time obeying God? There are three facts we must accept when we struggle with sin.

#1 - We cannot curb disobedience on our own - look at verse 14

#2 - We do not fulfill our own wishes - look at verses 15, 18-19

#3 - We had better not ignore our sin nature - look at verse 17

Continue working on your personalizing the verses we mentioned on Monday.

Day 14

Verses to ponder...Romans 7:1-6

Did you know that you can see signs of people who are still living under the Law?

Let me give you some examples...

1. People that are always proud of their record. We all have areas in which we struggle, but a person that exhibits pride is using that as a diversion to distract people from getting a look at their failures.

2. People that are always critical of others. Why are they critical? Again, it's a diversionary thing. If that person "A" can point out other's faults, then they are not as apt to discover person "A's" shortcomings.

3. People that are reluctant to admit error. In Chuck Colson's book entitled, Born Again, he writes about President Nixon being unable do this. He gave the example of Nixon having all the symptoms of a cold; nose running, red face, sneezing, cough, but he would never admit that he had a cold! People in this arena feel the weight of the Law and to overcome it they simply pretend that they are living up to it.

Check out this passage once again and make sure that you are clear about what the Law does.

Day 15

Verses to ponder... Romans 7:14-19 14We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin. 15For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [[a]which my moral instinct condemns]. 16Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. 17However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] 19For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. (Amplified Version)

If we are dead to our sin nature, then why do we have such a difficult time obeying God?

Let's consider some facts that we must accept as we struggle with sin.

1. We cannot curb rebellion to God's way in our own strength.

Remember, what is always vying for control is our sin nature.

As Paul says, we are constantly being prodded to do unrighteous things.

2. We do not satisfy our own wishes.

Why is this the case? Look no further than #3.

3. We cannot ignore our sin nature.

Our sin nature actively promotes our rebellion against God.

This is what I want you to remember today and in the days to come as you face your own personal disobedience toward God. According to our text, your sin nature has no more valid authority over you, but it (sin nature) yearns with all its might for the "old days."

If you do not come to terms with this reality, you will struggle with discouragement, disillusionment and depression in your Christian lives.

Hold on to what God has given you.

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Day 16

Verses to ponder... Romans 7:17-23 17So I am not the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. 18I know that my selfish desires won't let me do anything that is good. Even when I want to do right, I cannot. 19Instead of doing what I know is right, I do wrong. 20And so, if I don't do what I know is right, I am no longer the one doing these evil things. The sin that lives in me is what does them. 21The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. 22With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. 23But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do.

Contemporary English Version

Yesterday we considered three facts we need to accept as we wrestle with sin.

Today I would like to consider two truths that Paul points out in this context.

First, we have a civil war operating inside of us! In 2 Corinthians, Paul tells us that we are new creatures (a new creation, actually) and that we possess a new desire to please God. However, as we have examined and more consistently experienced, we still are influenced by that old nature. We regularly struggle with the battle that wages within us, where each side endeavors to gain our attention and commitment.

Second, we will face this civil war until we are called home to heaven. Try to imagine our old nature as a parasite that has latched on to us and is taking away our desire to be God-honoring. Full freedom will only come when we make it to our heavenly home. Then and only then will we stand before God sanctified and without any blame.

Keep this in mind as you face the daily battles!

Hang in there!

Day 17

Verses to ponder. Romans 7:22-24 21-23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. 24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The Message

Well, we've looked at facts we need to face in our struggle with sin, and the scriptural truths Paul brings out in this text that explains these, and now today I want us to think about what we need to accept.

As a result of the civil war within, there are two consequences we must be aware of.

First, when we try to fight our old nature in the flesh (in our own strength) we WILL lose! We cannot have victory in our personal struggles if we only draw from our own resolve.

The second consequence follows as a natural by-product of the first. It is this... When we try to fight sin in our own strength, we will eventually become discouraged, disillusioned and finally give up.

DON'T GIVE UP!

DON'T FIGHT IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH!

How can I survive in this battle? Tune in tomorrow!

Keep looking up!

Day 18

How's your week been? I hope you are finding encouragement for the battle ahead.

Verse to ponder... Romans 7:25 The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Is survival possible in this life with the civil war brewing inside of us?

I want to quickly say that there is no pill, no instant formula, no course that you can take that will resolve this conflict (isn't that encouraging?).

But Paul does give us a realistic plan to draw from.

Here are four aspects of the plan that I see Paul handing to us.

1. We need to freely admit that we do not fully understand.

I see Paul saying he couldn't explain why he did the things that he did.

It's also a consolation that he did not try to impress people that he had no problems. I feel like we lack in modeling this.

2. We need to accept our own warts (imperfections).

Do you see that Paul communicated his salvation, but yet he also communicated that he was still a sinner? This caused him to be combative with the battle that raged within, rather than to surrender.

3. Because of this, we need to leave room to fail.

Victory is so much easier to accept, but along the way, because of the war that rages, we will fail. Say that (maybe not out loud so that others won't think something is wrong) now; "I will fail." Now, please remember that God loves failure. That's why Jesus came to die. To pay for our failures! The expectation is for us to learn from our failures so that we will be better equipped to live for God.

4. Admit your true feelings to God. After all, your wasting your time trying to hide them from an all-knowing (that's omniscient in theological terms) God! This means in the present context that we admit our struggle with sin. When we do this, we can then find peace.

Take a look at Psalm 32 today for some biblical insight into confession.

Day 19

Verse to ponder...Romans 7:14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

I know that some of you like clever ways to remember the intent of Scripture, so I pass this along to you concerning chapter 7.

One scholar broke it down this way.

1. Romans 7:1-6 - The spiritual man is delivered from the law.

2. Romans 7:7-13 - The spiritual man is doomed by the law.

3. Romans 7:14-25 - The spiritual man is defeated by the law.

Here's something to consider as we close out this week. Some people have taught that Romans 7 is Paul's description of his life before he became a Christian. The Greeks particularly held to this view.

But the writers and scholars during the Reformation did not see it this way. When we stop to think about Paul's life before conversion, this does not describe his way of life. If you think about it, when Paul shared his testimony he bragged about keeping the law as a member of the Pharisees.

Take a look at verse 14. Here you see Paul shifting gears. He is talking about his life facing and dealing with sin, now that he is a follower of Jesus Christ. We identify with Paul.

Here is how Thomas a Kempis put it.

"I desire to enjoy Thee inwardly, but I cannot take Thee. I desire to cleave to heavenly things, but fleshly things and unmortified passions depress me. I will in my mind to be above all things, but in spite of myself I am constrained to be beneath, so I, unhappy man, fight with myself and am made grievous to myself while the spirit seeketh what is beneath. O what I suffer within while as I think on heavenly things in my mind: the company of fleshly things cometh against me when I pray." (The Speaker's Bible, Vol 13, pg 105)

Day 20

Verses to ponder...Romans 7:7 But I can hear you say, "If the law code was as bad as all that, it's no better than sin itself." That's certainly not true. The law code had a perfectly legitimate function. Without its clear guidelines for right and wrong, moral behavior would be mostly guesswork. Apart from the succinct, surgical command, "You shall not covet," I could have dressed covetousness up to look like a virtue and ruined my life with it. The Message

As a review from last week I would like to share an illustration from Ray Stedman's book, The Continuing Struggle.

"One time I was in the Colorado Rockies for a conference where I was the main speaker. I picked up my bags and when I came out to the curb, my ride was waiting. It was a brand new shiny Lincoln Continental. I got into the car and expected him to turn on the ignition, but to my amazement, he started driving without turning on the engine! That's what it seemed like to me, but then I realized that the engine had been running all the time. It was so quiet that I hadn't heard it. As we moved up into the Rockies, the power of that engine became manifest. We traveled up the steep grades in those great mountains without difficulty because of the power released by the touch of the accelerator. Not that is something like what Paul is describing here. SIN LIES SILENT WITHIN US. WE DO NOT EVEN KNOW IT IS THERE."

Be careful this week (as well as at all times) not to become self-confident that you can handle things yourself. You possess all kinds of desires. It is important that we run them all by the Lord when they manifest themselves.

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Day 21

Verses to ponder...Romans 7:24

This week's sermon will finish up chapter seven of Romans. As I reread this passage, I come to the verse to ponder. Can you feel Paul's struggles as a believer? Like him, we many times experience confusion because it is so easy to go against what we hold to be strong convictions to do what is right in the sight of the Lord.

Paul points out for us (by way of review) our imperfections, as well as our internal battle against sin. Paul has reminded us that since sin and the battles against it our common to all believers, we only do harm when we fail to admit them. We only grow hypocritically when we pretend that we have it all together.

When we struggle with sin, it can produce negative emotions in our lives. I want to share these with you as you continue to fight the good fight. Paul communicates these in our text (24)

1. "I am tired." This is communicated in the word, wretched. In Greek the word generally means "to produce a callous." It conveys the feeling of working to the point of exhaustion. The intimation is that we can try all the human avenues to develop, or maintain perfection, only to become weary in the process.

2. "I am hopeless." Paul is now frustrated as he asks, "Who will set me free?" His righteous attempts had miserably failed (so do ours!). Here's the lesson...when we attempt to seek godliness in our own strength, we produce hopelessness.

3. "I am trapped." The very fact that Paul asks the preceding question helps us to see that he felt stuck, encumbered by his own attempts to be godly. We struggle like this until we experience, or re-experience God's salvation from the power of sin!

4. "I am condemned." Paul wanted to know how he could escape. He felt that this is how his life was going to be; namely to be condemned to live a life of defeat.

I feel like that sometimes, so I'm sure that you do too!

With that bleak picture painted, tomorrow we will look at what we have for relief.

Until then...

Day 22

It's another sunny day. It is so bright with the new snow and the bright sun! Imagine how dreary this will be compared to heaven!

I trust that you are being productive this week for the cause of Christ.

Verses to ponder... Romans 7:25 Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

It's a good thing that Romans 7 didn't end with verse 24, for in the final verse we find some relief for the condition Paul describes in verse 24.

I would like for us to consider the words of hope we find in this verse. Go ahead and reread (I'm assuming you looked at it already) the last verse.

A question comes to my mind. What is Paul thanking God for? Is it what he has just written about in verse 24? In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul does say that we are to always give thanks. This verse is the segue between our wretchedness (24) and the hope of what comes next (8:1-4)!

Paul reminds us that believers cannot handle the struggle with sin on our own. We are to proceed on a walk by grace that must be God-dependant, rather than self-dependant.

So, today, because of God's grace, we too can offer our thanks to God just as Paul did.

How about a rousing verse or two of "Amazing Grace" to conclude these thoughts and offer yet another expression of praise to our God?

Have a great day!

Day 23

Verse to ponder.. Romans 7:24 I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The Message

We continue in our consideration of Romans 7.

Lewis Smedes, noted Christian author wrote a book entitled, Commitment and Caring. In this book, he describes himself as several dichotomies. He writes, "One of me is laughingly healthy; the other is a pouting neurotic. One of me is a romantic poet, sight for the perfect love; the other is a practical realist, content to love faithfully, if imperfectly. One of me is vulgar enough to shock my best friends; the other is refined enough to get along in all the proper places. I carry such contradiction within myself that I must confuse the angels."

In Romans 7, Paul says that he too wrestled with contradictions. But he reminds us in the chapter that God will deliver us from these contradictions!

When we come to Christ, Paul reminds us that we become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). As a new creation, we are redeemed, reborn and remade. Take heart! One day there will be no more contradictions! Keep living toward that day!

Day 24

As you read this (if you wait until Friday), Donna & I will be traveling on the Mass Pike to Hynes Convention Center to participate at the last Congress of Vision New England.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel. Also I would ask for food for the soul from the conference for myself.

Verses to Consider...

Paul states in verse 4 that we belong to Christ...in order that we might be useful in the service of God."

How much of the time are you being useful? In some churches in China, they welcome new believers by saying, "Jesus now has a new pair of eyes to see with, new ears to listen with, new hands to help with and a new heart to love others with.

One of the reasons we are part of a church family is to fulfill the calling in verse 4; being "useful in the service of God."

Today, churches are dying because Christians are unwilling to serve. They sit on the sidelines as spectators and the Body suffers neglect.

Your service is desperately needed in the Body of Christ. Just ask me and I'll show you where you can begin, or for some start up again!

I know for many who read this I am preaching to the choir (that means you are involved in ministry at EFC of Pittsfield), but there are others who continue to sit. If you are sitting, STAND UP!!! If you are in the "choir", sing out to others to be involved!

Day 25

Verse to ponder...Romans 8:2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. New Living Translation

Have you ever considered the miracle of flight that a jet plane is? Ever ride on a "jumbo" jet? One of those HUGE numbers?

I watch them taxi, get into position for take off, then rev up their engines, proceeding down the runway until they experience lift off. I am amazed at the wisdom and insight that God gave to Wilbur & Orville (Wright brothers) to be able to conceive of this idea, and to then experience an acutal flight!

We wonder how a gigantic heavy object like these 747's and larger can defy the law of gravity.

From science we know that the principle at work here is the law of aerodynamics. Although gravity pulls us down, the higher law (aerodynamics) overcomes the first law and allows for the lifting of the plane from the ground.

Here's where I want you to think this morning... The law of the Spirit works in a similar fashion to the law of aerodynamics. Once we are moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are set free from the law of sin. This does not mean the law no longer exists. It means that as long as the law of the Spirit is operational, we will be empowered for the flight ahead.

Live in His power!!!!

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Day 26

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:1-3

Charles Wesley was a prolific hymn writer; also perhaps the greatest hymn writer that the church has ever known! He wrote many of them while on horseback, traveling with his brother, John as he would preach to the people, going from village to village.

Charles wrote an average of two hymns per week, every week for 50 years! That is over 5,000 songs! I point you today to one of his more popular songs. It is entitled, "And Can it Be." It is the fifth verse I share with you today, for it is taken from our text.

What comforting words we read, No condemnation now I dread; Jesus and all in Him is mine. The text of Romans 8 points us to the reality of eternal security. However, if you are reading the KJV (King James Version), I need to quickly point out something to you. We find a phrase here in verse 1 that reads, "who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." This phrase is not considered legitimate and most likely was inadvertently copied in error (note that the identical wording is found in verse 4).

With this phrase there, the context of "no condemnation" is affected. With this phrase present, it connotes that the declaration of "no condemnation" is based upon our conduct. But Paul clearly states that it is based upon our position (in Christ) instead.

We are not to walk according to the flesh, but it is not a condition for us to have our status of "no condemnation."

So today, thank our merciful Father for the wisdom and perfection of His plan of salvation and that we are no longer condemned because of where we are now placed. While you're at it, how about a couple rousing verses of "And Can it Be" to give praise to our Savior.

Day 27

Verses to consider... Romans 8:1 If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished. Contemporary English Version

What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus" as Paul states? It is best illustrated from this story that was a news report. During a recent hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, a news report highlighted a rescue device used on the oil rigs. In case of fire or other such emergency (hurricane), rig workers scramble into the bullet-shaped “bus” and strap themselves into their seats. When the entry port is shut, the vehicle is released down a chute and projected away from the rig. The seat belts protect the occupants from the impact with the water. The capsule then bobs in the sea until rescuers come to pick it up.

This device parallels the theological truth of Romans 8:1—”Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Justification does not mean our world always stops falling apart. The rig still may topple in the hurricane. This applies for those in the right place, whether a rescue module or spiritually in the storm. The storm will take its course. The welfare of the workers depends on whether they are IN the rescue device.

That is the message Paul conveys to us in this powerful chapter. I hope you will enjoy this study!

Day 28

Verse to ponder... Romans 8:2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Paul tells us that there is victory for every believer! Sin within us is overcome by a new, powerful principle; the Spirit of life.

All through chapter 7, Paul talks about defeat. But in chapter 8 he speaks of victory! The defeat is characterized by self. The victory is characterized by the Spirit.

Paul is telling us that the law has been replaced by an intimate, personal relationship with God.

To help you feel warmer, I'd like to share a baseball analogy (hey, it's 53 days to opening day for the Cubs!). Every batter wants to get to first base. But to do so, the batter does not look at first base. Instead, he watches the ball. He focuses all his energy in concentrating on hitting the ball as it is pitched. In a sense, the "righteous requirement" of the Law are first like first base. We desire to get there, but too many believers focus their attention on first base and continue to strike out! If we apply Paul's admonition by using baseball terminology, he is saying, "keep your eye on the ball;" which means Jesus Himself. Then you will discover that you arrive on first base (a righteous life) without even trying!

Day 29

Verses to ponder...Romans 8:1-4 1-2 With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. 3-4 God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that. The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us. (The Message)

Let me say three more things about the first 4 verses of Romans 8 before we move on to our next section.

First, the text tells us that we are forever secure. We are not under God's wrath and we are free of everlasting judgment! Once we are in Christ by faith, it is the Lord who keeps us there forever (John 10:27-30).

Second, at the moment of salvation, believers are set free. We are free from the law of sin and of death. Upon salvation, the Holy Spirit enters the believer and releases us from our former bondage. It is also the Holy Spirit that empowers us to grow in our new lives.

Third, we have been made perfect. We are not perfect, but what we cannot do (live perfectly), God did for us by sending His own Son as the offering for sin. We are not sinless, but declared (by God) righteous.

As we start a new week, let me encourage you to yield to the Holy Spirit's work in your life as the transformation continues according to the divine standard of holiness.

Day 30

Verses to ponder...Romans 8:5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.

Contrasts are interesting. They help us grasp the truths a little tighter. For the rest of the week, we'll look at some contrasts that Paul writes about contrasting living according to the flesh and living according to the spirit.

In verse 5 we find the first trait that characterizes the life of an unbeliever. It is a fleshly (worldly) mind-set. Non-Christians have a mental orientation toward sin. Their dominating impulses are set against God.

Paul contrasts this in verse 5 with the Christian trait, which is having a spiritual mind-set. When we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, He creates in us a deep-seated focus toward righteousness. Because of that, the innermost drive the Christian has is to do good, rather than evil. Please read this carefully, because we are not talking about becoming perfect after we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Today, meditate upon the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. How is He ordering your life? Are you listening? Are you obeying? If not seek out what needs to change.

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Day 31

Verse to ponder... Romans 8:6 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

We continue looking at contrasts today. A second contrast Paul communicates to us is found in verse 6. Paul tells us that an unbeliever's life is empty. The unbeliever seeks to find meaning and purpose but ultimately it becomes futile. Their lives become plagued by doubt and guilt as well.

On the other hand, we read that the lifestyle according to the Spirit is a vital experience. It is vital because we are no longer under God's wrath. We now have life and peace!

Today rejoice, because we experience these joys due to the fact that we are in Christ Jesus.

Reflect on your life in Christ and give thanks for the changes God has made through Christ Jesus.

Till we meet again!

Day 32

Verses to ponder...Romans 8:7-9 7 Our desires fight against God, because they do not and cannot obey God's laws. 8If we follow our desires, we cannot please God. 9You are no longer ruled by your desires, but by God's Spirit, who lives in you. People who don't have the Spirit of Christ in them don't belong to him. Contemporary Eng. Version

Continuing with our contrasts, we are drawn to the third one. Here we see Paul pointing out that within the mind-set of those who live according to the flesh is a figurative clenched fist raised toward God in heaven. It is an open defiance to the God of the universe..

In the mind-set of those who live according to the Spirit, Paul says that their lives contain the transforming power of Holy Spirit. That power is molding each one into the holy person God wants them to be.

Today, think about how you used to live and what you used to do and what you used to be. Now give praise and thanks for the Holy Spirit's power at work within in you.

Day 33

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:12-13 12 My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. 13 If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires.

As you read Paul's instructions, can you see two actions that are our responsibility?

The first is a negative command. Paul tells us that we are obligated by the Lord to stop engaging in a sinful lifestyle. We can do this, because God has given us His Spirit that allows us to have the supernatural ability needed to obey this command.

The second command is on the positive side. We must live spiritually. Here is what we need to grab on to. We cannot mature in the Christian faith without placing ourselves in God's hand to be used in the way that God desires. We can and must rely upon God to make us righteous. Check on Romans 12:1 for the "how to" regarding application.

Day 34

Verses to ponder Romans 8:12-17

Paul has made it clear that salvation is made possible for us by God's grace. He also tells us that sanctification is a work of God. So, we are not to strive on our own, as some may think, but rather heed the words of Scripture as we cooperate with God through the process of sanctification.

Today, consider the thoughts contained in these verses.

Phil 1:6 - Paul tells us here that he who began the good work will perfect it in you.

Eph 2:8-10 - These verses explain that from the moment of our conversion to Christ, the Lord began to change us. What God requires from us is that we cooperate with Him.

1 Thess 5:23-24 - It is very clear in this passage that the task of sanctification belongs to the Lord.

Day 35

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:14-17

What can we expect when we quit trying to control our lives and willingly give God free reign? What occurs when the Spirit-controlled mind-set begins to operate?

In the next few days, we'll look at the workings of the Holy Spirit contained in these verses.

Today we'll consider that every day God gives to us practical direction. The word "led" in Greek means "to show the way, or to guide." We are guided by the Holy Spirit daily as we make ourselves available to Him. We can rest assured that the Holy Spirit will never lead us in such a way that we contradict Scripture.

The Holy Spirit will develop rich learning experiences in our lives that will reinforce the teachings in God's Word.

Today, think about this question. Who is in control of your life? Don't allow the old life to have dominion. Yield each day to His perfect design for your life.

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Day 36

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:15

Our verse today tells us that we are not only given salvation, but also sonship! We are part of His forever family!

Being part of God's family allows us to have intimacy with God. Here's where you can point to when you try to share with others the difference between having a religion and having a relationship. The relationship is so close that we can call God Abba, which is Aramaic for "Daddy".

What gives your life significance? Your answer will reveal where your ultimate commitment and priorities lie.

Day 37

Verse to ponder... Romans 8:16

We continue on today considering the Spirit's work in our lives. We've already looked at the practical leading that the Spirit provides, as well as the intimacy we have with God. Today we consider our assurance of belonging to God. Paul tells us that the Spirit "bears witness" with our spirit that we are children of God.

The witness of the Spirit is significant to our intimacy. This function (witness) is mentioned three times in the New Testament. In Hebrews the Spirit witnesses to us (10:15). In 1 John, the Spirit witness in us (5:10) and in Romans 8, the Spirit witnesses with us (8:16). This means then that the Spirit reassures us about our salvation. It also means that the Spirit testifies with us that our salvation in Christ is secure.

Today, thank God for the certainty of salvation that the Lord Jesus Christ has provided for you.

Day 38

Verse to ponder... Romans 8:17

In today's verse, we are reminded of our value and worth before God. The word used by Paul in this text is "heir." The glory that is Christ's will be inherited by each believer through grace (John 17:22-24).

But, we must also remember that a necessary prelude to glory will be suffering. God's Spirit uses these sufferings to transform us internally.

I am reminded by this verse that our sense of significance comes from what God has done, is doing and will do in our lives. This is why the Christian life is such an adventure!

Day 39

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:5-7

Paul encourages us to see in Romans 8 that the only way to have freedom from the law of sin is to let the Spirit of Christ have the control of our life. This begins with the control of the mind. The Holy Spirit must be in control of our minds.

A mind not controlled by the Holy Spirit is set on the natural. They have the mindset of one who lives according to the flesh. The media portrays how to live. We are exposed to the wants in life of those living in the flesh.

These are what people want in life:

Money to provide the comforts, conveniences and pleasures people would like to have.

The pursuit of pleasure to experience enjoyment of life.

Recognition of their accomplishments

Fulfillment by the development of every capability within us.

Is there anything wrong with this list? The answer is a resounding "No!" However, it is short-sighted if this is all you want!

God does not want us to merely exercise an uncontrolled mind. So what's the answer? Tomorrow we will look at correcting an uncontrolled mind. See you then!

Day 40

Verses to ponder.. Romans 8:5-7

What happens when God takes over your life? The simple answer is that He takes control. We desire to serve, we desire to give, we desire to testify, we desire to live for Him.

But some where along the way, some errors begin to creep in. We remember that making money, having fun gaining recognition and becoming fulfilled are not the number 1 priority; that part is clear.

We begin to devote ourselves to growing in Christ. We seek to memorize Scripture and to think about God all day. Some even recite their Scripture to others, pointing out all that is wrong in the other person's life. We become too busy thinking about God, and maintaining our own spiritual castle, resulting in the production of a religious recluse. It becomes nothing more than another form of being run by the flesh; albeit a religious one.

In the midst of our lives are other considerations.

We need to be concerned with showing love

We need to be concerned with helping others

We need to be concerned about speaking the truth

We need to be concerned about loving God

We need to be concerned about seeking His glory

We need to be concerned about giving our tithes & offering

We need to be concerned about getting out of debt

We need to be concerned about giving a percentage of our time to God's work.

Today, run through this list and ask God where you are coming up short. And then determine to Glorify God in all these things.

God desires for and looks for spiritual fruit in our lives.

Day 41

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:5-7

Last week we looked at the difference between the believer's and the unbeliever's mindset. The unbeliever's mindset ultimately will result in death, while the believer's mindset will ultimately result in life.

As we live, what symptoms should we look for in our lives that help us to see clearly. The symptoms of death are; fear, guilt, hostility and emptiness, while the symptoms of life are hope, assurance, love, and a sense of well-being. Are you struggling in any of these areas? Are you experiencing God's peace?

When we are walking with Christ, He gives to us an inner calm, along with a remarkable sense of being able to cope with and handle life's issues.

Check it out. Are any of these thwarting or diminishing your spiritual growth?

Fear - It appears as worry, anxiety, dread or timidity

Guilt - It appears as shame, self-hatred, self-righteousness and perfectionism

Hostility - It appears as hate, resentment, bitterness, or revenge

Emptiness - It appears as loneliness, discouragement, meaninglessness, or despair.

Our human nature is always ready to drag us back to a carnal way of life. Peter's admonition was to abstain from the sinful desires that war within us (1 Pet 2:11).

After reading this, I encourage you to once again purpose in your heart against the presence of sin. Consider once again David's admonition as you recognize your position (Psalm 119:11).

Day 42

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:12-17

If I may follow up from the sermon yesterday, I would like to emphasize that Paul has made it crystal clear that salvation is a gift. God has made us alive, we who were dead in sin.

A question in the minds of some lies out there... God has made us alive, but who makes us holy? Is God responsible for our sanctification, or are we?

Many Christians have taught, at least by implication, that we are to strive for our own sanctification: this is not what Scripture teaches. The biblical view is that sanctification, like salvation, is a work of God. We are called to cooperate with Him through the process! I do not see in Scripture where we are called to work through it on our own.

For the next three days, we'll look at some passages outside of Paul's letter to the Romans to help us grasp this concept.

Day 43

Verses to ponder.. Phil 1:6

Yesterday, I mentioned that we would look at several verses to help us better understand sanctification. Today's verse is Philippians 1:6.

I submit for your consideration that in this text, Paul reminds us that we have been not only rescued from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin. In fact, he promises to daily promote our development. The development that He will promote is that of holiness. This activity will continue until Christ returns for us.

At that wonderful moment, God will make us perfectly righteous. It will not just be positional as it stands now, but it will be actual! Praise God for that!

Praise Him for that today will you?

As they say on "Back to the Bible" programs, "have a good and Godly day." See you tomorrow!

Day 44

Verses to ponder... Ephesians 2:8-10

In these verses Paul explains that God saved us by His grace through our faith alone. It continues by stating that we are His workmanship, and that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. He reminds us that this is our calling and we need to walk (do) the deeds He has prepared.

From the moment of our conversion to Christ, the Lord began to do the work of change in our lives. We are like a lump of clay. God takes the clay molds it, designs it and develops it into flawless vessels. All that God requires of us is our cooperation with Him through the vessel making process.

Can you honestly say that you are cooperating today? If not why not? Go to God and ask Him what you need to do to be moldable. If you are, then rejoice in the fact that you are bringing glory to Him!

Day 45

Verses to ponder... 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

We have been looking at Bible passages that affirm the fact that God is working through the process of sanctification in our lives. We conclude our thoughts on this subject with these verses addressed to the church at Thessalonica.

This text is much more explicit regarding the subject of sanctification. Do you see any inkling in these verses of the idea that the job of sanctification is ours to perform? The answer is a resounding "NO!" As we talk about the process of sanctification, the predominant thought I have is how can we, who are sinners, even saved sinners ever purify ourselves? We cannot!

The Lord is our Savior and our Sanctifier. He will make us completely faultless one day. Through Him we will one day be entirely sinless! When He returns and takes us to heaven, we will be holy as He is holy!

Today, meditate upon the finished work of Christ and how someday you will be finished (complete) as well. Until then...keep on keeping on!

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Day 46

Verse to ponder... Romans 8:16

Does God favor believers over non-believers? Scripture tells us that God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good (Matt 5:45). Probably the most familiar verse in the Bible states that God loved the world and that's why Jesus came (John 3:16). Some people call the activity in these verses "common" grace, meaning it is God's actions for the benefit of all.

But the Bible does talk about a "unique" grace for the believer. John 1 tells us that believers are given the right to become God's children. I was reminded recently of some of the ways God, as our Father reveals His "unique" grace to His children.

Note the list of things God does for us:

1. He's always available to hear us...Heb 4:16

2. He's interested in even the smallest details about us...Matt 10:30

3. He faithfully provides for us... Matt 6:8

4. His special care... 1 Pet 5:7

5. He gives us good gifts... Matt 7:11

6. He guides us... Prov 3:5,6; Ps 48:14

7. He provides complete forgiveness... 1 John 1:9

8. He won't give up on us... Heb 13:5

As we end this week, I trust these verses will encourage you that God is always looking after us!

Day 47

What a beautiful morning! The pure white snow is a reminder to me of the pure life God has given back to us through the shed blood of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Verses to ponder... Rom 8:13

As we talked about yesterday, our Christian certainty is based upon three things (we only got to the first).

1. The Word of God

2. The Work of Christ

3. The Witness of the Spirit.

I'd like to share a little more about the first concept. James writes in 1:18 that "He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created."

James reminds us that as Christians our lives should show some changes. What kind of fruit do you have in your life this year, month, week, today?

Day 48

Verses to ponder...Rom 8:13

There are some key phrases in this verse. Today I want to examine "according to the flesh." One translator conveys the verse this, "For, assuming that you are living habitually under the dominion of the sinful nature, you are on the way to dying. But, assuming that by the Spirit you are habitually putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Kenneth Wuest)

This thought of "under the dominion", or "according to the flesh" conveys the idea of one placing themselves under the control of the evil flesh nature. This is not a good position to be in!

What confuses people in our world, and discredits the cause of Christ are those who profess to be believers and in their lives we see that there is no concern for repentance, forgiveness, worship or fellowship with other believers. Many false Christians in church work hard at keeping their lives pure in appearance because other people think more highly of them for it and because they feel proud of themselves when they act morally and benevolently than when they do not. Paul here points out they these are at the point of dying!

Used literally, the word here means natural death. Used figuratively (as it is here) is refers to spiritual death (see Romans 6). The death cannot mean physical death, for the believer as well will experience physical death.

Our focus needs to be this... If one has a lifestyle that is continually (habitually) controlled by the evil fleshly desires, that person cannot make the claim that they are a believer. People that profess to be believers habitually live like unbelievers because they are unbelievers.

We will still sin as believers, when our focus turns away from him, but over time the believer will exhibit some examples of a progression in holiness.

Tomorrow we'll consider just what is the obligation Paul is referring to in chapter 8.

Day 49

Verse to ponder.. Romans 8:13

Our obligation as a believer is to communicate to the world that Jesus Christ has made a difference in our life. Scripture indicates that the assurance of believers' salvation is demonstrated, or communicated by their Christian lifestyle (James 2 & 1 John are good studies for this topic).

To fulfill this obligation, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit. I draw your attention to these insights regarding our struggle with sin.

Please note that...

1. We are not made immediately perfect during some sort of crisis moment.

2. We are not encouraged to be idle and just let God take over.

3. We do not attain a higher degree of holiness when we reach some turning point decision.

What Paul tells us is that the Holy Spirit provides the power and energy for His children to constantly and slowly be destroying our sins (this is a process that we will never complete in this life. What we need to do is OBEY. Obey the simple commands of Scripture.

What grade would you get in obedience today?

Day 50

Verses to ponder...Romans 8:12-17

How do you know the difference between profession and possession of Christ? Is there a difference. In other words, is everyone who says that they are a believer actually heaven bound? If we read this text, the answer is a resounding "NO!"

Mr. Olsen (no relation to Mrs. Olsen from Little House, or Folger's coffee) was a very quiet man who came to church every Sunday with his family. Two of his children were in my senior high youth group at the church. The students were very committed to following Christ. Their mother was very open about her faith, but dad said very little. He would sing the songs, give his offering, listen to the sermon, bow his head in prayer and greet the pastor quietly as they left.

Some time later I saw Mr. Olsen in a different setting. I was working for a temporary company doing inventory for a store similar to Tractor Supply, when he walked in and began to talk very enthusiastically to the store clerk and also the manager. He was much more energetic and open than he was at church. I was thinking about that when I heard him tell a very off color joke to the manager. Mr. Olsen was laughing so hard at the joke that he was catching his breath in gulps.

I felt bad for his teenage children, who I am sure had to endure this kind of behavior from their father at home.

It dawned on me.. No wonder he's quiet at church! He's afraid he might slip into his real self and say something he would regret later. So, in order to prevent that, you just go along with everything; going through the motions.

Paul makes a point in our text that we are constantly bombarded with desires that would appeal to the old nature. It is not a religious affiliation that makes us spiritually alive, but a relational affiliation. Note today that in Romans 15:4 it is the Word of God that confirms to our hearts and spirit of the certainty we have through Jesus Christ.

True believers will press on through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Paul states later, those who are in Christ Jesus are more than conquerors.

Have a great day!

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Day 51

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:14-17

Notice in Paul's writing that Paul is communicating to us the reality of our (the believer) position in Christ; namely as a son of God, or heir.

He is saying that our certainty comes from our faith which accepts and rests on the Work of Christ. What is the work of Christ? Three things He has done, is doing and will do.

What He has done... We are justified, or made right through His blood. The act of justification positions the believer in Christ. Christ paid the penalty for a broken law. We believe and accept the pardon that He has provided for us.

What He is doing... We are sanctified the moment we accept Christ. This preserves the believer in Christ. We are made holy, in reserve for God.

What He will do... We will be glorified. The act of glorification perfects the believer in Christ. God sees your potential and no matter how long it takes, God will complete the task. Christ's work is finished. Nothing more can be added and we will experience the end result when we enter into heaven for eternity!

Give thanks, with a grateful heart today for Christ's work on our behalf.

Day 52

Verses to consider...Romans 8:14-27

I want you always to remember that you were adopted into the family of God. Adoption is that act of God by which we who were alienated and enemies and disinherited, are made the sons of God and heirs of his eternal glory.

Adoption provides for us a process by which we acquire a privilege.

In Roman times, the adoption process would only be binding if witnessed by no less than 7 reputable people. If the adopting father died, and a dispute arose, about any part of the inheritance, one or more of the witnesses would testify that the adoption was genuine.

Paul is telling us in this passage that this is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit places the believer as an adult son in the family of God.

When Cyrus the Great was a baby, his grandfather, out of jealousy & fear called a servant & charged him to take the baby away & destroy him in order to protect the Persian throne for himself. The servant, rather than kill the infant, gave him to a childless shepherd living in a distant province. Cyrus grew up supposing he was only a shepherd's son. One day he learned that he was a prince of royal blood & a heir to the throne. After that, here was no minding the sheep. Immediately he began to fit himself to rule the kingdom & eventually became the king. The turning point in his life was when he realized whose child he was & that was the first great step toward the fulfillment of God's purposes for him.

How about you? Do you understand whose child you are? Now take the next step in fulfilling God's purpose in your life.

Tomorrow we'll look at Adapting to God's family. Until then!

Day 53

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:18-27

Picture a wealthy, cultured gentleman adopting a boy from the slums of a great city and putting this boy into his family. After adoption comes the adapting. The boy would be totally unfit for his new family, so he would be put into the hands of tutors to be taught how to speak and how to behave in polite society. To some the process would be quite irritating. It may take years before he is fitted for his lofty destiny. But the benefactor would patiently pursue the boy's discipline and education even though progress might at times be slow. This is what God is presently doing with us.

Paul refers to the groaning of creation in verses 18-22. The fall of man included; the vegetable world (temptation centered around a tree), the animal world (temptation introduced by a serpent) and the human world (temptation presented to man). The curse involved all three.

The natural bent of the universe is demonstrably downward, not upward. In physics there is a law of entropy, which refers to the constant and irreversible degradation of matter and energy in the universe to increasing disorder.

But, brighter days are ahead! The curse will be removed and creation will once again enjoy it original pristine splendor! We who are believers continue to wait for that day!

See you tomorrow!

Day 54

Verses to ponder...Romans 8:26-30

We groan as God's followers because this place is not our home (we're just passing through!). Because our final destination is heaven, while we are on this earth we still struggle (as we've said countless times before) with things because of our old nature.

One such area where we struggle is with the providence of God. We looked at God's providence some time ago when we considered Joseph. Paul too addresses God's providence here in chapter 8.

Today let's consider why we struggle with God's providence.

1. Paul tells us this actually in verse seven. In plain English he says that we want our own way, not anyone else's. This causes us to be set against God and His plan for us.

2. In our old nature (the flesh) we fear losing control over our lives and becoming subject to a plan that is of His design. We don't mind the benefits of the new life, but we sometimes lack the courage to face the groans.

3. We struggle with pride. God knows we are weak and totally dependant upon Him. It's too bad that there are times when we cannot admit this to ourselves and others.

Today thank God for His divine hand that He holds us in and also for His sovereignty.

Tomorrow we'll look at what we tend to forget about sovereignty.

Have a great Wednesday!

Day 55

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:26-30

Do you ever have problems remembering things? Forgetfulness is not a product of old age as once thought. It is a product of an overly busy life! Sometimes we just need to stop and think to help us refocus.

So let's do some refocusing about God's providence, shall we? When we are tempted to question God's control over our lives, we need to remember two important truths.

First, you and I tend to focus on the immediate while God's focus is on the ultimate. We see our lives as complex puzzles with numerous pieces. When we try to put our lives together we become frustrated. As the frustration comes we also become confused. Here's the perspective we need; understand that we cannot see how the varied pieces go together because we are limited in knowledge and lacking in perspective. We don't know what the final picture will look like. But God sees the picture. This is what I want you to remember... What we see as out of place and uncalled for is not so from God's perspective. Hold on to this as you see all of those puzzle pieces.

Second, our knowledge is limited, but God's is unlimited. Our knowledge will always be subject to correction and growth. God knows all of the details because His knowledge is complete, as well as perfect.

Thank God today that He knows all and that nothing takes Him by surprise.

Day 56

Verses to ponder... Romans 8:26-30

Have you ever heard someone say "this is God's will for _________ . We flippantly spew this words sometimes to justify our wants, escape a reality of some sort, or to rationalize a personal decision. But is it really God's will? How do we know? God's will includes His providence. As we can see we are limited in comprehending or understanding it for that matter. The only way we could ever have a complete grasp of God's will would be if we were able to become infinite. It's frustrating to try and know something in our limited capacity that is totally unlimited.

Our text however gives us some insight to help us as we grapple with God's will. Today we'll look at the promise that is contained here. I point you to verse 28 and want you to notice four things.

1. The promise is to be claimed, not ignored.

Key on the word "know". What it really means here is to have unshakable, absolute confidence. So, embrace it and make it a vital part of your daily life.

2. This project is God's rather than ours.

Key on the words "God causes all things to work together". This helps us to see that the Lord is using everything that enters our lives to work together for our best interest.

3. This plan is total rather than partial

Key on the words "all things". There are times in my life, as I am sure there are times in your life when we just cannot put everything together. We don't even see how some things in our lives can be profitable for us. But as we said earlier in the week, God knows everything and sees everything clearly. Just remember when you don't understand, He does!

4. The purpose is for good, not evil.