SCRIPTURE: Romans 3:1-4:25 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. (Romans 3:28) Paul is saying God accepts us for our open hearts (faith), not for our good deeds (works). When God finally reveals Himself to someone, their true heart condition is revealed. Non-religious people I know are…
Author: Norm
God knows my heart
I will look at Romans 1:1-2:29 today, and Romans 3:1-4:25 tomorrow. SCRIPTURE: Romans 1:1-2:29 “God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.” (Romans 2:2) God is not unfair, mean or extremely picky about our sins and failures. God knows what is going on in our hearts, the good, the bad and the ugly. We tend…
Jesus sees me too
SCRIPTURE: John 19:16-27 “Near the cross of Jesus…” (John 19:25) What would have been doing if you had been near the cross? Fighting over His claims to be king? Gambling for His clothes? Watching with curiosity, or disinterest, or anger, or sadness? Jesus sees all those around Him, and He loves them. Jesus sees His mother, and…
Vote for Jesus!
SCRIPTURE: John 19:12-16 “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15) The religious leaders are pledging loyalty to Caesar. Many religious leaders in Nazi Germany did the same to Hitler. What about religious leaders that side with political leaders today? Christians should be political (i.e. involved in societal concerns). But should they be loyal to political leaders…
What kind of leader am I?
SCRIPTURE: John 19:1-11 “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 1:11) In Genesis 1, God puts humans in charge of the world. The kingdom of God is this world under humans submitted to God. Anyone with a position of authority or responsibility is a God-appointed leader. According to…
Am I open to the truth?
SCRIPTURE: John 18:37-40 “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37) I know someone who has concluded that there is no God. This after years of believing, and even experiencing God, by their own admission. It is no coincidence that this corresponds with a change in lifestyle. Without belief in God, he is free…
You are a gift!
Keep looking up!!!!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 121 “He will not let your foot slip…” (Psalm 121:3) A song for the pilgrims working up the slopes to Jerusalem. An encouragement for those seeking God, desiring to know and serve Him. Keep your eyes forward, or ‘keep looking up!’ Don’t let distractions or disturbances along the way sidetrack you. Not slipping doesn’t mean…
Who moved?
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 1:1-4:6 “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Malachi 3:6) Many people are disappointed in their relationship with God. God seems distant, unresponsive, uninvolved in the struggles of their lives. Sometimes – not always – it can be because we are holding back from God. This is what Malachi is pointing out, that…
Focusing on our Spirit potential!
Today’s readings will be divided, Haggai today and Malachi tomorrow. SCRIPTURE: Haggai 1:1-2:23 “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:5) Haggai describes a revival among God’s people. Their spirits have been stirred for God’s kingdom agenda. But the results are not what they hoped. God urges them to be encouraged, to stay strong, for…