THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12:3-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6) In the human body, every part of the body has a task, something to offer. This is true in the church body too, but it does not always seem this way. I know people in the…
The gift of faith?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12:3-8 “Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:8) Paul seems to suggest that we all have different amounts of faith. In 1 Corinthians 12:9 Paul says that faith is a gift that some people receive. Some people say that ALL faith…
What motivates me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12:1-2 “In view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” (Romans 12:1) A sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and tears (Luke 7:36-50). This woman is a sinner (prostitute?), perfume was for her work, a huge sacrifice. Knowing how Jesus treated sinful women (John 8), this woman was…
More than conquerors!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:31-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) As a kid I remember watching the cartoon, ‘He-Man, Master of the Universe’. Super strong (ripped with muscles), super good, and always brave. Now THAT is a conqueror! Its cool that Paul calls us…
Trusting His plan
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:28-30 “In all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28) A verse people love to quote to others, a verse people hate to hear. ‘How can my rape, my divorce, my tragedy, etc. be good, from God?’ ‘If this is how God treats those He loves, I’d…
Spirit-induced groaning!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:26-27 “The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (Romans 8:26) When you are sick, are you quiet, or do you tend to groan out loud? I admit it, I am a groaner, every move I make includes some kind of audible moan. My wife calls me on it sometime, asking…
First signs of spring!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:18-25 “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19) Through the long, cold winter, we wait in eager expectation for the signs of spring to appear. As the air gets slightly warmer, the days get slightly longer… maybe we spot a Robin! Winter…
He speaks to me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:12-17 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16) I have never actually heard an audible spiritual voice. Some people talk about hearing God as if it was a clear voice – not me. But I do hear the Voice of Jesus all the time, with…
‘God’s Positioning System’ (GPS)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:5-11 “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) My mind is like a butterfly, it does not follow a clear flight plan. At any given moment I am thinking about life, chocolate, a pain in my left foot,…
TTTHHHRUSTTT!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:1-4 “The law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2) The movie “Chicken Run” about desperate hens doomed for pot pies eager to fly the coup. Their problem, according to their resident science geek, is they lack TTTHHHRUSTTT! This is…