Day 491: There Is No Peace Without GraceRomans 1:7b
Grace and peace to you...
Thoughts for Today:Grace and peace are a part of the formal introduction in all of Paul's letters. Grace or "charis" is the Gentile (non-Jewish) form of greeting, and "peace" or "shalom" is the Jewish form of greeting. Paul linked these two together and he always put them in the same order. I think he did so because he knew man would never experience peace unless he understood grace first.

If we try to be holy or more deserving of God's blessing our Christian lives will lack peace. But if we understand "grace" -- that God blesses us unconditionally -- then we'll stop trying to earn His blessing and we will have "peace".

My daughter Natalie is one of those over-achiever kind of people (we are alike in that way). When she was little if I asked her to read a chapter of a book she would read two. If I asked her to put away her clothes, she would open her drawer and decide it could be better organized -- then reorganize the whole dresser full of clothes. She always gave me more than I asked. She is 27 now and her desire to "do more than asked" has served her well in all areas of her life and as a result, she is a very successful business person. Not long ago, we had one of those heart to heart talks and I told her for the hundred thousandth time how proud I was of her. She melted and said, "That's all I've ever wanted -- for you to be proud of me. That's why I always try so hard." I said, "You know Natalie, I would be proud of you no matter what you did because I love you." She said, "I know, but I like to see you smile and when I do well it makes you so happy!"

I think Natalie's comment pretty well sums up my relationship with the Lord; I do the things I do, not because I'm trying to earn anything -- I already have the Lord's love. I serve the Lord because it makes Him smile and that's all I really want in life: "Well done good and faithful servant".
Questions to Ponder:If you don't have peace in your life, then perhaps you should take a good look at your thoughts and beliefs about grace. Do you feel guilty? Are you deserving of punishment? Are you unworthy? None of us deserves anything except the most severe punishment for our sins. All of us are guilty, all deserve punishment, none are worthy. What makes your sin any worse than the rest of ours? We all need God's grace and we don't need to earn it -- the only thing we need to do is accept it. I am living under grace, are you? Does your life express it?

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Day 490: The Source of Saintly LoveRomans 1:7a
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints...
Thoughts for Today:The words "to be" were not contained in the original manuscript. Therefore this passage should read "called saints", not "called to be saints". You might say, "Wait a minute, I'm no saint." A saint is not one who, as the dictionary defines: "after death is formally designated as having led a life of exceptional holiness." Rather the Biblical definition is anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as his or her personal savior. It is not your behavior that makes you a saint; it is your faith and trust in Jesus.

Our passage today starts with the words: "To all in Rome who are loved by God". What a wonderful beginning point -- to be loved by God. 1 John 4:19 tells us, "We love because he first loved us." Christian musician Cheri Keaggy wrote about her album released in 2007: "I wanted to call the album, 'Because He First Loved Us', because it's solid. It's the whole reason I sing. I believe I John 4:19 is a verse that resonates with the Church. We know the world is watching to see if this religion thing is real. How do we treat each other? Does our faith repel the lost or does it attract them to Jesus? Do we love unselfishly even when it's not convenient or easy? Christ did. And He empowers us to do the same."

For me that's what "being a saint" means: Loving even when it's difficult or inconvenient -- not because I'm a great person, but because He loved me first and empowers me to do the same. Well said Cheri.
Questions to Ponder:We are called saints but is our behavior saintly? Is God's love for us fully expressed in our lives? It is easy to love our family and friends, but what about that irritating co-worker who sits across from you, who is always on the phone with personal matters while you're hard at work? And how about the guy who stole the parking spot you were waiting for at the grocery store -- then laughed at you? How easy are those people to love? If you are anything like me -- they are hard to love. But God calls us to love them anyway because He loved us first. He loved me despite all of my faults; I guess I could try a little harder to love others. What about you?

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​Day 489: Belonging by FollowingRomans 1:6
And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Thoughts for Today:So who are the ones "who are called"? Those who hear Jesus' voice and follow Him.

The other day my wife asked me if I knew the name of a woman at church. She described where she sat last Sunday, who she was with, and even a detailed physical description -- I still couldn't help her out. Then she said -- she has a very distinctive laugh -- I knew exactly who she was talking about. Often times we are more identifiable by our behavior than any other characteristic.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Just because someone is called doesn't mean they follow or belong to Jesus. Hearing is not enough -- we also must follow. It is our behavior -- following Jesus -- which demonstrates who we belong to. Our identity is proven by what we do.
Questions to Ponder:Would someone know by your behavior who you belong to? When under pressure, is it as clear? At a golf tournament recently a man shouted a profanity, and then apologized to Pastor Ty. (I guess he felt that Pastor Ty was more "holy" than the rest of us so we wouldn't be as offended.) Ty responded by saying, "The soul is like a sponge, when squeezed -- whatever is in it comes out." Do you profess to follow Jesus, but when squeezed your behavior indicates something else? What area of your life needs some work to reflect who you belong to?

Day 488: I Knew You Would Come For MeRomans 1:5b
...to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.
Thoughts for Today:Several years ago when Amanda was four, I took her shopping with me to buy a birthday gift for her mother. Amanda just loved to go to Nordstrom's and play hide n' seek among all the racks of clothes. This time however, we had a limited amount of time to shop, so I was not in the mood for any tomfoolery. I instructed her to stay right by my side. As I looked over the various displays of the latest fashions I felt like a deer caught in the headlights of on-coming traffic -- paralyzed and mesmerized by the myriad choices -- unable to think or even move. Finally Amanda's impatient tug upon my hand broke the trance. "Daddy," she said "I think Mommy would like this," as she held up a blouse my wife would surely hate. Able to focus on the task at hand once again, I responded, "Maybe -- but let's find some other things she might like also." Within a few minutes I was able to find some more suitable choices, however when I looked up to show Amanda, she was gone.

Those of you who are parents know how I felt at that particular moment -- rapidly rising panic is the best description. I frantically searched all around my shopping area calling her name -- then throughout the department. I began asking everyone I could find if they had seen a little blond haired girl. The clock ticked in my head as I remembered the latest television special on child abductions which said a parent only had three minutes to find their child. I sprinted to the nearest exit with my imagination running wild. The next ten minutes were the longest of my life -- then I heard my name called over the public address system, asking me to return to the Women's Department. Once there, relief swept over me as I saw my little girl sitting on top of the counter, happily chatting with the sales girl.

Amanda and I both learned a lot from that experience. Later after we talked through all of the important stuff, I asked her, "Amanda, were you afraid when you found out you were all alone?" She answered, "A little, but I knew you would come for me." That choked me up; I hugged her tight and told her I would always come for her. Amanda had faith in me that day because she knew I loved her and believed I would come for her -- no matter what. Just because she was disobedient didn't mean I wouldn't turn Nordstrom's upside down looking for her.

Paul tells us in our passage today that obedience comes from faith. In other words, we obey Jesus because we believe in Him. Conversely, if we succumb to our sinful nature and don't obey Him -- does that mean we don't have faith? I don't think so, and I don't think it is Paul's point. Rather, Paul is telling us our faith in Jesus would in turn strengthen our obedience. Our obedience reflects who we belong to.
Questions to Ponder:My obedience to Jesus is strengthened because I believe He is the author of Creation, the Redeemer, and my Savior. He alone deserves my worship and praise. I believe on that day I come before the Lord -- naked except for my chains of sin -- Jesus will come for me -- He will stand before the God and claim me as His. That is such a great sense of relief -- knowing my Lord will come for me. In my experience with Amanda I can honestly say her faith in me was strengthened that day as well as her willingness to obey my instructions. If faith were a scale from one to ten, where would you be? What doubts do you need to remove to strengthen your faith? What does the Bible say about faith?

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​Day 486: A view to the horizonRomans 1:3b-4
...who as to his human nature was a descendant of David and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thoughts for Today:The resurrection did not make Jesus the Son of God -- it revealed His identity and proved His claims. John 8:23, Jesus speaking, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." Therefore Jesus was 100% God, but He was also 100% man ("who as to His human nature was a descendant [seed or sperm, KJV] of David").

The next part of our passage today contains the word "declared" which comes from the Greek word "horizo", and is the source of our English word "horizon". I find it a little easier to understand this passage when it is written this way: "...who through the Spirit of holiness was horizoned out to be with power, the Son of God..."

A few years ago I took my wife Sherry and daughter Amanda with me to a business conference in Washington DC. After the conclusion of the conference, the three of us spent several days sight-seeing. On one particular day Amanda was having trouble with our present location in relationship to where we had been and where we were going. So we took an elevator to the rooftop of a nearby building to gain a better perspective. As I pointed out the various landmarks, Amanda's eyes widened as she understood -- we looked behind us to see where we had been -- then out to the horizon for our next destination.

I think that is a big part of what Paul is explaining to us in our passage today -- if we look at Jesus with His resurrection on the horizon we gain a heavenly perspective. It is a lot easier to understand the prophecies of the Old Testament (Romans 1:2), His life while on this earth (His humanity), and ultimately the power in His resurrection (His proof of divinity).
Questions to Ponder:Sometimes we all get lost in the day to day business of life. Occasionally, when we lose our sense of direction, we have to rise above all problems, stress and activity for a heavenly vision - where we're headed. Makes sure what will happen now much less significant when viewed from an eternal perspective. Have you been guilty of losing your perspective? I know I have from time to time. What does it take to get you back on track, to clear his head, and clarify its meaning and purpose?

​Day 485: Jesus is all we've hadRomans 1:2-3
the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David,
Thoughts for Today:Buried in these verses is the Greek preposition "peri" (translated as: on). Is the definition of the origin of our English words and perimeter periscope, and means - "that surrounds". In the context of our passage today, Paul is telling us through the Bible (especially the Old Testament), is all about Jesus. It was written about him and for him. He surrounds it and around it. But do not stop there. The Bible is also called the Book of Life - so life is all about Jesus too. Paul writes about this in Colossians 1:15-16 describes the supremacy of Christ: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things were created. Things in heaven and on earth , visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things were created through him and for him. "

I got a call this morning from a man whose life is a mess. Work, marriage and finances are a mess. He and his wife are now living apart. He said: "I'm tired. I've made ​​a mess of my life. The only thing I have left is Jesus." I said, "Jesus is all I've ever had! Also all you'll ever need." Then I quoted Colossians 1:19-20: "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross . 'If you need a little peace - one called Jesus.
Questions to Ponder:Need some peace in your life? Need a break from the pressure? These days it seems that problems capitalization - Revenue is going down, the bills are increasing, children are disobedient, and financing plans we build our lives on going up in smoke. All this goes to prove one thing: It was never the "real security" from the beginning. Everything I've had is Jesus. Do not miss out on your battles throughout the material.

​Day 482: Who Did the Sending?Romans 1:1c
...to be an apostle...
Thoughts for Today:The word "apostle" from our passage today means "one who is sent out". For example, in Jeremiah 1:6-7 the Lord chose Jeremiah to be a prophet when he was just a young man, "Then I said, 'Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am a youth," because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.' "

Whether it is a prophet or an apostle, the Lord chooses us -- we do not choose ourselves for the role. God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet and He chose Paul to be an apostle. Later, in Jeremiah 23:32 the Lord spoke about false prophets: "Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit."

Today, we might question whether an apostle, prophet, or pastor comes into our lives because he or she is from the Lord -- with God's power and authority -- or of his or her own accord. Unfortunately there are too many in the ministry today who were not called or sent by God. So how do we know the difference? I think the answer is in the last phrase of Jeremiah 23:32, "...nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit." In other words, "They are in it for their own gain and as a result, lives are ruined by their falsehoods and reckless boasting." Once again, how do we know whether an apostle is sent by God or not? By the fruit. Disaster or salvation.
Questions to Ponder:Have you been led astray? Did you miss the signs or ignore them? Were you told what you wanted to hear? For example, I personally have a problem with "prosperity teaching -- the name it and claim it philosophy" because by itself it is incomplete. To guard against being led astray by false or incomplete teachings, we would be well served to always place the authority of the written Word of God over the opinions of men. When listening to men, always ask: "Where is that in the Bible?"

Day 479: Today We Begin Paul's Letter to the RomansRomans
Introduction to the Epistle of Romans
Thoughts for Today:Many years ago when I first became a Christian, my pastor at the time Jeff Walling (the man who led me to Christ) instructed, "The Epistle of Romans is perhaps the greatest book of the Bible and most complete presentation of the Gospel message -- you would do well to memorize it." Martin Luther once wrote about Romans, "...the true masterpiece of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, which is well worthy and deserving that a Christian man should not only learn it by heart, word for word, but also that he should daily deal with it as the daily bread of men's souls. It can never be too much or too well read or studied; and the more it is handled, the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes." Seventy-five percent of Bible teachers said that if they could teach from just one book, it would be Romans.

John Chrysostom, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley -- all led church revivals which changed history. What Book of the Bible influenced them most? That's right Romans! Chuck Smith was teaching through the Book of Romans in a Foursquare Church, when he realized he could throw off the yoke of religiosity. His life was changed and the "born again" revival of the 70's began. Calvary Chapel went from a little 25 person church in Costa Mesa to one of the fastest growing churches of all time, which now numbers in the tens of thousands. When Romans is read and studied, revivals follow. The law of religion demands: "Take responsibility, follow these rules." But a relationship with the Lord says: "Just respond, the work is done, the price has been paid." By responding to the Lord we'll always do more than we could ever do under the pressure of religion.

To say I am excited to begin our study would be an understatement! Thank you for joining me in the weeks and months ahead as we examine the teaching of Romans and look for ways to apply these principles to daily living.
Questions to Ponder:My pastor (Dr. Tyler Guy) and I challenged each other to memorize the 12th chapter of Romans in two weeks -- we both succeeded. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to know a complete chapter by heart. The instruction and application of Scripture is simply priceless. If you commit to memorizing scripture, Romans is a worthy place to start. Has your Christian life become a little dull lately? Perhaps it is time for revival.

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​Day 477: What Does it Take to Get Motivated?Acts 28:28-29
"Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!" After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.
Thoughts for Today:We've been going through a bit of a spring cleaning in my household recently. A conversation I hear regularly between my wife Sherry and my daughter Amanda goes something like this:

Sherry: "You haven't played with this for months -- I think it's time we give this to someone who will."
Amanda: "But Mommy, that's my favorite _________ (fill in the blank -- stuffed animal, game, toy, etc)."

Sherry: "This shirt is too small for you."
Amanda: "But Mommy, I still can use it as a night shirt -- right?"

It can be so hard to pry our old stuff out of our hands -- unless we've got something new and better to replace it.

I'm sure the Jews from our passage today were a little like Amanda. They felt really comfortable with the way things were and had little motivation to change. They liked what they had -- being a Jew was more than following God, it was a lifestyle, a cultural identity -- one they didn't want to lose or share with anyone. However, just like Sherry and Amanda's spring cleaning discussion, the focus shouldn't have been as much on what was being given up as the room being created for something new. God's plan for salvation had been delivered in the person of His Son Jesus, but many of the Jews were leaving this amazing gift still wrapped at the front door because they didn't want to give up their old ways.
Questions to Ponder:I really love being around new Christians. Their enthusiasm and joy is unsurpassed. Knowing that God came to live for us, to sacrifice His life for us, and that our sin is forgiven is really Good News! For those of us who have been Christians for a long time, being with them is a great place to be. It helps us to keep things in the proper perspective. I don't ever want to be like the Jews from our passage today, more caught up in the trappings of Christianity and the lifestyle than the new creation I've become and continue to become in Christ Jesus. What about you? Have you lost a little of your old vigor for the Lord? What has changed? Is it time to do a little spring cleaning on some old thoughts and ideas? How much time are you spending in the Word? When I was a new Christian I read the Bible every chance I had. Whenever I feel my enthusiasm waning a bit, I always go back to the Word. It always reignites my fire for the Lord. Are you in need of a little renewal, inspiration or motivation? It's simple -- just read the Word.