Monthly Archives: April 2014

2014 Day 100 – Acts 22

10 Thursday Apr 2014

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In today’s reading Paul is given the opportunity to give his testimony to the people who want him dead. And while it is a beautiful recollection of how God transformed him from a persecutor of believers to a follower and preacher of Christ, in the end, the people still wanted him dead. The lesson for us is this: We are not here to be loved by people, but to be obedient and loved by God. It is not our job to be make ourselves pretty in the eyes of the world. It is our job to speak and live according to the truth of the gospel of Christ. God, the creator of the universe, is more than capable of changing hearts and mind about who He is and He will do so according to His timing and will.

2014 Day 99 – Acts 21

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

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Today we are back in the book of Acts and so much is going on with Paul in this chapter. The Jews are very unhappy with Paul because he is challenging their belief in the Law as the absolute solution to a righteous life. Paul is unwavering and courageous in preaching the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, but pays for it dearly as they beat him and try to take his life. The key learning today for me is knowing that sometimes doing what is expected by God may lead to doing things that are against what others believe. We are not to go around picking fights, but there are things which even the modern church calls “holy” which should be questioned and shouldn’t be part of our doctrine as believers in the saving grace of Christ’s blood. We must remember to only make holy things holy and the rest needs to be discarded as nothing more than distractions that keep us from a authentic relationship with Jesus.

2014 Day 98 – Romans 16

08 Tuesday Apr 2014

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We end the book of Romans with Paul sending out greetings and some final instructions. While Paul is an obvious authority to the audience of this letter, he is very deliberate in giving God all of the glory. In the final verse of the book, Paul says in Romans 16:27, to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. There was never any doubt to Paul or the readers of this letter as to who deserved the glory. Let us use this example in how we conduct our lives; to give God the glory for everything we do and everything we have.

2014 Day 97 – Romans 15

07 Monday Apr 2014

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Joy, Hope, and Peace are all things God wants for us. They are not always easy to have in our lives depending on our circumstances, but through the Holy Spirit we are capable of not only having enough for us, but to overflow to others. Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has power which is sufficient to sustain us and to overflow through us to others. Let us all strive to be a vessel that is filled with Joy and Peace that gives hope to others through Him.

2014 Day 96 – David Tyree: New York Giants

06 Sunday Apr 2014

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Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge New York Giants fan. In my opinion, one of the greatest Super Bowls I have ever witnessed was 2007 when the New England Patriots were the heavily favorited and undefeated opponent. In the game, David Tyree made an unbelievable catch to keep the game alive and eventually allow the Giants to win. No one ever had any idea of the struggles he was experiencing personally, but through God’s grace he was restored to a relationship with Christ.

 

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2014 Day 95 – Romans 14

05 Saturday Apr 2014

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Too many people feel the need to dictate what is right or wrong outside of God’s word. We need to worry less about what we think is wrong in other people’s lives and concentrate more on making sure our lives are not a source of struggle to others. Romans 14:13 says, Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. We should worry more about being a source of encouragement to others more than a source of criticism and judgement. 

2014 Day 94 – Romans 13

04 Friday Apr 2014

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Many times when people talk about debt, they talk in terms of finances. But in Romans 13:7, it is talked about in much broader terms, Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. No matter how we may feel about someone personally, we should never owe anyone anything. Withholding what someone either deserves or is owed is wrong. Respect and honor, when withheld, is debt. And all debts must be paid.

2014 Day 93 – Romans 12

03 Thursday Apr 2014

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Doing what is right, especially forgiveness, is tough sometimes. It involves both action and attitude. Romans 12:21 says, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When we find it difficult to forgive others for their actions, it is important to remember how much we were forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. Always remember we can not allow evil to control us. Instead we must control evil through the goodness Christ showed us first.

2014 Day 92 – Romans 11

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

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In the final verse of today’s chapter, Paul says in Romans 11:36, For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. We are all fully dependent on God whether we like to admit it or not. When we feel as though we have it under control, it is really under His control. God is the sustainer and the power that rules over this world for His glory and he deserves our praise.

2014 Day 91 – Romans 10

01 Tuesday Apr 2014

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God delights in our obedience. He loves it when we look to Him for guidance and prompting to serve others in His name. Romans 10:15 says, And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” While we have said this before, that God does not need us, He wants to include us in the fulfillment of His perfect plan. When we are faithful to listen and be led by God, He delights in us. To me, this is a beautiful picture of God, our loving Father, being proud of His children. There is no better picture.