Category: Daily Devotionals

THE BEGINNING OF ELECTION

Not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “through Isaac shall your offspring be named.”  Romans 9:7-8

         Jewish history began with election.  Abraham did not go looking for God.  God came looking for him.  There was no possible way for Abraham to find God without God’s intervention.  He lived in Ur, a place where everyone worshipped idols.  No one there had ever heard of the true God.  Abraham’s entire generational ancestry practiced paganism.  Who could witness to him?

         God came looking for him and called him out from his family and his land.  He was to leave his family’s idols, go with God, and never look back.  Sounds like salvation, doesn’t it?   Continue reading “The Beginning Of Election” →

ELECTION

Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.  This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.  Romans 9:7-8

         I’ve known this major section of Romans was coming.  Of all passages in scripture, Romans 9-11 are the most difficult to understand.  Election, God’s choosing some to be His children and passing over others, is a huge stumbling block to many believers.  This is the very teaching that causes a breach in their relationship with God.  They rise up in judgment rather than seek understanding.

         The Holy Spirit will help each of us understand His Word.  I don’t know how He will do it except I’m counting on His faithfulness.  Just as we’ve taken the first section of Romans verse by verse, we will jump into this section one verse at a time as well.  I need your prayers and want to assure you that you have my prayers as you learn along with me.

         If you have kept God at arm’s length because the doctrine of election appears to be unloving, I pray that these next weeks will vindicate the justice of God in how He chooses to act.  Continue reading “Election” →

THE TRUE TEST

It is not as though the Word of God has failed.  For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring.  Romans 9:6-7

         Supposedly, 85% of all Americans call themselves Christians.  Sadly, many are not according to the definition of a Christian in biblical terms.

         The Jewish people, as a whole, call themselves Jews and sons of Abraham.  Sadly, most are not according to the definition of a ‘true Jew’ in biblical terms. Continue reading “The True Test” →

IS “IT” THE PROBLEM?

But it is not as though the word of God has failed.  Romans 9:6

         When those we love have heard the words of Jesus read to them and still exhibit unbelief, what is the problem?  Is it the Word of God that is ineffective or is it the depth of their unbelief?  I can jump to the right answer, as though it were on a test, and say that the Word of God is never ineffective but the inconsistency is not lost on me here.

         It wasn’t until 2009 that the light of truth about this very issue broke through to my heart.  Until then, I wrestled and self-condemned.  Continue reading “Is “It” The Problem?” →

 ANGUISH

I am speaking the truth in Christ – I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit – that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  Romans 9:1-2

Anguish is not a word to throw around carelessly.  Used too much by someone who loves drama, this person finds themselves in a position like the man who cried ‘wolf’ too many times.  When he really did encounter the wolf, no one believed him so help never came.  Words like anguish should be used sparingly. Continue reading “Anguish” →

PRAYER AND WEAKNESS

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  Romans 8:26

         It is not a sin to be weak.  Weakness is a human condition.  Frailty plagues the most righteous man or woman, especially when in the midst of suffering.  Quickly, every one of us loses our spiritual perspective.  Our prayers reflect this. Continue reading “Prayer and Weakness” →

ARE WE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD?

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  Roman 8:14

         Isn’t everyone who lives on planet earth God’s child?  Many think so and refer to the human race as children of God.  It is a warm, fuzzy concept that usually expands to include the belief that angels are all around and are sent to protect us.  The biblical truth is that everyone who lives on planet earth is God’s creation but not necessarily His child.  The dividing line is what one does with Jesus.

In John 8, Jesus tells a few Jewish people, including leaders, that the only ones who were really disciples were the ones who followed His teachings.  Those who didn’t accept Him as the Messiah and follow His teaching were slaves of sin.  The Jews were indignant, insisting that they were related to Abraham and were not slaves to anyone.  Oh, how blindness snares us all.   They had been slaves of many nations during their long history.  Even while they were saying this to Jesus, they were under the domination and authority of the Roman Empire.  Pride does blind us! Continue reading “Are We All Children Of God?” →

MY FUEL OF CHOICE

But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  Romans 8: 10

         I’ve been up a while praying.  Convicted.  Aware that something is out of sync and asking God to counsel me and show me.  After feeling that I heard Him speak to my spirit, He urged me to get up and go to the next verse in my Romans journey.  He assured me that my ‘bread’ would be there.  I couldn’t imagine how, knowing the subject matter of my prayer and the perceived subject matter of Romans 8.  But here I am; humbled and in awe before my Father that, once again, He has gone ahead of me and prepared the spiritual meal.  He knew that the instruction He gave in prayer would be confirmed by His Word.

I was up praying about the incredible pressures I am facing all around me, both wonderful and awful. I have before me a new incredible opportunity for ministry but that venture alone could completely dominate my time.  Added to that are the pressures that come with walking on the front lines of battle.  In prayer, I cried out for clear vision about how to walk these days.  God’s message was clear and may only have been for me.  But in case it was also for you, I share it. Continue reading “My Fuel Of Choice” →

THE LIVING DEAD

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

         So many emails came yesterday that it wasn’t possible to respond to each of you.  I was so touched and encouraged that yesterday’s devotional hit a nerve.  I am so impressed by the spiritual depth and maturity of this devotional family.  You truly are eager for solid spiritual food.  Some of your notes were challenging; asking me questions to further clarify what I believe I’m learning.  Thank you!

I’ve got my feet set in this new direction.  Those who live according to the flesh are unbelievers.  Those who live according to the Spirit are God’s children.  The reason I believe God led me to this conclusion is through the phrase “setting your mind”. Continue reading “THE LIVING DEAD” →

FULLY ALIVE TO GRACE 

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:2 

         Larry Crabb, the author of many Christian books, tells the story of getting a ticket while driving through his neighborhood one evening.  The speed limit was 25 mph and he was clocked at 29 mph.  Larry, while watching the police officer write up his ticket, admitted being more than irked.  Who gets a ticket for going less than five mph over the speed limit!  He told the officer just that but the policeman calmly replied, “But what was the speed limit?”  “Twenty-five”, Larry muttered.

With the ticket in his hand, he drove home.  And he was angry.  He said to himself, with disgust, “What’s the big deal!  I was just going 29 mph.”   Continue reading “Fully Alive To Grace” →