Good Morning “Once Children”.  Dig into the Love chapter - 1 Corinthians 13 today.  

Paul begins this chapter by reminding us, without love we have nothing - we are nothing.  He continues defining true sacrificial, agape, Jesus like love?  Do we love well?  A simple exercise gives us a clue.  Simply substitute your name for “love” when reading this passage, let the Holy Spirit convict.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Anything prick your heart as you read that?  “Hmmm, I’m NOT very patient…  Sometimes I envy other dudes shinny things…”

It’s even more interesting that after Paul gives us some definers regarding love, he hits us with this…

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It seems that Spiritual maturity has to do with figuring this love thing out.  It actually makes sense if you think about it.  God is the source of REAL love!  1 John 4:8. Apart from Him there is no love!  As we press in to Him and grow in our relationship with Him we experience more of His love.  It’s His love overflowing though us that enables us to love our neighbor as ourself… especially those that are tough to love. The two greatest commandments summing up the whole of the law: Love God with all you got!  Love you neighbor as yourself!  Notice the order.  The 2nd is impossible without the first!  

Love you all!  Grow up in Him! Dig in for yourself and Love Em Like Jesus.

Good Morning “Spiritually Gifted”.  Today we are in 1 Corinthians 12.

At the time of salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit.  “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We also receive Spiritual Gifts - manifestations of the Holy Spirit in us.  We are given gifts specifically to serve within The Body.  Spiritual Gifts vary, not everyone has the same gifts.  As each one of us use our gifts to serve within the Body of Believers, the Body functions as a whole.  Paul lists a few here, but more are listed other places in Scripture. Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11

Do you know your gifts?  If you do, jump in and get involved.  If you don’t, jump in and get involved.  Soon you will see and others will begin to notice and help you understand where you are gifted.

The expectation is that we use the gifts we are given and that we work to develop areas we are not necessarily gifted.  Let me give you an example.  Not everyone has the gift of mercy, but we are all expected to “Be merciful…” (Luke 6:36).  Not everyone has the gift of evangelism, but we are all expected to “Go and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19-20)

A body has many parts that make up the whole.  If one part isn’t working the body struggles.  Then roles or parts end up filled by those not necessarily gifted in those areas.  Some are gifted administrators but without them the church books would be a mess, the bulletin unreadable, no clue who’s actually registered for camp… that is - if I had to handle it.  

There is nothing we have that we have not been given.  Every opportunity, all of our talents, any wisdom or knowledge, our health and energy and yes our spiritual gifts all come from the Lord (Acts 17:25)! For what purpose?  Growing the kingdom… that’s it.  Not for our glory but His!  What are your gifts, and how are you using them within the body?  If you’re not… someone is trying to pick up the slack.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Role Followers.” Today we are in 1 Corinthians 11.

In this chapter Paul continues to address some of the struggles the Corinthian church was having.  After sin entered the world, a part of the punishment or curse to mankind was that “the woman’s desire will always be for her husband.”  Genesis 3:16  This does not mean what you may think it means.  Simply put, the woman will always desire her husbands role.  She will naturally seek to be the leader, in the home, in society, in church etc.  This is especially problematic when man is naturally passive.  He stands by, does nothing, and then the woman fills the void.  This is exactly what happened when the serpent came to Eve in the Garden in Genesis 3.  

Gods design is clear regarding roles.  Neither is more important, neither inferior to the other - just different.  The church in Corinth was having a problem with this so Paul addresses it:

“But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At this time it was customary for women to cover their heads with a veil to show submission to her husband - “her head”.  This was especially the case during times of worship. Furthermore she kept her hair long - this gave glory to her husband.  The man on the contrary kept his head uncovered, hair short and gave glory and honor to “his head” - Christ.  When this was maintained the Corinthians reflected Gods design and creation both male and female - and demonstrated acceptance of their roles.  

Some in the Corinthian church were not adhering to this.  The women DID indeed desire the role given to man.  The suggestion is that some had so sought to reverse the roles God had assigned that women began to shave their heads, assuming attributes of a man, and some men began to grow their hair long assuming attributes of the women.  Their struggle was even deeper.  Some so desired the roles of the other that they actually desired to be the other.  

Church’s and religious leaders today, argue regarding this passage and its application for us.  Where should we land as a church.  It is generally accepted that men remove their hats when they pray and worship.  Women on the other hand can wear hats and generally wear their hair long.  

No matter where we land on this, a couple things are certain.  

1.  Because of the fall into sin, man will naturally be passive, and woman will naturally seek his role.  We have to be aware and fight against this daily.  Just look at your church, your home, your workplace, and consider - how many men step up to lead and how many women are filling the void?

2.  Feminism and even the trans movement had its roots LONG before our time (Deuteronomy 22:5).

Consider Gods design (Genesis 1:27) - it’s ALL Him and in the end that’s all that will matter.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Strong Under Temptation.”  Check out 1 Corinthians 10.

This chapter is jam packed!  Paul starts with warnings regarding sin and rebellion.  He uses Israel, Gods chosen, as an example.  Our world has attempted to make God into a God that never does anything that we deem bad - kind of God.  “My God would never…”

Let’s be clear, there is ONE God - The God of the Bible!  The Holy God of the Bible, must deal with sin. His character will not allow otherwise.  He will deal with it this life or the next.  If He didn’t spare Israel He won’t spare us. Only by Jesus is our sin payment paid (Romans 6:23)!  He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life… period (John 14:6)!  It’s all Him, by His Grace, NOTHING we do to deserve it (Ephesians 2:8-9)! We must only BELIEVE and RECEIVE it (John 1:12).  

Regarding sin… through the Holy Spirit in us we are strong enough to resist temptation (2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 5:16)!  Remember one of the fruit of The Spirit is self control (Galatians 5:22-23), but again we don’t experience the benefits of a relationship we are not in.  We MUST daily press in!

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭

We gotta fight!  Don’t be weak and take the easy way out!  Remember also, the way out Paul speaks of may involve using the brain He gave us!  Often the way out was offered way before we find ourself in the middle of the temptation!  Maybe it comes in the form of an invitation to do something else, long before you find yourself in the midst of the temptation.  We must make good choices, choices that set us up for success!  

Lastly Paul revisits this responsibility we have to lead well and warns against causing others to stumble by our sin.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in, know His Word so you can live and love by it!

Good Morning “Eye on The Prize”.  Today 1 Corinthians 9

Some argue all ministry positions should be volunteer positions.  Is it a conflict of interest for those who serve full time to be compensated by the body they serve?  Even Old Testament Priests were sustained and provided for through the sacrificial system.  Check out how Paul puts it in the first part of this chapter.

I party so I can reach the partier.  That’s Biblical right?  Paul became all things to all people that in so doing He might win some.  Does that mean he was a partaker in their sin? Absolutely not!  Paul took the time to understand their world, where they were coming from, and the struggles they have.  Ministry is messy.  It’s nearly impossible to do without getting involved.  “Doing life” with people requires getting into their lives.  That’s ministry that makes an impact. Paul got it!

He understood that getting close to people was not beneficial if he fell into their sin.  So he conditioned, and kept his body under control.  How?  The Word of God!  He knew there was a prize to receive at the end - “Well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)!  He kept his eye on the prize.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Some of us are hard to love, even impossible without The Love of Jesus.  As we press into Jesus, His love overflows through us (1 John 4:19). Keeping your eye on the big picture, the prize, keeps you focused on the race!  Heaven is your reward!  Keep your eyes focused on Him!  Love well!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Example Setters”.  Today we are in 1 Corinthians 8.

There were some in the Corinthian church that were still hanging on to false idols.  They even believed they somehow gained power from eating food first sacrificed to idols.  Others believed they were condemned for it.  Paul addresses this.  

There is one God - period.  What you eat does not defile you.  However if the reason you are eating is to pay honor to an idol, or you believe you are somehow gaining something from it - then for you it is sin.  

He gives a stern warning to us regarding those who are watching, or observing our example.  There may be those who are weaker that observe what we eat or drink, and as a result stumble. We bear responsibility if our eating or drinking contributes to their sin.

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”  1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬

This is a principle reiterated several places throughout Scripture in an even broader sense (Romans 14:21). The application becomes clear.  If anything I eat or drink, or anything I do has the potential to cause a younger or weaker Christian to stumble - I simply won’t do it. Their Spiritual condition is more important than my freedom.

This is huge!  Think of this in terms of our behavior, our language, and what we watch.  Drugs, alcohol, even our morality - and who may be watching.  Think of those who look on as we live, children, younger ones, other believers, NON BELIEVERS.  Do our actions point them to Jesus… or somewhere else?

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Someone is always watching! We reflect Jesus.  The expectation is - to reflect Him well (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Those Who Are or Will Be Married.” Today we are in 1 Corinthians 7.  

Some of you are not married yet, but most of you are… or definitely would like to be someday.  Check it out…

Paul helps us understand Gods expectations for us if we choose to marry someone.  Perhaps the toughest challenge we face - is keeping God first.  The one who is married is divided.  We are concerned about our wives / husbands, and families.  We should be, we are to care well for each other (Genesis 1:28, 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:8). On the other hand, the one that remains single can devote themselves fully to the work of the Lord.  

Think about how far we’ve come since Paul’s words to the Corinthian church.  Have you ever known anyone who chose to remain single so they could devote themselves fully to the work of The Lord?  

To be clear, he’s not talking about the world’s way of remaining single. Just dating, fooling around, living together, without entering into covenant marriage before God - is NOT it!  Paul’s also not just talking about priests, or church leadership here.  He’s talking regular people.  He’s giving us all, regular people - his recommendation.  Remain single and celibate (no sex) and so that you can serve The Lord fully… or if temptation is too much for you - marry.  Once married, stay married - that’s Gods best for us.

God first!  No matter what. There is nothing more important than our relationship with Jesus.  Even in marriage He must remain the center.  Covenantal marriage is between 3 people.  Husband, wife, and Jesus (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Together the 3 become 1 and what God has joined together let no one separate (Matthew 19:4-6).  With Christ the bond is inseparable.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out.

Good Morning “Temple Care Takers.”   Today we are in 1 Corinthians 6.

Nothing new under the sun. Although Paul is addressing issues within the Corinthian church - it’s as if he’s taking to us in our world today.  

Remember Jesus plea in the garden the night of His arrest?  He prayed that we might be unified as a body.  The Corinthians were dragging each other and thus Christ through the courts. He starts by addressing that.  Our application - we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ, - work it out (James 4:1-3)!!!

Then he moves on to addressing a whole basket full of sins. If Jesus showed up and wanted to hang out, what would you plan for the day?  Would you still do that?  Guess what?  He is! We are a the temple of The Living God - His Holy Spirit dwells in us (vs 19). When we sin in any way we drag the Holy Spirit with us. Sin is sin… but some are next level.  The worst - sins of the body (sexual sin).   All others are outside the body (vs 18).  

ANYTHING goes in our world today, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best God has for us!  That was the case then… it’s still the case today!

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s the expectation not the exception.  It’s expected that we will choose to honor Him with our whole lives Romans 12:1.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Standers for Righteousness”.  1 Corinthians 5 is a tough chapter in light of our world today!  

Check it out.  Paul is dealing with sin within the church. Particularly sexual sin. The church is not only giving approval to, but celebrating it.  This passage reminds me of Romans 1:18 - (Maybe review).

Let’s begin by reminding ourselves of Gods expectation.  Here are a few familiar verses.

“… Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

See also 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Ephesians 5:3.

Gods expectation is clear.  We should purpose to live our lives in a way that glorifies and honors Him.  We will likely always continue to stumble, but when our hearts are set on Him He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).  Furthermore, He gives us each other with purpose.  Part of that purpose is holding one another accountable.  Unrepentant sin must be dealt with.  He leaves it to us to do it, but first we must look in the mirror.  “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul speaks to the reality that celebrating sin does nothing to help spur the sinner on to repentance.  Ultimately this life will pass away - then we’ll give an account.  That should be our number one concern.

Pauls words here are much more harsh than mine.  His / The Lords demand for action much more severe. Check them out!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Faithful Recipients of Gods Grace.” Today we are in 1 Corinthians 4.

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God blesses us with all that we are and have.  ALL! The question is - what are we doing with it?  

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭

Our very salvation is initiated by God (John 6:44).  Then our growth in Jesus is also Grace, a gift of His hand.

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Truly we participate at some level - submitting to Scripture and digging in… “To His Word.” (Joshua 1:8).

We’ve got no reason to get puffed up, feeling like we have anything figured out!  It’s all Him.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Wise Builders.”   Today we are in 1 Corinthians 3.

It can be argued that the foundation is THE MOST important part of your house.  If your foundation is weak, undersized, or crumbling your whole house may come down.

How’s your foundation?  What are you building your life on?

Paul starts by reprimanding the Corinthians - they are still worldly.  Speaking of their spiritual maturity and ability to digest the things of God he says he’s only able to give them milk to eat (see also Hebrews 5:12-14).  They still aren’t ready for solid food. They are worldly. Their foundation is made of worldly things - not Jesus.  They barely understand the things of God.  

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭

All of these things will burn up, but foundation and life in Jesus will endure!  

Jesus is the only sure Foundation (Psalm 61:2; Matthew 7:24; 1 Corinthians 10:4).  Then, more Jesus!  Purpose to learn from the Holy Spirit by the Word of God!  That’s the Good stuff!  The Word of God taught by The Spirit of God is the only thing capable of molding and making you into what God wants you to be (Isaiah 64:8; Romans 12:2, Philippians 1:6).  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Holy Spirit Minded”.  Check out 1 Corinthians 2 today.

Paul is trying to help the church in Corinth understand that it is The Holy Spirit that reveals Gods will to us.  How can we see things the way God sees them?  He lives in us.  It is the Spirit that guides, directs and teaches.  It is the Spirit that knows our hearts and convicts.  

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So what’s the problem.  Why aren’t we totally dialed in by The Holy Spirit - why don’t we perfectly reflect the mind and heart of God?  Check our Paul’s charge, then warning to the Thessalonians.  

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭19 NIV‬‬

Did you catch that last verse?  Through The Holy Spirit in us we can choose joy no matter the circumstances.  At the same time, we can also choose to quench, “silence”, The Holy Spirit when we “choose” our flesh, or the thoughts / ideas of the world.     He is in us, and wants to guide, lead, and direct us.  He wants to shine through us.  But, when we choose contrary to His Word, we quench Him, silence Him.  He’s a gentleman… He doesn’t force - we choose.  

When we seek Him and His wisdom with ALL of our heart - we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13; James 1:5).

Dig in seek Him through His Word. Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Wise in Jesus.”  Today we are in 1 Corinthians 1.

The Corinthian Church had some questions regarding the physical world and the spiritual.  They struggled to see how physical things could be good.  Their differences had begun to define them.  They had many other concerns as well so they wrote Paul a letter.  1 Corinthians is Pauls first return letter addressing their concerns.

The Corinthians we’re struggling to “figure it all out.”  Paul spends much of chapter 1 reminding them that God is wise… we are not.  Truly only through The Holy Spirit in us can we even begin to wrap our mind around God and His ways… begin is an overstatement.  I once had a young Seminary student tell me that “The more he learned the less he knew!”

Imagine the Universe.  All of creation is actually quite small in comparison to our God.  We think we know what’s out there… yet, the more we explore, with each new “James Webb type” telescope, we discover we have only scratched the surface!  God created it all with a breath!  Wrap your mind around that!  

Check out how Paul puts it -
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.  It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Incredible really.  As we grow in knowledge and our own “wisdom”, we have a tendency to hinder further learning.  Think of it like this… if in our arrogance we believe we have learned, and applied a particular principle, we’ve now become unteachable to anything further in that area.  When someone’s got it all “figured out”, there is nothing left to teach.  I believe it’s why He urges us repeatedly throughout Scripture to be humble (2 Chronicles 7:14; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 3:34, 22:4; James 4:6, 4:10… etc etc.).

If we are going to grow up in Jesus, we have got to continue to be humble before Him.  The more we learn the less we know.

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Peace Makers”. As we wrap up Romans - check out what Paul leaves them with in Romans 16.

Paul starts by sharing greetings to many of his fellow followers to the church. Then, he gives them a warning.  

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭

This is an incredible passage given the times in which we are living.  It seems culturally Truth no longer matters - only feelings.  Those who seem to be barking tolerance and acceptance seem to be the most divisive.  What is really being pushed is accept “our truth”, “my truth”, which in fact is not truth at all.  “Accept our sin, our fleshly selfish desires while we condemn you.”

If Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and the movement we see  seems to be intent on abolishing any belief of absolute truth - what are we really dealing with?  Ultimately Jesus and The Word of God are Absolute Truth.  We are in a spiritual battle - Scripture is clear!  Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring Lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  The predator takes the straggler, the weakest, confused or most deceived in the herd!  Our only hope is Jesus.  We can be unified in Him, through knowledge and application of Truth, taught by The Holy Spirit, through the Word of God.  That’s what the Apostles did when planting The Church (Acts 2:42-44).

Jesus wanted us to be unified - one body!  He preached it!  He prayed that we would be unified - in the garden the night of His arrest  (John 17:20-23).  Our enemy seeks to divide and conquer.  It’s the oldest war strategy in the book!  

Gods got a way better “game plan”, a better “strategy”!  Be unified!  And in the end… He wins!   Dig in!  Knowing and living The Word of God - positions us in unity.  The Word is the first and Last Word on Truth!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out.

Good Morning “Not Puffed Up”.  Today we are in Romans 15.

As we grow and mature in Jesus it’s easy to get puffed up.  Satan rolls in with pride and it sinks in.  A little growth and understanding has the potential of creating a “Holier than you” attitude.  “Why don’t you get it?  When will you get cleaned up and be more like me?”  

May we never forget that it’s all Him. He even places the desire for Him our hearts.  “What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God initiates and even draws us to Jesus in the beginning.  We didn’t even want Him… At least not on our own (John 6:44).  

Then He begins the work.  He grows us up, He works in us, to make us what He wants. He does it ALL (Philippians 1:6).

“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

All that, to say we’re all broken, and in need of Mercy and Grace.  

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself…”. Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭3‬

Paul had an incredible heart for lost, and an incredible heart for those who were believing but struggling.  Is that our heart?  Ultimately it’s the heart of Jesus.  

There’s more here!  Pray for the heart of Jesus.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Careful Livers”. Today we are in Romans 14.

Grace wasn’t a new thing.  It was pervasive through the OT as God dealt with rebellion.  Yet, there were some still adhering to Old Testament customs.  That’s fine, Paul is saying, but don’t judge others because they aren’t. Additionally Paul makes it clear… we have a responsibility to those who may be tempted into sin.  Some still believed that certain foods were unclean.  As he was speaking to believers he had a reminder for them.  We don’t get to say we are living sacrificial, selfless lives but disregard the things we may do that cause others to be tempted to sin.  

“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Anything, means ANYTHING!  Exercising our freedoms in Christ should not put a stumbling block in someone else’s way!  Nothing we do should ever derail the work Jesus is doing in them. Paul speaks about the same subject to the church in Corinth.

““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Earlier in our chapter here Paul reminds us that we will all stand before Jesus one day to give an account -

“It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How will THAT conversation go?

Paul’s got much more to say regarding this topic!  Check it out!  Consider how this chapter applies in our day and age.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Respecters of Authority.”  Today we are in Romans 13.  

Respect for and submission to our authorities is BIG in Gods Book.  Clearly Paul is speaking government authorities here… but it’s not much of a reach to extend this to other authorities in our lives.  Consider parents for instance.  Remember, Old Testament Law left no room for rebellion to parents.  It was obedience or ultimately stoning if one continually rebelled against parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). We see that “honoring your mother and father” comes even before “do not murder” in the run down of the 10 Commandments.   That says something.  It’s also the only command that comes with the promise of long life (Exodus 20:12).

In this chapter Paul continues to lay out rules for living.  This time he begins by talking about the governing authorities in our midst - all put in place by God.  ALL AUTHORITIES according to the text.  Could this principle be applied to any authority?  Older wiser relatives, Teachers, Coaches, Pastors - I believe God puts em all in place as tools to love us well.  Did you know Leviticus 19:32 commands us to rise when our elders enter the room.  “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭32‬ ‭ Wow how far have we gotten from that practice?  Maybe they are still here, maybe they are elder because they obeyed their parents? (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Hmmm

Finish the sentence… Respect is _________________.  The natural response is “earned”.  We’ve found our selves at a place in society where we believe, “If you want my respect - you have to earn it.”  This is yet another area that just isn’t Biblical.  Respect and submission is commanded by God.  You see He appoints the authorities and they exist as an extension of His hand.  When we rebel against an authority, He takes it personally.  We are actually rebelling against Him.  God or bad, they are to get our honor and respect because of the position they hold - period!

Is there ever a time when we don’t obey or respect them?  Absolutely!  Our number one Authority is God!  He has given us His inspired Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path!  It is the standard for all life and living!  It is our guide.  If any authority ever asks or demands something of us that conflicts directly with The Word of God - then absolutely we obey The Word of God.  You want a black and white example.  An authority asks you to steal something or murder someone.  Obey the Word - take whatever consequences come as a result.  Admittedly sometimes it’s harder to decide what to do.  

I once had a student that wanted me to side with them against mom and dad.  You see they wanted to go on our mission trip, but mom and dad wanted them to go to baseball camp to better their chances of receiving a college scholarship.  The student cited The Great Commission Matt. 28:19-20.  “It’s wrong”, he thought, “for his parents to demand baseball over spreading the gospel.”  Although that case may demonstrate priorities out of order, maybe even lack of faith that God could provide - they were in no way telling him that he couldn’t share the Gospel.  Plenty of opportunities exist to share it on his team, or at camp.  Obey your parents.   He didn’t like my answer.  

We have to know the Word and prioritize according to It!  That’s the expectation!  

There’s more here too!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Non-Conforming Living Sacrifices”.  Today we are in Romans 12.

This chapter reads like a summarized how to “Live like Jesus” instruction manual!

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Before Jesus, a blood sacrifice was required to temporarily cover sin.  Jesus came and died on the cross and satisfied the payment for all sin, once and for all.  The once for all time, the once for all people, and the once for all sin “Blood Sacrifice!”  And, like the Passover Lamb, His blood must also be applied . . .

Our forgiveness, our salvation by the Mercy and Grace of God through Jesus was the greatest act of love ever displayed.  If someone gives their life for yours, it’s reasonable to expect that you be willing to return the favor.  That’s Paul’s point…

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭

The King James Version uses the language, “this is our “reasonable act of service”.  It’s a reasonable expectation that we offer ourselves every day to Him Paul knew it wasn’t going to be easy so he continues…

“Do not conform (any longer) to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭

It’s interesting that (any longer) has been omitted from the new NIV version, but is there in my older NIV.  A study of the original Greek finds that the phrase that comes into our language “Do not conform” is actually used in the past tense.  

What does that mean?  It means they were already conforming. It means the Roman church already looked liked everyone else and Paul was compelling them to STOP!  What about us?  Statistically we look like everyone else.

How were they / are we to change?  They / we are to renew our minds thus being transformed.  We know the only thing capable of permanently transforming us is the Word of God taught by the Spirt of God! Get The Word in there and push that garbage out.  Do you want to look different than the rest of the dark world? Dig into the Word - that’s it!

Paul goes on to tell us what that should look like.  It includes getting involved, using the gifts you have been given and loving like Jesus.  You gotta check it out for yourself!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Gentiles”. Today we are in Romans 11.  

Here Paul addresses the tendency the Roman church had to begin to think themselves superior to the Jews.  After all, in their minds, they “got it” but the Jews didn’t.  They put Jesus on the cross.  

Make no mistake, they are STILL His chosen.  It is by their lack of faith that we received the offer of salvation, the right to become children of God (vs 11-12).  If God so loved us, who have been adopted, how much more then - the nation of Israel.  Paul also gives caution.  If God will exercise His judgment on Israel, how much more on the ones grafted in?  

Humility, and a heart of thankfulness is what’s expected.  Paul wraps up by reminding us we cannot possibly figure Him
out.  

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭33‬-‭36‬

I feel like sometimes we get so caught up in trying to figure out why God does what He does - we assume a place of judgment over Him.  Think about how ridiculously arrogant that is.  He is God, we are not.  We are corrupt and limited.  He is Holy and not limited by anything.  He gave us the Word that our hearts might be convicted regarding our sin, and we might be prompted to grow up in Jesus (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  It’s not simply a recording of His acts that we might compare and contrast them labeling Him as fair or unjust.  Through His Word we can truly know Him,  not for the purpose of judgment but that we might stand in fear and awe with our jaws agape (Deuteronomy 17:18-19).

We don’t have to fully understand the Father to trust and obey.  We only need to understand our place in the order - and His expectation for us!  Stay humble!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Beautiful Feet.” Today we are in Romans 10. Powerful stuff here!

From Romans 1 we know that the Truth of God has been revealed to all of mankind since the beginning - so that we are without excuse.  We see Him in all of Creation.  We call that General Revelation, and it is sufficient for condemnation.  General Revelation isn’t however sufficient for Salvation.  In other words, in order to be saved we need a special encounter - Special Revelation.  No one comes to Jesus unless they are drawn - that’s Gods part (John 6:44).  With God revealed all around us, and Him tugging on our heart, it should compel us to seek Him out.  But then we gotta have the Gospel!  The Gospel - according to Rom 1:16 It is the power to salvation.  Once we hear, only then we can respond.  

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭

The confessing with your mouth is the action produced by your TRUE belief.  We often talk about the reality that true belief always results in action.  But, who’s responsible for telling those who are seeking?  Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8 among other verses says it’s our responsibility.  

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭15‬

How beautiful are your feet?  You bringing that Good News?  Don’t miss out on the incredible blessing it is to be used by God to share Jesus!

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Chosen”.  Today we are in Romans 9 - it’ll mess with your categories.

Among other things Paul is dealing with the doctrine of Election in correlation with the doctrine of Mercy and Grace. That is to say, God chooses some, and some He doesn’t; yet, in His Mercy and Grace - “God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16. Furthermore Romans 1 tells us that God has revealed Himself to us universally through all of creation so that EVERYONE is without excuse.  

So which is it?  It appears like anyone can believe, give their life to Jesus, and be saved.  But Jesus himself said this “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44

In our chapter today, talking about Jacob and Esau, Paul addresses this issue - check it out:

“Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Romans‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Does that mess with your categories or what?  This is not an isolated incident.  The Bible is filled with examples of Mercy and Grace to some and not others.  We grow up learning, even repeating phrases such as: “God loves everyone.”  “We are all Gods children”.  Surely it makes us feel good, but does Scripture really say that?  Or does it say the opposite?  “For God so loved the world (κόσμος; or kosmos)… we know the word used there as cosmos (creation)… so collectively yes!  He collectively loved the creation but it DOES NOT say every human in creation.  “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” John 1:12. IF you BELIEVE in Him you get the right to become His child.  That doesn’t sound like we are all automatically children of God - but the children of God part seems to be tied to BELIEF.  

So which is it?  Is Salvation available to everyone, “whoever believes…” or does He only call some?  YES!  Both… in some measure!  Where is the line… Ha Ha!  The problem here is we arrogantly try to find the line, to figure out an unfathomable, limitless God that is not bound by our physical laws in any way - with our very limited human minds (Romans 11:33).  We CANNOT define a limitless God with a limited mind, nor should we ever attempt to do so.  He will have mercy on whom He chooses to have mercy - and we don’t get to define it as good or bad.  You see we ALL deserve death - separation from Him.  That’s what we’ve all earned. How is it bad if He chooses to save some?

Look, I definitely don’t have it all figured out!  What is clear is “No one seeks God”, Romans 3:11.  No one is looking unless He is drawing, thus if you’re looking for Him you’re being drawn and need not worry.  Understand, the one not chosen is NOT looking.  They don’t care.  They don’t think they need Him because God has not chosen them.  They have suppressed the Truth of His existence with wickedness Romans 1.  

The real question is if He is standing at your door knocking (Revelation 3:20) are you opening or ignoring Him?  Are you responding and receiving the “right” to become a child of God?  It’s a real question. The most important of your life.

Love you all!  Dig in and wrestle for yourself, then live it out!

Good Morning “Conquerers”. “Even More Than Conquerors” is what I meant to say.  Today we are in Romans 8.

At the moment of Salvation the Holy Spirit indwells us.  He guides, leads, teaches, convicts, gives comfort and peace and even prays for us. Check it out…

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬

We are in a spiritual battle. Throughout chapter 8 Paul refers to the Spiritual battle we are in.  We need not fear the battle because the one in us (Holy Spirit) is stronger than the one in the world!  

He foreknew us, called us, predestined us to grow up in Jesus that we in turn might tell others… thus “be the firstborn of many brothers”.  When we tell others the family of God grows!  

Through it all, NOTHING in all of creation can separate us from the Love of God through Jesus - NOTHING!  Not even ourselves as we are part of creation.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬  

So once truly sealed with the Spirit that’s it!  You cannot lose your salvation!  Apart from Jesus you can never do enough good to earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9). Neither can you fail so bad you lose it!  If we could lose our salvation, we would have already lost it. That’s huge!  

We will face suffering but it’s worth it!  We are blessed through it, and it’s not worth comparing to the Glory that will come when Jesus is revealed.  

Where ever you’re at - submit to Him.  Give your life to Him, come back to Him, repent… take care of your business with Him.  

Love you all!  Don’t take my word for it - dig in, and live it out!

Good Morning “Law Breakers” (That’s all of us). Today we’re in Romans 7

The Law was meant to define and incite sin.  We’ve all sinned and sin, and in so doing fall short (Roman’s 3:23).  If it wasn’t for the Law there would be no defining of sin.  Don’t think about elephants… are you thinking about elephants?  But I said “Don’t”.  There it is - The Law, then sin demonstrated.  Although, we know thinking about elephants isn’t a sin - you get it.  

If it wasn’t for the law and then the breaking of it, we would not need a Savior nor would we know the Incredible saving grace of God (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9)!

Embrace His saving Grace!  Not sin of course but His forgiveness and Grace.  Honor Him, show your love by putting sin behind you.  If we truly love someone we don’t want to hurt them by being unfaithful.  Paul understood the struggle and speaks to it beginning in vs 14 -.  He concludes with “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Remember David was called a man after Gods own heart because he desperately wanted what God wanted (Acts 13:22)… not because he was sinless (Psalm 51).  

Ok I understand that through the Holy Spirit we have all the strength we need (Galatians 5:16) but it just doesn’t seem that easy.  Oh, it’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen over night! It’s a daily process, grinding it out, and The Word of God is a must (Ephesians 6:10-17)!

Many believe David (The man after Gods own heart) wrote Psalm 119 to his son Solomon (who became the wisest man to ever live).  Solomon no doubt had the same struggle.  Psalm 119:9-11 gives us the key to victory over sin… check it out!  

One foot in front of the other - every day a step closer to Him.  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Freed Slaves”. Today we are in Romans 6

In chapter 5 Paul discussed the limitless Grace of God (where sin increases, grace increases - demonstrating Gods love and glory).  Now he addresses the ridiculousness notion that “If God’s glory is demonstrated when we sin, then maybe we should just keep on sinning so that His Grace would abound and even more Glory be revealed.”

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There was a time when we were slaves to sin.  Our hearts were wicked, only evil continuously (Genesis 6:5; Mark 7:21-23; James 4:1). Our intentions were ONLY selfish.  ALL we could do was sin.  We were bound to sin.  However; when we receive Jesus we are washed, made clean, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5; Romans 8:9-10).  He comes and lives in us -. We are now no longer in bondage to sin (vs 6) .  Now when we sin, we choose!  

Why when we are set free, do we go back and choose sin (Proverbs 26:11)?  We are dead to sin and alive in Jesus.  Dig in!  Check out the rest of Chapter 6.  Paul inspired of God explains it better than I ever could.  

Choose life!  Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!

Good Morning “Blessed Through Suffering.”  Today we’re in Romans 5.

Blessed through suffering… what a strange concept.  Having hope in the midst of darkness is indeed a blessing but how does that kind of hope come?  According to Paul, who is no stranger to either - hope comes through suffering.

“And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In fact all the byproducts of suffering are counted as blessing.  James seems to agree (James 1).  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we suffer through tough life stuff we don’t usually count it as joy.  Recognize however that some of the best lessons, some of the deepest growth happens through the tough stuff.  In sports we know that training for competition isn’t typically fun.  It is however essential.  A good training program produces success.

Furthermore, there are aspects of Gods character we only get to see in the midst of suffering.  There has to be a trial for us to experience peace that transcends all understanding in the midst (Philippians 4:6).  We often don’t recognize answered prayers until we’re on our face pleading.  How would we know God is still in the business of doing miracles unless we need one? Through suffering we can move from knowing Gods nature to TRULY knowing we are loved and cared for, and thus be moved to love Him back.

Don’t mistake happiness for Joy.  Joy isn’t dependent on circumstances - happiness is.  Pure joy only comes through Jesus in us (Galatians 5:22-23).  It can’t be temporarily manufactured by the world’s offerings.  I don’t think James or Paul are suggesting that we’re gitty happy when things go bad, but we can be full of joy knowing Gods got a plan, and is about to do something big!  In the end even if we don’t like the plan, we have promise that it’s GOOD (Psalm 100:5; Jeremiah 29:11)!  

Love you all!  Dig in and live it out!