Thursday, July 6, 2017

Reflections in Romans, 3:1-8

Romans 3:1-8

I. What's the point? (1-2)
II. What about my faithfulness? (3-4)
III. What about my unrighteousness? (5-8)

Summary/Insight:
In the previous passage, the Jews were all about their religious beliefs and Paul was correcting their thinking that it should be about the circumcision of the heart. So then, what's the point of being a Jew or physically circumcised? Is there any advantage or value to it? Yes - it is the very words of God. Just because we don't understand the purpose behind God's commands doesn't mean there's no value to be found in them.

All is not based on our faithfulness (Praise God because I am so inconsistent!), but rather on His faithfulness. Because we know His character and that we can trust His word, that He is constant and unchanging, we know He is faithful and we can trust Him because that who He is and it's not contingent on our behavior. *QUIT STRIVING* None of us are worthy. Jesus died for each one of our sins. Don't compare what you see of others with how you live your life. You don't know what goes on in their hearts or thoughts. Only God knows those places of each one of us, but we all need Him and His saving grace.

No matter how I try, I don't know that I can ever be completely honest, not even with myself. There is always something or someone to protect. BUT GOD IS TRUTH.

We deserve his wrath. If anything, we should be lead to repentance and to confess to God all the places we see how messed up we are and thank Him for not destroying us!

Application Questions:
I. What commands do I need to re-evaluate that God has given me? What areas of my heart need to be softened and circumcised?

II. What ways do I need to recognized God's faithfulness and my lack of faithfulness? How does this lead me to prayer and thanksgiving?

III. What areas of sin patterns and unrighteousness do I need to identify in my own life? How do these allow me to see the punishment I truly deserve? How does this lead me to worship and praise?

Reflections in Romans, 2:17-29

Before I get into what I got out of this one, I just have to say that I forgot how loaded Romans is. There is SO much meat in the text. This passage alone has so much depth to it and could go so deep into really looking into ourselves and our motives vs our hearts.

Romans 2:17-29

I. Jews take pride in the law (2:17-20)
II. Jews attitude is "Do as I say, not as I do" (2:21-24)

III. Jews are taught about outward appearance vs heart condition (2:25-29)

Summary/my insights:
The Jews are puffed up with pride in their knowledge, in their religion and their appearance of wanting to teach others. The Jews are reprimanded in Paul's letter for not practicing what they preach, thus dishonoring God and turning others away from God. (sound familiar Christians?) The Jews are corrected in their thinking that just because they are physically circumcised and have the law, that's not an automatic "in". If the Gentiles observe the law and are not physically circumcised, people will regard them as Jews for observing the law. It's about the heart which is led by the Spirit, not the outward appearance.

Application Questions:
I. Am I depending on my knowledge of God or a relationship with God? Will you ask God to help yourself be honest and go deeper in the question? What is truly the source that is powering me? Who or What is guiding me? God? Fears, doubts, worries, lack of trust? Worries? Stress? Feelings? [I think it can be different for different situations - the real struggle is to give it ALL over to God, relinquish control. Have I mentioned that I'm a control freak?]

II. Am I practicing what I say I believe in? What am I saying to others that I'm not following myself? What do others say about God because of my actions and words?

III. How does my outward behavior conflict with what's on my heart (good or bad)? Where are there some things that are done with the wrong motive behind them? Where am I seeking man's approval instead of God's?

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Reflections in Romans, 2:1-16

Romans 2:1-16

I. Who is the Judge? (1-4)

II. (After) Life Sentence (5-11)

III. Law Clarified (12-16)

Summary/Insight:

Those who judge are condemned because they do the same things as those they are judging. Because of stubbornness, unrepentant hearts - storing up God's wrath and his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give according to what they have done. People who are persistent in doing good, seeking honor, glory, immortality will be given eternal life. Those who reject the truth and are self-seeking face God's wrath and anger. First the Jew, then the Gentile. God is impartial, no favoritism. Those who hear the law are seen by God as righteous but those that obey the law are DECLARED righteous. God will one day judge the secrets of the heart through Jesus Christ.

Application Questions:

(I think there are more questions on this one because I was feeling some conviction as I read)

I. Who am I judging? What accusations have I made against them? How am I guilty of similar/same things? Where has God been patient, kind and tolerant in my life and/or situation, in the midst of my judgment of others?

II. Where am I being stubborn and refuse to repent? Where do I deserve God's righteous judgement and wrath? (I know in all areas I deserve it, but this is to make myself aware of specific areas rather than put out a blanket statement.) Where am I rejecting truth? How am I being persistent? Where do I need to be persistent?

III. Am I being obedient to what I've heard? Where do I need to seek God's help and guidance to obey what I've heard? What does my life reflect is on my heart?

Reflections in Romans, 1:18-32

Romans 1:18-32

My insights/summary:

Although many are not used to describe God specifically there are many descriptions of what He is not and what he does not stand for.

God has made himself known through his creation, so all may plainly see there is a creator all our existence. He has eternal power - is divine in nature, immortal and deserving of all glory and praise forever. He is truth and righteousness. He allows people to make their choice but he will also give them over to the consequences of those choices.

Divisions:

I. Creator God may be known plainly & deserves all praise.

II. God allows free will and gives people over to their choices.

III. Life without God results in evil and wickedness.

Application Questions:

Am I offering thanks and praise in all of my circumstances?

Do I recognize God's grace and mercy in my life?

Where do I need to recognize his hand in my life?

Where do I need to confess, repent and show adoration to the Lord?

How am I choosing to exercise my free will?

Who am I seeking to please?

When self-seeking, how can I see the destruction that has come from those choices?

Am I truly with God or without? Am I seeking his knowledge? Am I acting on it or do I do what I want and seek "man's" approval?

What am I exchanging for God's truth and promises? What am I exchanging for the rewards and blessings he offers?

Reflections in Romans, 1:1-17

So for a while I've been wanting to blog but I haven't done anything so while I feel inspired to do so, I'm going to share what I've gotten by doing homiletics and different study methods through passages over our summer break from BSF to get started. I want to go deeper and I think starting out this way will help get my creative flow going. So here goes....

Romans 1:1-17

Summary of what I read:
Paul - dedicated servant of God - has people of Rome on his heart. He is longing to go preach the gospel to them so they may be saved. People are loved by God and called to belong to Christ. Paul is a messenger - offering grace, peace and prayer. He is fully committed to his call/purpose & most importantly, to God. HE wants to share his spiritual gift of preaching and wants to be encouraged by the Romans. He wants to offer the message of salvation so they may have righteousness.

My take aways:
Spiritual Gifts - God's children have them to offer to others.
God puts a mission/calling on each of his children's lives/hearts.
We are called to fully live for God's purposes.
We are to boldly proclaim the gospel to all we encounter. **Note - this isn't always with words, but by our actions and attitudes as well. Most often that speaks louder than the words we actually say.

Application Questions/Going deeper:
What spiritual gifts has God given me and how am I using them for his glory?
Where do I feel God is calling me?
What mission has he set on my heart?
Who's purposes am I focused on - what's my agenda? My own or kingdom-centered/focused?
To who am I proclaiming the gospel - what do my actions and attitude say?

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Lessons through my Kids

How often God chooses to speak to me through my kids amazes me. Seriously, it feels like an a-ha moment every time. Sometimes I feel like that's the main reason He allowed me to have kids!

During an uncommon cuddling this evening I was telling my son,"You used to give me hugs all the time and now it's only if I tell you to give me one". I remembered how when he was a couple years younger, maybe even just last year, how he would give me hugs pretty often. With him starting kindergarten this year, he's learning to be more independent. In reality, aren't we truly the same way?

When we first start our walk as a "baby Christian", we tend to seek God on a pretty constant basis. We want to absorb as much as we can, talk about him, and learn as often as possible. Then we start to backslide, ever so slightly, getting comfortable with where we're at. Perhaps the fire that used to blaze begin to diminish to a flicker. The passion that once resided in our hearts starts to subside and the urgent tasks of life begin to take over. God sometimes has to remind us, usually starting with a gentle nudge or prodding of our hearts, to set some time aside for Him, that he wants to speak to us.

He doesn't get angry with us because He doesn't spend time with us, but I believe it does hurt Him, although it doesn't surprise Him. He loves us, He created us, and He knows us better than we know ourselves. We are benefited most in spending time with Him. It builds us up and refreshes our minds to a kingdom mindset.

Have you considered how God feels when you choose something over spending time with Him? Do you think God gets angry with us when we reject him? What do you think His reaction is?

As a mom, I constantly get rejected by my kids (shocker, huh!). I may get upset, but I know they're kids and really don't intend on hurting my feelings or even upsetting me. They're just thinking about themselves and what they want, not about anybody's feelings - that is simply beyond their capacity at their ages (6 and almost 3).

My daughter can be really loving at times and then there are those other times... like this evening, when I tell her to give me a hug and she gets that mischievous look in her eye and runs the opposite direction. Of course, later she decides she wanted a hug. Did I turn her away? Of course not! I eagerly gave her that hug. If I, in my flesh, can turn away from being rejected and love on my daughter in her own timing, how much sweeter is God to us?

Luke 11:11-13New International Version (NIV)

11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

When have you strayed off the path God was leading you on? When did you decide to turn back to Him? How did He receive you? If you haven't turned back to Him yet, what are you waiting for? I mean, literally, what are you waiting for - think about it....answer it for yourself and pray if God will change your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13New International Version (NIV)

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

If you haven't turned back to Him yet, He hasn't given up on you yet.

Luke 15New International Version (NIV)

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

How Death Can Breathe New Life.... In Loving Memory - Andrea Conde

Sometimes we forget what's really important. We get so wrapped up in our daily routines and task lists that we forget how precious life really is... until God reminds us... I had gotten in a place of frustration and felt stuck on the hamster wheel. I didn't know how to change my attitude but knew it needed to change. Unfortunately, I didn't realize the way God would change my attitude.

We take so much for granted and I was reminded of that last week. I had just spoken to Andrea on Wednesday, March 11th, just a short visit while I let her borrow my blender and we caught up on life. We had talked about her illness (she was diagnosed with lupus in 2008 and renal failure in 2009), our marriages, and prayer. It was just a nice little visit, but something stuck out to me (in hindsight). She had mentioned how someone came to pray for her and how she just felt lifted up in a way that she had never experienced before. She then talked about an experience she recently had at a Thursday night church service and that she felt a cool breeze when a person touched her and prayed over her. Andrea said that the person praying for her had told her that God was going to heal her. As Andrea said this sentence out loud, a voice spoke to me in my mind telling me "sometimes healing doesn't come in this life". I had no idea that voice was warning me of what was to come.

Two days later, I saw messages on her Facebook saying "RIP". I couldn't believe what I was seeing. So, as my husband and I got more information, we found out that Andrea had died, but had been revived and was now on life support in the hospital. Once I found out the details and did more research, I realized that Andrea wasn't going to make it. Per Andrea's wishes, she was removed from life support, after her immediate family could come to say their goodbyes, Sunday evening. The weekend felt so heavy and I really struggled with 'wanting' to go to church on Sunday, but I knew it was exactly where I needed to be.

I can see God's grace laced throughout this devastating experience. I have peace because I know Andrea was a believer and I believe that she is now at the feet of Jesus and she is getting to worship Him! It's so amazing how God can speak to us. Our church pastor, Toby, records his messages for the weekend services on Thursday nights. The message I watched on Sunday 3/15 was recorded Thursday 3/12, before anything happened to Andrea. This just shows me the sovereignty of our Lord and how He uses His Word and other people to speak into our situations.

During worship, our worship leaders sang Jesus at the Center, part of the lyrics say:

"Nothing else matters, nothing else will ever do
Jesus at the center, it's all about You (Jesus)"

As someone was praying before communion, they reminded us Jesus was 33 when He went to the cross for us (Andrea was 34 and this just spoke to me in the moment). I just had to remind myself that God's plan is the perfect plan, no hurt is wasted, He knows why He chooses to do what He does/when He does.

God's Word is truth, so although this loss hurts, there are plans to prosper each of us through this. We can all grow and use this to better ourselves, better our relationships, and remember we are here for a short time and that we each have a purpose to fill. What are we doing to make a difference in our circles of influence?

So as my brain starts to run away with thoughts and reassurance of knowing who God is, He speaks to me in the song we would be studying during our service on Sunday, "God of this City". I wasn't just hearing the worship leader sing the song, it was as if God was telling me himself:

"Greater things are yet to come.
Greater things are still to be done.
There is no one like our God."

So Toby opened up the sermon asking "What are moments that have defined you?"

The night before, I had just started to think more about: What am I doing with my life? What am I teaching my kids? What am I leaving behind for others?

Andrea with her husband and daughter

Andrea had hopes and desires that were not fulfilled in this life. Am I so busy being distracted by the things that are not going the way that I want them to, that I can't live for the moment? I'm not saying Andrea was living in the mindset of the being distracted, not living for the moment. That is my struggle, and her life just spoke to me to hopefully change my way of thinking. I need to quit living for myself and get busy serving others. I want to get myself and my kids involved in our community and make a difference for others. We each have a unique purpose and if we have a willing heart, God will show us where He wants us to go.

I praise God in this trial because I can see that He is at work. He has changed my thought process, which I hope to be disciplined and act on what He is teaching me. He has brought peace in a really sad situation and He has allowed us to minister to and to comfort one another.

Not only did we share fun times together when our families gathered, but Andrea Conde has hopefully started some lasting changes in my life. What better way could I honor her and God, than by changing my life to serve others.

Andrea, I am sure I'll miss you so much more than what I even think I realize now, but I trust God to get me through these difficult moments.

God gave me this verse today, on the day of Andrea's funeral:

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.
Romans 15:13 NIV