Beyond the Gospels: Romans

To read the scriptures for today's devotional from Romans, click here: Romans 2:12-3:8

The Apostle Paul considered himself the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” (Romans 11:13) This wasn’t popular among the Jewish leaders and even many of the Jews who were followers of Jesus. Yet Paul continued to argue, at great risk to his life, that Jesus came to save the Gentiles (basically, anyone who wasn’t Jewish) as well as the Jews.

In the scripture we read today, Paul points out that the Jews, the keepers of the Law, are hypocrites because they preach about the law but don’t keep it. “While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” (Romans 2:21-23)

Too often in our world people who are not Christian are driven away from Christianity by the hypocrisy of people who call themselves followers of Christ.

The late author Brennan Manning wrote, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.”

As Christians we should be very aware of our actions and seek with all our hearts, minds, and strength to ensure our actions align with the words of Jesus.

Dear God, please forgive us when we praise you with our lips and deny you with our actions. Help us to think and act in ways that always give you honor and glory. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Romans

To read the scriptures from Romans for today's devotional, click here: Romans 2:1-11

There is a saying that we should be careful in pointing our fingers in judgment at someone, for in doing so that same action results in three fingers pointing back at ourselves.

Everyone is a child of God. When we judge, we jump to conclusions without knowing what Paul Harvey used to call “The Rest of the Story.”

There is a video on YouTube (you can find it here: https://youtu.be/68E53lcUIKE) of Christiano Ronaldo, one  of the best soccer players in the world. Set in Spain, in the video Christiano puts on a disguise that makes him look like a homeless man. He then goes to a public plaza where he kicks a soccer ball around and tries to get others to interact with him. For almost an hour, people pass by Ronaldo, refusing to participate with him. A few people interact, but not very much.

Finally a child interacts with him, kicking the soccer ball back and forth with Ronaldo, even though the child does not know the person is Ronaldo. Ronaldo asks the child’s name, and then signs the soccer ball and gives it to the child as he removes his disguise. People begin to recognize him and the cell phones come out to get a picture of the sports star. A crowd gathers around him quickly, so much so that he has to be escorted by security agents away.

And yet just minutes before people ignored him.

Hebrews 2 tells us “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Let us to slow to judge, and quick to love.

Dear Father, help us to resist the temptations to judge others. Let us see others as your children, even if we disagree with their choices or behavior. Let us stand firm in the truth, but extend the same kind of love to others that you have extended to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Romans

Click here to read the scriptures from Romans for today: Romans 1:16-32

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith..” Romans 1:16

It is getting tough to be a Christian in today’s world. There is not only a growing perception in this country that religion—especially Christianity—is irrelevant, but in many parts of the world people are being brutally killed simply because they are followers of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote Romans, knew what it was like to suffer for Christianity. He was beaten, imprisoned, and even stoned and left for dead. (Acts 14:19)

And yet even in the midst of these hardships Paul kept faith, writing “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

Following Jesus Christ isn’t easy, but it is holy. It may not be popular, but it is the righteous thing to do.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing to ever be ashamed of. Through it all humanity is offered God’s grace. It IS “the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith.”

We can cling to that promise during the tough times, knowing that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Heavenly Father, help us to never be ashamed of your Gospel. Give us the strength and wisdom to do what is right even if things in society tell us otherwise. Let us be like Paul, putting you and your son Jesus Christ as the top priority on our lives. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Romans

Today's Scripture: Romans 1:1-15

“…without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers…”

At the beginning of his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul tells the Christ-followers in Rome that he includes them in his prayers. As Christians we are called to pray for others because we know that “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)

In today’s world it’s easy to get caught up in focusing only on ourselves. Our schedules are packed, finances are tight, and relationships are strained. Our eyes are focused inward on ourselves. Praying ends up taking a back seat to other things, and praying for others is done even less.

It is difficult, but we should be like Paul and focus our eyes beyond our own situations and outward toward others. Paul was writing to the newly-formed Christian church in Rome to let them know that they were not alone. He was praying for them, and God was with them.

May we be like Paul and always lift up others in prayers. May we clean away the clutter to create sacred times and spaces for prayer and to do so everyday.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help us to pray for others “without ceasing.” Let us focus on the needs of others, lifting them up in prayer and knowing that our prayers are heard and answered. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 28:11-31
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

This is the last reading in the book of Acts. Did you notice the final sentence in The Message version of this book?

His door was always open.

Paul living out his final days, teaching, preaching and telling others of God's Kingdom. Explaining to others the truth about Jesus. His door was always open.

Maybe as we draw Acts to a close we should do the same. Teach others right where we are. Share Jesus in our neighborhoods and work places and homes. Determine that our doors will always be open.

May our hearts be open to His Spirit.
May our hands be open to do His will.
May our lives be open to follow His leading.
Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 27:39-28:10
(Click on the link to read the scriptures.)

We spent a wonderful three months on Malta. They treated us royally, took care of all our needs and outfitted us for the rest of the journey.

Each week at our Bible study we have had the challenge of practicing a spiritual discipline. Things like memorizing scripture, being aware of God's presence, and lectio divina or holy reading are among those we are making a part of our spiritual lives. A couple of weeks ago I challenged the group to practice having a Sabbath. I decided Saturday would be my day. The family was off hunting and it would be a great time to set aside for rest. I awoke a little later than usual on that day, thinking an entire day with no work as a bit of luxury.

Yes, there was laundry to be done, devotionals to write, flower beds to clean and weed. The hen house needed cleaning and several cabinets needed organizing. My list of things to get done on Saturday could last a year of Saturdays. But this Saturday I set apart and I was determined to follow through. A spiritual discipline takes discipline. Several times during the day I walked into the laundry room out of habit and turned back around. A few times I even felt guilty. Somewhere along the way I decided that if it doesn't take work then it has no value.

This is not what the scriptures teach. God set aside a day for rest and commanded us to do the same... remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. By this point Paul must have been worn and weary. Months in prison, a long journey at sea, shipwrecked with nothing and even snake bit, Paul needed a period of rest. He received that rest in Malta.

When is the last time you spent an entire day resting? I'm not talking about laying in the bed all day, but just deciding not to work in thought or activity. Now might just be the time for you to give it a try.

Lord, the call to rest and trust You to fill gaps, increase time,

and make sure everything gets done can be challenging.

Help me to let go of work one day this week and make it holy unto You;

spending time with You in prayer, in the Word, and resting in You for what's needed.

Thank You for the call to rest.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 27:13-38
(Click on the link to read the scriptures.)

Friends, you really should have listened to me back in Crete. We could have avoided all this trouble and trial. But there’s no need to dwell on that now. From now on, things are looking up!

I love the good news in Paul's statement. It is so easy to get caught up in the "would of, should of, could of" game. Play it long enough and it feels like you are a hamster running on a wheel, never going anywhere. Paul is blunt reminding them this could have been avoided, but what he says next I often need to say to myself.

"There's no need to dwell on it now!" No need to think of what I would have done differently, or should have done, or could have done. No need to run on the hamster wheel. No need because things are looking up.

Paul encouraged them to eat breakfast, to break bread together, to give thanks for their rescue.  A rescue that had not even happened yet. Let's take a lesson from Paul. Let's give up on the dwelling and give praise for those things God is doing and will do.

Father God, I've learned there is no "what if" only "what is."

In the "what is" is where You are and where You are working.

Help me to stay focused on the present and not the past;

to be thankful and put my hope in the future You have in store.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 27:1-12
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

This section of scripture leaves us wondering what's going to happen. Paul gave a warning not to set sail but the centurion listened to other's advice and ignored the warning. How often I've listened to other's advice and ignored the little voice in my head. Most of us have had the experience of hearing a warning... a sort of "not a good idea" thought. The world calls it our conscience. I call it the Holy Spirit.

What warnings have you received lately? Did you heed the warning or take other advice? How did that work out?

Jesus, You alone made the way for the Father to send the Holy Spirit

to those who believe and trust in You. Teach me to hear His voice.

Help me to obey without hesitation. I want to be Spirit led.

"... When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,

for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears

he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ..." ---Jesus

John 16:13 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 26:12-32
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

 Agrippa told Festus, “He could be set free right now if he hadn’t requested the hearing before Caesar.”

Seems like Paul made a big mistake. Now, because of Paul's request, he cannot be set free by these two. By law, he has to go to Rome. This is no mistake. Paul knew what he was asking. He knew once he made the request he would go no matter what. Paul understood some of God's plan for him, if not all, and God was moving Paul to Rome. Paul's obedience and faith in God's plan meant no earthly freedom at this point.

Paul's understanding of freedom has nothing to do with prison bars or anything on this earth for that matter. In God's kingdom freedom has do with our heart. And true freedom only comes through obedience.

Are there areas in your life that seem bound up? Could it be an obedience issue?

Lord, show me where I've bound myself through disobedience.

Bless me with the faith and humility to repent.

I want to know true freedom.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 26:1-11
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

"Go ahead, tell us about yourself." In all of these verses, Paul tells Agrippa about himself. What would you say if someone said...

Go ahead --- tell us about yourself.

What first pops into your mind? Would you speak of your family... your kids? Would you tell of your accomplishments or career?

I attended a retreat this weekend where you are not allowed to talk about your profession. The first time I attended it was really hard to not talk about what I do day in and day out. I found myself wondering about the others I was with on the retreat. What does she do for a living? I even tried to guess each one's career.

During this retreat, my seventh, it dawned on me I had not even wondered about it this time. Not once had it crossed my mind to talk about my work or their work. It is so easy to lean on what we do instead of who we are. Suppose I reworded this statement...

Go ahead --- tell us about who you are.

Who are we when we move past our career and family position? Who are we when we can't talk about hobbies or pets? This may be the most important question we ever answer.

Father God, who am I?

You alone search and know the hearts of all people.

Forgive me for letting people and activities

define my identity. My identity is found in You alone.

Show me who I am, in Jesus's name.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 25:13-27
(No bible handy, just click on the link to read today's verses.)

At this point all seems crazy! Not one official can find fault in Paul. No one can back up their accusations with any evidence. The government leaders continue to say this is a religious argument and has nothing to do with the law. And yet, they refuse to let Paul go. Why? What is up with all of this?

When you look at each of these circumstances on an individual basis, they seem ludicrous. What if we look at each circumstance as a piece of the whole? Nothing happens to us, or Paul, in a vacuum. God is the master at weaving every circumstance in our lives together for our good and for the good of others. His plan for Paul is to go to Rome. He has a plan for us too.

Trust in His plan for you... no matter the circumstances you find yourself in at this very moment. All the moments in all the days will add up in a way you cannot fathom. And it will be... Oh so good.

Lord, You alone can use the craziness of the world for good.

Help me to trust You in the circumstances You set me in.

Show me the opportunities You give me to share Your truth,

even if I don't understand how I got where I am.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 24:22-25:12
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Felix and his wife volunarily listened to Paul's teaching for two years. Repeatedly calling him back into their presence. Yes, Felix had an ulterior motive. He wanted a bribe from Paul. Still, God can use any situation for His purpose. Paul would talk to Felix about a relationship with God, about living a life of moral discipline, and Felix would get uncomfortable. Instead of opening his heart and mind to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit, he would send Paul away.

I've squirmed in my pew at times just like Felix. Struggling between the prompting of the Spirit and my own selfishness. These are "fork in the road" times. We can take the direction of Felix and dismiss it altogether. Or, we can open our hearts to the truth of what God is speaking in that moment.

What has left you squirming recently? Which direction did you take?

Father God, You know what makes me squirm. 

You know the truth I want to close my ears to.

I no longer want to harden my heart to the Spirit's voice.

Make me sensitive to His conviction.

Bless me with the faith and humility to receive truth

and allow it to change me.

I've lived far from You long enough.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 24:1-21
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

The drama for Paul continued as the chief priest and his followers along with a lawyer came to make accusations. They accused Paul of disturbing the peace for years... all over the world. How did they know? Paul had been out of the country for several years. They had no news reporters, no televisions. Really, how did they know what Paul was doing "all over the world"?

I recently sat on a jury. Here was a person accused of a crime, but that was about it. There just wasn't a lot of evidence to back it up. I learned quickly that for some an accusation is truth. It reminded me how detrimental accusing someone of something can be. Accusation is one of the enemy's main weapons.

Salvation and power are established!
    Kingdom of our God, authority of his Messiah!
The Accuser of our brothers and sisters thrown out,
    who accused them day and night before God.
They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb
    and the bold word of their witness.--Revelation 12:10

This scripture names our enemy as the Accuser of our brothers and sisters. We've all been accused of something. The harder thing for me is recognizing my own hurling of accusations. I do not want to be an accuser. I want to be an encourager. For the rest of this week I am going to be mindful of the words I speak about others. I am going to choose encouragement instead of accusation. Won't you join me for the challenge?

Lord, help me to remember accusation comes easy,

is often born of assumption and lacks any real evidence.

Do not allow me to fall into the enemy's trap of lies

when it comes to accusing others. Bless me with the ability

to discern truth and encourage others to do the same.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 23:23-35
(Just click on the link if you don't have a Bible handy.)

The governmental officials didn't seem to think Paul had done anything wrong. The letter said he'd done nothing remotely criminal. The governor put Paul up in Herod's quarters and decided to wait to see if the accusers even showed up. The only people really upset were the religious ones. It was the same with Jesus.

I would like to think we are different now. Somehow more sophisticated in our disagreements. The reality of another college shooting reveals something different. It also reminds me of people all over the world being persecuted because of their beliefs. Not one of the disciples lived a "happily ever after" life.

Cassie and I were talking about persecution Wednesday as she prepared to teach our youth. One question kept rolling around in her mind, "Would I claim Jesus in the face of death?" The question hung in the air between the two of us as reality sank in. On the surface the answer seems easy, but deep down there is another question lurking... What if I didn't have enough faith to claim Jesus?

It leads me to an even deeper thought... Even without the threat of death, there are times I deny Him. Times I choose anger over love, and chaos over peace. Times when I choose my own way instead of The Way. May we never forget each and every moment is an opportunity to choose Him.

Father God, I pray for the faith to choose Jesus each and every day,

no matter the cost.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 22:30-23:22
(Click on the link to read the scriptures.)

Paul knew what it would take to distract the Pharisees and Sadducees. Did you notice how The Message put it?

Sadducees have nothing to do with a resurrection or angels or even a spirit. If they can’t see it, they don’t believe it. Pharisees believe it all.

Which camp do you find yourself? Are you a see-it-to-believe-it person, or a believe-it-all person? Hebrews reminds us that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Faith is an action.

Have you lost faith in something? Maybe even stopped praying about it? There are times it seems easier that way. At least we won't continue to be disappointed. Still, God's word tells us faith as small as a mustard seed moves mountains.

Lord, make me a believe-it-all person. I don't want to miss Your truth or 

hinder Your power from working in my life because of unbelief.

And without faith it is impossible to please [God]...

Hebrews 11:6

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 22:22-29
[Read today's verses by clicking on the link.]

The word pops into my mind... intervention. There is a lot of intervention going on in this reading. The captain intervened and saved Paul from attack. The centurion intervened to save the captain from torturing a Roman. All the while God intervening on Paul's behalf.

There is a lot of intervention going on in seven verses. I've been asking for intervention lately. Asking God to intervene in someway. I don't see the results of the intervention yet... but I hope and wait and trust His way is higher than mine.

Are you praying for intervention too...? Never give up hope.

And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ---Romans 5:5

Lord, my hope is in You alone. In Your sovereignty, goodness,

grace, and love. I trust You to intervene as needed.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 21:37-22:21
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Paul begins to tell the crowd about his experience. His conversion experience. Webster's defines conversion as "the act or process of change." Paul's story is one of total change. From hunting down Christians and holding coats as he watched them die to becoming one of them and teaching others to do the same. The change seems immediate and for Paul it was. It happens that way for others as well, but not so much with me.

My conversion story is sort of a life long story. Whether you changed all in a moment or you've changed over a life time... change is really the focus. Are you spiritually different today then last week... last month... last year.

Take stock today of your story. Do you recognize conversion along the way? How are you different? Is there an area God's working change in?

Father God, change me, mold me, use me.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 21:17-36
[Click on the link to read today's verses.]

It seems everybody was trying to save Paul from the evil approaching. Those in the towns and regions he visited on the way begged him not to go. As soon as he arrived in Jerusalem, the leaders of the church were ready with a plan. He was to go and present himself for purification. He didn't really have to do this. Jesus was the cleanser of all sin and through him Paul knew he was clean. But this purification was to save him from the people. Hopefully this would appease those who were upset.

It didn't. God's plan was unfolding and no amount of begging or purification would stop it. What we see as terrible, Paul beaten and arrested... God sees differently.

And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. ---Romans 8:28

All things. Prison, murder, pain... divorce, violence, war... grief, despair, loss. ALL THINGS working together for GOOD! 

Lord, help me to see the good You are up to

in the lives of those who love You

in ALL things. Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 21:1-16
(Read today's verses by clinking the link above.)

The issue in Jerusalem is not what they do to me, whether arrest or murder,

but what the Master Jesus does through my obedience. 

Many were warning Paul. Going to Jerusalem was dangerous in so many ways. Paul almost seems a little stubborn at this point. Why go where you know harm will come? Why...? Obedience... that's why. Paul was following God's leading. He was determined to obey Jesus no matter the result. He was convinced that Jesus would do something incredible through His obedience, and Jesus did.

Where in our lives are we lacking this kind of stubborn obedience? Are we willing to face prison or death just so Jesus can use our obedience?

Lord Jesus, when You were headed for the cross and told Your disciples so,

Peter told You this would never happen. You in turn told Peter, he was

a hindrance to You and had his mind set on the things of man, not the things of God.

Help me Lord, to begin to see things Your way. Embolden me with faith to obey

even when You let me know in advance I will suffer for my obedience.

I want to do things Your way, not the world's way.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 20:17-38
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.

God's Word can make us into what He wants us to be. Sometimes I think we want to make us into who we think God wants us to be, but that's not how it works. This process of becoming who God wants us to be is more like the potter and the clay, sculpter and stone, carver and wood. The potter, sculpter, and carver all have tools. God does too. God uses His Word to mold us, shape us, create us. 

Molding, shaping, and creating is a lifelong process. What will it be like to look back on an entire life from heaven's view and see the mighty work God has done in each of us. That will be one glorious day! 

Lord, I want to be all You want me to be, not what I think You want me to be.

Fill me with a hunger and love for Your gracious Word.

Prepare my heart to receive the molding, shaping, carving You want to do in my life.

Help me to remember, as painful as it might be at times,

it is all for my good and Your glory.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,

and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 20:1-16
(Read today's verses by clicking on the link.)

Right at the end of these verses we read, "Things went according to plan." Most of what we read about Paul and the happenings of the new church don't go according to plan. It is like a breath of fresh air right in the middle of it all. Everything sort of just fell into place. Still, this wasn't the norm for Paul, the disciples, the early church. Why do we expect it to be the norm for us? What would happen if we began expecting life to never go according to plan?

Not a type of cynicism so to speak, but more of an expectation that God is in control. Over the last few months I've said this scripture to myself... said it to those I love.

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Making plans is not the problem, in fact it is the way of the wise. The problem happens when we want our plan on our terms. We want it to happen on our time in our way. We may plan it but we must remember that God is in control and He is the one who directs each step of each day. 

Father God, help me to remember, even in the midst of my plans,
You are in control. May I receive the steps You bring about with joy.
Continue to remind me, You have a purpose in all things You allow.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 19:21-41
(No Bible handy? Just click on the link to read today's verses.)

So the idol makers were not happy. In fact, they began a riot that soon grew to something dangerous. Many were yelling, screaming, and angry. There in verse 33 it catches my attention...

Some were yelling one thing, some another.
Most of them had no idea what was going on or why they were there.

I wonder, are there times I've taken up a cause or stance with no idea what was going on? Have I ended up in some place with no understanding of why I was there? It is easy to get caught up in something and allow our emotions to take control. Pretty soon we end up in a place we never intended to be.

Is there something you find yourself emotional about lately? Does it feel out of control at times? The good news is emotions do not have to rule our lives... bring us to unknown places. Our  response to them may just be acknowledging we have them and trusting them to the One who gave them to us in the first place. 

Father God, protect my heart against stirred up emotions: mine and others.

Teach me to take the time to identify the source of the agitation.

Give me the questions to ask in order to discover what is really going on.

I long to be a source of peace, and not one who gets stirred up by others

when I'm really unsure about the truth behind the emotion.