Romans 5,6,7,8

Scripture - Romans 7:16-23 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slave whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of y our flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

Observation - Paul is speaking to the Romans here - a people that are totally captivated with themselves. Their focus was on the selfish ambitions and the erotic lifestyles. They were slaves of sin and presented themselves as such. Paul speaks to the choice that one makes to either live in sin or live in righteousness. He argues that whichever one you choose - to that one you are a slave. It tells you what to do, where to go, when to do it and how you will live. The end of that road is death. The end of that road is a separation from God. Paul gives the hope that through Christ, choosing Christ, turning from that way and choosing to be a slave of God's love - you gain freedom and life. Life more abundantly is available - but we make the choice.

Application - Choosing to be a slave to God versus a slave to sin. While the average person may think this is a simple choice, the truth is that sin grabs a hold and doesn't want to let go. Slave owners were some of the most ruthless of the ages. The person they owned they would not let go. They would fight even go to war to keep them. In US History our civil war had at its heart this very issue. Slave owners did not want to release the slaves from bondage. The sin in our lives is the same way. It does not want to release us. It wants to keep us from experiencing the freedom that a life with Christ offers. We must CHOOSE to be slaves to Christ. Chapter 8 of Romans tells us that the carnality of sin is warring with God - God is in an all out battle with sin. Chapter 7 verse 23 says that the wages of sin is death - Sin will pay us handsomely in a total and utter separation from God. However God is offering the gift of eternal life. Let's choose to be slaves of Christ.

Prayer - Father - make me your slave today. I choose to wrap every thought around your goodness, your mercy and your grace. I choose to experience the love you offer - the love of God that truly reigns in me. I choose to experience the freedom of a forgiven life a life that is free from the bondage of sin. Father shackle me to your goodness, chain me to Christ Jesus today. I love you with all of my heart and choose to be free from sin and slave to Christ.

1 Sam 1-2; Ps 66; 1 Cor 7

Scripture - 1 Sam 2:12-17 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord. 13 And the priests' custom with the people was that when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fleshhook in his hand while the meat was boiling. 14 Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; and the priest would take for himself all that the fleshhook brought up. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 15 Also, before they burned the fat, the priest's servant would come and say to the man who sacrificed, "Give meat for roasting to the priest, for he will not take boiled meat from you, but raw." 16 And if the man said to him, "They should really burn the fat first; then you may take as much as your heart desires," he would then answer him, "No, but you must give it now; and if not, I will take it by force." 17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.

Observation - I have read past this scripture many times. 1-2 Samuel are some of my favorite books in the bible. What stands out to me today is the blatant disregard for God's offering. The sons of Eli were wicked, sleeping around, mistreating the people, had no respect for the things of God or His people. But they were taking the best of the offering the people were bringing and using it for their own household. God was bitterly angry for this action. It is interesting that they were warned by the people "They should really burn the fat first". Their response was even more evil as they said give what we ask or I will take it from you. Their treatment of God's offering was an indication of their conviction toward the people of God and a lack of regard for them. God's offering is extremely important. I believe that we must be very careful how we treat the offerings we make to God. Some of us are very casual about what we bring, sometimes keeping the best for ourselves. Keeping some of God's tithe to be used at our household.

Application - As we bring our offering to the Lord, it ought not be a causal concern. This ought be something that brings honor and glory to God. That we ensure none is kept back for our own use. That all of what God has asked for - the tithe is brought to the storehouse. That we invest in the kingdom and give cheerfully. God is watching our actions and obedience in this area.

Prayer - Father, help us to bring faithfully your offering. To bring it with a cheerful and honorable heart. We love you Lord and are stewards of your great riches.

Lev 26-27; Acts 23

Scripture - Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

Observation - Paul is on trial for his beliefs here in this passage. He is being accused of preaching the gospel and standing before the Pharisees, Sadducees and the High Priest. There is a major debate going on about what to do with him. Once he assesses that he is in the presence of Pharisees and Sadducees he identifies himself as one of them. Not only him but from his family. He states I am on trial for confessing what you Pharisees say you believe. He polarizes the group and causes them to divide - once they were against him, now they are against each other. He proclaims the resurrection and the hope. Paul made the real issue the real issue. He brought to the forefront the issue that they were arguing about Jesus Christ and not him.

Application - The gospel will always cause people to debate. It is always on the offense - never the defense. Its proclamation brings life and and eternal promise, but here on earth the word, the gospel will challenge us to deal with our belief systems. Whether it be resurrection, tribulation, purity, holiness, tithing, faithfulness, character - the gospel will always cause us to look into ourselves and it will always reveal to us what is hidden from the world. There will always be a polarization of ourselves against the word. The bible says that it searches the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word/gospel will reveal the dark areas of our heart that must be exposed to light and healed. The gospel will always cause an argument inside of us to reveal the parts that are not aligned with God. We need to allow the word to shine upon those areas and resurrect them to life.

Prayer - Father - you are so good. I love you so much and ask that you would continue to lead me in your path of righteousness - allow me to align my life with your principles daily. Strengthen me to the place of solid rock foundation.

Lev 15-17; Acts 18

Scripture - Acts 18:9-11 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Observation - Paul was under a tremendous about of pressure in this city because he was preaching Christ and the Jews were not happy with this. The pressure was causing Paul to make decisions about where to go and what to do next. While he was getting some results he was still trying to find the real will of God. The Lord speaks to him and says Don't be afraid, Keep on speaking, do not be silent. Paul is there a year and a half preaching and teaching the word of God. Paul had the confidence to continue because God was with him.

Application - Fear is a tremendous hindrance to the move of God in modern day ministry. As I talk to more and more people - afraid to share their faith, afraid to testify, afraid to reach out, afraid to preach the gospel, afraid to be in front of people. But the Lord is telling us, "don't be afraid church, I am with you and will be with you" God wants His message to go forth in power and in passion. When we get passionate enough about the word: teaching, preaching, confessing, sharing, testifying - our city will be changed. Just after this encounter Paul began to reach the leaders of the region - Wow - let's go for those in political positions.

Father - help me to be ready to reach the people no one will reach. The ones at the top of societal lists. Father when you say "lend to the poor" - I believe you mean the poor in faith and spirit. God help me to be attractive to those that the world thinks has it all together.

Lev 10-12; Acts 16

Scripture - Acts 16:13-15 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

Observation - Paul and the guys were travelling and at this particular moment were trying to find a place to pray when they happened upon a group of women that began to gather there. Immediately they began to preach the gospel to that group. A woman named Lydia was there and God opened her heart. It was a major win for the kingdom as Lydia became influential in helping the apostle and the disciples in their ministry.

Application - So often we just move from task to task and forget to preach the gospel where ever we are. Where ever there is a group of people gathering we should be ready to preach. The bible says to be "instant in season and out of season". So often we miss opportunities to reach the lost. Getting caught up in our busy days, busy lives and activities of life - we miss out on opportunities to reach those around us. We never know when there is a Lydia waiting to hear...

Prayer - Father help me to be aware always of what you are doing and to preach the gospel where ever I go.

Lev 7-9; Acts 15

Scripture - Acts 15:7-11 Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Observation - Peter is reasoning with the people of God, the leadership of the churches and trying to explain his experience with the Holy Spirit. Peter was also of the mindset that Jesus came for the Jews until his experience at Cornelius house. The Holy Spirit shows up and tells him that Jesus came for all men, not just the ones that Peter deemed in the right group. In this passage the Jewish leadership are trying to get the new disciples to honor the circumcision process and they are rebelling against that. The brethren are telling these new disciples that they can't be truly saved until they go through the process. I love Peters words: Why are you putting a yoke on the disciples that neither our fathers or we could bear. In other words - why are you making serving Jesus more difficult that it needs to be. You are making it harder than Jesus made it. He rebukes them and establishes a new season of grace for the believers.

Application - Pastor Ray began a series about World Systems and the issues they can have over the lives of people. Systems can not love and there fore can become callous and harsh. The system of religion is a really necessary one, good in its foundation and needed to spread the gospel. God established the church and is using it as his last effort to spread the gospel around the world. However, when the church puts more on the believer than God does, the system begins to degenerate and cause religion to be the primary focus. We need to love people and serve others. That is the primary responsibilities of the disciples. Not to create rules and regulations that keep people out of our world. Let's not put on yokes that neither our forefathers or we can bear.

Prayer - Father help us to keep this simple. To love you with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Father we need revival in our cities, states and nations.

Exodus 33-34; Ps 16; Acts 9

Scripture - Acts 9:3-9 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?". Then the Lord said "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." 6 So he, trembling and astonished said "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Observation - One of the most dynamic conversions in the bible. Someone that had such hatred for the people of God is converted to be one of the most influential people in God's kingdom. I always find it interesting that he was blinded at this occasion. That the Lord put scales on his eyes and he was led by others to the city and stayed in Damascus for three days and didn't eat or see. Having to depend on others to even get around. His blindness was for such a profound purpose. God needed to reset his vision. Prior to this experience Paul was seeing the people of God with hatred and disdain. His sight was set on eliminating the kingdom of God. But after this experience he was seeing how he can expand the kingdom of God. God needed to reset his vision and focus his attention on different things.

Application - Many of the experiences we go through are meant to refocus our attention. We may not experience physical blindness, but in some ways we are kept from seeing clearly so that we can gain a kingdom perspective. God wants us to see how the kingdom works and sometimes we need to be blinded of how the world works. Our old vision sees in the carnal but heavenly vision sees the kingdom.

Prayer - Father give me kingdom vision...