datethewordtest

Tag: Romans

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 31 (8/31) is Romans 8:31

    “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
    who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
    What a Savior and what a salvation!

    The Book of Romans is primarily a doctrinal book that teaches the doctrine of salvation.  Salvation is needed because ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God.  (Romans 3:23)  Being a sinner means one is facing the wrath of God and is under CONDEMNATION.  However, Romans 6:23 says that while the WAGES of sin is death there is the gift of God that comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sins by DYING for us and in our place.  When we trust Him for salvation, He gives us His righteousness (JUSTIFICATION) and that means we are no longer under CONDEMNATION.

    Romans 8 begins with “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) Romans 8 (this great chapter) will begin to conclude with a question here in verse 31 and give an answer that confirms that there is NO condemnation to those IN Christ and nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from God!! The Apostle Paul concludes Romans 8 with these reassuring words. Romans 8:37 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   PERIOD!

    The Book of Romans starts out with man being AGAINST GOD!  It continues by revealing how God’s wrath is being poured out on man.  As man is against God, God is against man!  BUT we also learn of God’s love and mercy and grace and then that one can be justified and redeemed and reconciled back to God.  Now instead of God being against man, God is for man and there is now nothing, absolutely nothing that can be against us!   

    How might we respond?  Maybe with WHAT A SAVIOR!! WHAT A SALVATION!!!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 31 (8/31) is Romans 8:31. It says, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

    Continue strong knowing that God is for you,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 28 (8/28) is Romans 8:28

    “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
    to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
    God has a Way of Working Things Out

    One of the most important verses for a believer is Romans 8:28. It is probably referred to more than any other verse as we seek to make sense of life’s circumstances when they definitely don’t make sense.  The believer will find hope and encouragement in times of difficulties and pain, trials and tribulations, heartache and failure as Romans 8:28 reveals an eternal perspective of our circumstances and situations. Our God is watching closely every detail and then working to bring about His desired outcome.  Romans 8:28 tells us that GOD is at work and while not everything that is happening is good, He works things out for His glory and our good. 

    One of the illustrations I have used to explain Romans 8:28 is the making of a chocolate chip cookie. Think about the various ingredients that are used to make a chocolate chip cookie. Individually there are ingredients that are sweet but mainly the individual ingredients are bitter, and you absolutely would not want to eat any of those ingredients alone.  But when they are put together with other ingredients you get something very enjoyable. And don’t forget that if the ingredients that are bitter were not in the mixer then it would not be a delicious chocolate chip cookie!!  It is the mixture of the bitter with the sweet that makes the cookie so good. 

    So today, on 8/28, enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and consider how God is working ALL things for His glory and your good. 

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 28 (8/28) is Romans 8:28. It says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  

    Continue Strong trusting God,
    And remember to Date the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 26 (8/26) is Romans 8:26

    “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know
    what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes
    intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
    Help from the HELPER!

    More than once, yes maybe more than a thousand times I have given thanks for the knowledge taught in Romans 8:26 that I have help from the HELPER, the Holy Spirit when I am praying.  My prayer life for myself and for others (I suspect yours also) has had moments of major uncertainty about what to say next.  There comes that moment of SILENCE.  Silence.  A feeling of being paralyzed.  A feeling of helplessness.  A feeling of sheer weakness.  There is the desire to be bold with our request, but we are unsure what to request.  And then into the mind comes afresh and anew Romans 8:26; “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”  Upon reflection of what the Spirit of God is doing, there are no more feelings of helplessness and weakness but rather a confidence that God will be hearing a pure prayer and will give the exact answer needed.  

    As we ponder on Romans 8:26 and the work, the ministry, of the Holy Spirit we recall that Jesus told His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit who would be the HELPER (John 14:26). The Apostle Paul here explains one of the ways He helps us in our weakness as we get to the point in praying we are too exhausted to figure out what one is facing. At the very moment as we try to utter a prayer the Holy Spirit steps in and He begins to pray for us!!! Talk about the benefits of being saved!! The believer not only gets to take everything to God in prayer, but the Holy Spirit Himself helps us pray when we are so overwhelmed, confused, and too exhausted to pray!! 

    Please know that as you are developing a dynamic and effective prayer life you will be brought to Romans 8:26 for the more we pray the more we experience “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.”  At those moments know you have a HELPER and be very thankful for the Helper who knows our hearts, and knows the Father’s heart.   

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 26 (8/26) is Romans 8:26.  It says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

    Continue praying with Help from the Helper!! 
    And remember to DATE the Word!!!

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 24 (8/24) is Romans 8:24

    “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope;
    for why does one still hope for what he sees?” – Romans 8:24
    HANDLING HARDSHIPS WITH HOPE!

    In writing to the Romans the great Apostle Paul will primarily address the doctrines of SALVATION but he will also address issues that the Christian faces such as SUFFERING.  In Romans 8, starting at verse 18 he gives an eternal perspective on SUFFERING as he writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  As we ponder this verse, we begin to think about what will be revealed in glory, and OUR HOPE – the anticipation of a glorious future – GROWS.  

    Continuing he tells how we groan, and how even creation groans as we want the suffering to end.  In Romans 8:23 he writes that “even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”

    Now our verse to DATE tells us that WE ARE SAVED IN THIS HOPE.  One translation has it “NOW we LIVE in this HOPE!  

    What is the HOPE that saves us, delivers us, sustains us, that we live in?  It is the HOPE, the firm conviction that there will be a day when we will be in HEAVEN. We are looking FORWARD to the FUTURE!  We have a HOPE of HEAVEN!  We live in HOPE because we know the BEST IS YET TO COME.  With this HOPE of a glorious FUTURE, we can SUSTAIN the worst that is here presently.  Verse 25 tells us we eagerly wait for it (our glorious future) with perseverance.

    As you groan know that heaven awaits you!  This is your HOPE!!  And while you face pain and suffering in this present body and persecution in this present world keep your eyes of faith looking to your glorious future.  You are sustained while suffering by THIS HOPE!!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 24 (8/24) is Romans 8:24. It says, “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

    “Hope thus sustains the soul in the midst of trials, and enables it to bear them without a murmur.”  A. Barnes

    Continue strong staying encouraged as the BEST IS YET TO COME!! 
    And remember to DATE THE WORD!
     

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 18 (8/18) is Romans 8:18

    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
    compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
    An ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING

    As we consider our sufferings in this world it is worth remembering that Jesus said in some of His last words that are recorded in John 16:33 that “You (we) will have suffering in this world.” The SAINT of God will SUFFER in this world.  The great Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” (Philippians 1:29)

    So once again I say to us that the SAINT of God will SUFFER.   How, then, are you going to respond?

    For me, any discussion on suffering must include Romans 8:18 because in this verse the Apostle Paul brings an eternal perspective about suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that something better is coming.  There will be a time when God reveals how HE used our suffering for His Glory and our good and at that moment we will know it was worth it all.

    And God does use our sufferings.  Recall what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians writing, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17) The Apostle Peter was so sure of God using suffering that he wrote to suffering saints that he was rejoicing because of their suffering.  Notice 1 Peter 4:13 as he writes “But I rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

    An ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING: Because God USES our suffering for His glory and our good we must look at the temporal moments through the lens of eternity.

    May you be SUSTAINED in your SUFFERINGS today by the eternal perspective presented by the Apostles Paul and Peter!  Our sufferings are but for a moment, but the glory is eternal.  Our suffering will soon pass away but the glory that will be revealed will never diminish.  

    A practical thought on suffering: Remember that suffering should be sharpening your story as well as softening your story to share your Savior’s story!  Don’t waste your suffering, rather look to be a witness for your Savior!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 18 (8/18) is Romans 8:18. It says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

    So what is your CONSIDERATION – your viewpoint on suffering?

    Continue strong with an eternal perspective on suffering,
    And remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on August 15 (8/15) is Romans 8:15

    “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received
    the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15
    From ALIENS against God to ADOPTED by God

    Our conversion to Christianity really does changes everything.  While we immediately think of the change of our eternal destination there is so much more.  For instance, there is what I call a status change as we are changed from being aliens (Eph. 2:12) who are against God to adopted children who are with God.

    ADOPTED. Adopted by GOD!  Ponder for a brief moment the incredible significance of being ADOPTED.  And not just anyone being adopted by just anyone.  Think about being a person who was so against God that now is adopted into the family of God. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? The sinner is now a son and is able to call the God of the universe ABBA, Father.

    I am not sure what this status change from alien to adopted does for you but for me, it is overwhelming to consider that I have such a precious relationship with God.  I feel so unworthy!  It is so hard to comprehend that as a vile sinner, He would even allow me to be His servant, yet He adopts me and declares I am His child, and He is my Heavenly Father!  

    Friends, if you have been saved, shall we say, converted, you have been born again, you belong to God as His child.  1 John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”  

    As you reflect on your relationship with God as a believer, I trust you are humbled and honored to be ADOPTED by the King of Kings and get to call Him FATHER!

    Verse to DATE the Word on August 15 (8/15) is Romans 8:15. It says, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 

    What a Savior and what a salvation!!! Worthy is Lamb!!  

    Continue Strong knowing you are His child,
    And Remember to DATE the Word

  • Verse to DATE the Word on June 23 (6/23) is Romans 6:23

    “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life 
    through Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
    From the WORST NEWS to the BEST NEWS! 

    Romans 6:23!  What a verse of CONTRAST!! One will hardly find a verse in the Bible that has more contrast. This is the “John 3:16” of Romans.  Here we read of a sinner (and that would be you and me) facing a penalty – and unending punishment – death – spiritual separation from God. This is the WORST news one can ever hear. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) is BAD news but now we learn the penalty – the punishment. THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. Let that sink in.  Death – Eternal separation from God.

    Ponder on the unthinkable for a moment.  What if nothing else is written in Romans 6:23?  The bad news of Romans 3:23 has moved to hearing the worst news ever from Romans 6:23a.  Can you imagine if there was nothing else?  
     
    BUT!!! 

    But that is not all that is written. There is the word BUT in this verse.  “But” starts a contrast that brings to us GOOD NEWS!! There is a gift – A GIFT FROM GOD – the gift of GOD is eternal life rather than eternal damnation. The gift has been made available because JESUS CHRIST died for us. (Romans 5:8) There has been a provision made for the penalty!! Christ Jesus paid the penalty at Calvary! Three days later He arose from the dead and is alive!  

    Friend, WHAT A SAVIOR!! WHAT A SALVATION!! Romans 6:23 moves a person from the WORST NEWS to the GOOD NEWS! And the more you think about it I believe you will say it is the BEST NEWS EVER!

    May I ask-  Have you RECEIVED God’s Gift to you?  It is life’s greatest decision for you will either pay for your sins in a place called Hell or you will accept what Christ has done in paying for your sins and enjoy eternal life with Him in Heaven.

    If you have not accepted Jesus, call on Him today as Romans 10:13 says, “Whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved.”

    Verse to DATE the Word on June 23 (6/23) is Romans 6:23. It says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    Continue Strong grateful for the free gift of salvation,
    and Remember to DATE the Word

    BTW – today is a great day to share the GOOD NEWS!

  • Verse to DATE the Word on June 15 (6/15) is Romans 6:15

    “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but
    under grace? Certainly not!” – Romans 6:15
    Correcting wrong thinking about Grace

    The Christian life is not guided by rules or rights, but by a relationship, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  As we enjoy the relationship with Christ by grace through faith, we should never think that it is okay to sin as we are “under grace.” This is the 2nd time Paul has called out believers in chapter 6 for this thinking. He started the chapter with “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” He then answers in verse 2 with “Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?“

    As a believer, we have been changed by justification (a positional change) and now we are being changed by sanctification (a process change). The penalty of sin is paid for and along with that the power of sin is broken. With the power of sin broken we seek to live sanctified lives – HOLY lives. Sanctified and holy lives are lives set apart from sin. The apostle Peter makes it clear that with Christ coming into our lives we are to live changed lives. 1 Peter 1:14 says, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16  since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

    As believers we now seek to please the One who has saved us, living worthy of His calling. Remember that Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, keep My commandments!” John 14:15 

    So, if you are thinking you have a gracious, forgiving Savior (and you do!) yet think you can then sin because He will forgive, you are thinking WRONG. Your thinking needs to CHANGE.

    Our verse to DATE the Word on June 15 (6/15) is Romans 6:15. Romans 6:15 says, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Certainly not!”

    Continue Strong being grateful for grace to live a holy life,
    And Remember to DATE The Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on May 6 (5/6) is Romans 5:6

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 6 (5/6) is Romans 5:6

    “For when we were still without strength, in due time 
    Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6
    Christ Died for YOU, an ungodly sinner!

    As the Apostle Paul lays out the great work of Christ in the book of Romans, he explains what Christ did and why Christ did what He did, and for whom He did what He did.  Far more than just dying an awful, excruciating death on a Roman cross He died for a reason, a purpose, dying for and dying in place of the ungodly.  Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were YET sinners Christ died for us!”

    Our verse to DATE should stir up immense devotion and love for our SAVIOR. Pause to consider the depth of love God has for you.  As Romans 5:7 says, it is hard to believe that one would die for a righteous person or even die for good person, yet Jesus dies for the UNGODLY!  What a SAVIOR He is.

    As a reminder of what He did recall the words from the song O Glorious Day:
    One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
    One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
    Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
    Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
    Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
    And took the nails for me
    Living, He loved me
    Dying, He saved me
    Buried, He carried my sins far away
    Rising, He justified freely forever
    One day He’s coming Oh glorious day, oh glorious day!

    What a Savior He is!  What a salvation He provides!

    Verse to DATE the Word on May 6 (5/6) is Romans 5:6. It says, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

    Continue Strong with adoration of and devotion to your Savior!
    And remember to DATE the Word
  • Verse to DATE the Word on April 20 (4/20) is Romans 4:20

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 20 (4/20) is Romans 4:20

    “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief,
    but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,” – Romans 4:20
    Believing the PROMISER

    As the Apostle Paul is teaching the Romans about the FAITH of Abraham, he tells them how Abraham responded when he was told by God that his wife Sarah was going to have his son and that they would be naming him Isaac. Upon hearing this Abraham BELIEVED the UNBELIEVABLE was going to happen because HE BELIEVED THE PROMISER of the Promise!  

    If you are like me, you need a moment to process what you just read.  I will write it again. Abraham BELIEVED the UNBELIEVABLE was going to happen because HE BELIEVED THE PROMISER of the Promise!  

    As the Apostle Paul recounts this great story of Abraham’s faith he says that Abraham “did not waver.”  This means that he did not hesitate to believe.  It means he did not have a divided mind.  No dispute arose in his head that sought to deny what God had said. While he will ask how this could be he is not questioning God’s ability to perform what He had promised.  Abraham knows that his God is a promise-keeping God who cannot lie!  

    The apostle adds that in analyzing this moment in the life of Abraham, Abraham’s faith GREW in STRENGTH.   Hearing what humanly seemed so unbelievable Abraham does not stagger in faith but becomes STRONGER in faith.  

    Paul writes that in displaying the belief in God’s promise He brought GLORY to God.  God is so glorified when we BELIEVE Him and TRUST Him.  He is pleased when we take steps of FAITH!

    How are you doing in BELIEVING GOD in the present moment?  As God is guiding you are you believing He will be PROVIDING for you?  Do you stagger at His promises, or do you stand firmly on His promises knowing – KNOWING – that He KEEPS His promises? 

    May I remind you that a promise is only as good as the one making the promise?  Abraham’s faith was in God as God was the One making the promise.  If you are experiencing some weakness in your faith I appeal to you to get into His Word and learn more about the PROMISER!  Remember that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!  

    Verse to DATE the Word on April 20 (4/20) is Romans 4:20. It says, “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,”

    Abraham BELIEVED the UNBELIEVABLE was going to happen because HE BELIEVED THE PROMISER of the Promise!  

    Continue Strong standing firm on the Promises of God
    And remember to DATE the Word