76th Week, Romans Chapters 5-8 (Click on Title of Video Introduction)

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Monday, Romans Chapter 5

Romans 5 

Verses 3-5, 20-21

Heather Williams

Verses 3-5:  "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." 

THOUGHT

I love these verses. The bad news is that we as Christians are guaranteed sufferings. Now, that doesn't sound very good at first, but I think we can all attest to that truth. However, the good news follows closely. These sufferings create perseverance, which builds our character, and results in hope. God uses these sufferings to build our character and hope in HIM.   Each of us has varied sufferings quite alive in our lives. Instead of focusing on the struggle, focus on how Christ can use that suffering in your life. Paul tells us later in 2 Cor. 12:10 "that when I am weak, then I am strong.” because Christ promises us that "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. 

As all of you know, one of the major sufferings in my life is the CPA exam. I'm still working toward passing 100% of that test. This exam has definitely taught me perseverance, and I continue to persevere. This struggle has definitely affected my character in many ways including humbling my spirit. Don't be discouraged by whatever cross you may bear. There is HOPE! God's love is amazing - just look at verse 8. AMAZING!! 

Tuesday, Romans Chapter 5 (Read again)

Romans Chapter 5

Verses 20-21

Heather Williams

Verses 20-21: "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

THOUGHT

The part of these verses that really caught my attention was where it says that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. My Bible gave a great analogy of how we as Christians and sinners see God's law from below, as a ladder to climb to get to God. We continue to climb, only to slip on sin and fall. Or we are overwhelmed by the climb to begin with. In either case, we should feel relief to see Jesus with His open arms ready and willing to accept us. His grace abounds! 

As I thought about this, I was reminded of the Christo (we called Him Big Jesus) the stone statute on a mountain top overlooking Rio de Janeiro. While I was there, I had the vision of Christ overlooking the City with his arms open protecting the City. However, now I think about it, and I see a Jesus standing there with acceptance and grace for all waiting for us to jump in His arms and accept this gift. Have you accepted this amazing gift of grace?

PRAYER

Sovereign Lord, Maker of Heaven and the Earth! You amaze me each and every day. Your love and grace are unimaginable and unconceivable for our early minds to comprehend. THANK YOU! Lord, help each of us with the struggles that we face during the day. I pray that You would draw near to each of us. AMEN 

Wednesday, Romans Chapter 6

Romans 6 

Verses 20-23

Heather Williams

Verses 20-23:   "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

THOUGHT

Several times in this chapter Paul begins by asking questions resulting from Romans 5.  Such as what does this mean?  Can we go on sinning so grace may increase? Or shall we continue to sin because we are under grace not the law? However, both times he quickly follows with a very forceful, animate answer , “BY NO MEANS!”  I think he was really trying to get a point across that I hope we all understand. Everyone is a slave to something. You make a choice each and every day as to which master you want to follow. These masters can look like very different things to each of us. However, at the end of the day, there really are only two options. You can choose to serve sin and Satan or you can choose to serve God. If you choose to serve Satan, you are "free from the control of righteousness". However, the only payment you will receive is DEATH. If you choose to serve Christ, you are free from sin and live to be righteous, which leads to holiness whose payment is ETERNAL LIFE.

I've had many conversations with my non-Christian friends trying to explain this concept. Most non-Christians don't understand how following Christ gives them freedom. They see it more as bondage to laws and rightful living. The reality is that we have freedom in making a choice in which Master to serve, and both have very different consequences. It reminds me of the Daryl Evans song Freedom (I can only remember part of it as I'm not at home to look up the lyrics — but part of it says) "I’m dancing in the freedom that I've found!"  Which Master are you following? What freedom are you dancing in? 

PRAYER

Gracious and Loving Father, again we are reminded of Your abounding love and grace. You are the definition of Love and Grace. Lord, each day we struggle with the decision about which master to follow. It is so easy to be tempted and swayed by the ways of this world. Help us remember that the only payment for serving worldly masters is DEATH. Help us to serve You and only You, Lord.  Be the Master of our lives!! AMEN 

Thursday, Romans Chapter 7

Romans 7 

Verses 15-20

Heather Williams

Verses 15-20:  "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do- this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

THOUGHT

Sorry I know that's more than one verse and I know it's a bit confusing and wordy, but you know I had to pick this passage. I love this passage. It reminds me of a tongue twister. Just try speaking it several times very fast. 

However, if you just listen to what he's saying, it makes complete sense. There are a couple of things that hit me. First of all, who can relate to what Paul is saying in verse 15? Hopefully everyone raised their hands. Any and all Christians struggle with sin. I get super frustrated quite often with myself and how I fall into sin. However, with Christ by our side and as our strength, sin can be DEFEATED! Pray to God and rely on Him to help you conquer the sin in your life. We can't do it alone. 

I think one of the most difficult lessons to learn and accept about being a Christian is how once you turn your life over to Christ that's just the beginning. There is no finish line here on earth. The life of a Christian is a lifelong process - a journey. That's why Christ called Himself the WAY.  We must persevere through life, but not by our own strength. We must die to our sinful self each day and ask for strength, wisdom and forgiveness daily.  No, MORE than daily. 

PRAYER

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! You are our strength and our shield. Lord, we know that You are the ultimate ruler and are not defeated by sin. Help us conquer the sin in our lives. Only by Your strength can we do this, Lord. Lord, we confess that we are sinners. Wash us clean and make us whole. Thank You for Your forgiveness. AMEN 

Friday, Romans Chapter 8

Romans 8

Verse 28, 38-39

Heather Williams

Verse 28:  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 

Verses 38-39:  "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.” 

THOUGHT

As many or all of you know Romans 8:28 was Gramcracker's favorite Bible verse. I can never read Romans 8 without thinking of her. I have to share that I have a small Bible that I carry in my computer bag to work every day that was given to me by both sets of grandparents for my confirmation. Grandma Hall wrote a note in there that I often open up and read. It's like I carry her wisdom with me. Part of the note says the following: "Please use this for Bible reading daily, and other occasions when you will have to track a verse in Sunday school." I think Grandma would be very proud of all of us Salt Shakers and our daily Bible lesson. I know that if she were alive she would be involved. I just wonder how? I can't see Grandma powering up a laptop, but who knows, you wouldn't put anything past her. 

Romans 8:28 is special to me not just because it was to Grandma, but because of the promise that God makes. "In all things He works for the good.” Not just on occasion or certain incidents, but in ALL. We as followers and lovers of Christ - called according to His purpose - can trust that God can turn any circumstance around for our good. 

I also chose the last two verses of this chapter because I feel like Paul does a great job describing the strength and power of God's Love. We are inseparable from God's love. No matter what trials or circumstances face you in life - take comfort in these verses. No matter what - you don't go it alone. Nothing separates us from His love. I've been thinking about that as I consider my move to NYC. God spoke to me the other night as we were worshipping at Bible study and said 'You wouldn't be alone. I’m always with you, and I love you." I have been reminded of how I went away to college, five hours away from my family and friends to a strange town where I knew no one. God blessed that decision. I made good decisions to rely and trust in God. My faith grew so much those years I was in college. I think mainly because I had to make a decision, and I chose to follow Christ and rely on Him. I feel like God is giving me another opportunity like that to go somewhere that I need total and utter reliance on Him. He wants to draw close to me and increase my faith and relationship with Him. This could be one way to do so. Whatever decision I make, I know that I definitely want to embrace that change. 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Your powerful words out of the book of Romans, Chapter 8. They are mighty words to live by. May we make that effort in our daily lives to live for You. Thank You for Gramcracker and the ones that have gone before us to make a path for us to follow.  In God’s Amazing Grace. AMEN