77th Week, Romans Chapters 9-12 (Click on title for Video Introduction)

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 Click on Title for Video Intro


Monday, Romans chapter 9
Romans 9
Verses 16&21
Heather Williams

Verses 16 & 21:  "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.... Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" 

SUBJECT
Mercy! God has been teaching me a lot about mercy over the past six months. I don't think I've ever really, really understood the definition and concept of mercy until recently. I mean, I knew what it meant, but God has opened my eyes to understand it more recently. Basically, as all of you know, we deserve absolutely nothing, squat, zero, Zippo. We are sinful and don't deserve anything. However, God chooses to love us, bless us, and forgive us all through His Mercy. It is only through His MERCY. Any time a prayer request of ours is answered, it is because God has shown mercy on us. Not because we prayed enough or did enough good deeds or did anything on our own, but only through His Mercy. 

I like verse 21 because it points out that God is in control. My commentary put it best by saying "With this illustration, Paul is not saying that some of us are worth more than others, but simply that the Creator has control over the created object. The created object, therefore, has no right to demand anything from its Creator - its very existence depends on Him. Keeping this perspective removes any temptation to have pride in personal achievement." 

PRAYER
Merciful Father! Gracious and Faithful One! We lift You up. Thank You for Your Word and Your Promises. We know that You are faithful and that Your Word is truth. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking us. I am so thankful that nothing can separate us from Your Love. Lord, You know each of our needs and each of our desires. We lift them up to You. May Your Will be done in each of our lives. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy on us. AMEN 



Tuesday, Romans Chapter 10
Romans 10
Verse 13
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 13:  “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

THOUGHT
Gosh, I am so glad that my salvation is not dependent on my actions and works.  I would be a far cry from the gates of our Heavenly Home.  However, since all we have to do is confess our sins to the Lord and proclaim that Jesus is Lord, WE WILL BE SAVED.

It doesn’t get any easier than that.  That special feeling then is reflected in our actions when we try to obey the laws of the Lord.  Now, our job is to proclaim that message to all we meet for we do not know where their hearts are.  

Do you have anyone that you are acquainted with right now that you know is not in a relationship with Jesus our Savior?  We need to share.  Do it simply and just pray that the Holy Spirit will do its job on giving them an accepting heart.

PRAYER
Father, God, You have made it so easy for us to receive Eternal Salvation.  You have given us a heart to receive the greatest gift of all.  It is above the Law.  It is a special feeling that lives inside our heart and soul.  Put people in our paths that know You not.  Give us the courage, knowledge and opportunity to proclaim Your Love and share it to those who are searching, lonely, desperate or even just perfect in their own world but would not be able to enter into Your Kingdom.  Loving You from all states and homes.  AMEN



Wednesday, Romans Chapter 11
Romans 11
Verse 6
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 6:  “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

THOUGHT
The meaning of Romans 9-11 magnifies God’s Grace and His Sovereignty. We must never lose the wonder of our salvation or the greatness of God.  No matter how deep the valley or difficult the battle, a vision of God’s greatness puts joy in our hearts and strength to our souls.  God knows what He is doing even if we do not understand it fully.

His love is not dependent on our actions nor because we deserve it. Salvation is by Grace – a free gift.  It can not be earned; it can only be accepted. Do you remember some of the difficult times that you have had along your journey?  I have had some times that IT HAS BEEN ONLY BY GOD’S GRACE (an undeserving love) that I managed to stay above water and continue on the path.  Paul, years ago, dreamed of everyone coming to the saving grace of Jesus no matter what church, nationality, family, etc.  We are still praying the same prayer.  

Someday every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.  This beautiful gift is offered to all.  I love speaking of our salvation.  It is a security that makes everyday beautiful.  For in the end – that is all that matters. 

PRAYER
Jesus, our Christ and Savior of all who believe, thank You that we can rejoice in You.  May we never become discouraged about the future of our lives, the church or some of our relatives and friends.  May we remember to focus on Your Greatness.  Father, we cannot explain all the purposes and plans that You have for us, but we can worship and praise You for who You are.  Thank You for GRACE and MERCY and for our SALVATION.  For from HIM and through HIM and to HIM are all things.  To HIM be the Glory Forever.  AMEN



Thursday, Romans Chapter 12
Romans 12
Verse 16a
Jeanie Boldt

Verse 16a:  “Live in harmony with one another.”

THOUGHT
WE MUST BEHAVE!!!  As Christians we need to live a Godly life.  Our examples must be Christ-like so that whoever may see us will know that we live for the Lord Jesus Christ and are in HIS world not this one.  We must not be hypocrites.  We must humble ourselves and think of others before thinking of ourselves.  We can do this as individuals, and we can do this in a group as the Salt Shakers.  We all have different personalities, talents, and desires of our hearts.  How awesome to put them all together and have one heck of a TEAM.  

As I look at every name on the list, I think of the strengths I gain from each of you.  Thank God he has blessed you; for in turn I am blessed.  Through our actions and team work – LOVE is displayed.  It comes so naturally when you love the Lord deeply and allow that love to be shared with others.  It is through relating that we realize our human side shows up, and at times friends, relatives, and the evil ones hurt us.  We must be strong especially at this time through strength and grace from the Lord and each other.  WE CAN OVER COME EVIL WITH GOOD.  

This chapter is filled with qualities and characteristics of relating as Christians.  LET’S GO DO IT!!!

PRAYER
Father, help us to look to Your Son each day as an example of how You would like us to live.  Make us beacons in this dark world.  May we stand firm in our beliefs and rely on others for that extra strength we need at times.  Fill up our “Shakers” so we can season the world we live in with love, understanding, and a sincere desire to share Your love with others.  Help us to love our enemies and cherish those who love us and care for us.  May we not be “Actors” but “Performers” bringing joy, hope and peace to all. AMEN

Friday, Review 
Take the time to review the chapters in Romans that you have read already.  







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