Listening to the Word

Proverbs 7-9; Romans 9   “…it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring…What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory - even us…” Romans 9:8, 23, 24a Why has God not elected everyone for salvation? As Paul wrestled with this important question, he noted our response to receiving mercy. Wisdom reminds us we are not God.   However, as those invited to know God and experience his glory, are we grateful? Are we growing in our understanding of the riches of God’s glory and the inheritance of his kingdom? Rather than asking why all people are not saved, we ask, why are not those who are saved more grateful? To experience God’s mercy, kindness, and love, is to experience new life and rebirth. We testify to this kindness and love and invite others to know him because this is God’s mission for us. To the degree that we kn...

Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8 “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear…” Romans 8:13-15 How do we “put to death the misdeeds of the body”? Paul said “by the Spirit.” How does that work?   As we humble ourselves before God and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal sinful patterns, habits, wounds, unforgiveness, and anything blocking the glory of God in our lives, we can be sure the Spirit of God will counsel us. When sin is exposed before God, we can ask him to show us the root of that sin. If something specific is revealed, we can repent for that sin; or, we can ask for God’s healing if it is a wound in our soul. The Spirit of God is holy. He will empower and guide us to apply Christ’s victory over sin and death on the cross. As we repent for sin and resist its p...

Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7 “…and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:3-6 Solomon points us to God as the Source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. More specifically, he calls us to a relationship with God where we listen to God’s Word to us. How is this possible? God reveals himself in relationship to the seeker, not a casual inquirer. We are challenged to “call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding” and to search for God’s presence like hidden treasure. When a relationship with the living God becomes the most valuable aspect of our lives, we honor his presence and listen and obey his Word. In a life of submission to the Lord, obedience and worship are birthed as we live with the fear of the Lord. This is t...

1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6   “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” 1 Kings 10:23, 24 Where did Solomon’s wisdom come from? Did it come from learning from the greatest thinkers in Egypt or Babylon? No. Solomon’s wisdom came from God and was put in his heart by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was that they would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation from their glorious Father so that they would know him better. Wisdom is required to apply knowledge effectively. Solomon’s wisdom gave him influence throughout the world. What would happen if the Church, the Bride of Christ, lived in the fear of the Lord and his wisdom? We would also have influence in every nation because of living by God’s ways. If Paul prayed for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so can we. Will we regularly ask God to fill us with the spirit ...

1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalms 136; Romans 5   “…who struck down great Kings, His love endures forever , and killed mighty Kings – His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:17, 18 “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.” Romans 5:3-5 God’s love is strong and faithful. It endures forever.   But what kind of love destroys kings and kingdoms, allows suffering, and brings death? The love of God is not just an emotion that changes like the weather. God’s love is rooted in his character and his very nature which is also marked by justice and righteousness. In love, God has defeated the power of sin and death through the suffering and death of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is our example of God’s love redeeming suffering unto life. As God pours out hi...

2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalms 135; Romans 4 “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant…Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” Psalm 135:3, 13, 14 Why is it “pleasant” to praise God’s name? We were created by God to know him and worship him. This is our life’s purpose. When we spend our life trying to make a name for ourselves through our skill, beauty, wealth, or achievements we find our life is empty and these idols don’t satisfy. The Psalmist invites us to instead worship the living God whose name reveals his nature and character. As we worship God each day, all day, with our words and life, we find the pleasant, peaceful beauty of the Lord gracing our lives with his presence. When brothers and sisters in God’s family dwell together in unity, it is also pleasant. Why? - Because we enjoy in the unity of the Spirit, God’s presence...