June 30

Romans 5

I don't think it's any coincidence that Paul repeatedly writes of God's love for us. That it is because of His good grace alone that we are acceptable to Him. It is a message that is heard so often but forgotten so quickly. From the beginning of man (Adam), there was sin present on this earth, the punishment for that sin and all of our sins was death. This was true until Jesus came to be, live, and die. There is no longer fear of God's wrath or anger come judgment day. He sent His son, who bore ALL of our sins, so come that day, we will be able to stand in joy-face to face with our Maker.

I think the other important part of this chapter to mention is verses 3 through 5. "We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure." When I think of suffering, my first thought is not 'glad.' I think the point Paul is trying to make is though we have the Spirit in our lives, it does not mean we will live a perfect life without hard times or strife. He is reminding us that though these things may happen, we do not have to do them alone, that God is there, fighting with us-giving us the strength we need to go on. This is a strength that we must ask for and look for, because it sometimes comes in unexpected ways.

-Jenni

June 29

Romans 4

Once again, God proves the grace that He has for us. He proved this gift of grace through Abraham, who was accepted by God as he was. No action that he had performed caused him to be acceptable to God-in God's eyes, he was already perfect.

God made a promise to Abraham...and to us! He sent His son, Jesus, to earth to die, so that one day we may stand before His throne and be accepted into the gates of Heaven. As I said yesterday, nothing that we do can get us in-that's God's decision. God has decided that we are all worthy, all we have to do is have faith in Him and Him alone.

-Jenni

June 28

Romans 3

I think this chapter of Romans is a testament to God's character. It is not because of anything we did-any kind act or good deed-that we were saved by God. It is because of our faith in Him alone, and His great mercy, that we have been reborn and offered life eternal. The image of the gift comes to mind, often used to teach children about God's love and grace. I can picture God sitting in His throne with an immaculately wrapped package in His outstretched hands, waiting for us to receive it. He has given it, but it is not ours until we take it and accept it through acclamation of our faith. Verse 23 blatantly tells us: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Some people may hear this and give up hope of being accepted by God. The miracle of it all is that despite our sins and our perceived inadequacies, God loves us and still wants us to accept the gift of grace that He has given us. He's offering us a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card. He is offering us freedom from our sin, so that we may live forever with Him.

-Jenni

June 26

Romans 2

"God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind." (The Message)

These verses represent the true, unbiased nature of God. I think it also tags on to a theme of yesterday-that God can use us just as we are, just as He created us to be. God loves us for who we are, how we are, despite what society or our peers may think of us. This is great news! How many times have I bought into what other people think about me? I hear a rumor that's been spread, so I think it's true. It doesn't have to be this way! What if we could take the knowledge that we were created in God's perfect image, therefore, if we follow His ways and His Commandments, we are perfect in His eyes. I would call myself a perfectionist, and I've learned over the years that being perfect is almost impossible, there is always a way to be better, to score higher, or go farther. With God, we don't have to judge ourselves, He does that for us, through his non-judging eyes. The only way to achieve perfection is to live in the image that He created for us, to live out His Word and in His ways.

-Jenni

June 25

Romans 1

This letter to the Roman's seems significant to me for a number of reasons. First, that God would use Paul, formerly Saul-a sinner, to spread His Good News and share of his good works. Just in the way that Paul's life can be used for God, ours can, too. Cindy Ryan told me that God can use us just the way we are- I think that is something very important to remember. No matter who we are, we have been chosen by God, we are important to Him.

Second, this verse strikes a chord. "They know about God, but they don't honor Him or even thank Him." v. 21 (Contemporary English Version)

I think a lot of people get lost in knowing about God, but not KNOWING God. Knowing Him personally, relationally. It's so easy to turn away in tough times, to blame God, or find an alternate means of worship, to turn to false promises of other idols, to beat our own paths. It is in times like these that we are knowing about God, but not honoring Him. Especially in today's society, with so many options for religious practices, we must be intentional in our effort to know and live in relationship with God, otherwise we will get lost in simply knowing about Him.

-Jenni

June 24

Acts 28

26 You will listen and listen, but never understand. You will look and look, but never see.
27 All of you have stubborn hearts. Your ears are stopped up, and your eyes are covered. You cannot see or hear or understand. If you could, you would turn to me, and I would heal you. (Contemporary English Version)

You will listen and listen but never understand-look and look but never see. Wow. That is so powerful. God is speaking the hard truth. The part about looking and never seeing especially rings true. How often do we pass God's creations and God's miracles, daily? How often do we SEE and recognize that God is the reason for that being there. So often the seeing and recognizing is missed. We take things for granted-we start removing God from the picture, we start forgetting about Him. Like He said, if we did see Him, we would turn to Him for healing of our hearts and souls. We would turn to Him for the forgiveness we need.

-Jenni

June 23

Acts 27

Do you see God in the wind? I do. Through the wind He is creating a barrier, as if saying "Stop! Stop! This is not where I want you to go, this is not what I want you to do." The wind carries the boat where it pleases, it takes it off its original track. I think this is what God does to us so often. He is like the wind, blowing us where He chooses, where He knows is best.

The men were scared, but Paul remained faithful. He listened to and heard God speak to Him, promising protection. Though it was a hard journey, God eventually led them safely to shore.

I believe He will do the same for us, if we are willing to be like Paul and surrender ourselves to Him. I think this is a perfect example of His protection. He does not promise that it will be 'smooth sailing,' but He does guarantee that He will lead us to the place where we need to be.

-Jenni

June 22

Acts 26

In this passage, again, Paul is being protected by God. I see God speaking through Paul, so King Agrippa and Festus are hearing God's voice rather than Paul's. Paul even recognizes God's help and protection through all of this. His message is heard and accepted-he is set free. He is not found guilty of any crime.

I really enjoy verses 28 and 29, Agrippa asks if Paul is he expects him to become a Christian almost instantly. Paul says it is not about when it happens, but that it does happen-that he does one day see the light. I think that is a perfect response. Sometimes people get too caught up in numbers when spreading the Good News. Believing is not an immediate thing for many people, it takes a lot of time, thought, and prayer-and honestly I think it deserves that, too. I think that decisions should be made because the individual wants it, not because it has been forced upon them. Only when we make the decisions ourselves will we see our faith being used to its full potential. Paul made the choice himself, and did amazing things for God-I have no doubt that God can use us in the way He used Paul.

-Jenni

June 21

Acts 25

This chapter is kind of hard for me. I see God protecting Paul throughout all of this, though. Festus ordered Paul to be kept in Caesarea-therefore he was not killed on the way to Jerusalem by the Jewish leaders and chief priests. Also, when Festus came to hear Paul's trial, he was not able to find him guilty of any crime. I think God is beginning to change the minds of those that matter most, in order to protect Paul.

Paul did exactly what God asked of him, and now God is proving that He is with him, that He has always been with him. I think we often get to hard times and forget that God is with us-we blame Him for things that happen. Paul did none of that, he remained strong, and now God is offering protection and grace that would otherwise be impossible.

-Jenni

June 19

Acts 24

Verses 14 and 15 really stood out to me. Maybe because it is a topic that is often discussed between friends of different faith beliefs.

The Contemporary English Version puts it this way: "I admit that their leaders think that the Lord's Way which I follow is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets. I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone who is good or evil."

I think it states it very clearly and easily. The core of the belief is the same, the fundamental truth is present.

I believe that different branches of Christianity provide ways for many people to become a part of a faith, but I don't think one is right and the others are wrong. That is what Paul is trying to get across here-God is God-He is the same no matter what beliefs of Christianity you follow.

It is too easy to get caught up in the different branches and why ours is the "right" one. Shouldn't we look past all of the 'little' things to the bigger picture-that God came down in the form of Jesus Christ so that we can live forever with Him?

-Jenni

June 18

Acts 23

“Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, ‘My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.’”

Paul is honest in his answer before the council. He had done everything God had asked him to do. Would I be able to answer in the same, honest manner as Paul if I were questioned? That’s hard. I don’t always do what God wants me to; I don’t always ‘fulfill my duty.’ Often what God wants us to do is not what we want to do. I am struggling with doing what God wants me to do, now. It does not follow the plan I have set for myself. It’s not my idea of what I want. But isn’t that just the irony of it-the plan that I set, what I want. God has a different idea for me. The best I can do is pray for guidance, for strength, and for peace with what I do. I have to think that no matter what path I choose (mine or God’s) He will never give up, that one day, He will call again and I will be faced with the same decision to make.

-Jenni

June 17

Acts 22

How many times have we been in Saul's position? How often do we hear Jesus and not know who it is? Does Jesus ever think we are cruel to Him? Are we cruel when we question Him, or disobey Him? Are we ever like the men Saul was traveling with- we don't hear the voice? This passage evokes a lot of questions from me. I think because I have a lot of questions myself. So often God wants us to follow Him, to go where He leads us. Do we? It's hard sometimes...a lot of times. I think we are afraid that our outcome will be the same as Paul's, that we will be ridiculed and cast out by our peers, that we will be punished for doing what we are asked.

It is hard for us to always do what we are told. There are so many ways that people can respond to our faith-sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. Despite the ways that people respond, we must believe that, if we follow God, He will always guide us and lead us in the right direction.

-Jenni

June 16

Acts 21

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Paul's commitment to the cause of Christ is amazing. As he travels he hears the warnings of what lays before him. Yet, he is not afraid. He moves forward with confidence for he knows what is the greatest desire of his heart, to follow Jesus. He is willing to follow Jesus, even to death.

We leave for Kenya today. Please pray for us as we travel.

June 15

Acts 20

It is good to know that people fell asleep even when Paul was speaking. The story of Eutychus falling asleep while Paul was preachings is an example of what I believe is one of the great strengths of the bible. The bible does not try to hide the frailties of humanity. The scripture reveals the sins and shortcomings of great people of faith like Abram and David, as well as showing us the failings of ordinary people like Eutychus. These revelations are a constant reminder that we are in the need of the grace that God so freely gives.

June 14

Acts 19

There is a baptism by water and there is a baptism of the Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes through prayer. In the prayer we invite the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to enter into our lives. The Spirit becomes God's guiding presence within us.

If you have never been received a baptism of the Holy Spirit, you can simply pray. Invite God's Spirit into your life.

June 12

June 11

Acts 17

I can not imagine how hard it was for Paul as he traveled from city to city proclaiming the gospel. The courage he had was amazing. His willingness to lay his life on the line in order that others might hear about Jesus is inspiring.

The challenge for us is to be willing to share our faith. We too often allow fear to silence us. Or we excuse ourselves by thinking we don't know enough or have the correct words. The challenge is to be willing to share what God has done for us.

June 10

Acts 16

The leading of the Spirit is obvious in Acts. In chapter 16 we read how the Spirit would lead Paul and Silas to some places and keep them away from others.

I believe the Spirit's leading is present for us today. The question for us is whether we are open to or desiring to follow that leading. I find that I like the leading of the Spirit when it takes me where I want to go. I am not so excited about the leading when it is taking me where I do not want to go.

June 9

Acts 15

In Acts we read of the early church struggles. Coming to grips with what they believed. Working out how they understood Jew & Gentile. They were exciting times but also very difficult. Many conflicts arose in the early church. At times the conflicts are intense enough that good friends, Paul & Barnabas determine to go different directions.

The challenge for us is how to live in peace with brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we disagree. It is difficult to not let our strong opinions over rule how Christ would have us live.

June 8

Acts 14

The crowds in Acts are fascinating. One moment they are proclaiming that Paul and Barnabas are gods, the next moment the crowd has stoned Paul. The crowd changes so quickly.

We don't want to get caught up in the crowd. The crowd swings on the winds of the times. We want to have our lives based in relationship with God. A relationship that stays constant no matter the winds of our times.

June 7

Acts 13

It is hard to imagine what it was like for Paul & Barnabas to travel to new regions preaching about Jesus. The opposition they encountered, they miracles they experienced. There must have been moments of great fear and moments of overwhelming joy. The people they encounter don't always respond as we would hope, but what Acts makes clear is that God is always with them.

June 5

Acts 12

An angel frees Peter from prison. King Herod is eaten by worms. It becomes clear in reading Acts that God works in all kinds of ways. The driving question for us is are we paying attention? For if God can work through worms, there is no doubt that God works in many ways that we do not expect. If we aren't watching for God, we will miss the ways God is working in our lives.

June 4

Acts 11

The struggle of reaching out to Gentiles did not belong to Peter alone, in this chapter we can see the struggle touched the whole church. It is amazing to see how easily the church changed it's understanding. The people were obviously open to new ideas and teachings.

How open are you to new ideas? Are you so stuck in your ways that even a godly idea runs into a wall with you?

June 3

Acts 10

Peter was still holding onto the Jewish idea that Jews should not associate with Gentiles. The idea was so deeply embedded in his life that God had to send the same vision to him three times. The vision prepared him to go with the guests that arrived at his house.

Are there values deeply embedded in your life that God would want to change? Are there ideas that you want to hold onto no matter what God desires?

June 2

Acts 9

If you ever think you have done something so bad that God could never forgive you, remember Saul. At Stephen's stoning the passage said, "And Saul was there giving approval to his death". This chapter opens by saying "Saul still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples." Saul's task was to persecute Christians. Saul was so well known and feared that Ananias told God that God was making a mistake with Saul. Yet, who does God call into relationship? Saul. Who does God put into leadership of the early church? Saul.

If God can forgive Saul and use Saul in service. God can forgive you and me.

June 1

Acts 8

I believe that God can bring good out of anything. Not that God causes everything, but out of every event in life, God brings about good. This is evident in the persecution that takes place in the early church. The persecution forces many Christians to flee Jerusalem. Thus Christianity spreads beyond Jerusalem and Judea to "the ends of the earth". God brings good even out of persecution.