Daily Reading

So, how did everyone like John? Anyone read it? It's a great gospel for those who want to know who Jesus is & what His ministry is all about - Salvation. Are any of you in need of saving? Sometimes we think only of heaven & our eternal soul, but Jesus' salvation offers hope & His saving grace. Are you lonely, desperate, depressed, conflicted, addicted, unhappy, scared, angry, resentful? Jesus' love and saving grace can meet all your needs. So turn to Him, get to know Him, and let Him help you.

Our reading for today starts in one of my all-time favorite books: Romans. So far we have been reading histories - the histories of Jesus & the spreading of the Gospel. Now we are moving into the how-to books. As my Bibles introduction puts it, Romans asks, "What is God up to? What does it mean that Jesus "saves"? What's behind all this, and where is it going?" You may be asking yourselves the same things - well, let's dig in & learn together.

Read: Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6

Vs. 1 - Paul introduces himself to those who might read this letter & not know it's author. Who is he? An authorized apostle and devoted slave of Jesus Christ. He has authority & relationship. Pretty cool.

Vs. 3-7 - Who is Jesus? The Messiah spoken of by the Old Testament prophets; descendant, as prophesied, of David; proven to be who He said He is through His resurrection. Who are we? Everything we are is wrapped up in Jesus, our abilities & gifts were given to us by Him & we are called to pass on this wonderful knowledge.

Vs. 8-15 - Here Paul tells the believers in Rome that he is eager to visit them, but has been prevented in coming. He can't wait to get there & share with them, for once again sharing the gospel is not a one way street, Paul will grow & learn & be strengthened by his time with them.

Vs. 16-17 - Paul is captivated & consumed with his work. It is his driving passion & it can be yours too! Paul knows that everyone who begins a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus Christ will be changed for the better. As the message Bible puts it, "The person in right standing before God by trusting Him really lives."

Do you want to really live? Do you want a life that produces joy, hope, faith, and a purpose that wakes you up in the morning & keeps a smile on your face? You can find it with Jesus Christ. I'm looking forward to reading through this book with you, I hope you will make the time to join me.

Psalm & Proverbs - Why do we read these each day? Because they offer such great wisdom & practical advice.

Doesn't our psalm today fill your hear with joy? How great God is & how great to spend time with Him! Our proverb reminds us to watch what we say - does it build us up or tear us down? Are we walking on the path or in the ditch? The path is flat & smooth & travel is easy. The ditch is covered in weeds & is uneven (& if your in Nebraska right now, full of stagnant water.) Get out of the ditch, find the path & do so by watching what you say. Your words betray your attitude - so listen up!