Tag: God

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Lifted Up

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w3d4

Scripture and Observation

Read: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 4:10

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

Acts 1:9

And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

Ephesians 4:10

While verse 9 is our focus verse today, verse 3 is the one that captured my attention. Luke writes, “During the forty days after Jesus suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.” – To borrow from some words by the group Mercy Me – “I can only imagine” what those days and conversations were like. I imagine they ranged from confusing to exciting and left them with questions. Yet those emotions must have paled in comparison to the thoughts and feelings they had when Jesus was taken up right before their eyes. Jesus, this one who had walked and talked with them for three years, training them how to live and love like Him, teaching them about the Father, and showing them how to die to self and live for God, is “lifted up” into a cloud while they were watching. Oh, what they must have felt and imagined when they could no longer see Him.

I can’t help but think how wonderful it would have been to hear those final explanations and instructions and to see His miraculous ascension. However, God has given us His Word, which beautifully illustrates not only the ascension but also where He went and why, shedding light and hope on the importance of His departure.

“This moment signifies the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. His ascension serves as His royal coronation, declaring HIm the King of Kings.”

LGG Journal, Firm Foundation p105

Because the ascension of Christ is so vital to the foundation of our faith – I have chased a few Scripture Squirrels and am sharing some helpful explanations from today’s LGG journal entry – I encourage you to take time to read them and consider the great blessing and outcome of the ascension of Jesus Christ

We know from Scripture that right now, the Lord Jesus is in heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority (Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), the giver of spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8), and the One who fills all in all (Ephesians 4:9-10). Without Him, we can do nothing, but through Him, all things are possible!

Living it Out, the Application of the Journey

From His exalted position, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon the church. This gift empowers us to live out our faith and continue His mission on earth. Although Jesus is not physically present with us, He remains spiritually present, continually advocating and interceding for us.

The ascension also brings us great comfort and hope as we navigate our earthly lives. We know where Jesus is. He will return to establish His Kingdom on earth and to judge the world. This assurance helps us to put the challenges and worries of this world into perspective. Jesus is preparing a place for us, just as He promised in John 14.

Jesus’ ascension compels us to live with an eternal perspective. We are urged to anticipate the day when we will be with Him in our heavenly home. This hope is not just a passive belief but a transformative force that can and should shape our lives, enabling us to live with joy for the future, a future that is bright and secure.

LGG Journal, Firm Foundation p105
Prayer of Response for the Journey

Father, thank You for all the days Jesus walked this earth and for all that He taught us and did for us. Jesus, thank You for Your ascension. Help me to live in the power of Your Spirit and with the hope of our future home with You. I take great comfort in knowing You are present with me and in Your sovereign reign. – In Jesus’ name, Amen

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Resurrected with a Purpose

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Based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d3

Scripture and Observation

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and Romans 6:9-10; SOAP: 1 Cor 15:3-4/Rom 6:9

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.

Romans 6:9

Our focus or question of the week is: “What Did Jesus Do?” – So far, we have answered the question with … He never sinned, He was crucified for our sins, and today’s answer/focus is: He was resurrected from the grave … and appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at one time. He also appeared to James and to all of the apostles, including Paul.

It would be easy to read these truths, celebrate the resurrection, and move on, but God’s call and my hope/goal of journeying through His Word (and taking others along with me on the journey) is more than just reading the words on the pages of Scripture. My hope is to understand the importance and meaning of the words. I believe that we are to learn how they apply to life and godliness and be able to share them correctly with others in everyday life*, both in conversation and in living and loving like Jesus, who is – as we have seen in recent journeys – the very Word of God.

Paul taught Timothy the importance of this in 2 Timothy 2:15, when he told him, and by extension all believers, to *Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

This is why we need to understand the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearing before so many witnesses: let’s break it down …

  1. He was resurrected from the grave: This, like the other truths we have been looking at, is essential to our faith. Why though? Because if Christ is not raised, then our faith is useless, and we are still guilty of our sins.
  2. Friends, Jesus didn’t just walk out of the tomb – He appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at one time. He also appeared to James and to all of the apostles, including Paul. It may seem of little importance to know how many different people saw Jesus alive after He had been buried – but it is crucial to the testimony of His resurrection, and Paul knew this. – Bibleref.com explains it like this:

“Apparently, the truthfulness of the resurrection, or at least the resurrection of Christians, was being challenged or misunderstood by some in Corinth. Paul wants them to understand not only that the resurrection really took place, but that faith in that truth is essential in order to be saved.”

Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 15;5


Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.1

*2 Timothy 2:15

So, the question begs to be asked: “Why is the resurrection important to our faith?” Again, it is Paul who answers this most clearly – when he addresses the Corinthians about the matter in 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, saying:

But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? 13 For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

1 Corinthians 15:12-23
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, We believe in Jesus Christ, that He was given over to death for the sins of many and was raised to life so that those who believe might be born again and made right with You. We believe that on the third day, He rose again, triumphing over sin and death so that we would no longer be slaves to sin but live and walk in freedom with/for You here on this earth and with You forever when You return to take us home. As Paul taught the Corinthians, we believe the truth of His resurrection is of the utmost importance. As Paul shared this message in his travels and writings, may we both celebrate the truth and faithfully pass it on to those in our circles of influence.

The Gospel is the Truth that, according to Scripture we receive and believe; it is the faith on which we stand, the power of God unto salvation, and the message we have been entrusted with and called to share throughout the world. May it be of utmost importance to us, and may we faithfully and boldly pass it on to the world around us. 🦋

In recent days, we’ve walked through Scriptures that have pointed us to the importance of Jesus being sinless and of His death by crucifixion, and have, hopefully, come to understand that we are all sinners in need of a Savior who is blameless of any sin and willing to lay down His life for humanity- so that those who believe might have eternal life.2 If you missed any or all of the journey to this point please visit Firm Foundation

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Life through His Crucifixion

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d2

Scripture and Observation:

Read: Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 3:18

But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.

Isaiah 53:5

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

1 Peter 3:18

Peter writes about the reality of Isaiah’s prophecy. A reality that is very much to our benefit and is the incredible testimony of our God’s mercy, love, and grace. Christ was crucified, suffered, and died so that we could be healed from our sins and shame. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and the wages of those sins is death; but God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in HIm should not perish but have eternal life.

Without the suffering of Christ on the cross – pierced, crushed, and beaten – sinners/humanity – you and I would never know peace with God. You see, while Christ is sinless(righteous), we are sinful(unrighteous), which is why Peter wrote: “…the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God …”

Living Out the Journey: Application

The Love God Greatly journal entry for today explains that “The crucifixion was not just a tragic event; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus willingly laid down His life, bearing the weight of our sins. This selfless act of love satisfied the justice of God, who cannot overlook sin. By carrying our sins, He willingly took on the punishment that you and I both deserve. Jesus made it possible for us to receive forgiveness and be restored to a right relationship with God.”

Friends, our sin rendered us lifeless and hopeless and destined for death, but in love, God made a way for us to come back into a right relationship with Him and enjoy eternal life in His presence. May we return His love and enter into that relationship wholeheartedly. May our faith rest firm in the foundation of His death and resurrection, through which we have new hearts, peace, and healing. May we live not as the sinners we were but as the new creations we’ve become – covered in the righteousness of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit.

Prayer for the Journey

Father God, thank You for the crucifixion – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank You for sending Jesus to take our place on a cross of sin and shame and suffering – that we might be healed and receive Your free gift of salvation by grace through faith that leads to eternal life. This is the hope and joy we cling to and give You praise – now and forever more – Amen!

The More We Know

The crucifixion also reveals the incredible depth of God’s love for us that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son to save us. This act of grace is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our salvation.

Love God Greatly, Firm Foundation/p97

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Jesus lived A Sinless Life

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w3d1

Scripture for and Observation of the Journey

Read: Hebrews 4:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:21-25/SOAP: Hebrews 4:15 and 1 Peter 2:22

15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

He committed no sin nor was deceit found in his mouth.

1 Peter 2:22

Our focus this week comes in the form of a question: What did Jesus Do? We will explore five different answers throughout the week, the first of which is – He lived a sinless life. This truth can be said of no one else, nor can anyone claim it about themselves without making themselves out to be a liar or lacking in understanding of the truth of the Gospel,1 for we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8

If we have chosen to follow Jesus, then friends, we have chosen to strive to live an exemplary life. That life can only be well lived when it is lived by the power of His Spirit within us. The Spirit that Jesus told His early disciples would be their advocate, live within them, teach them everything, and remind them of everything Jesus had told them.

Paul speaks of the Spirit to the people of Galatia, teaching them to live by the Spirit so that they will not gratify the desires of the flesh. To the Colossians, Paul wrote, “Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” – This brings us full circle to the second passage from today’s journey, where Peter makes it clear to his readers that no deceit was found in the mouth of our Savior.

Jesus’ sinless life serves as a powerful example for us. While we will never achieve sinlessness on this side of heaven., His example shows us the importance of striving for holiness and relying on God’s strength to resist temptation. Jesus’ life reminds us that we are not alone in this journey but are empowered by the Holy Spirit to guide us and daily work in us to become more like Christ.

Love God Greatly, Love God Greatly, Firm Foundation, p93

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? Take a cue from His exemplary life, strive for holiness, and rely on God’s strength. When you are tempted in any way – do not give in to sin, and – let no deceit be found in your mouth. Sound impossible or too difficult? Remember these words of Paul: “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, God will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
The More We Know
For more insight into today’s journey read today’s LGG Blog Post
Do you want to know more about Jesus and His sinless life?
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

More than a Miracle Birth

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d5

Scripture and Observation
Read: Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18-25/ SOAP: Matthew 1:20-23

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”

Matthew 1:20-23

Fresh out of the Christmas season, it might be easy to breeze right over/through this passage. However, this portion of the “Jesus story” should not be relegated to Christmas alone. For it is the long-awaited promise of God in action. The gift of God’s salvation is an everyday story of love – and hope – and life.

She will give birth to son
and you will name him Jesus
because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

As I read through this today, letting it sink in like fresh water for my soul, several thoughts flowed through my mind – but this one was at the center: the miracle wasn’t just in His immaculate conception but in what He would do and who He would do it for! The son of God – Jesus, incarnate – God in the flesh came to save the enemies of God from their sins1. He came to offer us a real and lasting relationship with the God of Heaven so that we might live with Him forever.

Living it Out, the Application of the Journey

It occurs to me that the miracle gift we’ve been given is meant to be embraced. I believe we are to make the most of the opportunity to know His forgiveness … the power of His Spirit in us … the blessing of being a child of God instead of an enemy …, boldly embracing the relationship with God … and following the examples of Jesus’ life so that we honor You – wherever we are.

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, how great Your love is for us that You would give us Your only son to save us from our sins, to make us new creations in Christ Jesus, the one who came to save His people from their sins. Thank You for keeping Your promises and for opening the door for us, Your “enemies,” to believe and be called the ‘children of God.’ Help us to live and love like Jesus, telling His story with our lives and words wherever we go so that others will know Him also.- Amen!

The More We Know

For more insight into today’s journey be sure and read today’s LGG Blog –

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Jesus – Incarnate

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Friends, 💕 Today, let’s focus on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. This is yet another crucially essential part of our faith and belief in the Trinity. For, you see, if Jesus Christ is not God in the flesh, He is just another man – unable to meet the requirements of the law – unable to rise from the dead – unable to save us from our sins, thus rendering our faith worthless.🦋

I encourage you to take some time to read and re-read through the passages today, particularly John 1:1-14, a beautiful word picture of the incarnation and what it means. –

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:1-14. NLT

Philippians 2, is equally as beautiful, revealing the humility of Christ and His love for both the Father and for us.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:6-11.

The commentary shared today is borrowed from the Love God Greatly Journal, p 79 in Firm Foundation –

These journals offer wonder insight into the Word, and every purchase helps to translate these studies/God’s Word and get it to the hands of women, who would otherwise never be able to read/study/or grow in their understanding of the Gospel and salvation through Jesus Christ. – visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/about/ for more details –

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

No One Righteous

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d3

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 3:9-23 / SOAP: 10-12

As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.”

Romans 3:10-12

Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9

In order to understand the question that is asked in verse nine and subsequently answered by Paul in the rest of the chapter, it is helpful to look back to the preceding verses, in this case, to chapter two of Romans. It is here that Paul points out that in and of itself, being a Jew was not a get-out-of-jail-free card. There were certainly benefits that came with being a Jew,1 but like all other people on the earth, they had inherited the sinfulness of the first man/Adam – and would, like all others, answer to God’s judgment for their sins.

The Jews, while chosen by God, were not to believe they were better than the Gentiles, and the Gentiles were not to think they were lesser than the Jews – for as Paul points out, none of them – “not even one” was righteous. The depravity of man stretches across every race on the earth, and as Paul writes in verses 20 and 22: “No one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law.” Instead, Paul makes it clear that “… the righteousness of God comes only through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to those who believe.”

Living it out (Application from the Journey)

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved2 – is the most significant takeaway from this passage. However, second to it – in my estimation and understanding both personally and from Scripture. – is that all of us, Jew or Gentile … barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free are sinners in need of a savior and utterly dependent on the mercy and grace of God for salvation.3

In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (who have believed).

Colossians 3:11 NLT/emphasis mine
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, as sinners, condemned unclean, we are all utterly dependent on Your mercy and grace. I rejoice in knowing that You are a gracious and merciful God. I praise You for the Savior, Your Son whom You sent, to make a way where there was no way – opening the door of salvation not only to Your chosen people of Israel but to the Gentiles and all who by faith believe in Jesus Christ! In Him, I am made new, a new creation – the old has gone, the new is here, and in Him, I am free from the law of sin and death – no longer condemned but declared righteous before You in Him – by His blood! Indeed, we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but by faith – we take hold of eternal life, a free gift You have offered to all who believe! Hallelujah and amen!

The More We Know
The LGG Blog Post
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Joshua, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Two Representatives

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d2

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 5:12-21/SOAP: verses 12 and 17

Romans can be a tricky book to understand, but wow! It is filled with the news that we are sinners deserving of and destined to death. He makes it known that there is no one good, not even one. However, he also delivers the wonderful news that we have been offered a free gift of grace that leads to salvation, forgiveness of sins, freedom from slavery to sin, a relationship with God, and so much more – including eternal life. Is it any wonder that this is one of my favorite books?

Today’s part of our journey covers very little of Paul’s message, which was written primarily to Gentile believers living in Rome, but boy, is the message a good one! Up to this point, Paul has been pointing out the unrighteousness of all people (Romans 3:10-12) and the need that they all have for salvation and God’s provision of a Savior.

What then? Are we any better off? Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin,
10 as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.11 There is no one who understands;there is no one who seeks God.12 All have turned away;all alike have become worthless.There is no one who does what is good,not even one.

Romans 3:9-12

When we arrive at today’s destination, we find Paul introducing and explaining two representatives to the people. Adam is the representative of sinful humanity, which includes “all people” (Rom 3:23), but Christ represents only those who, by faith, have believed in Him. One created and one begotten, but both from God – the difference is Adam – the created – chose not to obey God, while Jesus, the begotten son of God, chose to surrender to the Father’s will and give His life as a ransom for many. ((John 12:49; 8:28))

Some have noted that Adam and Christ are alike, in that they affected many, many people by their choices.

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:17
Application from the Journey

Today’s application of this passage is profoundly simple … it was mentioned yesterday and is worth noting/sharing again today: We must remember and heed the encouragement of Joshua, who said: “But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 – It’s profound in the fact that the choice isn’t always easy – to turn away from worldly pleasures or what looks like the better choice/outcome to us at the time … or to follow God’s way choosing Him over everything … but we must remember one leads to death but choosing God’s way always leads to ‘life’.

Choose today whom you will serve – But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

~Joshua 24:15
The More We Know

What does Romans 5:16 mean?

Paul continues to compare the impact of pivotal choices made by two men at two points in the history of the world. Adam, on the one hand, introduced sin into a world that knew no sin. He was the first to break God’s command. That choice caused all born after him to be born into sin. In response, all people lived under judgment for their sin and faced God’s condemnation.

Jesus, born as a man thousands of years later after many, many had sinned and broken God’s law, chose to become the source of God’s free gift of grace. He did this by dying on the cross to pay for human sin. His one action brought justification from God for everyone who receives it by faith.

Adam, by sinning, brought death and condemnation to all. Jesus, by not sinning and then dying, brought justification to all who believe. This “justification” is a declaration, as if in a courtroom setting. No person is actually righteous (Romans 3:10, 23), but Christ’s sacrificial death pays our penalty, allowing us to have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

Bibleref..com/Romans 5:16 (For the full commentary on chapter five visit Romans chapter 5
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

No Longer Ashamed

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w2d1

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 6:21-23 / SOAP v23 (It is most helpful to read the entire chapter)

So, what benefit did you then reap from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life. 23 For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

WOW! Talk about. a truth that changed everything and is essential to our firm foundation. We could stop here with the reading of these three verses, soak them in and move on – but we would do ourselves an injustice. You see – the question asked in verse 21 requires us to look back to the previous verse(s) to see what Paul is talking about. I found reading the whole chapter to be most helpful, but even going back a few verses revealed that he is referring to slavery to sin, which had resulted in impurity and lawlessness.

Before believing in Christ, the people had been free from the obligation to do/live righteously, and the result of that freedom led to sin and shame. However, and a mighty HALLELUJAH! The result of believing in Christ brought freedom from sin and shame and a life with God, which leads to eternal life!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NLT
Application from the Journey

If you haven’t placed your faith and hope in Jesus Christ – I plead with you to do that today. – The Bible tells us the way to this salvation, this hope, and freedom from slavery to sin, and the shame sin brings is to “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.”1 – If you have believed – rejoice in the freedom from sin and shame and live the holy life He has called us to by giving yourselves as slaves to righteousness, through the power of Christ and His Spirit in us. 2

I am so thankful for the freedom from sin and truly rejoice in the freedom from shame. That’s right – God didn’t just free us from the law of sin and death – He poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit whom He gave to us, and because of that hope, we do not stand in shame but rejoice in the righteousness of Christ and His blood that covers us! (please tell me this brought a hallelujah!) Friend, because of this hope: “There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus! Scripture makes it clear that …

  • We are made right with God by faith (Rom 5:1,3, 5 and 7)
  • We have peace with God because of what Christ did for us (Rom 5:1)
  • Our sins are put out of sight (Rom 5:7-8)

“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

(Romans 5:5)
Prayer and Worship Response to the Journey

Father, You are worthy of more praise than we can give – for You have saved us not only from our sins but from the stain and shame those sins marked us with. You have removed their power over us, and You have covered us with the righteousness of Christ and poured the love of Your Spirit out into our hearts! We are most blessed to stand before You, forgiven and cleansed – not because of anything we have done or ever could do but because of what Christ did for us on the cross. He took our sins and their shame upon Himself that we might be made right with You, have peace with You, and have our sins be put out of Your sight! Ah! Lord God – Hallelujah! How very loving and merciful You are! – May we, in turn, give ourselves fully to You, living as slaves to righteous living… being holy as You are holy, hating sin and all that is wrong, and clinging to what is good. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus who bore my sin and shame – Amen and amen!

The More We Know
Click Here for more insight from Love God Greatly

Last week’s journey led us through a lesson on the holiness of God and His instruction for His children to be holy as He is Holy. In backing up and reading the passage that led to our verses today, I found this nugget of gold. If we want to become/live the holy life, “we must give ourselves to be slaves to righteous living.3“

Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.

Romans 6:19

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

To Act Justly

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w1dd5

Scripture and Observation

Read: Deuteronomy 32:1-4 and Psalm 9:1-8 / SOAP: Deut 32:4 and Ps 9:7-8

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.
    Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
    how just and upright he is!

Deuteronomy 32:4

But the Lord reigns forever,
    executing judgment from his throne.
8 He will judge the world with justice
    and rule the nations with fairness.

Psalm 9:7-8

“.When we say that God is just, we mean that He is perfectly righteous in His treatment of His creatures. God shows no partiality.” This definition is from gotquestions.org. It is truly as simple as it sounds, yet so much more profound that I encourage you to visit the link for the fuller and most helpful explanation included in the footnotes below.

“.When we say that God is just, we mean that He is perfectly righteous in His treatment of His creatures. God shows no partiality.”

gotquestions.org/What Does It Mean that God is Just?1

I believe it is safe to say that we all want to be treated justly (fairly) in this life. Likewise, we also struggle with the injustices of this world, where the wicked are known to prosper. The problem is we live in a flawed world, and more often than not, we come to the various situations and encounters of this life with a variety of opinions on what is fair and what is not fair. This is because, In large part, humans are ruled by their emotions, and decisions are made far too often in the heat of the moment, based – not on what is good and right in God’s eyes but on our emotions at the time.

It is important to remember that on this side of Heaven, our sinful nature will remain a thorn in our flesh to deal with, which is why we must also remember that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus are to have nailed their passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” This is why we must choose to live, not by our emotions, blown and tossed about by the wind, but guided by the Word and ways of God. Heeding the warning of Paul – we should strive to “keep in step with the Spirit.” When we walk in step with the Spirit, not only will our hearts and minds be ruled by the Spirit, but we will act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, which is yet another call of God on the lives of His people.2

He has told you, O man, what is good,
and what the Lord really wants from you:
He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness,
and to live obediently before your God.

Micah 6:8

Today’s LGG journal entry, p57, explains that – “The importance of understanding God’s justice is vital to understanding His righteousness. It goes on to say, that God’s justice and righteousness are inseparable.

The More We Know

Do you struggle with the injustices of this world? Consider these words found in today’s LGG Journal entry:

“In a world where injustice still exists and evildoers, unfortunately, often prosper, we can trust that God will ultimately judge all sin one day (Psalm 9:7-8). As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s justice by protecting the vulnerable and confronting evil, while walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

God’s justice informs our understanding of righteousness by teaching us that true righteousness embodies fairness, integrity, and obedience to God’s ways, as listed out in Scripture. In times of doubt or frustration over the injustices around us, we can take comfort in knowing that God is a good, fair, and loving judge. His justice will ultimately prevail, and His righteousness will shine forth.”

p 57 of Love God Greatly’s, Firm Foundation, journal
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your perfect justice and righteousness. Help me to trust in Your fairness and to reflect Your justice in my life. Thank You for the reminder that we are to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before our God. May we be careful to keep in step with the Spirit and not let our emotions hinder us from acting justly. – In Jesus’ Name and power, Amen

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For More Insight on the Journey click HERE