Tuesday March 29, 2022

Today is Tuesday, March 29 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about growth in discipleship.

I begin this day with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I quiet my mind and still my body. I breathe slowly and deeply as I focus on the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Steadfast and Holy God, I long to hear the message you have for me. I seek you in the quiet of the morning and ask you to help me recognize your voice. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I lift my voice and praise the name of the Lord my God with the ancient words of Psalm 96.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Psalm 96:1-4a

Pause and Pray

The theological content of the entire book of Romans can be summed up in two verses – Romans 1:16-17. It is a worthy and comprehensive thematic statement. Paul exhibits a longstanding eagerness to proclaim the gospel to the people of Rome and also to me. He has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to speak. He is not ashamed of the gospel message despite the resistance he experiences from those around him. He is not worried despite the ridicule he endures and the danger he faces. Paul communicates a profound and passionate confidence in the good news of Jesus. He is certain of the power of the gospel in every circumstance – when things are going well and when things are going horribly. It is where I can place my trust too. The gospel never changes and brings salvation to everyone who believes.

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:14-17

Paul is eager to preach the gospel to everyone – Greeks, non-Greeks, Jews, Gentiles, Romans, Hebrews, men, women, wise people, foolish people. His earnest words cross continents and centuries and speak to me. The good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in every generation. The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. It is the power of God that brings salvation to me. God has revealed his righteousness in his divine plan for the rescue of humanity. Christ made the sacrifice for the sins of all people and through his suffering, death and resurrection my sins are forgiven and I am made righteous by his blood. I receive this truth by faith. I live by faith.

Ask: Do I place my faith in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation? Do I believe the truth of the gospel and have I found assurance?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I praise you for the good news and amazing grace of the salvation of my soul. I believe in the power of God to rescue me from sin and death through your blood shed upon the cross. I live by faith in the message of the gospel and seek your righteousness to grow in me and be made perfect in my lifetime through sanctifying grace. I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:14-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Each day I seek to listen for God speaking into my life through the words of scripture. Whatever word or phrase that resonates with me, I record it in my journal so I can ruminate on it throughout the day. I know that sometimes God reveals his message to me later. I contemplate the bold thematic statement the apostle Paul delivers directly to me. I consider which words connect most with my soul. Words like foolish and ashamed or words like wise and eager, faith and righteousness. As I journey into the future, perhaps God is encouraging me to gain something or lose something, let go of something or hold on to something, set down something or pick up something.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I eagerly invite you into my heart and life. Remind me of the truth of God’s amazing grace at work in my life. Teach me how to cooperate with you as I grow in maturity as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Increase my wisdom, strengthen my faith, form me in righteousness, and equip me for service through the power of the gospel. Amen.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

As I leave this time of prayer I praise God for my salvation and go to serve a hurting world eager to do what is good.

Amen