Category: Romans

APRIL 1: Do You Think He Loved Me? 

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In his book The Good and Beautiful God, author James Bryan Smith writes a story about two friends who grew up together, joined the military together, and found themselves together in war together. While hunkering down in a foxhole the friends were chatting when a live grenade landed nearby. One friend smiled and looked at the other, and then dove on top of the live grenade, killing him instantly, but saving his friend’s life. 

Years later, the surviving friend continued to wrestle with this event, and whether or not he was worthy of his friend’s sacrifice. Late one evening, he asked his friend’s mother, “Do you think he loved me?” The mother quickly jumped off the couch, shook her finger in his face and said, …”What more could he have done for you?!” 

In this moment, he had an epiphany. He realized not only that his friend deeply loved him, but also that Christ loved him in the same way. He had sometimes wondered if he was truly worthy of God’s love. He could picture God shaking His finger in his face saying, “What more could I have done to show you how much I love you!?” 

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 4:1-15

In the Old Testament, King David lied, murdered, and committed adultery, yet he experienced the full forgiveness of God. Do you struggle to think that God has fully forgiven you of any wrongdoing? If so, why do you think that is? 

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer and/or praise God. Thank Him for fully forgiving you of any sins you’ve committed against Him or others. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Nehemiah 1 & 2

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 31: Performance vs. Acceptance

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Think about this: Do you live your every day life thinking more about how you can best perform or be perfect, or do you live thinking more about the truth that God accepts you? 

For those who live by performing or trying to be perfect, author and researcher Brené Brown writes in The Gifts of Imperfection₄, “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame.” Brown’s understanding of performance or perfectionism aligns well with Romans 3:21-31. We can try to overcome our sinful tendencies on our own, but our efforts won’t produce any real fruit. Instead, it is simply by our faith that we can avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. 

The Life Application Study Bible notes on Romans 3:28, (1) Faith eliminates the pride of human effort, because faith is not a deed that we do. (2) Faith exalts what God has done, not what we do. (3) Faith admits that we can’t keep the law or measure up to God’s standards—we need help. (4) Faith is based on our relationship with God, not our performance for God.

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 3:27-31

Be honest: Do you live more by performance and/or perfection or in the acceptance, security, and significance given to you by your faith in Jesus Christ?  

How ought your faith in Christ free you from the burdens of trying to perform for God/others? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are many days when I try to perform by either living perfect, looking perfect, and/or acting perfect in order to minimize the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. But these thoughts often lead me to experience more feelings of judgement and shame because perfectionism cannot be attained on my own. I am only accepted, significant, and secure₃ because of Christ. May these truths continue to shape how I see You, myself, and others. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Esther 8, 9, & 10

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 30: Not Guilty

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

Imagine for a moment that you’re sitting in a court room, but not as an active observer. Instead, you’re on trial, and Satan is taking you to court. All day long, you hear arguments from the devil about how you are guilty of sinning against God (see Romans 2:1-3:20). Throughout the trial, you hear what Satan is saying and you try to take down notes to mount a defense, but by the end of the day, you know that he has made a very compelling argument. 

Afterward, your defense attorney, Jesus, looks directly at you and says, “There’s nothing you can do on your own. You are guilty of sinning against Me. But I have taken on your punishment. If you will trust in Me and commit to following Me, then you will be cleared of all charges against you. You will not only be free to go, but God will also see you as His son or daughter. You will be invited into Our family and will always have a seat at the table with Me. You will be declared a righteous saint and not a guilty sinner. Now tell Me, would you like to accept My offer?

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 3:21-26

If you have accepted Christ, then God (the Judge) has declared you Not Guilty. Neither Satan, the world, or others can declare you unrighteous or insignificant. Today, write out Romans 3:24 in your translation of choice. In what ways should the truth of this verse impact your everyday life? Be specific. 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, sometimes it’s easier for me to accept the truth of Romans 2:1-3:20 – that I have sinned against You — than it is for me to accept the truth of Romans 3:21-26 — that You have willingly offered me freedom by declaring me “Not guilty,” because of Jesus Christ. Today and every day, I simply want to rest in the love You have selflessly lavished upon me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Esther 5, 6, & 7

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

March 29: Prepare to Engage

As we continue this series on the Book of Romans, take a few minutes today to prepare your heart, mind, and schedule, so that you’re ready to engage with this study throughout the remainder of the week.

Tips for Completing this Reading Guide:

• Take some time to think about what you may be able to eliminate from your current schedule in order to commit to having time to engage with God’s Word for 15-30 minutes a day. (It may be as simple as having less screen time each day.) 
• Go to bed at a decent hour, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Remember, your body and soul are united. You cannot grow spiritually if you are weary and tired physically. 
• Spend 1-2 minutes in quiet silence before reading each day. Similarly, end your time with an additional 1-2 minutes of silence. 
• Write down your answers to the questions from this Reading Guide in a journal. 
• Try to get into the habit of reading and journaling at the same time each day. Many find it helpful to review their answers a couple of times throughout the day as they may have additional thoughts to include. 
• Mark time in your calendar for each daily reading. This will help you remind yourself that this is as important (even more important) than other items on your schedule. 
• Ask your spouse, a colleague, a Community Group Member, or another friend to check-in with you each week and ask what you’re learning. 
• Don’t rush through the readings. If something comes up and you need to pause and return to it later, this will provide a better result than reading too quickly.
• Most importantly, remember that your time with God is not something to check off your list. It’s a dedicated time to get to know Him and grow in your relationship with Him. 

What can I eliminate from my schedule to follow through with this commitment?

What time will I plan to go to bed each night to rest well?

What time will I plan to read and journal each day?

Who can I ask to check-in with me each week to help me follow-through?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 27: Journal

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

How would you describe your trust level when it comes to God? Have things happened to you that made you doubt that God is always good and always trustworthy?

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Esther 3 & 4

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 26: God’s Faithfulness

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In ancient Rome, one of the goddesses worshiped by the people was Justitia, the goddess of justice. Statues of Lady Justice often show the goddess blindfolded and holding a set of scales. This is meant to symbolize that Justice is blind to any kind of prejudice, and the scales are evenly measured for everybody, regardless of their education or status. 

As a Roman citizen, the Apostle Paul was well educated and very familiar with cultural customs and teachings. In his ongoing response to some Jewish citizens in Rome, he uses the cultural understanding of Lady Justice as well as the Old Testament to show that all people – both Jews and Gentiles – are on an evenly weighed scale in the sight of God. The Jews can celebrate that God chose them to reveal His righteousness, but this doesn’t mean they are better than others. 

He then quotes a number of Old Testament passages, ending with, “They don’t know where to find peace. They have no fear of God at all.” Isaiah 59:7-8, Psalm 36:1. In other words, Paul is saying, “Your way of thinking isn’t leading you to discovering real peace. Perhaps you ought to think differently.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 3:1-20

If your thoughts about God, yourself, and others aren’t helping you experience real peace in life, what can you do about that? (See Romans 12:2)

Who is somebody you know who lives with a high level of peace and contentment in life? Consider asking them what thoughts they have about God, themselves, and others. Also consider asking them what spiritual practices help them to experience this level of peace. 

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God. Confess any negative or unhealthy thoughts you have about God, yourself, and/or others, and pray for wisdom in how God may be able to help you change your way of thinking (Romans 12:2). 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Esther 1 & 2

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 25: God is on My Side vs. I Want Others to Know the Real God

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

The story of the Bible shows that God selected a group of people – the people of Israel – to reveal the goodness and love of who He is to the world. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, some Jews had taken this to mean that they were better than others. They were living with the false belief that since God had chosen them, it must be because they’re better than others. 

As Paul continues his letter, he refutes this way of thinking. Because God had given them the Old Testament Law, Paul responds as if he’s a lawyer making a legal argument and his case is simple: You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. Romans 2:23

Throughout Romans 2 Paul is basically saying, “The law isn’t about how great you are. It was given to show how great God is. But you’ve lost sight of this truth and the consequences are devastating.” As you read today, wrestle with how you see God. Is God on your side? Or do you simply want others to know the real God?

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 2:17-29

Have you ever thought something like, “I really need to share a hard truth with so-and-so, and God is on my side?” What was the result? 

Paul was more concerned that the people reading Romans would come to know God more fully than to simply know about God. What are some things you do to get to know God and not just learn more about Him? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I live my life with the mindset that You are on my side. While Your Word affirms truths such as, “If God is for us, who can be against us,” it’s wrong of me to think that this is about me being better than others. I repent of this way of thinking and want to know You as You really are. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Ezra 9 & 10

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 24: Looking Inward

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In Romans 2, Paul responds to some Jews in Rome who were living out a false belief system. They believed that it was OK for them to point fingers at Gentiles for their wrongdoing (sins), while not focusing at all on their own wrongdoing. Paul refutes this way of thinking, outlining that they too have sinned against God. 

On Romans 2:1, the Life Application Study Bible₁ notes, “Whenever we find ourselves feeling justifiably angry about someone’s sin, we should be careful. We need to speak out against sin, but we must humbly remember our own weakness. Often the sins we notice most clearly in others are the ones that have taken root in us. If we look closely at ourselves, we may find that we are committing the same sins in more socially acceptable forms. For example, a person who is very critical of those who gossip may justify the same action in themselves….” 

This commentary note contains a sobering truth: that one must first look inward at their own sins before looking outward at others. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 2:1-16

Think of a time when somebody incorrectly pointed out wrongdoing in your life. For example, somebody falsely accused you of gossip or some other sin. What emotions did you experience as a result? 

Romans 2:4 notes that it’s the kindness of God that turns people to repent. In what ways does this truth impact how you can address sinful behavior in the lives of others? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I am certain that at one time or another, I have falsely accused others of sinful behavior. May the truth that it is Your kindness that leads people to repentance completely change how I approach others who may be living an ungodly lifestyle. May Your kindness live within me and through me so that others want to turn to You in all things. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Ezra 7 & 8

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

MARCH 23: God’s Anger at Sin

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

In James Bryan Smith’s book titled The Good and Beautiful Life, he outlines Romans 1:18-32 and refers to it as “The Six Steps of Ruin.” These steps include:

1. The turn away: Somebody says, “I want to be God.” 1:21
2. The mind darkens: If there is a God and someone continues to turn away from Him (step 1), their mind darkens. 1:21-22
3. Idolatry: We must have a God. If one rejects God, then something must take His place. An idol is anything we invest our lives in, in order to gain pleasure, happiness, and a false sense of purpose. 1:23
4. God leaves us alone (Wrath): Unless we discover the futility of this existence and turn back to God, we are forced to push forward in our idolatry. 1:24
5. Pleasure is pursued at all costs. Disconnected from reality and on our own, we must find a way to find fulfillment. Romans 1:26
6. Sin reigns. Sin and wickedness become normative, automatic behavior. 1:28-31

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 1:18-32

Read Romans 1:18-32 and compare it with the outline provided in today’s devotional. Do you think James Bryan Smith has outlined this passage well? 

Have you experienced these steps in your own life or seen them lived out in the lives of others? What do you think is the most important step somebody needs to take to get out of this downward spiral? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, the outline provided in today’s devotional reveals to me some hard truths. Primarily, it reveals that there are times when I want to be God, and as a result I turn from You. Today, I turn away from this way of thinking, and simply pray that I will come to more fully know and experience the goodness of who You are throughout this week. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)

 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Zechariah 1:1-6, 2, & 12

 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

 

 

March 22: Prepare to Engage

As we continue this series on the Book of Romans, take a few minutes today to prepare your heart, mind, and schedule, so that you’re ready to engage with this study throughout the remainder of the week.

Tips for Completing this Reading Guide:

• Take some time to think about what you may be able to eliminate from your current schedule in order to commit to having time to engage with God’s Word for 15-30 minutes a day. (It may be as simple as having less screen time each day.) 
• Go to bed at a decent hour, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Remember, your body and soul are united. You cannot grow spiritually if you are weary and tired physically. 
• Spend 1-2 minutes in quiet silence before reading each day. Similarly, end your time with an additional 1-2 minutes of silence. 
• Write down your answers to the questions from this Reading Guide in a journal. 
• Try to get into the habit of reading and journaling at the same time each day. Many find it helpful to review their answers a couple of times throughout the day as they may have additional thoughts to include. 
• Mark time in your calendar for each daily reading. This will help you remind yourself that this is as important (even more important) than other items on your schedule. 
• Ask your spouse, a colleague, a Community Group Member, or another friend to check-in with you each week and ask what you’re learning. 
• Don’t rush through the readings. If something comes up and you need to pause and return to it later, this will provide a better result than reading too quickly.
• Most importantly, remember that your time with God is not something to check off your list. It’s a dedicated time to get to know Him and grow in your relationship with Him. 

What can I eliminate from my schedule to follow through with this commitment?

What time will I plan to go to bed each night to rest well?

What time will I plan to read and journal each day?

Who can I ask to check-in with me each week to help me follow-through?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.