A Choice Between Life or Death

Romans 10:5-8

For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth). And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead? (to bring Christ back to life again)." In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on you lips and in your heart."

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

"This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, 'Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?' It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, 'Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?' No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it."

Lord, the message of salvation is not hard to understand. It is not complicated. Even a child can understand it.

Romans 10:8-10

And that message is the very message about faith that we preach. If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

It is not a message that is complicated or hard to understand. But it IS a vitally important message. It is literally a choice between life and death.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16

"Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy."

Lord, every day, every minute, I am making life-or-death choices. Am I going to do things your way, which leads to life and peace. Or am I going to listen to my sinful nature and do what it urges me to do, which leads to misery and death.

I want to choose to obey you and walk in your ways. Then I will live and multiply by bringing others to you. And you will bless me, not necessarily materially, but definitely spiritually.

Jesus, this day I choose YOU! In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

God Has a Purpose

John 10:10

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.

John 10:10

God Has a Purpose

God Has a Purpose

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Philippians 4:6-7
God Has a Purpose

God's Ways are the Best Ways!

Romans 10:3-4

For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God's way; they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Lord, I hope I am not taking this verse out of context, but it seems that I know people who refuse to accept your way and cling to their own way. Not so much as relates to salvation, although I see that too, but more not wanting to accept your word.

Dear Lord, I pray that these people will be given understanding to trust and accept your word. Lord, these are not unbelievers but baby Christians. Help them to know that your ways are the best and FOR our best, even when they don't make sense to our human minds.

Lord, help me when I struggle to accept your ways. Help me to never question your ways in a cynical, unbelieving manner. Help my questions to always be a quest for better understanding and more faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

God Has a Purpose

John 10:10

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.

John 10:10

God Has a Purpose

God Has a Purpose

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Philippians 4:6-7
God Has a Purpose

Lord, If You Are Willing

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 8:2

Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. "Lord," the man said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean."

I love this man's faith and humility. He had no doubt that Jesus could heal him. He knew that all it needed was for Jesus to want to. I think all too often I approach you, Lord, like a spiritual vending machine. I just pop in a prayer and out comes whatever I want, or so I think. I forget to seek your will. Even Jesus prayed for YOUR will rather than his own.

Luke 22:42

"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Even when I do pray for your will, too often what I really want is my own. Lord, help me to really and truly, deep down want your will instead of my own.

2 Samuel 22:31

God's way is perfect. All the LORD'S promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.