Scripture: Roman 9.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Romans 9:30-33 (AMP)

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles who did not follow after righteousness [who did not seek salvation by right relationship to God] have attained it by faith [a righteousness imputed by God, based on and produced by faith],

31 Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law.

32 For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone.

33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

This passage, on first reading, appears very deep and complex, but sometimes we are like these people, trying to get right with God by keeping his laws. We may think that attending church, doing church work, giving offerings, and being nice will be enough. After all, we’ve played by the rules, haven’t we? But Paul’s words sting—this approach never succeeds. Paul explains that God’s plan is not for those who try to earn his favor by being good; it is for those who realize that they can never be good enough and so must depend on Christ. We can be saved only by putting our faith in what Jesus Christ has done. If we do that, we will never be disappointed. The Jews had a worthy goal—to honor God. But they tried to achieve it the wrong way—by rigid and painstaking obedience to the law. Thus, some of them became more dedicated to the law than to God. They thought that if they kept the law, God would have to accept them as his people. The Jews did not see that their Scriptures, the Old Testament, taught that salvation depended on faith, not on human effort. Friend, there is only one way to salvation, and that is through faith in the One who died for our sin, the One that we must humble ourselves before and beg His forgiveness for our sin. It would sure be great to know that all that might read this devotional have done this and will enter 2012 with a fresh assurance that their faith is in Jesus alone and that they are building a relationship with Him, and developing that relationship every day. Sending your gifts (tithes and/or offering) and even your wife and/or kids to church will not do it dads; we must personally seek that relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t let this old year exit with you still undecided and willing to wait, make the most decision of your life today brother. Please feel free to contact me by clicking on the email link below, or contact your Bible teaching/believing pastor today so that I/we may help walk you through this important step in your life.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, I truly believe that this is decision time for many that may read this today, for I believe that many will want to enter 2012 with their spiritual lives cleaned up and in order. I pray that You will speak to the hearts of many today. Tender their hearts and prepare them for eternity with You by committing themselves to You today, while they still have breath to do so. I pray that You will always remind me that it’s not about church attendance, although I know the importance of assembling ourselves together as fellow Christians; and that it’s not about working myself silly around the church, although I know that Christians will strive to do their very best for their master and present their worship facility in the best form possible, but that everything hinges on my/our personal relationship with You. Thank You Father for bringing this to my attention today. May I find myself always before Your throne on my knees seeking Your will and Your way so that I may truly follow You all the days of my life.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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