Coffee With The Lord

Romans 12:1-2: What an important, key transition in Scripture (from one part of Romans to another) – verses that hold the key to a transformed life…

“In light of God’s redemptive plan and provision (i.e. “His mercy” – Romans 1:18 – 11:36)… Offer yourself completely and wholly to God! Do it as an act of worship – a “living sacrifice!” Don’t allow the “world” – the culture around you – to press you into its mold – instead allow the Lord to transform your entire life – inside-out – by “renewing your mind!” And the result – the outcome? A demonstration and expression of God’s will in and through your life – “what is good and acceptable and perfect!”

Bartel’s expanded paraphrase

From a “MYSTERY” to a wonderful “REVELATION!”

In Romans 11:25-32 Apostle Paul declares, “I do not want you to be unaware of this MYSTERY…”

Many enjoy a “good mystery” – a situation or plot to be uncovered and solved. A “mystery” Biblically, however, is a truth once hidden but now revealed by God! … In Romans 11 it is God’s marvelous plan of salvation that is big enough and grand enough to encompass all of humanity! It is offered to all – Jew and Gentile! But even the rejection of it by some, becomes an opportunity for others! In fact, vs. 32 captures a wonderful truth of this “mystery”: “God has committed all to disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all!”

That marvelous truth prompts Apostle Paul to follow up with a “Doxology” to an all wise, all powerful God!!! He has just been discussing God incredible redemptive plan for all people of the world – Jew and Gentile! He argues that God’s got it all worked out! He closes with this wonderful “Doxology” of praise to an all wise, all powerful God! He literally explodes in worship!!! This is the pinnacle of Romans!!!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen!” (Romans 11:33–36 ESV)

Oh, pause and worship!!! Amen!!!

January, in many evangelical churches, is a month dedicated to fasting at different levels… to gain a godly perspective, deepen ones relationship with the Lord, seek His direction, and pray for “revival!” All noble and worthy reasons to seek God’s face!

Matthew 6:16-18, from the mouth of our Savior and Lord Himself, (I urge you to read it!) urges us not to make a public display of our fasting, but instead meet with our Heavenly Father “in the secret place” – seek Him there – and He will answer and reward us openly!

So, in our way of expressing it, “Get up, shower, shave, or bathe, fix your hair and put on your makeup – get your Bible, have devotions, and the time you would usually spend eating, devote to sincere, believing prayer.” But don’t put on a dour expression, look pathetic and pained, and act like you’re fasting…

Who sez so? Jesus says so!