August 9 Reading
Psalms 77-78 and Romans 10
posted by Debbie @ 12:00 AM
10 comments
I'm Waiting as Fast as I Can | In the Word
An Online Bible Study Community hosted by Dori Knight ... Led & Moderated by Debbie O'Connor.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Welcome to the Community
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Welcome!
Please feel free to read along in the Word of God with us, and leave comments as you are moved to, but keep in mind that this is not a place for theological debate. The moderator reserves the right to delete any comments that are not in keeping with a spirit of peace, love, and mutual respect.
Enjoy, and be blessed …
Dori Knight
August Reading Plan
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1 | Psalms 57-59; Romans 4
2 | Psalms 60-62; Romans 5
3 | Psalms 63-65; Romans 6
4 | Psalms 66-67; Romans 7
5 | Psalms 68-69; Romans 8:1-21
6 | Psalms 70-71; Romans 8:22-39
7 | Psalms 72-73; Romans 9:1-15
8 | Psalms 74-76; Romans 9:16-33
9 | Psalms 77-78; Romans 10
10 | Psalms 79-80; Romans 11:1-18
11 | Psalms 81-83; Romanns 11:19-36
12 | Psalms 84-86; Romans 12
13 | Psalms 87-88; Romans 13
14 | Psalms 89-90; Romans 14
15 | Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13
16 | Psalms 94-96; Romans 15:14-33
17 | Psalms 97-99; Romans 16
18 | Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1
19 | Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2
20 | Psalms 105-106 ; 1 Corinthians 3
21 | Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4
22 | Psalms 110-112 ; 1 Corinthians 5
23 | Psalms 113-115 ; 1 Corinthians 6
24 | Psalms 116-118 ; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19
25 | Psalms 119:1-88 ; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40
26 | Psalms 119:89-176 ; 1 Corinthians 8
27 | Psalms 120-122 ; 1 Corinthians 9
28 | Psalms 123-125 ; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18
29 | Psalms 126-128 ; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33
30 | Psalms 129-131 ; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 31 | Psalms 132-134 ; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Previous Posts
- August 8 Reading
- August 7 Reading
- August 6 Reading
- August 5 Reading
- August 4 Reading
- August 3 Reading
- August 2 Reading
- August 1 Reading
- July 31 Reading
- July 30 Reading
10 Comments:
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Hi Samuel,
I'm not sure you meant to post this comment here, but we would love to have you join us in Bible study.
Blessings,
Deb
Romans 10
Paul has such a burden for Israel. These are his people, his former co-workers, friends, and quite possibly family. Of course he desires to see them come to Christ. He knows the truth behind verse two "they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." In their waiting for a Messiah to come as a king, they missed Jesus who came to free them from sin, not from the Roman Empire. They are "seeking to establish their own righteousness." I know people in my own family like this. My grandfather, mama's daddy, believes that he's good enough to get to heaven on his own. He is firmly established in his own righteousness, not realizing that anything he does on his own is like filthy rags (isaiah 64:6). Maybe that's why I understand Paul's burden for his people...my heart breaks over my own people and the feeling of uselessness I experience when they brush me off.
Christ is the end of the law. Jesus didn't come to make the law obsolete, He came to perfect the law. I think that the law was given to emphasize the need for a savior. Whenever people point out the verses in Deuteronomy about tattoos, I show them the verses about not wearing clothing of mixed materials. I have yet to see all the Christians throwing away their poly-cotton blends. But I digress..back to Rome.
Verses nine and ten are precious. We must confess with our mouth and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. It's not enough to believe that there is a God. James writes that even the demons believe that and that they have the sense enough to tremble (James 2:19).
How can people call on the name of God if they don't believe in him, but how can they believe if we don't tell them? I had someone yesterday at work say "but there are plenty of missionary opportunities here in town. You don't have to go overseas." I agreed with him that yes, there are plenty of opportunities here. There are also churches on every street corner (I live in the Bible Belt). God has given me a call to go to those who may not hear of Him if I don't. So vese fourteen is pretty special to me.
Will get to Psalms.
Grace, mercy and Peace to you,
Jess
The first day my husband got out of the most recent drug rehab, he went to the crack house. I knew he was there - not sure how I knew but I did. I drove by (I know where it is) to confirm my suspicions. Yes, it was true. A couple verses from Psalm 78 kept running through my mind, “They did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation. Again and again they tempted God and grieved the Holy One of Israel.”
When I saw my husband’s truck at this house, I began to despair. Then, as I drove home, the Holy Spirit convicted me with those same verses. I realized the verses were not for my husband alone but for me as well. Will I believe in God and trust in His salvation? I was tempting God and grieving Him by my own unbelief for my husband’s deliverance. I also realized that God would not share His glory with anyone – not even the Salvation Army drug rehab.
Psalm 78 is a sad story. God does miracle after miracle delivering His people, “yet they still continue to sin against Him.” Therefore, he has to punish them. “When He killed them, then they sought Him and returned and searched diligently for God.” Isn’t that typical? But they were deceitful in their search, “For their heart was not STEADFAST toward God, nor were they FAITHFUL in His covenant.”
“He cast upon them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.” Remember that the Bible says an evil spirit from the Lord tormented Saul. Rebellion opens the door to demons – even demon possession. I actually find comfort in this fact. God is in control. He sent the evil spirits and He can send them away too.
I love Romans 10 and I love all of your comments today.
“That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus…”
I believe this shows confessing the fact that Jesus is God. Look at Psalm 118:26,27 as it prophesies of the Messiah.
“Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. GOD IS THE LORD, which has showed us light.”
God is the Lord. Jesus is Lord.
“I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me.” Isaiah 45:5
Debbie, I didn't read your post from yesterday until this morning. Much of the day, I have been thinking about something you said.
"Who are we living for? Ourselves, others or God? The keynote scripture I heard in this weekend's service was Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do...do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus. What a challenge. Can I overeat in Jesus' name? Be lazy in Jesus' name? Ignore my kids in Jesus' name? Disresepect my husband in Jesus' name? Disregard the feelings of others in Jesus' name? OF COURSE NOT!
I'm preaching to me right now. I need to hear this."
Well dear sister, you're not preaching to yourself. These words are blessing me today. I hope I remember and practice them tomorrow and forever.
Me too, Crista. I can't say I was too successful today in doing everything in Jesus' name. I tried hard and I know He forgives me, but I was nervous all morning over church, relieved but exhausted all afternoon and to top it off, I'm hormonal. My face is completely broken out -- I didn't have acne as a teen, I waited until I was about 35 to start having it. Ridiculous. I think I'm in early menopause (my mom had this and I have lots of fun symptoms--NOT! My children battled a lot today because I was on the phone a lot, and to be truthful I was much harsher in my response than was necessary. Have you ever noticed that when you mean to do the best, you sometimes erupt in the worst? I've been in the Word, in prayer, in church. I'm doing all I can do and BLECH. Listen to me and my excuses...
Crista, I'm a little concerned. I had two emails I sent to you returned today. Is all well? Email me if possible. I was trying to send you information about a poetry contest.
I did talk with my pastor today and he was wonderful. Thanks for bearing with my anxiety, and thanks to those of you who prayed for me. I am grateful!
Loved your comments Crista and Jess.
I know lots of people who think their own righteousness is sufficient. It is tough to convince them otherwise. Paul's compassion and dedication are so beautiful.
Crista, your quote hit me hard today too:
“When He killed them, then they sought Him and returned and searched diligently for God.”
My Bible also says something about them being "flatterers." I actually went through a time of being too casual with my devotions and prayer and found myself addressing God in an overly syrupy manner, as if I could make up for my neglect by being extra gushy. Nauseating! I hate that I acted like that and hope I never will again. I don't want to just flatter God in the hope of "appeasing" His wrath. I want to love, honor and serve Him in the ways that really count.
Well, I obviously need to go back and read what you wrote yesterday, Deb! Crista and Deb, I wish I could give you both a HUGE hug. And Jess, you too.
I wasn't going to comment today because it is way late at night but I just had to share my thoughts...... More so now I see I'm learning different stuff to you all ... anyhow, here goes.
Ps. 77 - When in distress, meditate on God and His saving works in the past, creation etc. Easier said that done ;-)
Ps. 78 - Teach your children, mothers! (vv.4-6) Teach them what God has done in your lives, in the lives of your family, and of course, in history. Crista, keep calling out to God, because like many of the Psalms keep saying, even though it seems like our prayers go unheard at times, He DOES hear, and his love is unfailing.
Weird how the Psalmist points out that Joseph's descendants (tribe of Ephraim) weren't chosen, but rather Judah's (v.68). I have a dream of writing a book about Judah one day ... wrote a series of studies on that character a while back for my small group.
Psalm 10 - am with you on this one, Jess. TELL OTHERS THE GOSPEL! Here is a question for you. Where is Mr Jia's spirit now?
He was the father of two good friends, came from a corner of China that hadn't had the gospel, but worshipped the one true Creator God of whom no image could be made, and who had standards of absolute perfection, demanding that of his followers too. Mr Jia was an exceptionally good man. He died without the gospel. His son and daughter-in-law now believe ... and believe that their father was saved through Jesus anyhow, because he'd never had a chance to hear. Remember what Romans 1:18-21 says about that ... God not leaving Himself without witness? Many theologians over the centuries have debated the issue of those who've never heard. I don't have a definitive answer. But what I do know is that the gospel HAS to be got to the many other members of the Jia family ... and others.
I can feel Paul's anguish as I think of my friends who haven't believed and indeed, some of whom haven't even heard......
Great question about Mr. Jia, Suzanne. I believe he was saved myself, but that is only my opinion. It would be backed up by the pastor of the church I attended before this. He taught that God knows the hearts of man, those who truly seek to please Him with the knowledge that they have. He said that God holds us accountable for our knowledge base. If all Mr. Jia knew was that a mighty God must have created this wonderful world and he sought him and tried to live for him than he was saved by his faith in God to the extent that he knew him. Like the old testament saints were saved by their faith in the Messiah to come and we are saved by our faith in the Messiah who came. Still, I don't know. Faith in a Messiah seems necessary and I know I am not saved by my good works or sincere seeking, I am saved by Christ's sacrifice for me alone. I wonder if a Mr. Jia would fall under the same covering an innocent child falls under. Great point to ponder.
Oh yeah, I also wanted to say that while you are here in America, living in the Bible belt, please share the gospel anyway. I know you are, Jess, but I have to say it for all who are reading. I was a typical American girl who grew up hearing bits and pieces about Jesus. My Mom read me Bible stories and took me to a Baptist Sunday School. She told me that Jesus died to save me, but I somehow got the idea that Jesus died to save everyone and that was all there was to it. Mom and Dad were very tolerant of all religions and they said we were merely Christians, not members of a particular denomination. I was taught that God was all love.
So I grew up. I went to public school and the little bit of faith I had eroded. Mom and Dad stopped going to church gradually.
I attended church a little here and there (Lutheran usually)and I attended a Catholic university. I even went on a spiritual retreat at the end of my senior year. It was great, btw, the closest I came to really experiencing God before my salvation.
However, with all this information, TV preachers, school, Sunday school etc. I NEVER heard the gospel until I was 23 years old. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. The first time I heard it I received it with great joy and I've never looked back. God was preparing me all along the way, but someone had to tell me! Thank God someone finally did!
So true, Debbie - about sharing the gospel right here in the Bible belt (middle class Australia, anyhow).
Thanks for the words about Mr Jia. Now, I'd like to ask about Professor Liang - slightly different situation - maybe another time......
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