Friday, November 02, 2012

Opening: What causes you to stand in awe of God? Being in the mountains? Walking along the seashore? Working in a garden? Seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset? Holding a newborn baby?

Scripture: Read Romans 1:18-32.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• This is probably the most descriptive passage in the Bible on the “Fall of Man.” And Paul explains that the root cause is the abandonment of acknowledging and knowing God which leads to a debased, depraved mind (see verse 28). Does this sound familiar to the mindset of many in our country?  
• Do you think our society has changed for the better or for the worse since Paul wrote this description? Remember your answer – we’ll come back to it in Sunday’s reading.

Prayer Focus: That we would take a long and thoughtful look at what God has created and see His eternal power, for instance and the mystery of his divine being. (From Romans 1:20, MSG)

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Opening: Have you ever received a personal letter from someone famous: a President, a historical figure, a famous athlete? How about a letter from a long lost friend, student, distant relative? An old love letter that you have kept? Do you go back a read it?

Scripture: Read Romans 1:1-17.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• When did you first feel Jesus’ call in your life? How has that call changed your goals? Your sense of obligation to others? How is it reflected in your prayers? Your actions.  
• Who was the Paul in your life who encouraged you in the early years of your spiritual life? If they are still alive (or if there is someone now who is a spiritual influence on your life), write them a letter, thanking them and sharing with them your spiritual journey. It just might become a keepsake letter for them!

Prayer Focus: That we would unconditionally declare, “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.”[1]

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[1] Romans 1:16 (NIV)