Week twenty-two

Paul says Jesus is to "deliver us from this present evil age" I guess every age has its evils -- seems like things have gotten pretty raunchy in this age as well as back in Paul's day -- but God is BIGGER than all our raunch!  For Paul, it is a marvel that we are so soon turning away (vs 6) Why do we always default to turning from the One who can actually save us? Why do I do that?? I think that's why practicing living in His presence is so important -- otherwise our attitudes get in the way.

Doncha love in 2:6 where it says "God shows personal favoritism to no man? He loves everyone with deep consuming love. Somehow that reminds me of the picture I get in "The Shack"  It says it again in 2:20 "The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" I know I've heard/said that many times -- but don't you find it amazing; that the Son of God would take such personal and painful interest in Me? You?

I appreciate the emphasis on faith as the key -- especially the reminder in 2:21 that "if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain" Paul really nails it there. It sounds like the law does have a purpose: "the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Also, somewhere it says faith comes by hearing the word. So maybe it's hearing, doing, faithing, justifying? One building on another and each level takes us deeper into relationship. Relationship is God's goal for us:)

A final reminder in 3:28 "we are all one in Christ Jesus" Let's just keep it that simple -- we're all in the same boat, in need of a Saviour; a God who loves us no matter who we are, what we do - - a God of patience who works with me one step at a time! (I need to be just a patient with the people around me - whew, I'm not very good at that) a

week twenty one

Hoping to post enroute to S.C. -- if nothing shows up from me, please know -- I'll still be reading all of your thoughts:)

Week twenty

Out of the teens -- into the twenties!  Woot woot!  Love plowing through the Word with my friends!

week nineteen

another week - - bring on the Sonshine!