Category: Romans Series

United Goodwill

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

 

help-1265227_1280
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“People who work together for a common good cause will find themselves working together with God and His Holy Laws.” ~ Jon Barnes

Good Tidings

Good Tidings we share will prove that we care for the young, poor, rich, and old.  When we turn our backs, we all lack the solutions to future problems without God’s mercy.

United Us

United we stand to help every man, facing the truth with justice and dignity.  Fighting for a just cause is a requirement in God’s laws to promote fairness and equity.

God’s Will

Knowing God’s Will comes from reading His bible to fill your heart with the proper directions to take. United as glue, yet still up to you, whether to take God’s help from your fellow man.
Today’s Question
Will you receive the help and goodwill for yourself and pass it on to others in need?
 
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Romans 16New International Version (NIV)

Personal Greetings

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla[c] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.
Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.
Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.
Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [e]
25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writingsby the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Love,

Jonathan

Preparation Preservation

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

waiting-410328_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Preparation precedes preservation with proper planning and plenty of perception.”  ~ Jon Barnes

Perhaps

Perhaps the most powerful thing that I could have ever done was to listen to the lifestyles of everyone. When the time comes to make a choice, you will find a better voice in God’s lifestyle with less noise. Prayer and love are a must, as people will die around us.  Be wise in your thinking, reservation, food, drugs and less drinking.

Distracted

Distraction comes before disaster, since you didn’t think it mattered to pay attention to the stories from beginning to the end of the latter.  We all struggle with sin as we pray, pray, again, and again for God’s love and mercy, my friends.

Solid Studies

Consistent solid studies can bring about change and understanding to see and walk the path God has for you to take. Count the cost and your loss for not obeying or listening;  which will be vital in the next decision you make.
Today’s Question
Can you count the cost or have you already lost your money and faith to the devil?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Romans 15New International Version (NIV)

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b] on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”[c]
10 Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”[d]
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”[f]
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentilesto obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders,through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written:
“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”[g]
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Love,

Jonathan

Personal Roman Issues

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

 

people-1550501_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“We all tend to think that our own story is different, more important or special than the next, yet we all have, share, and need the same ingredients and solutions to natural problems and lessons.”  ~ Jon Barnes

No Better

I’m no better than you, as we all need to do our best work that we can pursue.  Each day is just a test to do better than the rest, when our turn comes to execute our personal path.  Then you are defined, each and every time, by your thoughts and what work you completed.  Then comes the day, our story ends this way and a new person begins to tell their story.

Mo Better

Fixing problems can be poetic, others can be pathetic, making the same mistakes each and every day. Some can get ‘mo better’ at writing personal letters to communicate new solutions at hand.  Though solutions tend to ride the waves ebbs and tides from the love letter stories of old.  It takes lots of guts, not to run amuck and produce your best fruit and Christmas Cheer through the Year.

 Lessons Less

Each lesson seems personnel in the game of choice, when each solution rests on your own personal voice. The bell chimes for thee as it does for me and you will be personally responsible for your own party. Lessons Less traveled, learned best from all of the personal issues of the rest. Less can mean more, since God is Pure? Good Spiritual health is music to my ears!
Today’s Question
Did you learn something? 
Enjoy Today’s reading.

Romans 14New International Version (NIV)

The Weak and the Strong

14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[b]
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean,but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.[c]

Love,

Jonathan

Roman Christmas Concept

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

 

christmas-tree-1812689_1280
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“We are constantly given examples, concepts, models, and system of how to Love God and people, yet evil blinds the eyes of many, leaving only a few to travel the straight and narrow road.”  ~ Jon Barnes

Christmas Time is Here

During this Christmas Holiday, train yourself to love and live the lifestyle Jesus would be proud of.  Be the example for others to follow and inspire truth, justice, and positive change in all people, all around the world.  Christmas Time is Here everyday of the year.

Snowflakes in The Air

As I travel through Europe this season, I am enjoying the winter weather, comfort and warmth of my wife, family, friends, and life.  Since each snowflake is different like fingerprints, enjoy the unique path the Will of God has on your life and embrace the truth your good works of faith can give to others.

Pitch your Tune

Pitch your spiritual tent and sing songs of love, thanksgiving, and understanding so that others can see the path to walk with God.  Your perfect pitch, sings through the air with it’s own signature vibration, unlike anyone else. Only you can sing your message of God’s Goodwill and Glad tidings of Glory and love to mankind.
Today’s Question
Are you observing, upholding, and obeying God’s laws, authority, and rulers or are you singing to your own tune and fleshy ways?

Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Romans 13New International Version (NIV)

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a]and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The Day Is Near

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[c]

Love,

Jonathan

Roman Policy

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

 

bible-1805790_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It is God’s policy to cut out the confusion and get straight to the point; Love and live for Christ or die in your sin.”

Christmas Joy

Joy to the World, the Lord has Come. Let earth receive Her King.  We sing Christmas songs to remind us all about the reason God sent His son, in addition to showing us the policy and plan of salvation.  This daily joy of Christmas, giving, and eternal gift can only be given by God to the people He chooses to show mercy.

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and find some time to learn the words to this amazing song, which is full of mercy to help you save your soul from hell.  We study and pass on the old standards and traditions of truth to the next generation, so that they don’t fall pray to the devil’s playground of ignorance and stupidity. Teach these standards to your family– which will help them fight the ways of evil.

God Rest Ye

May you find comfort and rest in God’s Grace, Biblical Christmas wisdom, and loving truth.  It is your job to understand, know, and teach the Christmas Policy of God’s love and charity to a dying world full of many sinners.  Don’t get cut off or cut out from God’s Rest, for the rest of eternity.
Today’s Question
Are You cut out for being Good or evil?
Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Romans 12New International Version (NIV)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Love,
Jonathan

Non-Profit Romans

jonmbarnes3 Comments

 

student-849825_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“When you are honest with God, you can be honest with people, otherwise your non-profit status with God is non-existent Roman status, along with your fake charity.”  ~ Jon Barnes

Non-Profit Test

Love is a non-profit gift and entity all unto itself.  God is love and love is God.  God gives us love and we take it.  Few learn to give it back.  Did you pass the non-profit test? Are you really a blessing in your service of God or are you blinded by your own arrogance, greed and selfishness? Don’t X out your blessing and eternal inheritance.

Meeting Minds

Shut your mind off and turn your heart on so that you can listen with your spiritual ears inside your heart. God is speaking to you, if you are listening.  What is your profit to gain the world, money, and power, only to lose your soul?  Meet the needs of God’s Will for your life and God will hook you up.

Silent Night Service

Judgement will be a personal thing, just as Jesus was born, quietly in a barn.  Few people were on hand to witness the birth of our King and the simplicity of God’s Faith Memo; which is for everyone to love God and your neighbor as yourself.  Be truthful each night to God in Silence, rejoicing in your closet and making adjustments.
Today’s Question
Did you check your motives and ask your loved ones and God to examine your love, motives, and actions of honesty and integrity?

Enjoy Today’s Reading.

Romans 11New International Version (NIV)

The Remnant of Israel

11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people,whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”[a]? 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[b] 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened, 8 as it is written:
“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
    eyes that could not see
    and ears that could not hear,
to this very day.”[c]
9 And David says:
“May their table become a snare and a trap,
    a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,
    and their backs be bent forever.”[d]

Ingrafted Branches

11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envyand save some of them. 15 For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

All Israel Will Be Saved

25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way[e] all Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion;
    he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[f] my covenant with them
    when I take away their sins.”[g]
28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[h] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Doxology

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[i] knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”[j]
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”[k]
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
    To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Love,

Jonathan

Roman Meal Scraps

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

 

chicken-583761_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“It seems a bit strange and unfair to give God the little crumbs from the table of your Thanksgiving during our massively commercialized Christmas spending and gluttony.” ~ Jon Barnes

Crumb Cake Kindness

Not too long ago, I use to offer up my crumbs of Thanksgiving to God, after eating a full course meal at my table.  This would happen at each meal of my life until I realized that God is the food, cake, substance, order, water, air, life, and dirt that is used to sustain all of us and our existence. Scraps and crumbs of kindness, love, and substance are for a doG, not God!  Don’t let the devil fool you with dyslexic tendencies and symptoms with your kindness and Thanksgiving.

We Three Kings

Giving real quality gifts of good service can be a daily challenge, in a world full of takers, fakers, blind believers, phony, fast food faith-based posers, displaying laziness and no love works.  A Good King or average person of honest quality gives real gifts of honor and substance of love to God and all people around them.  They will follow the star of righteousness in their prayer closet, no matter how far one travels.

Milk This X

The details of your faith are between you and, God but the fruit of your salvation shines like the bright morning star.  God knows His loving Kids! X marks the spot to hit your target. So, why do we tend to milk it for all we can get, never giving of ourselves and doing what is best to hit the mark?  I finally had to make up my own mind to leave the milk, crumbs and cookies alone, so that I could chew and eat meat, like a man and king for God!
Today’s Question X
Got Milk or Meat?

Enjoy today’s reading.

Romans 10New International Version (NIV)

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[a] 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[b] (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[c] (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[d] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[e] 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[f]
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[g]
16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[h] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:
“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.”[i]
19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,
“I will make you envious by those who are not a nation;
    I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”[j]
20 And Isaiah boldly says,
“I was found by those who did not seek me;
    I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”[k]
21 But concerning Israel he says,
“All day long I have held out my hands
    to a disobedient and obstinate people.”[l]

Love,

Jonathan

Like Roman Culture

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

pillars-1209686_1920

Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
 “Take God’s Culture wherever you go, being who you are, doing what you do, living your lifestyle, and enjoying God’s Joy, Peace, Blessings, and Goodwill towards men.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Cultural Awareness

You have the power to share life changing information about who you are, what you stand for, and how it works in your life. Connecting with others and learning about our similarities is more interesting than noticing the small differences.  You have the freedom of the Spirit to walk and set upon your mind and practice the things that are right. Go right ahead, with God’s mercy and cultural grace.

In Rome, You Roam

In Rome, there is a better way to your search for the truth. You don’t have to follow the typical romans choices and traditions blindly without asking questions and verifying the truth.  Following the crowd is not the best solution for thinking people looking for the best solutions in their lives.  It can be a challenge to be honest with yourself and your choices to make, when following your path with God.  Rome is all over the world, so roam around to sniff out your own good way and bless God.

Roman World Traveler

The world traveler doesn’t merely go around making people change in their lifestyle and mindset.  A Good Person connects, communicates and inspires all people with a smile, wisdom, warm greeting, with dignity, honor, love, and respect.  Considering yourself and how you would feel in a land with no friends can give you the proper perspective on how to make new friends.  Your Good Culture and lifestyle will stick out all by itself, with life, light, and love, from your personal experience and mindset of God.

 
Today’s Question
 
Which mindset are you roaming around with, in your Rome-like culture?
 
Enjoy today’s reading.

Romans 9New International Version (NIV)

1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

God’s Sovereign Choice

6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” 10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? 22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,” 26 and, “In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ ” 27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. 28 For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.” 29 It is just as Isaiah said previously: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”

Israel’s Unbelief

30 What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Romans Personal Sacrifice

jonmbarnesLeave a comment

love-699480_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“God uses people to be living sacrifices of His Good Works to help others understand truth, love commitment, honesty, integrity, long-suffering, and wisdom, as we all give and take, reap and sow, come and go. Dead people don’t bury themselves!”  ~ Jon Barnes

Honor Your Parents

People should honor their parents because life was given to them and it seems obvious to be thankful for being alive, nurtured, and cared for as a child.  Respectfully, we should honor God in this manner for Fathering humanity providing for our needs.  What I don’t understand is how can people sacrifice themselves to evil ways, intentionally hurting their parents and themselves.  Why commit to nonsense?  It makes no sense. Stop lying to yourself and do better, expect better, and be better!

Your Nonsense

Your nonsense makes no sense and it brings shame to the door steps of your parents, family, loved ones, friends and, especially God, who can see all that you do.  Making a mistake is one thing, but living your daily lives in the same mistakes day after day is completely wrong, selfish, destructive, and counterproductive to building up your family or God’s Kingdom. When you are unsure about something, ask your parents and then ask God to confirm the truth.

Common Sense

We all have the common sense to know right from wrong.  Each day try to fix a problem.  Start off small and work your way up to the big ones– don’t forget to ask for help and pray.  Don’t push people away when you see they are trying to assist you in your time of need.  Don’t let your arrogance and pride steal your soul, directing it straight to hell. Your obedience to God should not reflect worldly roman like sacrifices of evil games to the death.  Let your living sacrifices of Good Grace and Mercy Honor God and not yourself.
Today’s Question
Will God approve of your personal sacrifice or are you copying the ways of evil people, a slave to sin?
Enjoy today’s reading

Romans 8New International Version (NIV)

Life Through the Spirit

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

AAA For Romans

jonmbarnes2 Comments
 
evacuate-1618992_1920
Today’s Quote

“The actions of your lifestyle tell the story of your soul’s alliance and allegiance, whether you work for God in Heaven or the devil in hell – the selection of your choosing is obvious!”  ~Jon Barnes


Allegiance

We pledge allegiance to God, our Father, who created us and all things.  You have chosen a side to walk with, defend, protect, teach, study, and live by the rules, laws, ways, statues, and authority God has set in place.  Just as parents model these principles to raise their children, we study and use God’s model to get the job done right the first time.

Alliance

Are you aligned with the truth and armed with the facts of God, with whom you will shortly have a quick, brief discussion about your fate of eternity in front of the Heavenly Pearly Gates of ForeverLand?  Judgment will be quick and the heat will be hot, as you blink your eyes.  Not much is needed to be said, since God knows everything and does not need any help from you to carry out His orders, objectives, and punishments for your offenses.

All Aboard 

Try not to get derailed in your mind’s eye, when you look into the mirror to see yourself as you truly are, a sinner.  Study God’s AAA plan for your life and sober up while yet there is time to follow the steps of salvation, mind of a missionary, and discipline of a godly disciple.
 
Today’s Question
What train are you on?
Enjoy today’s reading.

Romans 7New International Version (NIV)

Released From the Law, Bound to Christ

7 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

The Law and Sin

7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”[b] 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[d] a slave to the law of sin.
 
Love,
 
Jonathan