Romans Road

In today's message on the subject of Salvation, we will be referring to some of the key scriptures in the book of Romans. Oftentimes, theses verses will be used to lead someone in understanding their need for a relationship with Christ. We refer to these scriptures as the Romans Road. I cannot necessarily recommend other things on this website, but if you click on this particular page you will find a good summary of the scriptures and ideas behind the Romans Road concept. I am thankful for salvation!

My Proverbs Story

The book of Proverbs gives us practical wisdom that we can use to live out our God-given purposes in life. It protects us, encourages us and points us to Jesus. Was there a time when the Holy Spirit used a passage from Proverbs in your life? Tell us about it. Comment below!

Proverbs: In Search Of Wisdom

This Sunday at Calvary we begin a new series of messages simply titled Proverbs: In Search Of Wisdom. It seems like every day I find again the importance of God’s Word in our daily lives. As a church, we are in a season when we so clearly need God’s wisdom. This series will challenge each of us to seek wisdom from God in His Word for ourselves, families, and church.

Here is my request. Why don’t you start each day with a chapter in Proverbs? There are 31 chapters and 31 days in March, so it makes it easy to know what to read. On March 2, read Proverbs chapter 2. As you read, askl the Holy Spirit to bring one verse to your attention. You may be struck by more than one, but make sure that there is one that you are going to expectantly take to heart. You may want to write that verse down somewhere that you will remember it throughout the day. Maybe you will make it your Facebook status or Twitter post. Just find a way to do more than read it. Meditate on it. Marinade in it. Soak that wisdom in.

Throughout the day, ask yourself how that Proverb applies to your situation. What is it that you are praying for? How will your day be different because you are going to live out that scripture? Trust God’s Spirit to guide you. Remember that Jesus came as wisdom incarnate. He not only can forgive your sins, but He can guide you in living this day for His purpose and glory.

One of my favorite passages is Proverbs 2:6-11. I frequently come back to this scripture in times of important decisions. Solomon writes, “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”

Let’s search for wisdom together. Who knows what we might find!

The Man In The Arena

This morning, for some reason, this quote is in my head. Thanks to Teddy Roosevelt for the inspiration.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
(Excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic", delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on 23 April, 1910)

21 Days of Prayer - John 21 - All About Jesus

I have always found the last verse of the book John to be fascinating. It reads, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written (John 21:25).” What an interesting statement.

Our theme for these 21 Days of Prayer has been “It’s All About Jesus.” That is what John’s book is about and, according to him, his gospel barely scratched the surface. There has never been a more interesting or important life in the history of the world than that of Jesus. No other individual has influenced society, culture or history more than Him. There is no end to what we can say about Him. He is Jesus.

And yet, oftentimes, we can relegate Him to being just another person in history. We forget that no one ever was like Him and no one will ever be. He was the perfect man and is the son of God. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the one and only. He is Jesus, and life is all about Him.

Today, as we conclude our 21 Days of Prayer together, evaluate who Jesus is in your life. Choose to commit your life to Him in a way like never before. If there are things that you need to change, be willing to take the first step towards that change. If there are places in your life where you need to trust Him more, take the leap of faith. Hold nothing back. Give Him your life and watch what He can do through someone fully committed to Him. Decide today that the story of life change because of Jesus will be told through your life in a powerful way.

21 Days of Prayer - John 20 - I Can't Believe It!

Have you ever had one of those moments where you find yourself in awe? Your mouth hangs open as your jaw hits the floor. You rub your eyes wondering if what you see is real. You try to understand it, but the moment is overwhelming. Maybe it is a scenic view. Possibly it is a piece of art or architecture. For you it might be music. It could be a moment, like the birth of a child. Whatever it is, there are times when the normal routine is interrupted by the extraordinary and we are left speechless. Our typical response? I can’t believe it!

When I read John 20, I recognized several of those moments. The resurrection of Jesus was so outside of the realm of what was expected that it left even His closest friends scrambling. The tomb should not have been empty. The disciples should not have expected to see Him again. Thomas was pretty sure that the rest of the crew was crazy. And yet, Jesus was alive and He had done the unexpected, believe it or not.

I was reminded once again that Jesus specializes in the unbelievable. God loves to surprise us with the unexpected. He knows how to direct our steps in ways that leave us scratching our heads. He understands how to put the puzzle of our lives together in such a way that the big picture is a beautiful thing. Jesus even specializes in bringing the things that were dead back to life again.

I challenge you to open your heart today to see the amazing in God’s hand in your life. Remember that He is at work, even in unbelievable situations. And what should you do? Just believe. Remember what John 20:31 tells us and live life watching for the unexpected.

21 Days of Prayer - John 19 - Remember

Sometimes it is good to stop and remember. I recently visited Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rhonda and I had lived in Milwaukee for three years. Our first ministry position was in Milwaukee. We made some good friendships there. Two of our children were born there. We really launched out on our own as a family in those years. As I drove again through that place I hadn’t been in years, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. I remembered some good times. I remembered some tough times. But, ultimately, I remembered the grace of God in my life how great His love for us has been.

Sometimes it is good to stop and remember. As you read John 19 today, take time to stop and remember. Remember where your life was without Jesus. Stop and think about what your life would be like without Him. And consider the incredible sacrifice He made for us on the cross. Contemplate the kind of love that would compel God to die for you and me.

I know it may be a familiar story, but read it again. Consider the emotions and the drama and the pain. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the difference the cross of Christ has made in your life. And then determine to live out your day thankful for all that He has done.