Tag: Romans

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Remembering God’s Promises

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Summer in the Psalms is a sermon and reflection series based on the Revised Common Lectionary. 

Guest writer: Mary Lynn Errigo

Read

Romans 8:26-39

Reflect

This week’s lectionary readings remind us that God’s faithful love for his people is present throughout Scripture. In Genesis 29, we read the story of Jacob, who was deceived by his uncle into marrying not the woman he loved, but her sister. Even in his pain and frustration, Jacob kept going. He remembered the covenant that God made with Abraham and with him (Genesis 28) and trusted in God’s promises.

In Psalm 105, we see the Psalmist give thanks to God in all circumstances. In the most difficult of times, he calls upon His name. He gives glory to God who is worthy to be praised, and he seeks the Lord and His strength.

In Romans, Paul tells a Christian community facing violent persecution that God is with them, enabling them to be “more than conquerors.” He assures them that God will never fail or abandon them.

Sometimes when we think that things can’t get any worse, we assume that God isn’t with us. We begin to lose heart and lose hope. However, even in dire situations, when our strength is gone, we can look to the promises that God has made to us throughout his Word, from beginning to end. We can remember the times that He lifted us up when we had no strength — the times when He came through for us and saved us — and know that He remains faithful to His promises.

Respond

Are you struggling today?  Are you looking for answers to situations that seem hopeless?

With the help of God’s promises in His Word, seek the Lord and His strength. Remember the promises He has kept to you in the past: the times He has lifted you up out of the mess, even when there seemed to be no hope.

Remember that Jesus is with you, defending and protecting. The Holy Spirit is also with you, giving words to your prayers even when you don’t know what to say. No matter what you are going through, it cannot separate you from God’s love.

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“Our Hearts Are Completely His” (Romans 8, Psalm 119)

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A sermon and reflection series from my church, based on the weekly Psalm and linked readings from  the Revised Common Lectionary. 

Guest Writer: Mary Lynn Errigo

Read

Romans 8:1-11

Reflect

There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. This is truly “Good News.” And not only Good News, but Great News!

As followers of God, we live each day trying to walk according to His ways. But everyday trials and our own sinful natures get in our way, and we fail in spite of our best efforts.

This is where the Good News of Jesus Christ comes in. Jesus took all our sins and died on the cross for us. Because He paid a price we could never have paid on our own, we are not condemned to suffer in guilt and shame for our mistakes. When we go to Him in repentance, He holds us in His arms and forgives us. He sets us free from the power of sin and death so our hearts can belong fully to God.

Jesus breathed life into us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He will never abandon us or leave us to face our pain and trials alone.

Respond

God knows that our hearts are completely His. He has called us to be His very own. As we walk in His ways, holding each of His words close to our hearts, we know God will never abandon us. In Psalm 119, the Psalmist cries out, “I have sworn, and I will confirm it, that I will keep Thy righteous ordinances . . . O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth and teach me Thine ordinances . . . I have inherited Thy testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart.”

As you read God’s words this week, allow them to fill your heart with joy. Thank Him for His Good News. Spend time talking with God and trusting in Him. He will give you the strength you need to walk in His ways.

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God’s Deliverance from the War Within: Romans 7:15-25

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Day 30 of my 30-day writing challenge / Summer in the Psalms

This series from my church follows the readings in the Revised Common Lectionary, beginning with a sermon based on Psalm for the week and followed by written reflections from other Bible passages from that same week.

Guest writer: Mercy Perez

Read

Romans 7:15-25a

Reflect

“Waging War.” These are strong words. The picture that comes to mind is a land full of desolation and destruction. Sounds of artillery as loud as thunder. Two sides determined to annihilate each other. Walls of smoke so thick it’s difficult to judge how much ground the enemy is gaining.

Paul writes about a war that is being waged against him. The war is not from an outside force determined to take him down. He’s engaged in an internal struggle where he wants to do good, but evil is right there with him. He even called himself a wretched man.

How many of us struggle like this? We want to do the right thing, but still succumb to negative thoughts, our inadequacies keeping us from hearing the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

In his message on Sunday, our speaker talked about struggling with his thoughts when he believed God was leading his family and him in a new direction: moving from New York City to Syracuse. But the moment he surrendered, not allowing the voices of fear to overtake him, he began to see God was in control and was working things out step by step.

As believers in the Giver of Life, we have a God that can and will deliver us from the war that wages in us. We have a Commander in Chief that is strategically fighting the war against evil with us and for us. His love and his grace cut through the smoke and distractions.

Respond

Take a moment to listen for God’s leading. As the Holy Spirit brings quiet to your spirit, you will recognize God’s voice among the noise.

Pray, as Paul did, “Thanks be to God, who delivered me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

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Freedom in Christ: Psalm 13 and Romans 6

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Day 23 of my 30-day writing challenge / Summer in the Psalms

From my church’s preaching and reflection series on the Psalms and associated readings in the Revised Common Lectionary. 

Guest writer: Mary Lynn Erigo

Read

Psalm 13

Romans 6:12-23

Reflect

David writes Psalm 13 because his soul is in deep anguish. He cries out to his God: How long will it be until you help me? You know my situation. You know it’s a matter of life and death. You know my pain and my anxiety. I’m crying out to You and yet I hear no answer. Why are mean and uncaring people free from pain and sorrow, while mine are never ending? How long will you let me be hurt by people who hate me?

Isn’t this a prayer that we all cry at times?

David is likely talking about physical enemies, those who would keep him from the throne that God gave him. In Romans 6:12-23, Paul tells us that sin is also our enemy and a matter of life and death. It enslaves us, taking us away from relationship with God and His loving design for our life.

David is led out of his despair by turning to his Lord and reflecting on God’s loving kindness and compassion towards him, every day of his life. He trusts that God has been good to him in the past and will be again. Paul’s words for us are even more encouraging. Christ has delivered us from our slavery to sin and made it possible for us to have eternal freedom with God. As we choose to obey God, rather than our sinful desires, His life continues to grow in us.

Over and over, God rescues us, both body and soul. Lean on Him, wait for Him, trust Him. His love for you is great.

Respond

Take the time now and go to God. Know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He will not abandon you.You are so important to Him that he sent his Son to rescue you.

Whether you are burdened by circumstances, another person, or your own struggles with sin, leave this heavy load at the cross and trust that God will set you free from it when He knows it’s time.

Show Him how much you trust Him in this. Let Him hold you in His arms and bring you through.