Challenged

I have been enjoying as well as challenged by the book of Romans, finishing chapters 7-8 this morning and thankful for the way that the Lord transformed Saul the prosecutor into Paul the Apostle who in turn was used to write some amazing letters that have come down through the ages and are available to us to better understand God’s will for our lives.  As I read these last chapters I was reminded of hearing someone say that Paul was emphasizing know, know, know rather than no, no, no…placing the focus on God’s grace and Jesus rather than their abundance of man-made laws.   Chapters 5-6 give us the keys for dealing with the penalty of sin and also the power of sin.  How fantastic it is to know that both the penalty and power of sin have been already dealt with for believers in Christ, but that does not mean the end of all temptations!  Romans gives us great guidance in dealing with that issue also.  As I work through those chapters, it is always a tremendous joy coming to Chapter 8 that begins “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”  (8:1-2) The end of that chapter is also a tremendous encouragement as we are told; “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.” (8:39)

Earlier this week I had a call that my grandson Gavin had suddenly passed out in his dorm room, falling face down on the floor.  He was rushed to the hospital to get stitches and given medication.  He had been fighting a nasty sore throat and other flu-like symptoms and had been studying late for a couple of difficult exams as he begins medical school.  Apparently all of that caused him to pass out hitting the floor mighty hard, causing the cut and some loose teeth.  I talked with him a few minutes ago and he is feeling somewhat better but finding it a challenge catching up on class work while not being completely recovered.  Please join me in praying for complete and quick healing along with clear thinking as he catches up on class work.

I trust that you have a blessed weekend!

Chuck