OYB2

Faith vs. Works

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:53:29 CDT

We've been reading through some wonderful passages in Romans. What a great book! In today's reading, in Romans 9:30-32, we read about the "righteousness that is by faith" of the Gentiles versus Israel who "pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works."

Do you ever try to please God with your works instead of your faith? How has he shown you that you can't make it by works alone?

The Harder Side

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:56:42 CDT

We've been enjoying some great sermons on the Harder Side of God, and nowhere do you see this as clearly as in the Old Testament. We would prefer to think of God as a God of mercy, forgiveness and love and forget the judgement.

But God is also just and he knows the heart of each man. Our reading from Romans (1:20) says "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being undersood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." We don't have to be Bible scholars to understand the intrinsic nature of God.

What qualities do you know of God? How has he shown this to you in your life and the world around you?

Nuances of Character

Sun, 30 May 2010 03:38:45 CDT

It is interesting to read the stories about David because he was a "man after God's own heart." Seems like we could learn a few things from this man's life. But after the tale of Bathsheba, it would seem David's character is way off. Some very large sins there!

Today's reading reminds us that David indeed had some good character within him. Even as he was fleeing the city and being pelted by rocks by one of Saul's relatives, he would not let his men kill the man. He said the man had reason, and he would let the Lord handle it. Reminds me that even though he was a king, David was not consumed by pride.

Do you see this kind of character within yourself? How do you handle it when people attack you?