May 14th

Scripture - Romans 9

Observation - Like the potter who crafts each pot, bowl or cup to meet a specific objective, God forms each one of us with his Plan to bring the Hope of salvation. Near the end of the chapter, Paul contrasts those who are saved by faith and those who try to gain salvation by following God’s laws. The only way to be made right with God is by faith, not by works.

Application - We have a choice in how we respond to things that happen to us in this world. We can try to respond to all of the challenges life brings us, or trust God, knowing that no matter what life holds, God has designed us and will walk with us through each challenge that we face. God invites us to trust him to pick up the pieces and make us whole. What is an area of your life that you’ve been trying to hold together on your own lately, that you could instead surrender to Jesus? 

Prayer - Father, I pray that you give me a heart of wisdom. I pray that I will always make wise choices. Help to trust in you when making good choices. More importantly, help me to trust that you are with me, that you make me whole rather than my successes. In fact, thank you for seeing past my failures and making me whole by what you’ve done, rather than anything I could ever do. Give me a heart that is willing to obey you and to respond to you in faith and wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.