by Pauline Simonsen
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Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realising that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
Read Romans 1:28 – 2:11
What have you been watching on TV lately? Are you binge-watching the latest Netflix drama? Or secretly enjoying watching people embarrass themselves on a reality TV series?
Why don’t we take a few steps back from our viewing to look dispassionately at the content on our screens? Because ‘they have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They [show] gossips, slanderers, God-haters; insolent, arrogant and boastful …’ (Romans 1:29,30).
This is certainly not The Waltons.
In case you think I’m targeting your favourite series, I put up my hand too. I’ve also gone along with the descent into degradation. It’s what happens when we don’t ‘think it worthwhile retaining the knowledge of God’ (Romans 1:28). God has let our culture follow its desires, and it has led to a depraved collective mind.
Paul is holding up that mirror again, showing us ourselves.
But maybe some of us are thinking, ‘I refuse to watch bad TV shows. Why do people watch this stuff? I only watch quality TV.’
Ah, Paul has words for us, too. ‘You there, passing judgement on someone else: you’re condemning yourself because you do the same things.’ What are my secret viewing vices?
Of course, our screen time is just a symptom of the much deeper godlessness in our world. Ironically, our screens are reflecting our own degradation back at us – giving us what we want. Maybe what we are.
Where is God in all this? The Creator God who delighted in making a beautiful world and making it good? Watching us humans – letting us – pervert and disorder and uglify it all. And ourselves: the crown of his creation, made in his image.
God’s anger, his wrath, must be rising. Paul reminds us that God’s judgement will come: he will bring this degradation to an end.
But Paul wants us to hear the most important truth: God is rich in kindness, tolerance and patience – calling us to repentance, leading us back to himself to ‘godfullness’. His Son came to find us, rescue us from destruction and return us to our home in God.
This is Paul’s good news. Hear it again, rejoice in it again, and share it with anyone who will listen: God’s gospel for his broken world.
Loving God, have mercy on us and our culture. You know how easily we descend into godlessness. In your grace, wake us up and lead us back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pauline lives in sight of the ranges in the beautiful Manawatu region of New Zealand with her husband, Roger, and two cats. She leads a small Bible College there and offers spiritual direction and supervision to people from a wide range of backgrounds and denominations.
by Pauline Simonsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The gospel … is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16b).
Read Romans 1:16–27
Listen with me to the beginning of Paul’s teaching in Romans. Ask yourself: Is Paul writing 2,000 years ago or today?
Paul writes: God reveals something of God’s self in creation. All humans instinctively know it – we can see it all around us! The wonder of the cosmos, the intricacies of an insect, the astonishing variety of plants … all this shouts of God’s effusive creativity, his delight in beauty, diversity and order, and his awesome power.
However, we humans no longer praise God or thank him for his power and presence in creation. In fact, we have even refused to acknowledge God – we have become godless. Instead, we idolise things, worshipping creatures rather than the Creator. Paul was thinking of his world: Rome’s pagan temples filled with idols, a culture that normalised debauched sexuality.
He could also be writing about our time. As we humans fell in love with ourselves and our own bodies, our sexual practices followed. We become what we worship. When we ceased to worship Creator God, we were left only with ourselves and the created world. And both are corrupted and dying. So God allows humanity to spiral down into deepening degradation.
These opening chapters of Romans are some of the most challenging in the entire New Testament. Paul unapologetically holds up a mirror to the people of his time – Gentile and Jew – and shows them their lost degradation. He tears away the fig leaves of self-righteousness to show that humanity has nothing to solve its sinfulness.
Paul is speaking to our time, too. He uncompromisingly applies the law – and it beats down upon us and makes every reader of these chapters squirm. People today find Paul’s remorseless truth-speaking profoundly challenging, confronting and even offensive! We do not like being presented with our own ugliness.
But to truly understand the profound love and goodness of God and what Jesus did for us all, we must look honestly at our own godlessness. Otherwise, God’s grace becomes meaningless. These verses would be terrible, but for the golden hope that Paul holds out at the start of this letter, the good news of Jesus Christ that is the power of God for salvation to all who believe – Jew and Gentile, 1st- and 21st-century people. God gives us his righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. He solves our hopeless state!
Paul’s gospel – God’s gospel – changes everything!
Gracious God, thank you for your mercy on all of us humans. Thank you for Jesus, our Saviour. Without him, we are lost in our own spiral of sin. Give us eyes to see clearly and hearts open to your transforming work. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Pauline lives in sight of the ranges in the beautiful Manawatu region of New Zealand with her husband, Roger, and two cats. She leads a small Bible College there and offers spiritual direction and supervision to people from a wide range of backgrounds and denominations.
by Pauline Simonsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
[God] is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times (Romans 1:9b).
Read Romans 1:1–15
How do you introduce yourself to a group of people you’ve never met?
The Apostle Paul is writing to the Christians of Rome – people he has never met before. He didn’t plant the church in Rome – in fact, it’s unlikely any apostle had visited Rome by this time. The house churches there grew up organically, with immigrant Christians (perhaps from that first Pentecost in Jerusalem), local slaves and diaspora Jews. It was a melting pot of people groups, like the city of Rome itself.
Paul had a long-held desire to come to the believers in Rome. Rome was the centre of the world, the capital of the Roman Empire – a great, cosmopolitan city. All roads led to Rome! Paul sees the huge strategic potential for spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire from the crossroads of Rome. And now, finally, the way may be opening for him to go there.
But first, he must introduce himself and his teaching to the Christians of Rome by letter. He must present his credentials. Paul opens by stating his name and identifying his patrons whose authority he carries. He is Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to proclaim the gospel of God. This ‘gospel of God’ is the good news about Jesus, long prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures, a descendant of David in his human nature, and the Son of God in his divine nature, revealed in his resurrection from the dead.
These are Paul’s heavyweight patrons: God and his Son, Jesus Christ! They have called Paul and graced him to, in turn, ‘call people from among all the Gentiles’ to faith in this Jesus. That’s Paul’s job, and now he’s coming to Rome to ‘have a harvest’ there too. Nothing like declaring your intentions upfront!
I am impressed and chastened by Paul’s fervent desire to bring Jesus to the people of Rome –people he hasn’t met yet! See how his ardour burns fiercely for them: ‘God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times’ (Romans 1:9). I wish I had a fraction of that ardour.
And then I remember: I have Paul’s heavyweight patrons too! The same God who called, sent and empowered the Apostle Paul calls, sends and empowers me. And you!
God, stir up our ardour for those who don’t yet know you. Fill us with passion for the good news of Jesus! Use us to bring your harvest home! Amen.
Pauline lives in sight of the ranges in the beautiful Manawatu region of New Zealand with her husband, Roger, and two cats. She leads a small Bible College there and offers spiritual direction and supervision to people from a wide range of backgrounds and denominations.
by Pauline Simsonsen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give …! (Luke 11:13)
Read Luke 11:1–13
The disciples are watching and listening to Jesus pray. And when Jesus finishes, one of them says, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’
Now the disciples were good (mostly) Jewish boys: they probably prayed the great Shema, the 18 Benedictions, and the Kaddish three times daily, as good Jews did. They spoke to God in their prayers, using Psalms as their prayer book. However, there was something special about Jesus’ praying that was new and different for them. And they wanted it.
Jewish people never addressed God so personally – they never used God’s personal name, YHWH. They didn’t think of God as Father – yet this is consistently how Jesus talks to God: Abba, Father, Dad. Today in Middle Eastern streets, you can hear children calling out to their abba. It speaks of love and intimacy, of childlike dependence. This is the relationship that the disciples perceive in Jesus’ prayers, and they wonder at it and yearn for it.
So, Jesus gives them his prayer. Their Lord’s prayer. He reworks and simplifies the Jewish prayers to honour their traditions. But Jesus’ prayer reveals God as a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children! This Abba God will care for his children and provide them with all they need: daily bread, forgiveness, deliverance from temptation and evil. Indeed, he will give his own Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Paul reminds us, ‘You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children’ (Romans 8:15,16).
Jesus came to reveal the heart of God, which is that of an extravagantly loving, grace-abounding father (think of the prodigal son’s return!). Jesus shows the deep love and intimacy between him, as the Son, and God, his Father. Then, he invites his disciples into that intimate relationship, too.
And Jesus calls to us, his disciples now, and beckons us forward into the intimacy and love of this family of God. ‘Become a little child again,’ he says, ‘wholly depending on and trusting in your Heavenly Father. Come boldly and persistently, like little children do – leaping into Papa’s lap and badgering him to grant their request! Come, knowing that your Heavenly Abba loves to receive you and care for you.’
When you pray, say, ‘Abba …’
Lord Jesus, teach us to pray like you did! Please lead us to know our Heavenly Father as he wants to be known. Abba God, draw us to you and grow in us childlike trust in your goodness and love. Bless you, Abba.
Pauline lives in sight of the ranges in the beautiful Manawatu region of New Zealand with her husband, Roger, and two cats. She leads a small Bible College there and offers spiritual direction and supervision to people from a wide range of backgrounds and denominations.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).
Read Matthew 28:11–20
A few years back, a Year 12 student spoke to me about tattoos. She told me that she wanted to get a tattoo on her arm, and she needed my help. I said she should discuss it with her parents, not me. To my surprise, she told me that her parents were thrilled with her idea, and they would also be grateful for my help. She asked me to translate the final words of Matthew 28 into Hebrew, and this is what she wanted on the inside of her forearm. The tattoo would look cool, and it would be a constant reminder to her that Jesus is with her always, to the end of the age. She also hoped people would ask her about the tattoo so that she could be a witness to God’s love. I couldn’t think of a better reason for a tattoo.
I often want things that don’t add much value to my life. Like many of us, I can get sucked into the latest ‘big thing’ or devote my time to things that aren’t helpful or useful for real rest. Buying a new car or bike, starting a new hobby, getting into that fantastic new show on Netflix, or allowing sport to take up too much of my time is easy for me to do. With the pressure of work and the complexities of relationships, I naturally drift toward distractions. We all do. And in and of themselves, distractions are not bad. It is my heart that usually needs a readjustment.
While I am chasing the latest distraction, Jesus stands ready to be more powerfully present with me than I could imagine. I think I need one of those tattoos, so I can be reminded every day that Jesus has given me his word that he will be with me always, until the end of the age.
Maybe if I see that, I will look to him for satisfaction and true rest. What more could I want than the maker of heaven and Earth to partner with me in his mission? What more could I want than his promise of deep rest that recharges my soul? I could not wish for anything more than his grace. May his last words to the disciples be encouragement to us all.
Dear Jesus, we hear your promise to be with us always. Help us to live our lives believing that promise. Give us your Spirit and grace, which renew us and hold us close to you. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it (Matthew 28:2).
Read Matthew 28:1–10
There have been a few times in my life when I have felt hemmed in with no place to go; I was out of options. It’s uncomfortable and depressing when it seems like there are obstacles in our lives that are blocking our paths. When our family was young, I had a job that paid well but it was unsatisfying and meant working long hours. I wanted to spend more time with my family, but I would have to put our financial security at risk if I did. It seemed I was stuck.
Jesus is the one who removes barriers in our lives. In all areas. Jesus came to Earth so that he could join us in our lives, and he wants to be involved in everything: spiritually, emotionally and financially. He wants all of us, not just a section we have compartmentalised. He wants to show his power in our entire lives. His resurrection demonstrates that.
I love the Scripture that tells of how the angel moved the stone. It wasn’t for Jesus’ benefit – he had already risen – it was for ours. God the Father sent his messenger to proclaim Jesus to the soldiers, to the witnesses and to us as hearers of the story. The message was word and deed. He is risen. He cannot be hemmed in. He has power over death and life. And the invitation to us all is simple: as he has broken free, he offers a relationship that will allow us to break free. What good news!
I chose to trust that Jesus wanted me to break free. I prayed and asked Jesus to show me the way. I asked others to pray for me and with me. Soon after, I received a job offer that allowed me more time with the family and more time for our church community. Jesus broke me out. He asks us all to look to the tomb when we feel we need to break free from something in our lives. See the stone and the angel and hear his promises.
Dear Jesus, as you showed your authority over all life and death through your resurrection, be with us in our struggles. As the stone was moved, we pray that you move obstacles that get in the way of living in the freedom you give. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb (Matthew 27:61).
Read Matthew 27:55–66
My father was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 69. He was an important part of my family’s life, and in his retirement he spent lots of time with my kids. When I got the phone call that my dad had died, I experienced many levels of grief. Of course, I would miss his company, but it hurt to see my children miss out on him as well. It hurt to see my mum be completely disoriented and never fully recover. I didn’t know what to do or say.
I took solace from the two Marys at Jesus’ tomb. They, too, felt grief on many levels: for themselves, for their community, and for all those whose lives would be changed by his touch. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary just sat together. They stayed with each other. When there were no words, they knew that just being there was enough.
I was blessed with several people who came and stayed with me when my dad died. They didn’t offer wise and comforting words, and I didn’t ask. ‘Just stay with me’ was all I said. Amazingly, things became clearer, and grief was replaced with love and blessings from those whom God has given to me as time went by. As Mary saw the risen Christ and her grief was transformed into hope, so I saw my children, my mum and my pain transformed by the blessings God provides.
In times of grief, the best gift we can give is to simply ask, ‘Can I stay with you?’ We don’t need fancy words or remarkable deeds. Just being there is healing. Listening to God’s word is healing. Seeing how God fills our lives with blessings is healing. Praise God for his love and his willingness to stay with us.
Lord, thank you for always staying with us. Prompt us to stay with one another as the two Marys at the tomb stayed with each other. Please help us to stay with those who need your presence. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46).
Read Matthew 27:45–54
Who hasn’t felt abandoned at times? The most terrifying time of abandonment for me was when I went to hospital to have my tonsils removed when I was a child. Back then, parents were not allowed to stay with their children in the ward outside of visiting hours. When I was in my hospital gown and laughing with my mum, the operation and the environment didn’t matter. But when my mum was forced to leave me, I was distressed. I was powerless and alone, and I had no idea when it would end. Being powerless and alone is traumatic for everyone.
Jesus knows complete abandonment. On the cross, when the burden of all sin fell on him, Jesus was separated from the Father, and he had literally no-one in heaven or on Earth with him. He understands our loneliness more deeply than even we could, and he enters it willingly for us. In Jesus’ abandonment, he brought together all things that had been separated. He is the cure for loneliness.
Jesus’ cry on the cross guarantees that we don’t ever have to be separated from God. His work means that God’s presence is always available. Jesus’ cry is also an example to us in dealing with loneliness. It’s okay to cry out. It’s okay to tell those who are close to us that we feel alone. It’s okay to ask those we love for help. It’s okay to ask God directly to help. We can be confident that he will respond directly and through others.
Lord, be with us when we are lonely. Help us speak honestly with those around us when we feel we are being left out. Please send us your Spirit and be at work in our lives and relationships. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there (Matthew 27:35,36).
Read Matthew 27:32–44
Every time I read or hear the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, I am deeply moved, and I get emotional. The words ‘it was my sin that held him there’ (from ‘How Deep the Father’s Love’) instantly swirl around in my mind as I recognise that Jesus went willingly to the cross for me. Sometimes, I am so overcome that I can’t see anything else in the text. But like all Scripture, the passion narratives are rich spiritual nourishment.
When our children were younger, we would occasionally go as a family to Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney. The organisers had bands and children’s rides, as well as sprawling gardens to play in while we watched the beautiful horses parade and race. While we would discuss which horse might go well, we were not inclined to place a bet because gambling is a losing proposition, even if it is just for a few dollars.
In our reading, we are challenged when we hear that the soldiers gambled in the shadow of God himself. The soldiers gambled for fabric; we gamble with the important things in life. We choose busyness over prayer, comfort over compassion, and often cynicism over faith. The soldiers were blind to the true identity of Jesus while they watched him on the cross. We can live as though we are blind to Jesus’ identity while he is at work in our lives. May his grace grow in our lives.
Dear Lord, may we see that your love is always with us and cannot be lost. We thank you that life with you is not a gamble. Thank you for the certainty that you give us. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.