Category Archives: Romans

An Ordinary Utensil, A Chosen Instrument

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Pete

“Vessels of mercy.” That’s the blip that shone brightest on my radar after this morning’s readings. A vessel. Literally a household utensil. Ordinary, domestic gear. Nothing special. Nothing that’s going to set you apart. Just stuff. But when that vessel … Continue reading →

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An Unfailing Word

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Pete

Entered into Romans 9 this morning. While very familiar, like Romans 8, I’ve never felt like I’ve got my arms around it like I think I do with Romans 8. Perhaps because, unlike Romans 8 which unpacks the supernatural working … Continue reading →

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Frustrated, Comforted, Exhilarated

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Pete

Honestly, as I read this familiar passage again, I wish I could say it is reflective of my distant past rather than all too descriptive of my frustrating present. Again I nod my head, able to relate far more than … Continue reading →

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Obedient from the Heart

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Pete

I think most of the guys in our mid-week bible study are starting to get a crick in their neck. Not from staring into their webcams during our Zoom gathering but from looking up at the bar being set by … Continue reading →

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Faith and Righteousness

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Pete

There’s a whole lot of counting going on in Romans 4, if you’re reading the ESV. A whole lot of crediting, if it’s the NIV open in front of you. Reckoning and imputing, if you have an affinity for old … Continue reading →

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A Bad Deal

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Pete

We made a bad deal. A poor trade. A seriously miscalculated swap. That’s what I’m taking away from one of the most depressing passages in all the New Testament, Romans 1:18-32. Yesterday, I concluded my Romans 1 reading on a … Continue reading →

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Rightness vs. Righteousness

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Pete

As I hover over Romans 1:16-17 this morning the words of Jesus come to mind: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one … Continue reading →

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Be Firmly Convinced

Posted on March 20, 2020 by Pete

Okay . . . so pretty sure this is the worst of devotional practices . . . taking verses — worse yet, pieces of verses — way out of context. But gonna anyway. Here’s what I’m chewing on this morning … Continue reading →

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Free To Be a Debtor

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Pete

Lots of terms come to mind to describe the believer like . . . well, like believer. Or saint. Or brother or sister. Child of God. Disciple. Redeemed. New creation. You get the idea. And I’m sure we could add … Continue reading →

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Working the Muscle

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Pete

Finishing up Romans 6 this morning. Chewing on Paul’s pressing exhortation to stop presenting our “members as slaves to impurity” but instead, presenting them “as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification” (Rom. 6:19). To which I whisper to myself, “Yes … Continue reading →

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