by Anne Hansen
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I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do (Romans 7:18b,19a).
Read Romans 7:13–25
Does anyone else have to read and reread this passage from Romans to try to work out what Paul really means? One can feel the struggle that Paul is experiencing with sin and his inability to consistently do what he knows is right. The word ‘do, does, doing’ appears 16 times in this short passage – no wonder confusion occurs.
For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it (Romans 7:19,20).
Poor Paul! Poor us! Even though we have been washed clean from all sin and forgiven from all our wrongdoing through baptism, that doesn’t mean we will no longer sin now. We have this internal conflict that rages between the power of sin and our desire to do good. It is a conflict between our sinful nature and wanting to do God’s will. Salvation is not the issue; we are delivered from the penalty of sin, but this doesn’t eliminate the ongoing battle we experience against sin’s influence. So, how can we deal with this and try to live within the boundaries God would like us to live in?
If we read forward to Romans 7:25: ‘Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!’ This is our answer. Our mindset and attitude must be godly. It must allow our thoughts and actions to be always in sync with the Spirit who helps us act as Jesus desires. Fill your heart and mind with God and let him control your thoughts and actions. Not easy? Absolutely not … but we can try, ask for forgiveness and try again. There is no limit to God’s love and forgiveness – this will never run out or run dry! God knows we are sinners, and we will keep on sinning, and that’s why he sent Jesus.
So, live knowing you are forgiven, but don’t give up trying to do better!
Loving God, thank you for loving and forgiving me, despite all the sinning I constantly do. Help me to try, with the help of your Spirit, to fill my life with the goodness and love that can only come from you. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
by Anne Hansen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
… You also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another … in order that we might bear fruit to God (Romans 7:4).
Read Romans 7:1–12
When I was growing up, my parents had fruit trees in our backyard. During the summer months, we would be busy stewing, preserving and drying fruit. We had an abundance of peaches most years; therefore, we would dry a lot.
To dry the peaches, we would cut them in half and remove the stone. Then, my mother would make a sulphur solution, and we would soak them for a couple of days. They were then drained and placed flesh side up on trays, which we would place in the sun in our backyard. As the sun moved, so did our trays. They had to be turned to ensure all the moisture was removed before we could put them in airtight containers to have as treats when there were no fresh peaches left.
The Bible reading for today discusses marriage, the sins that can arise within it, and how we are to glorify God in all things and produce fruit in our marriages. God gives us so many good things, but when times are difficult, it is hard to remember the good times, and we focus on the negative (the sins). That is why God wants us to preserve, stew and dry all the good things that happen so that during difficult times, we can bring out what we have learnt and preserved to enjoy and look back on.
It takes effort to glorify God in our marriages and to put the other person first, especially when we feel we have been unfairly treated or slighted. Even for those who are not married, maintaining friendships and family relations takes effort. It must be a deliberate action.
My husband and I have just recently celebrated 30 years of marriage. We are blessed and continue to share time together, pray together, do special things for each other, reminisce about what we have done together and then look to the future. This is how I stew, preserve and dry fruits within my marriage. How do you do it?
Marriage and friendships are gifts, where fruits grow.
Loving Saviour, thank you for friendships, family and marriage. Help me grow my relationships and then preserve the love for the hard times. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
by Anne Hansen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Read Romans 6:12–23
A wealthy businessman, known for his demanding nature and harsh business practices, fell ill. Doctors told him his condition was critical, and he realised his life was nearing its end. He had always believed that success was earned through hard work and merit, and he applied this belief to his relationship with God, thinking he needed to earn his way into heaven.
As he reflected on his life, he realised he had accumulated many ‘wages’: possessions, achievements and a reputation for success. However, he also saw how much he had hurt others and how far he had fallen short of true love and compassion. He felt a deep sense of emptiness and despair, knowing he had nothing to offer God to earn his forgiveness or salvation. Then, a friend shared the message of Romans 6:23 with him. The businessman was stunned. He had always thought of heaven as a reward he had to earn, not a gift freely given. He began to understand that his good works and accomplishments were like wages, while salvation was a gift offered by God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
This is a story that any of us could probably relate to, even if not ourselves, someone we know. I cannot imagine living knowing that I must always try to earn merit points to win God’s favour. Understanding God’s grace is liberating. It is freeing, but it should not be taken for granted. God, in his great love for the world, decided at the beginning of time to put into place a way for us to be freed from our sin that would have condemned us to eternal death. In Jesus, God freed us, giving us a future and eternal life with our Heavenly Father. Our good works then grow out of our thankfulness and faith toward a loving Father.
Live in the freedom, love and grace of God!
God of grace and love, fill my life with your love and give me a thankful heart. Help me to share this grace and freedom with others who need to know you more. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
by Anne Hansen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:4).
Read Romans 6:1–11
On 1 November, we celebrate All Saints’ Day – a time to remember and thank God for all the saints who have gone before us and died in the faith. We recognise that it is through their faith that we have also come to faith and experience God’s grace, the word of life, forgiveness and our future hope. Each person who has died in the Lord has completed the task God has set them, and they are welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom. I love thinking about this: my father, grandparents, friends and relatives all celebrating with our loving Saviour.
But we are also God’s saints here on earth and still have the task set before us to bring more to know Jesus as their Saviour. God’s grace is a gift, but there are so many who have not been exposed to this gift of life. We can’t give up on them. God’s grace is the key to our future in heaven. If God had not done his work through Jesus, we would not have much of a future.
Grace is mentioned 124 times in the NIV New Testament (86 times by Paul). Paul, in his letter to the church of Rome, speaks of the grace we have received in our baptism, and in it, we are also united with Jesus in his resurrection and are freed from all of our sins. The grace of God in Christ is – and always will be – the last word.
Grace in Christ is always the last word for us, even as it is also the first word that brought us to faith in and through our baptism. Through faith, grace is the first morning word, the word at midday and the last word at night. God’s grace extends to all people, at all times and in all situations throughout the world – it is not exclusive, nor can it ever be extinguished.
Our Lord’s grace is our past, present and future!
Loving Saviour, you have promised me a place with you and all the saints. Grow purpose within me to share your grace and love with all who will listen that they, too, may have a future with you. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
by Anne Hansen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
… just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21).
Read Romans 5:12–21
The Lord’s team was playing Satan’s team in a baseball game. The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was zero to zero, and it was in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. The coach and the Lord stood by, observing the game. As they watched, a batter, whose name was Love, stepped up to the plate.
Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because ‘love never fails’. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because faith works with love. The next batter was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass … ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws.
The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to the coach and told him he was now going to bring in his star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Coach said, ‘He sure doesn’t look like much.’ Satan’s whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch.
To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried, as his centre fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground. Then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord’s team won.
The Lord then asked the coach if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Coach answered that he didn’t know why. The Lord explained, ‘If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only my grace can get you home.’ (Story by Kraig Pullam.)
Living by grace through Christ gets us home to our heavenly home.
Lord, your grace is the only way I can get to my heavenly home. Jesus has paved the way for my salvation through his love. Your grace is sufficient for me! Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
STEP UP TO COMMUNION
We’re excited to invite children aged 10 and up to participate in our Step Up to Communion Program—an opportunity to learn about and prepare for receiving Holy Communion for the first time.
This year, participants will join with our confirmation students for two engaging sessions run by Pastor Brian Schwarz:
Monday 1st September & Monday 8th September
After school until 5:00pm
Langmeil Centre
Afternoon tea provided
Together, we’ll explore the meaning of Holy Communion, ask big faith questions, and grow in understanding of God’s grace and love.
The children will receive their first Communion as part of the Confirmation Service held on Sunday 28th September at Barossa Arts Centre.
TO REGISTER OR TO FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CONTACT
Rachel Brown at rachelabrown83@gmail.com.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love (Psalm 33:18).
Read Psalm 33:12–22
This psalm is a poetic expression of praise to God, emphasising his sovereignty, creative power and faithfulness. It calls people to worship and trust in the Lord.
But what struck me was the highlighted text, particularly when read in conjunction with verse 13: ‘From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all humankind.’
God sees all of humanity and understands the hearts of all. But he has a special place for those who are faithful to him and have hope in his love: ‘The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him … to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine’ (verses 18 and 19).
It’s a little like having your toddler play in a group of toddlers. You see them all, but you have a special ‘eye’ for your own as you want to protect them in case something happens.
It is comforting to know God has a special relationship with us, but how often do we feel we are not looked upon by him? How much are we unaware of his keeping a special eye on us? After all, everyone benefits when it rains or suffers when it floods.
I think in this day and age, and particularly in western culture, we have a strong sense that we are in control of our lives, that we can manage without God. We put our trust in material wealth, power, status and our own abilities to manage our lives.
We also believe we have full control over the environment and the climate. Many believe we can change the climate through a few small actions, while, in reality, the world is using resources at a far greater rate than at any time in history. Psalm 104 praises God not only as the creator of all that is, seen and unseen, but also as the sustainer of the earth and all that is in it.
How many of us confidently declare ‘We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name’ (Psalm 33:20,21)?
God wants all of humanity to see his saving grace. Christ died for all. It would be a help to others if our hearts truly rejoiced in the trust we have in God’s holy name.
Heavenly Father, as the psalmist says, ‘May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.’ Give us hearts that rejoice in your name and in the salvation that is given to us by grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
Peace with God
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand (Romans 5:1,2a).
Read Romans 5:1–11
When we stand for something, we make a show of conviction and often moral courage. The famous phrase, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other’, is attributed to Martin Luther when he refused to recant his writings that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Taking a stand can be very powerful.
But to ‘stand in’ something is to be immersed in and surrounded by that thing.
To stand in faith means to remain steadfast and unwavering in one’s beliefs, especially during challenging times. It involves trusting in God’s promises, remaining committed to his word and persevering in
In the face of adversity. It’s not just about an intellectual understanding of doctrine, but also about a deep, lived-out faith that impacts every aspect of life.
This part of Paul’s letter to the Romans (and to us) is yet another rich, faith-affirming passage that explores the themes of justification by faith, peace with God, hope, and God’s love demonstrated through Christ.
It presents a new way of looking at life. Even suffering takes on a new meaning.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3–5).
Suffering is not meaningless. If we view suffering as something with meaning, it shapes our character and deepens our hope in the salvation promised to us.
Paul then says that while we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Paul says very rarely someone would die for another person, ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (verse 8).
Through Christ’s death, we are put in a new and right relationship with God – we have peace with God. This is not just an inner peace but a reconciliation with God. How amazing is that?
Through Christ, we are justified by his blood, but also through Christ, we are reconciled with God. Such deep and abiding peace is available to all.
Heavenly Father, with awe and humility, we give you thanks for sending your Son to die for us, even though we are sinners. We rejoice in the peace we have with you through Christ’s blood. With the help of the Holy Spirit, spread that peace we have with you throughout our families, communities and all peoples. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
by Stuart Gray
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised (Romans 4:20,21).
Read Romans 4:13–25
How often do we waver in our faith? Most of us enjoy a ‘woe is me’ conversation – this shouldn’t be happening to me, I do the right thing. I don’t deserve to be sick, have relationship problems, or have money troubles. I’ve always done the right thing.
In myself, I can see that these conversations are, in part, a lack of faith and not putting my full trust in God.
Imagine what it was like for Abraham. He was told that he would be the father of many nations, yet here he is, nearly 100 years old, with a body that was ‘as good as dead’, with an elderly wife whose womb was ‘as good as dead’. Not a good basis on which to be the father of many nations.
But Abraham ‘did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God’.
What a great and inspirational faith. This is a powerful example for believers to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible. I pray for that faith, but I certainly don’t think I am in that league. I am more like the father in Mark 9:24 who says, ‘I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.’
Paul then quotes Genesis 15:6: ‘Abraham’s faith was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ The fundamental point that Paul drives home is that righteousness comes by faith, not works. Just as Abraham’s faith was credited as righteousness, so too will our faith in the God who raised Jesus from the dead be credited to us as righteousness.
This passage reminds us that salvation isn’t earned through rule-following, but through faith in God’s promises. We can have confidence that, like Abraham, we are justified by our faith in Christ – his death for our sins and his resurrection for our justification. It’s not about achieving perfection but about trusting in God’s power and grace.
What freedom this gives. We are not under pressure to try to earn God’s favour through good works. Whatever would be good enough? God has given us the means to be in relationship with him through faith in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that we have examples like Abraham to show us what unwavering faith in you looks like. Help us to have that faith that moves mountains so that our faith moves the mountains of unbelief around us. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the resurrected one. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.