S- For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 CSB

O – Commentary: The wages (the Gr. word opsōnia originally meant a soldier’s pay) of sin is death (eternal death here, in contrast with “eternal life” in v. 23b). This death is eternal separation from God in hell, in which unbelievers suffer conscious torment forever (Luke 16:24–25). This is the wages they have earned and deserve because of their sin (cf. Rom. 5:12; 7:13). By contrast, the gift (charisma, “grace-gift”) of God is eternal life. Eternal life is a gift that cannot be earned (cf. Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).

 “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,

A – This principle is foundational to Christian belief.  Wages are earned – we earn our death when we choose sin and continue to separate us from God.  A gift is given and received – we choose to receive the gift given by Christ on the cross.  In receiving this gift, Jesus is esteemed our Savior and Lord.  We receive the promises of today but the greatest gift is eternal life with Him.

R – Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and redemption.  Help me to walk in a way that illustrates my love for you and my fight against sin in my life.

S – And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, ⁴ endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. ⁵ This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3–5 CSB

O –  Commentary:  

Suffering brings about perseverance (hypomonēn, “steadfastness,” the ability to remain under difficulties without giving in; cf. Rom. 15:5–6; James 1:3–4). Only a believer who has faced distress can develop steadfastness. That in turn develops character (dokimēn [“proof”] has here the idea of “proven character”), which in turn results in hope. As believers suffer, they develop steadfastness; that quality deepens their character; and a deepened, tested character results in hope (i.e., confidence) that God will see them through.

5:5. A believer’s hope, since it is centered in God and His promises, does not disappoint him. “Disappoint” means “put to shame because of disappointment” in unfulfilled promises. 

 “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Love the progression in the commentary:  Suffer – developing steadfastness- deeper, tested character – hope, confidence and trust in God.  A difficult but rich journey.  I have seen this many times in my walk with God.  Each step is necessary and effective in its purpose.  It is perpetual in my relationship with God.

R – Lord, help me to embrace the journey of walking with you in the good and challenging times.  Let me grow closer to your character and purpose for me today.

S – This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants—not only to the one who is of the law but also to the one who is of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all.

Romans 4:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul then drew his conclusion. Therefore (lit., “On account of this”) the promise comes by (ek, “out of”) faith so that it may be by (kata, “according to the standard of”) grace. Responding in faith to God’s promise is not meritorious, since the promise springs from His grace, His disposition of favor toward those who deserve His wrath. The human exercise of faith is simply the prerequisite response of trust in God and His promise. Since faith and grace go together, and since the promise is by grace, the promise can be received only by faith, not by the Law.

Another reason the promise is by faith is so that it may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring, not only the Jews (those … of the Law) but to all who exercise faith in God. If the promise were fulfilled for those who keep the Law, then no Gentiles (or Jews either) could be saved! But this cannot be, because Abraham … is the father of us all, that is, all who believe.

“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Faith is foundational and essential for one to accept the promise of salvation through Christ.  We are all sinners.  In trusting through faith that Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are extending faith.

R – Lord, I wholly put my faith in you.  You are my Lord and Savior today.  Let my thoughts, words, and actions align with your Word, Character and purposes for my life. 

S – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; ²⁴ they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Romans  3:23–24 CSB

O – Commentary:  

Paul explained that “no difference” existed among human beings because all have sinned. The Greek is literally, “all sinned” (pantes hēmarton). The same two Greek words are used in 5:12. Since the entire human race was plunged into sin with Adam, all (whether Jews or Gentiles) are sinners. It is impossible to say there is a “difference,” that the Jews’ privileges (2:12–21; 3:1) exclude them from God’s condemnation.

Not only did all sin, but also all fall short. This single Greek verb is in the present tense, stressing continuing action. It can be translated “keep on falling short.” The simple fact is that as a sinner not a single human being by his own efforts is able to measure up to the glory of God. God’s glory is His splendor, the outward manifestation of His attributes. God desires that humans share that splendor, that they become like Him, that is, Christlike. Yet their sin keeps them from sharing it.

“Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed

A – No one is exempt from sin but all have access to salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ.  This is a daily renewal.  We will continue to fall short. Yet, we can continue to go to God for forgiveness and growth to be more like Him.

R – Lord, help me to not stay in my sin.  Let me recognize it and move to you for forgiveness and renewal today.

S – For there is no favoritism with God. 

Romans 2:11 CSB

O – “Favoritism” – prŏsōpŏlēpsia, partiality, i.e. favoritism:— respect of persons.

 The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

God does not have favorites.  He loves each person equally.  Those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior and pursue His truth and righteousness will find favor with Him.  No distinction (race, gender, gift, talent, etc) we make as humans will change that.

A – If God doesn’t view us any differently than others, why do we?  Everybody has value and a story.  We can value each other, even if we disagree on principles.

R – Lord, help me to work on myself first today.  Out of that, let me value others in my journey.

S – For I am not ashamed of the gospel,^, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek

Romans 1:16 CSB

O – Commentary: Paul stresses that the good news of salvation is for all peoples; if to both Jews and Greeks (Greeks were often the most anti-Jewish), then to all peoples between Jews and Greeks.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament,

       Commentary: “power” dunamis,  force; miraculous power — ability, abundance, might, (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

  The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

A – The boldness Paul is expressing is amazing.  He has the Good news of Christ the miraculous transformation of relationship with God. This message is for everyone – both ends of the spectrum.  There are so many challenges in expressing this message – culture, existing religions, physical harm, disbelief and even those close to him. The boldness isn’t to speak the message – it is the courage to take on the various forms of opposition and keep moving forward.

R – Lord, help me to keep my eyes on you today and move forward with your purposes and plans no matter how difficult.  Give me the courage to face today head-on and listen/obey your voice.

S – For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds. The upright will see his face. 

 Psalms  11:7 CSB

O –  The Lord loves being right and just.  He loves those who do right and just actions.  The “upright:”  yâshâr,  straight or even will see his face.  

A – The Lord loves those who pursue a relationship with him and align with his character. Seeing his face is synonymous with being in his presence.  Example: “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11, NIV). We should seek his presence daily.

R – Lord, help me to align with you and walk in your presence today.  Help me to align my thoughts, words and actions with your character today.

S – Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their hearts. 

You will listen carefully

Psalms 10:17 CSB

O – When we walk in humility, God hears our hearts and gives us strength.  He listens attentively.

A – The enemy wants us to walk in oppression and shame.  He uses people, situations and the past to keep us there.  We must use our voice with God to tell Him our heart’s desires.  He already knows what they are but there is something powerful in using your voice with God.  “He listens carefully” like a parent when a child is telling them their situation.  

R – Lord, I invite you into an ongoing dialogue of my heart as I walk through today.  I am an open book to you so I can walk in strength, courage and humility.  I invite you to listen and speak into my life.

S – The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble

Psalms 9:9 CSB

O – Commentary: The Lord God is their Refuge and Stronghold in times of trouble. The word miśgoḇ, used twice in verse 9 and translated both “refuge” and “stronghold,” suggests security and protection in a high, safe place of retreat

“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Everyone gets tired.  Jesus went off alone to pray.  We all need safe places to vent and reflect on our daily challenges.  I recognize in this stage of my life the power of rest and solitude.  God is both of those  for me…along with trusted people who are walking with me as I go.

R – Lord, thank you for times of rest and reflection.  In you, I find strength, courage and hope.

S – What is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? 

You made him little less than God^, and crowned him with glory and honor. 

      Psalms  8:4–5 CSB

O – David’s question of our significance came hundreds of years before Jesus said that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground.  God knows everything.  God created man in his image and gave him a soul.

A – Everyone wants to be noticed and significant.  A good starting place is what God actually thinks about us and who He created us to be.  This should not give us arrogance but it should establish our confidence.  

R – Lord, let me walk confidently in the plans and purposes you have for me today.  Let me stay submitted and under the direction of the Holy Spirit to accomplish your will today.