Dan Gould

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 12

    “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (NLT)

    The words I Love You, are powerful when used in the right context. My wife and I tell each other that we love each other when we leave or before we hang up the phone on a call.  I do this because if something were to happen to me, I want my last words said to her, I Love You!

    But let’s be honest, sometimes, it’s easier to SAY, I Love You, than it is to SHOW, I Love You! The depths of our love will be revealed in our private and public lifestyle.  Think about it for a moment. Husbands and Wives lie, cheat, flirt, have affairs, and look at porn in private, but when in public, they say they love their spouse, and act as if they have a perfect marriage. Friends, gossip, talk trash, and even talk bad about other friends in private, but in public they claim they are BFF’s. Christians, don’t read their Bibles, don’t pray, don’t share their faith, don’t worship in private, but in public, they sing in choirs, serve in ministry, lead an aspect of ministry, and pray out-loud. Is this what our love has come too?

    I’m tired of just going through the mundane of shallow talk without seeing the evidence in my walk.  I don’t want to be a person that is guilty of Saying I Love You, but then not Showing that Love by the things I do, whether I am alone, or in the public eye.

    Father help me do as your word says, not to just say that I love you and others, but to really love you and them.  I want to live in away that reveals that love in my private and public life. Help me to trust you where I am weak, and celebrate areas you have given victories, and may the relationships I have, be strengthened through this commitment! In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Romans 12 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 11

    “For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36

    Today’s reading is a little more difficult to read and feel like there is something to grasp. or apply immediately.  But what is being explained is important for us to know because we have benefited so greatly from it.  As I read it again a 2nd time, every time Paul address the Gentiles and uses the name Gentile, I replaced the word Gentile with my name. WOW, talk about personal now! Here is how verse 13 would read;

    “I am saying all this especially to you Dan. God has appointed me as the apostle to you. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you have, so I might save some of them.” (v. 13-14)

    Just think, God want’s to make others jealous of our relationship with Him, so they will  want to experience His Love, Grace, Mercy, & Forgiveness. However, the question I have to ask myself is this: Will my life (everything) cause others to be jealous of my relationship with God, or push them away? I want to live in away that leaves people wanting what I have, so I have the opportunity to share with them all that God has done in my life and tell them how He can do the same in theirs!

    Father today, help me live authentically! When people see me let them see the difference that you have made and are continuing to make.  Let it be a conversation starter and help me to be more aware of opportunities to share with others the truth of the Gospel so they to can experience a relationship with you! In the power of Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Romans 11 what speaks to you?

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 10

    “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NLT)

    This is the Gospel! But let’s be honest, this sounds easy, but requires much! When I confess that Jesus is Lord …. that means that He is Lord of ALL THINGS, not just the things I want him to be Lord of.  So to live this verse means to live in a constant state of surrender where I confess daily that Jesus is Lord by the things I say, the things I hear, the things I watch, the things I do, which adds up to the way I Live.

    When I confess these things, and believe that Jesus is Lord of All and that God raised him from the dead, I will be saved.  Thank you Jesus!!!

    Father today, I want to confess you in all areas of my life. Help me to surrender every detail to you daily!  It’s in Jesus Name I pray, Amen!

    When you read Romans 10 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 9

    “But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Romans 9:31 (NLT)

    It’s easy to think I have to work harder, faster, smarter, to achieve greatness. But when it comes to our relationship with God, we can work harder, faster, and smarter and still miss Him completely.  We may feel pleased with ourselves, we may have even seen some people encounter Christ a long the way, and others may even applaud our efforts, but if we do all of these things and forget the simple act of surrender, we run the risk of missing God ourselves.

    For me, sometimes the greatest thing I can do is to stop what I am doing, and focus on what He requires of me, and to rest in His Grace and Mercy. I confess, it’s much easier to want to do things, to work more, to work faster, harder and smarter, because it makes us feel like we are making progress.  It’s much harder for me to sit still and seek the Lord. I have to remind myself not to get so busy doing ministry, that I forget about the person God wants me to be and become. A relationship with God does not come from working harder, faster, smarter, it comes from the solemn surrender of the heart where we admit our sin, believe that Jesus is the Way, repent of the things we have done, we surrender every detail of our lives to Him, and ask Him to be the Lord and Savior of our lives. This is the essence of what it means to be a Christ Follower

    Father today, instead of getting caught up in all the things that have to be done, let me be still in spirit knowing that you are Lord and i do these things not to feel better about myself, but to advance your Kingdom, and make your name known. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

    When you read Romans 9 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 8

    “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Romans 8:32 (NLT)

    Enough said!

    Father help me to rest in this promise so I can live every moment with mustard seed faith that you will prevail! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

    There’s a lot in Romans 8, when you read it, what speaks to you?

     

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 7

    I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. Romans 7:21 (NLT)

    Have you been here? It’s almost as if Paul was watching my life and talking about himself so I would see the reality of who I really am.  Let’s face it, sometimes its easier to hide behind our good stuff and not deal with the things that are sinful and causing us to stumble.  I have good intentions and desire to be more like Christ and but seem to get tripped up with certain things over and over again.   Thank goodness my relationship with God is not dependent on what I do, but dependent on what Christ has done for me, past present and future. Now, this doesn’t give me an excuse to keep on sinning, but gives me the confidence that when I do mess up, I can seek God, ask for forgiveness, repent of that sin, and have a fresh start.

    This also shows me how much I need a Savior. Because I have a sinful nature, I have to remember it is natural for us to sin. This is why the Bible talks so much about the fight that is going on over every thought, action, and re-action you make.  There is a spiritual battle going on that I feel, but may never physically see. When I listen to the Spirit, I am able to fight against these desires more effectively.  This is why it is so important to know God’s Word. When I know God’s Word, I have a better chance of standing my ground when temptation comes my way. It’s not a matter of if temptation comes, it’s a matter of when temptation comes, the real question is, will I be ready?

    Father today, let me have a deeper understanding of the work that you are doing in my life. Help me to know you in a deeper way, help me to appreciate what you have done for me in a way that reflects how I live. Let me not take the Cross for-granted. Help me to stay in your Word, so I can know Your Word, and Your Word can change me from the inside out. By doing this, I will be more prepared to stand my ground the next time the enemy tries to tempt in the areas that I seem to fall victim to over and over again. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

    When you read Romans 7 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 6

    “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” Romans 6:16 (NLT)

    Let’s be honest, we all surrender to something or someone! I have seen this in my own life! I’ve been controlled in negative ways by relationships, my attitude, addictions, friends, pride, selfishness, and the list goes on.  When you look at this list it’s easy to ask, what’s wrong with …? That’s a great question! My answer is simple, when I allow those things to dominate my thoughts, influence my actions toward sin, or have to worry that I don’t get caught … that’s a sign that things aren’t going the way they should and that I am choosing to let sin control me more than I want to admit.

    However, when I make the choice to obey God, it puts things in perspective.  I begin to look at things differently, because now I am trying to live in the newness of life that God has given me through what Christ has done on the Cross.  This impacts my relationships, changes my attitude, convicts, corrects, and begins to cure my addictions, filters my friendships, humbles my pride, and encourages me to be selfless instead of being selfish.

    Now, to be honest, this sounds real pretty in a blog post, but this process is very messy in my life.  Some things are easier than others to grow past!!! But sometimes old habits, attitudes, thoughts, and temptations come like a raging wind hoping to take me out.  Sometimes I get caught in the moment and have to confess the sin. The good news is that God forgives me, cleans me up, and reminds me of His love.

    Father, Today, I am thankful for your love, grace, and forgiveness.  Today I choose to live for you! When temptations come, let me be reminded of your love and your way, so I don’t get caught in the moment, and do the things that are unpleasing to you. Today, I surrender all of me for all of YOU, may you be glorified by the way I live today!  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

    When you read Romans 6 what speaks to you?

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 5

    “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:2 (NLT)

    I have much of Romans chapter 5 highlighted in my Bible. The contrast of Adams life when compared to the life of Christ and how each of their lives have impacted me for eternity, it gives me a great understanding of sin and my need for a Savior. I’m so thankful that my relationship with God is based on what God has done through Jesus and not on what I can try to do for myself.  We’ve all had situations where we do the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, and not long after-wards wish we could press pause, hit the rewind button, so we could do it all over again differently. However, because of faith and personal relationship with Jesus, I can have confidence.

    I can have confidence that GOD LOVES ME!
    “For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (v5)

    I can have confidence that GOD FORGIVES ME!
    “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” (v6;8-9)

    I can have confidence that GOD RECEIVE ME!
    “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (v10-11)

    Confidence is a powerful thing.  It allows us to engage instead of retreat.  For a believer, it allows us to live fully, give deeply, and engage passionately!

    Father today, remind me of the things you have done for me, from the least to the greatest so that I can stand with confidence as I live, love, and lead! It’s all for you and in your Son, Jesus Christ’s Name I pray these things, Amen!

    When you read Romans 5 what speaks to you?

     

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 4

    “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” Romans 4:20 (NLT)

    What rocks you? What makes you doubt? What test your faith? Let’s be honest, sometimes things happen and we are left with a lot of questions.  We hear and sing songs that have lines like “And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, than who could stand against.” We sing these songs and want to believe them, but then, we look at the things going on around us and say, “Where is God in this.”

    Just so you know, I have been there also! I have questioned my faith. I have had doubts. I have even been angry at God. But, in these times, instead of focusing on the things going on, no matter how big or small they are, I focused on knowing Gods Word. His promises carried me through my darkest day/s. The more I focused on God’s Word and His Promises, the smaller the problems/questions/circumstances seemed.  In these times instead of living in fear of what going to happen, I was able to have faith that God was still in control, and that He was walking with me through the situation.  Now when I sing, “And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, than who could stand against.” I sing it with an understanding that God can and will use every situation to refine me and give me the opportunity to see Him in greater ways.

    Father today, help me to live by faith and faith alone.  When circumstances that I don’t understand come my way, give me the strength I need to grow through them trusting you with all the details.  It’s in Christ Name I pray, Amen.

    When you read Romans 4 what speaks to you?

    This is one of the songs that help me grow through some of my darkest days where I questioned much. I hope it can inspire and encourage you as it has me.

  • Bible Challenge – Romans 3

    “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 (NLT)

    We are MADE right with God! What a statement! It’s human nature to think that we aren’t good enough, or that we have to do something in-order for us to have a relationship with God.  It the old work harder and faster idea. But thank goodness God isn’t like us.  If we had to earn our way to Heaven, or change before we could have a relationship with God, many of us would give up in the pursuit. For those of us that could achieve the ‘good enough’ we’d live in fear of making a mistake and having to start all over again. But God chose a different way!

    God makes us right not based on what we have done or can do, but its based on what He has done for us.  How do we know this … because of these words: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.”

    Because God MAKES us right, all we have to do is believe! We put our Faith in Jesus Christ, we spend time with him in  prayer, meditation, worship, and reading His Word, we surrender our way to His Way and wha la, the transformation begins. God begins to transform us into the person He created us to be. It all starts with Faith!

    Father, thank you that you made things right! This allows me to live with confidence that if/when I choose to do things that are sinful, you still love me and are willing to forgive me when I confess and turn from that sin.  Today, may I be reminded of all you have done for me and live with thankfulness and urgency for your grace, mercy, and salvation. It’s In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

    When you read Romans 3 what speaks to you?