25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. 26 And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, “The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. 27 And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins.”28 Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 29 For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. 30 Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. 31 Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? 35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
He’s God
This is the final post of 2009. Tomorrow begins a new year. A new decade.
Ten years ago, people were in a panic. The media was hyping Y2K. We didn’t know if technology could handle the jump to a new Century. Many people began stockpiling food and cash in case everything crashed. Many turned to God. People always seem to do that in times of potential crisis.
Of course, computers handled the change to the year 2000 without many hiccups. Technology continued to roll forward. The world breathed a sigh of relief. People forgot about God again. At least until Sept. 11, 2001, when they all came running back to God for another few weeks.
What about you? Do you truly live your life under the truth that He’s God, you’re not? Do you submit fully to his will and purpose for you? Do you give yourself completely to him? I know that there are times when I don’t, but I’m trying. Each day I must decide if I will submit to him.
I don’t know if you are one to make resolutions or not (you can read about my New Year’s resolutions tomorrow on my personal blog). If you are, why not make a decision to give yourself over to God even more in 2010. Make this next year one where you really do live life as a follower of Christ. I can’t think of anything better that one can choose to do.
My prayer: Lord, I give you everything in my life. As we begin a new year, I choose to follow you completely. Your will, not mine. Your plans, not mine. Your desire for me, not mine. I submit my life, my family, my calling to you. Amen.
See you next year.
