The DiFalco Den

We’ve traveled a heavy road so far in Romans, but the sin question has been settled now. We will not come before God for judgment because of the redemption Jesus Christ purchased for us at a tremendous price on the cross. What He did for us delivers us from the penalty of sin. An eternal home with Jesus waits for all who trust Him.

But what about here and now?

What good comes to us today in our new life in Christ? God has put these on the table for you, and all you have to do is reach over and take them (see Ephesians1:3).

What does it mean to me to be saved by faith? Here are just eight of the wonderful results of our salvation.

1. Peace with God (v.1)—When you are certain your sins are forgiven, and everything is right between you and God, you feel an unexplainable, real peace. (See Philippians 4:7.)
2. Access to God (v.2a)—As God’s child, your heavenly Father listens to you pray. He always hears and answers according to His wisdom.
3. Hope (v.2b)—As God’s children, we look forward to Jesus coming back to this earth (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) to take His church out of this world. This hope means we have a future with God.
4. Triumph in trouble (vv. 3, 4)—It sometimes takes trouble to bring out the best in the believer’s life. God can only get fruit out of our lives by pruning the branches.
5. Love (v.5)—This love poured in us is the assurance that God loves us. What’s more, you can’t keep God from loving you. You can put up an umbrella to block His love, but He will never stop loving you.
6. The Holy Spirit (v. 5)—The Holy Spirit makes God’s love real in your heart. You’ll hear the Holy Spirit tell you how much He loves you if you listen. Go ahead, ask Him.
7. Deliverance from wrath (v.9)—Jesus constantly saves you from the power of sin, and He will save you in the future from the presence of sin.
8. Joy (v.11)—We joy in God. Right now, whatever your problems are, you can have joy in God. God has worked out a plan to save us because He loves us.

Be happy today in God for these wonderful benefits of salvation. And God wants to do even more for His children …

When Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, that one transgression plunged the human race into sin; but Jesus’ one act of obedience and His death on the cross made it possible for a lost man to be saved.

And we have so much more in Jesus than we lost in Adam. Today we look forward to something more wonderful than the Garden of Eden. Jesus provides a breathtaking life ahead for those who receive His gift of life.

God’s work in our hearts makes it possible for us to grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus.

Religious people, self-righteous people, and so-called good people all need a Savior. You may be someone who tries hard to be good, and you’re likely very nice. Or maybe you’re religious and follow a strict code of behavior and requirements. You can be kind and religious, but if you don’t know Jesus Christ, you‘re lost.

Wait! What about “God is love”?

That’s the God I follow. Yes, you’re right. God is love, but until you do something with the love He offers you in Jesus Christ, His position toward you is one of wrath toward your sin (see Romans 5:8).

If you reject God’s way through Jesus Christ, the only option you have is to pay for your salvation yourself. If you do that, God will apply these six principles when He judges you:

#1: God knows the real you (2:2). He will judge according to the facts.

#2: Our lives will be scrutinized (2:6). At the Great White Throne, God will judge people according to their actions.

#3: We’re all judged by the same standard (2:11).

#4: Our best will not be good enough (2:13).

#5: We all fall short; we miss the mark (2:15).

#6: There will be no secrets at the judgment (2:16). That part of your life you have kept hidden, God will bring it out—provided you do not come and accept His salvation now.

Wouldn’t you rather Jesus stand up for you in court, offer His nail-printed hands, and say, “These debts have been paid. I died in your place.”

If you’re not conscious of sin in your life, you are in a dangerous place. You’re like a man in an ice storm who thinks he’s comfortable but is freezing to death. He wants to lie down in the snow and sleep, but if he does, he will die. Many people today live like this—numb, unconscious that they are sinners in God’s sight.

Some may ask, “Well, doesn’t my church, creed, membership, baptism help toward my salvation?” The answer is no. You need to trust Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.

The Bible holds up a mirror to people who think they know God. Some realize they are sinners lost before God, turn to Him, and are rescued. Others turn away from God but still claim to be religious. But all of us, even if we shake our fists at God, believe some people ought to be judged.

Few sounds are more ominous than a judge striking his gavel, announcing the verdict of “guilty.” Mankind stands before the judge of all the earth, all guilty before Him.

Had enough of the bad news?

Between Romans 3:20 and Romans 3:21, there is a “Grand Canyon” division. When we have all the talk of sin that we can take, God will tell us what it means to be saved by faith.

By Mirely Maldonado

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”—Philippians 4:17–20 (NKJV)

In his letter to the Philippian congregation, Paul gives thanks for the generosity of the Philippian believers who supported him financially at various times of need. He also mentions how he’s learned to be content regardless of circumstances, whether to be in want or having more than enough, because he knows he can do all things through Him who gives him strength (Philippians 4:12–13). However, because the Philippians were thoughtful and mindful of tangible needs, they sent him gifts, which is a beautiful display of how the body of Christ is to work.

He calls these gifts “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV) says, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Proverbs 19:17 (ESV) says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” And Jesus Himself said, “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33–34). So, we can see our Lord is well pleased when we love one another (John 13:34), we bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and we look to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).

Today’s passage reads, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” We can be generous and freely give because we have the Lord Himself as our source for all things, and His resources are endless!

The Lord wants us to live in community with others. He has created us all with different strengths, talents, and gifts. Inevitably, we’ll have times of need, and others will help us. Other times, we’ll help others with their needs. Paul often referred to believers and followers of Christ as a body: “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:4–5 NKJV)

If you feel alone, ask the Lord to guide you where you can find and build a healthy community with others. If it doesn’t happen quickly, stay strong and keep holding on, as some of the most beautiful things the Lord puts together take time. And if you’re in need but don’t like to ask for help, ask the Lord to help you take that step of faith! He meets us right where we are and brings the right people on our paths, all in His perfect timing, just as He did for Paul.

Pause: List five gifts or talents you have.

Practice: Think about a friend, or stranger, that could use your help. Resolve to serve them, expecting nothing in return.

Pray: Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I come to you and ask that You lead me on when and where to serve others and have the humility to receive in times of need. Help me be a cheerful giver, expecting nothing in return but the joy and satisfaction of obeying Your Word. Amen.

By Kristen Hollis

“Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”—Philippians 4:21–23 (NIV)

Closing arguments always matter the most in a court setting. It allows the lawyers to remind the jury of the facts and the most important case information to make the right decision. Paul does something similar here at the close of his letter to the church of Philippi. He makes a point to emphasize brotherhood and the grace of God. This makes a lot of sense because who better to speak on receiving the grace of God than a Christian hunter turned foundational spiritual leader?

What can we learn from Paul here? Always emphasize grace. We’re listening to a man who had his life radically transformed by grace and wants the same for others. Paul’s life mission just a few years before this was to hunt and kill Christians who were following and preaching the gospel. Then, because God decided to give Paul the gift of His grace, his life was radically transformed, and he became new. God’s grace is a gift to all of us—and it is freely given, so we also are called to give it freely! Paul is reminding us that we have the opportunity to grow in spiritual strength and have our lives changed not because of our human accomplishments but because of the true source of grace in our lives through Jesus.

How can this transform how we live our lives? To emphasize grace is to put others before ourselves. This doesn’t mean handing out a free pass to someone unwilling to accept accountability or repent. Still, it means we can grow better together by not holding wrongdoings and mess-ups over the heads of our brothers and sisters. Living a grace-filled life is to live a life rooted in humility. You wouldn’t want your mistakes to define the trajectory of your life if you were repentant and seeking to change, would you?

Emphasizing grace can always change not only your life but the lives of those around you. By emphasizing grace in your workplace, you create a trust-filled environment. By raising your children with grace, you’re teaching them compassion and setting a Christ-like example as they hopefully follow in your footsteps. So, friends, follow God and Paul’s example and offer grace as freely as it has been given to you.

Pause: When was the last time you were in a situation where you didn’t show grace but should have? If you could go back and change how you approached it, how would you do it differently?

Practice: The next time you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been hurt or have the power to give grace, do so! You’d be shocked at how it can change a relationship.

Pray: Lord, thank You for Your never-ending grace. It’s not through my works but Your grace that I can be on this journey of sanctification. Please fill me with a grace-filled spirit so I may walk through life-giving grace as freely as You give. Amen.

Sometimes, faith in God isn’t easy! In difficult times, it’s like walking a dark path with a flashlight. We may not know the way ahead, but we can walk in confidence because the flashlight shows us the way forward. We can keep walking in faith.

The theologian J.I. Packer once said, “The Christian motto should not be ‘let go and let God’ but trust God and get going.”

One of the best examples of “trust God and get going” is how Paul continued to minister and encourage others during his imprisonment. He didn’t allow his circumstances to hinder or dampen his ministry. Paul’s life shows us that situations can seem completely hopeless and out of our hands, but we can trust God is still active and working all things together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Practice: Trusting God is hard work. Consider praying the prayer below with your hands out and palms up, demonstrating that you’re humbly surrendering all your circumstances to the Lord. Only when we come to God with open hands can He fill them.

Pray: Gracious God, I want to trust You above all things. Often, problems steal my attention and rob me of my joy. Today, I surrender them to you. I want you to take __. You can do more with it than I can. You are sovereign, I am not. You are in control, I am not. I eagerly expect Your healing hand and Your faithful provision. Fill me with your Spirit and help me walk in your ways. Amen.

By Pastor Dan Hickling

In this passage, Paul makes a transition in his letter to the Philippian Church. He moves from his introduction and declaration of his love for the Philippians to expressing a very specific prayer for them. And as we will see, this prayer penned by Paul for the Philippians is also a prayer that reaches across the centuries to us, as well.

First, Paul prays the Philippian’s love would grow. By “love,” we aren’t talking about earthly affection. It’s not a “birds of a feather flock together” sort of situation. Instead, he’s praying for an increase in the supernatural “agape” type of love. This love is unconditional and comes to us directly from God, Himself. Notice how Paul puts this at the head of his prayer list, which reminds us that in the Christian life, nothing is more important than love. Love makes everything else fall into its proper place. And if we’re going to do anything well, we need to love well!

Paul then prays the Philippian’s knowledge would grow. As strong as the Philippians were in their understanding of the Lord and faith, there was still room to grow. In a wonderful way, the Christian is always a student. There’s always something new for us to learn about our eternal and infinite God. Ours is a lifestyle of discovery, and as we discover more and more about the Lord, we grow closer to Him.

Next, Paul prays the Philippian’s discernment would grow. This prayer has a logical progression because discernment is the practical application of spiritual knowledge. It’s taking spiritual information and truth and then putting it to use in real-world scenarios of life. We make our decisions about things based on what we discern about them. This is why some have a lot of knowledge, yet their lives are in shambles. They have the data but lack the discernment on how to use it to their advantage. Paul wanted something so much better for the Philippians, which is why he prays for an increase in discernment. This would allow them to approve of what was right and live sincerely and inoffensively in the eyes of God.

Lastly, Paul prays the Philippian’s fruitfulness would grow. The fruit he’s referring to is the Christ-like character that comes from being connected to Him. We can’t help but be reminded of Christ’s promise that all those who abide in Him will also be fruitful (John 15:5). Jesus is saying those who are in Him will also be like Him, and that’s the very outcome Paul is praying for here—that they would grow more and more like Jesus, which results in our main mission here on the earth which is to glorify God!

What Paul wanted for the Philippians, the Lord wants for us. He wants us to grow in love, knowledge, discernment, and fruitfulness. May we continue growing according to God’s will as He continues His good work in us!

Pause: What four areas of growth did Paul pray for the Philippians, and why are each important?

Practice: Look at your spiritual life and determine how you are growing and how you might change things to allow for greater growth in these areas.

Try this prayer: Father, You are so faithful to grow Your children. Help us to submit to the growth process You have for us. Help us to grow in the things that are good for our relationship with You and others, and may we live in a state of ongoing abundance. Amen.

How does faith work in relational conflicts? 

As the parent of five children, we had to teach our kids most everything. They did not come out of the womb knowing how to speak, feed themselves, or walk. We had to teach them these things. The one thing we did not have to teach any of our children was how to be selfish or have conflict with others.

We human beings don’t have to learn selfishness; it’s already a part of who we are, hard-wired into our sinful nature. Children quickly learn the word “mine” and know how to pull a toy from another’s hands without an example to go on. Though these self-focused behaviors are easy to spot in a toddler, if we’re honest, not much changes in adulthood. James 3:16 says, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

James says that our selfishness shows up in “quarrels” and “fights”:

• driven by our emotional “passions”
• driven by our “friendship with the world”,
• driven by our “pride” as we “speak evil” and “judge” others, which is all a fight with “God” and aligning with “the devil”.

Sometimes we think of spiritual warfare as incredible supernatural activity, but the truth is when we get jealous, angry, and selfish, Team Jesus is losing, and Team Satan is winning.

This passage gets right to the heart of love for self versus love for God and others. When we love only ourselves and put our own self-interests at the forefront of our lives, we are enemies of God and others.

Friendship with God is, in part, humbling ourselves, drawing near to God, and repenting of our sinful bent toward selfishness and having ourselves and not God at the center of our lives and others alongside of us as equally loved by God and needing grace. Humility before God changes the tone of our relationships with others—from fights and quarrels to peace, from judgment and criticism to love.

In chapter 3, James highlighted the good fruit of impartiality and peace. He now warns against the bad fruit of loving the world and seeking our own passions and lusts over living like Christ did.

Having been a senior pastor for half of my life, starting at the age of 25 when I was way too young to be in that position, one thing I can report is simply this. I’ve seen a lot of battles between the proud and the proud, a few beatings on the humble from the proud, but never seen a brutal war between the humble and the humble.

Two humble people tend to forgive one another, get over their issues, move on, try again, heal up, and enjoy their life in a way that proud people never can because they are stuck in the fight and so committed to winning that they never move on to worshipping.

You know that something is demonic when it’s a lose-lose and no one wins. You know that something is of the flesh when it’s a win-lose and one person wins at the expense of the other. You know that something is of the Spirit when it’s a win-win and both live under the grace of God in the newness of life. God is a Father who does not play favorites and seeks good for each of His children. Those who seek humility put themselves in the place where He can bless them and bless others through them so that everyone wins. As someone famously said, humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less so that you can think of God and others more.

What does God promise the humble (4:6, 10)? Honestly, do you fully believe this as an act of faith for the toughest parts of your own life?

Get the Bible app for your phone

Don’t get me wrong, I love my physical Bible – everyone should have one. But having the Bible app on my phone lets me be very disciplined in my reading. I now have no excuse for reading SOMETHING from God’s Word every day.

On top of that, it has different translations that you can switch between at will.

Reading a verse that is not very clear? Simply switch to another translation and you might get some valuable insight.

Also, a big thing, you can find daily devotionals that will help you get through any struggles in life – or even help you read the entire Bible.

Just click this link to add the app to your phone.

Open the app and head to the Plans.

Search by title or on topics of interest to you.

Here are some of my favorites

• Bible in a Year 2022
• Walk to Freedom – Living a Lust Free Lifestyle
• Philippians – Whatever Happens
• Faith Works: a Study in James
• Professional Football Players on Humility and Surrender
• Professional Football and the Bible
• Tear Down These Walls
• Thru the Bible – Romans

Search for this complete devotional (Faith Works: a Study in James)

How does faith work when you want to speak your mind? 

“Loose lips sink ships.” During World War II, this slogan appeared on propaganda posters created and distributed by a major American distiller. The slogan advised servicemen and other American citizens to avoid careless talk about secure military information. Speaking openly about knowledge of a ship’s course might allow the enemy to intercept and destroy American naval ships.

Consider for a moment that, in the day that James warned us to consider our communication, there was no electricity, printing press, or internet. How much more ominous are his words in our day of cell phones, emails, texts, social media, platforms, comments sections, phone calls, videos, and the innumerable other ways we can curse others with our communication?

The Word of God is more timely than ever and careless and uncontrolled speech can bring much destruction unlike any other time in human history.

• How many truths are twisted?
• How many lies are told?
• How many facts are buried?
• How many news stories are fake?
• How many classroom lectures are indoctrination?
• How many ads are false claims?
• How many juicy gossip stories are myths?
• How many social media platforms are throttling good and promoting evil?
• How many politicians know they are spinning facts rather than serving the Father?
• How many lawyers generate income by doing what Paul called suppressing the truth?
• How many PR firms are violating the commands against lying and false witness in favor of building and defending a narrative?

In our world of click-bait and ad revenue cashing in on the emotions of anger and fear, loving God with all our tongue is like fighting gravity.

James’ point is that the communication that comes out of us starts deep in us.  Like a bullet that is fired, or fire that is started, once a word is spoken, we can’t take it back. While we may not attack someone with our fists, our words can still cause major damage even from far away. Our tongue can speak blessing and cursing, life and death. Jesus tells us our mouth speaks about what ultimately fills our heart (Luke 6:45). A haughty heart speaks evil, a holy heart speaks life. Like water that comes from a spring, Jesus was clear that the words we communicate flow from our hearts and expose our deepest selves.

For our words to change, our heart must first change. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to change who we are and what we communicate. Things are so bad it will take a miracle to accomplish these twin tasks. Thankfully, our God specializes in miracles.

In my own failures in this area, one thing I have noticed is that my first response when I am angry, hurt, frustrated, tired, or offended is in the flesh. If I respond quickly, that response is often not the most godly. If I wait, pray, process, journal, go for a walk, and invite the Holy Spirit to change what’s going on inside of me, I find that something very different comes out of me.

Recall a recent instance where your tongue was not tamed. How did it corrupt your whole body and the course of your life (James 3:6)? After reading this section of James, how do you better understand the importance of your tongue and the words you use? Who can you apologize to, own your failures, and invite the Holy Spirit to change how you speak to or about them?

Walking and Growing Daily

I cannot put into words how one’s life will change if you discipline yourself to study the Bible consistently.

I say consistently, not perfectly.

I have tried numerous ways to be consistent with my reading. And for a long time I was frustrated because I wanted to be consistent but couldn’t find the right “formula”. I DID NOT GIVE UP though – I kept trying until I found something that works for me.

I encourage you to keep trying until you find something that works for YOU.

For me it is the Bible App for my phone. Don’t get me wrong, I love my physical Bible, LOVE it. To supplement that, and what helps me be consistent, I found daily devotionals on the Bible App. Using this tool helps me be consistent.

This page represents a collection of devotionals that really hit home for me – come back often to see what’s new!

Find a “formula” that helps you build consistency and don’t stop looking until you do!

A word about this material

I have to give credit to one of the pastors of my Church (Victory Family Church) – Pastor Sean Moore.

In a recent sermon, Sean gave a perspective on supplemental Bible reading. Here it is in a nutshell:

Many Christians have a disciplined devotional life – meaning they are consistent

If you seek God, He meets you and if you are seeking wisdom…He gives it FREELY

When someone puts in the work to study the Bible and writes down the wisdom God gives them, it is the HARVEST for their work

In that harvest, are seeds from God’s word and when we put in the work to study that material, those seeds will become OUR harvest!

AMAZING PERSPECTIVE – thanks Pastor Sean!