...live, worship and serve in harmony, build each other up, love well and considerately...abide in righteousness, peace and joy...walk in faith...
We are really supposed to get along with others believers; to edify them and conduct ourselves in such a way that others do not stumble in their walks in faith.
This is easy for those that I like...those like me ...but what about the others? Would the Lord Jesus Christ say I am living for Him and not acting contemptuously towards another? Do I restrain myself from those things which I know cause confusion or someone to get stuck? What about the shows I watch? The places I eat? The jokes I laugh at? The way I drive? The patience I display or deny? The clothes I wear and how I wear them? Am I secure enough in Christ that I can do or not do all things for Him and not myself or for mere show? How will I work to grow in Christ this week?
Precious Master, I thank You for keeping our relationship in place. I struggle to not be stuck, sometimes...I pray that You help me to not contribute to others becoming stuck and being mired in the muck of my judgment on these issues. let my life be one of freedom...one that invites rather than condemns...which causes others to marvel at Your great love and the liberty You provide.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Romans 13
We are directed to give respect and honor, in addition to the taxes, revenue and obedience, where they are due to our governing authorities, love our neighbors as the fulfillment of the law, to behave decently...to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and to not consider how to satisfy our fleshly desires. Bottom line was to love our neighbors as we love ourselves and to continue loving them...to be vigilant with love as love is a perpetual mortgage we must keep current. The love is to be as the love Christ Jesus demonstrated and our participation is to clothe ourselves with His qualities and to direct those towards our neighbors.
Do I consider that each person I encounter is one with whom I need to keep a current love account? Do I behave in love and grace and truth with those I see each day? Even the rude cashier at the local mega-mart? What about the neighbors that I don't see...how am I loving those far away?
God keeps His love account paid-in-full with me without fail, everyday. Do I intend to do follow His example and His command?
What plans do I make to keep paying on my debt? How am I replenishing my supply of love...where am I spending my account?
Lord, help me to keep good and faithful accounts with love. Help me to be diligent with spending myself on others and not on my comfort, satisfaction and desires. You have paid much for loving me, how can I not expend myself on You? Let me see the neighbors as You do, let me love them rightly and graciously as You do, let me bring You glory as You deserve.
Do I consider that each person I encounter is one with whom I need to keep a current love account? Do I behave in love and grace and truth with those I see each day? Even the rude cashier at the local mega-mart? What about the neighbors that I don't see...how am I loving those far away?
God keeps His love account paid-in-full with me without fail, everyday. Do I intend to do follow His example and His command?
What plans do I make to keep paying on my debt? How am I replenishing my supply of love...where am I spending my account?
Lord, help me to keep good and faithful accounts with love. Help me to be diligent with spending myself on others and not on my comfort, satisfaction and desires. You have paid much for loving me, how can I not expend myself on You? Let me see the neighbors as You do, let me love them rightly and graciously as You do, let me bring You glory as You deserve.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Romans 12
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
All of the instructions and exhortations from this chapter can be summed up or "bumper-stickered" with this one verse...don't be conquered by evil but let the good you do defeat evil.
I can be conquered by evil...reminds me I am in a battle...and can be defeated...
I can conquer evil...by doing good...which brings triumph...
I can overcome or I can be overcome...I can prevail or be prevailed upon...be victorious or be enslaved...I can overpower or be overpowered.
I want victory; prevailing, overpowering, overcoming VICTORY.
Father, help me conquer evil by the doing of good. You have given me eyes to see evil in disguise, strength to fight and tenacity to persevere to Your victory, please help me to rely on Your gifts and empowerment.
1 John 5:4 -5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God ?
FAITH IS THE VICTORY.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Romans 11
...if the root is holy, the branches are too. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.
When a branch is grafted from one tree to another, the branch still delivers the fruit from its original tree. That is how we get our citrus, grafting a branch from a key lime tree onto a rootstock citrus. Somehow, the branch retains what it was made to do and still grows to produce its "designed" fruit...the changes are from where the branch gets its nutrition and where it is planted, (so the "orientation" would change as well).
The Word says if the root is holy so then is the branch...and the fruit by extension. And the root is what supports the branch. I am spiritually stimulated to consider that picture. I wish I could draw the visual I have in my head. Christ is the Holy Root, the body of believers form the branches of His tree, and I am a little branch grafted somewhere in the midst of the glorious fullness of the Tree. I used to be part of a wild (disobedient and unholy) tree; but I was chosen to be cut off from that tree. I was grafted (cutting the trunk of the tree - which is a whole 'nother line to follow) into the One of the Holy Root. I now am part of that tree. My sustenance comes from the root and sap, my uniqueness continues to be unique but I blend in with the whole tree. My fruit will still be what I was created for; only now it comes from holiness. The growth I experience is from holiness, the strength I display is from holiness. I am still me; but holy. I could not make myself holy as I am not the root nor did I have access to the root apart from the loving Gardener. I am now joined with the tree of life. The nature of my being and subsequently of my fruit has been changed to that of holiness as a result of the grafting.
Even if I had grown in the shade of the Holy Tree, I would not have been holy. Proximity is not the same as abiding. The only way to abide is to first be grafted.
God, please help me to abide in Your holiness...to live and grow and blossom in Your provision. Let me not complain about my position on the Tree nor that I am not facing the direction I prefer. You have designed me to bear fruit...let me bear the best and most delicious fruit possible for me. Thank You Holy Gardener for Your tender and very personal attention to my branch-self. Help me submit gratefully to Your pruning and tying, as I will be more hearty and secure while growing more abundantly when You direct my growth and remove the diseased parts. And when You loose me, I am stronger and healthier than before. Please keep me from trying to take root all by myself. I know that I belong to You. All of this is to the praise of Your very great Name and the spread of Your Tree.
When a branch is grafted from one tree to another, the branch still delivers the fruit from its original tree. That is how we get our citrus, grafting a branch from a key lime tree onto a rootstock citrus. Somehow, the branch retains what it was made to do and still grows to produce its "designed" fruit...the changes are from where the branch gets its nutrition and where it is planted, (so the "orientation" would change as well).
The Word says if the root is holy so then is the branch...and the fruit by extension. And the root is what supports the branch. I am spiritually stimulated to consider that picture. I wish I could draw the visual I have in my head. Christ is the Holy Root, the body of believers form the branches of His tree, and I am a little branch grafted somewhere in the midst of the glorious fullness of the Tree. I used to be part of a wild (disobedient and unholy) tree; but I was chosen to be cut off from that tree. I was grafted (cutting the trunk of the tree - which is a whole 'nother line to follow) into the One of the Holy Root. I now am part of that tree. My sustenance comes from the root and sap, my uniqueness continues to be unique but I blend in with the whole tree. My fruit will still be what I was created for; only now it comes from holiness. The growth I experience is from holiness, the strength I display is from holiness. I am still me; but holy. I could not make myself holy as I am not the root nor did I have access to the root apart from the loving Gardener. I am now joined with the tree of life. The nature of my being and subsequently of my fruit has been changed to that of holiness as a result of the grafting.
Even if I had grown in the shade of the Holy Tree, I would not have been holy. Proximity is not the same as abiding. The only way to abide is to first be grafted.
God, please help me to abide in Your holiness...to live and grow and blossom in Your provision. Let me not complain about my position on the Tree nor that I am not facing the direction I prefer. You have designed me to bear fruit...let me bear the best and most delicious fruit possible for me. Thank You Holy Gardener for Your tender and very personal attention to my branch-self. Help me submit gratefully to Your pruning and tying, as I will be more hearty and secure while growing more abundantly when You direct my growth and remove the diseased parts. And when You loose me, I am stronger and healthier than before. Please keep me from trying to take root all by myself. I know that I belong to You. All of this is to the praise of Your very great Name and the spread of Your Tree.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Romans 10
For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
In other translations, the word "disappointed" is written as "disgraced" or "put to shame". The word is used elsewhere in Matthew to describe what Peter began to do just before the cock crowed, (...Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man !" And immediately a rooster crowed.)
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon elaborates on the meaning in the following way:
- to dishonor, disgrace
- to put to shame, make ashamed
- to be ashamed, blush with shame
- one is said to be put to shame who suffers a repulse, or whom some hope has deceived
Rather than experiencing the epic fail, I gain the epic acceptance in Christ.
Somehow, I find...at times...I behave as if this is not true...I don't always react in obvious belief of the promise to not be shamed, rejected or embarrassed. Sometimes, I don't know how to respond...especially in familial situations where what I know about the folks does cause a governing on my mouth. But I do believe...so, why the disconnect?
Sovereign Lord, I know that I will be received by You for the One in Whom I put my trust is Faithful and True. I don't want to not include anyone in this promise...especially not those that I do love and share relationship with. Please help me to be forthright with the very Good News. Please give me discernment with regard to whom I should speak and what I should say. I know that not everyone will be saved; but I do know that You want none to be lost. Let me err on the side of everyone saved rather than some lost. Only You know the elect. Keep me from concern about what others think of me...secure in what You have said and done...help me to make the most of every opportunity You allow me to the praise of Your very great Name.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Romans 9
27And Isaiah calls out (solemnly cries aloud) over Israel: Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, only the remnant (a small part of them) will be saved [from perdition, condemnation, judgment]!...Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone.
What a shame that many Jewish people feel they are safe from eternal damnation due to their heritage alone. Even though their numbers are great, only that small portion will be saved. The non-Jewish folk are not much different, counting on the many paths to God or that they are good persons or that a truly good God would not do such a thing. Problem with all of that is it diametrically opposed to what God's Word says. (God is good; but He is a great deal more than just good...and that fact complicates the playing out of His goodness)
Additionally, Israel was "ever in pursuit of a law to secure righteousness" was disqualified for the benefits of said law because they depended on their performance and standing; not faith, which was the requirement. Thus they tripped themselves up on the Stumbling Stone.
I see that I am like Israel (or "Is really" because often the description of her is really like me). I am saved from hell because of God's grace extended to me...but am I taking the trouble of making my countrymen/women know aware of the "Grace-Factor" rather than let them just assume their "good" selves right on to hell? How effectively and regularly do I communicate God's multi-faceted majesty to my neighbors?
The second portion of scripture describes so much: ever in pursuit of... That exhausts me just thinking about it. The works angle does require that "ever in pursuit of" lifestyle. But, apart from God, everything demands the "ever in pursuit of" manner of living. Nothing satisfies, nothing fulfills, nothing scratches the itch custom designed by God for Him to reach. Relentless striving, daily subjugation, personal denial, constant consuming, more and more or less and less...Doesn't matter because God is the One and Only Answer...we know, as He designed the need.
The Stumbling Stone is part of the design. Jesus is supposed to be a point of knocking people off-balance or to topple them. When one topples, one falls...let me fall on Jesus. Let me live transparently enough to demonstrate that sweet act of grace extended to me.
God is challenging me with the lack of my evangelical efforts in my life...102 people die each minute. How many have died in the time it has taken me to type this? How many have perished without hope? In deception as to their destination...or who have never even considered life beyond this...
Help me Father to share the knowledge and experience of Your saving grace in my life with others. Help me, too, to not encourage the "in pursuit of" life apart from the "in pursuit of You". You are enough, You are my Shield and my Song, You are my Very Great Reward, You are my Rock and my Salvation. Let others see me fall headlong onto and into You...daily.
What a shame that many Jewish people feel they are safe from eternal damnation due to their heritage alone. Even though their numbers are great, only that small portion will be saved. The non-Jewish folk are not much different, counting on the many paths to God or that they are good persons or that a truly good God would not do such a thing. Problem with all of that is it diametrically opposed to what God's Word says. (God is good; but He is a great deal more than just good...and that fact complicates the playing out of His goodness)
Additionally, Israel was "ever in pursuit of a law to secure righteousness" was disqualified for the benefits of said law because they depended on their performance and standing; not faith, which was the requirement. Thus they tripped themselves up on the Stumbling Stone.
I see that I am like Israel (or "Is really" because often the description of her is really like me). I am saved from hell because of God's grace extended to me...but am I taking the trouble of making my countrymen/women know aware of the "Grace-Factor" rather than let them just assume their "good" selves right on to hell? How effectively and regularly do I communicate God's multi-faceted majesty to my neighbors?
The second portion of scripture describes so much: ever in pursuit of... That exhausts me just thinking about it. The works angle does require that "ever in pursuit of" lifestyle. But, apart from God, everything demands the "ever in pursuit of" manner of living. Nothing satisfies, nothing fulfills, nothing scratches the itch custom designed by God for Him to reach. Relentless striving, daily subjugation, personal denial, constant consuming, more and more or less and less...Doesn't matter because God is the One and Only Answer...we know, as He designed the need.
The Stumbling Stone is part of the design. Jesus is supposed to be a point of knocking people off-balance or to topple them. When one topples, one falls...let me fall on Jesus. Let me live transparently enough to demonstrate that sweet act of grace extended to me.
God is challenging me with the lack of my evangelical efforts in my life...102 people die each minute. How many have died in the time it has taken me to type this? How many have perished without hope? In deception as to their destination...or who have never even considered life beyond this...
Help me Father to share the knowledge and experience of Your saving grace in my life with others. Help me, too, to not encourage the "in pursuit of" life apart from the "in pursuit of You". You are enough, You are my Shield and my Song, You are my Very Great Reward, You are my Rock and my Salvation. Let others see me fall headlong onto and into You...daily.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Romans 8
Law of Sin and Death Law of Spirit and Life
No condemnation
No condemnation
Sinful Free from law of sin and death
Condemned Ransomed
Minds on flesh Minds on Spirit
Death Life and peace
Hostile to God Belongs to God
Unable to obey God dwells within
Not pleasing to God (implied that we can please God)
Body dead due to sin Spirit alive due to righteousness
(receive death) Will receive life through the Spirit
Must die Will live
(led by flesh and sin) Led by God, Children of God
Spirit of slavery and fear Spirit of adoption with a Daddy
Spirit confirming adoption
as children...which is
being an heir of God (new meaning to being in
God's will)
which is being a joint-heir
with God's Son - Jesus
Suffering now/Incomparable glory
to come
Foreknew, predestined, called,
justified, glorified
God is for us
Christ intercedes for us Inseparable from Christ's love
Overwhelming conquerors
I don't know about anyone else; but I vote the Law of the Spirit and Life. Only God could and would think like that!
The benefits are so huge; but after what He has done for us, why would He skimp on the rest? In light of what He has done for me, why would I skimp on my devotion to Him?
God-Daddy, I thank You that I am not in trouble with You anymore and that You have freed me from the slave-shackles of sin and death. I praise You for I am in Your exclusive jurisdiction where You have already paid for all of the cost of my criminal acts. Just saying this reiterates that there is nothing I could have done to make this happen...only by Your power and wisdom. Thank You so much. Help me live in response to this Cinderella story where I went from being a sin-choked slave on death-row to being a princess of the King of the Universe. You are so generous and gentle. Help me to never behave like I am in trouble with You...help me to live that way and to share my status with others...just as You have told me to do. Help me to live the inseparable, incomparable life You have provided.
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