Romans 14: 13 "So lets' stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
Paul is addressing some unity issues within the church. He encourages the believers to not argue about eating and drinking certain foods and drinks, and which days are holy and which are not. He says to leave some of these issues to each individual. They are matters between them and God and we should condemn less, and encourage and love more.
It's best not to get into the weeds too often. That's how I feel and how I live mostly. As a pastor it is important for me to teach and give instruction, but I think we all need to make some of these decisions on our own. We need to truly have faith and trust God in all things-and trust that we are making good decisions and God will honor them. We need to make the main things the main things and allow the minor things to settle themselves out. We fight too much as it is!
Dear Jesus, help me keep the main thing the main thing today. Amen.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Obligation
Roman's 13: 8 "Owe nothing to anyone-except for your obligation to love one another."
Paul says to not owe anyone anything...don't be indebted to anyone or anything, except the debt...the obligation to love others.
Loving others isn't optional or extra credit in the kingdom of God. It is an obligation, a command, a duty. How can I better love others today? I know I need to be more present and slow down. I need to talk less, ask better questions and simply be better at being there for others.
Dear Jesus, help me love others well today. Amen.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Harmony
Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all."
Paul is telling the Romans how to live peacefully together. He tells them to truly love one another, never take revenge, and to be patient with each other.
This kind of behavior and demeanor is what we are to be known for. We are to be humble. Too often the church is known for what we are against, what we hate, or for the personalities we follow and idolize. We prop ourselves up on our bully pulpits and point our fingers at one another. In so many ways the church is a mess. I need to return to these simple words from Paul. I need to find harmony today. I need to enjoy the company of all people and never think I know it all.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a humble example to all today. Amen.
Paul is telling the Romans how to live peacefully together. He tells them to truly love one another, never take revenge, and to be patient with each other.
This kind of behavior and demeanor is what we are to be known for. We are to be humble. Too often the church is known for what we are against, what we hate, or for the personalities we follow and idolize. We prop ourselves up on our bully pulpits and point our fingers at one another. In so many ways the church is a mess. I need to return to these simple words from Paul. I need to find harmony today. I need to enjoy the company of all people and never think I know it all.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a humble example to all today. Amen.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
God is God
Romans 9:16 "So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it."
Paul is explaining how God worked through the Israelite's-beginning with Abram and his family. He explains that God chose this particular family to bless the world with. And throughout history God has chosen to bless some and not others...he's chosen to have mercy on some and not others. To those who complain this isn't fair, Paul essentially says, who are we, the created things, to argue with the creator. Does not God have the right to do what he wants with his creation?
I gotta be honest, this is a difficult passage to read. I like things to be fair. I like to think everyone gets the same shots in life. This passage appears to indicate that may not always be the case. God shows favor to some, and not to others and sometimes that's just that. And as much as that troubles me, it also brings me back to put my trust in him alone. I can not earn his favor or work for it. It is completely dependent on him. He is God and I am not. So today, as I am reminded that he is in control and I am not.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you completely in all areas of my life. Show me the places where I do not trust you and give me the strength to hand those areas over to you. Amen.
Paul is explaining how God worked through the Israelite's-beginning with Abram and his family. He explains that God chose this particular family to bless the world with. And throughout history God has chosen to bless some and not others...he's chosen to have mercy on some and not others. To those who complain this isn't fair, Paul essentially says, who are we, the created things, to argue with the creator. Does not God have the right to do what he wants with his creation?
I gotta be honest, this is a difficult passage to read. I like things to be fair. I like to think everyone gets the same shots in life. This passage appears to indicate that may not always be the case. God shows favor to some, and not to others and sometimes that's just that. And as much as that troubles me, it also brings me back to put my trust in him alone. I can not earn his favor or work for it. It is completely dependent on him. He is God and I am not. So today, as I am reminded that he is in control and I am not.
Dear Jesus, help me trust you completely in all areas of my life. Show me the places where I do not trust you and give me the strength to hand those areas over to you. Amen.
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