Daily Word

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Romans 14:1. Our basic attitude as Christians towards fellow-Christians is one of welcome and acceptance based on God’s attitude to us in Christ. There must be charity toward the “weak” person whose conscience is still bound by scruples from which the gospel normally sets us free. Meditate on this for a few moments…is there yet something that you have set to allow the gospel to set you free from?

Weekend Quote

Think often on God, by day, by night, In your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you; why, then, must God be neglected? ! Brother Lawrence

Weekend Quote

For thy great gift, O Father, We thank thee today- The gift of silence; For the rich, warm, generous silence We thank thee, Wherein our souls, Stunted and shriveled and starved In the arid desert of everyday hurry and strain, May rest, and quietly grow, and expand upward to thee. -John S. Hoyland

Daily Word

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealously. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:13-14. Paul’s warning against a sinful life-style strikingly includes not only the traditional sins of the flesh (“orgies and drunkenness…sexual immorality and sensuality”) but also insidious vises that can be harbored or even paraded in the heart of the church. Paul’s exhortation can be summed up in the call to put on...Christ. The metaphor of putting on clothing implies not just imitating Christ’s character but also living in close personal fellowship with Him. Even though believers have a new life, they still must constantly renounce the flesh and refuse to gratify desires. How much more of the “putting on of Christ” could you apply each day if you were to remove the layers of compromise you’ve allowed yourself to be clothed in instead?

Daily Word

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12. These final verses call us as Christians to action, given the shortness of the time before Jesus returns. Sleep here is a metaphor of a life of moral carelessness and laxity. Salvation is viewed as a future reality here, and it draws nearer everyday ( the day is at hand). The nearness of the end summons each of us as Christians to put off all evil works and to live in the light. If you knew of the exact time of Chris’s return…how differently would you live your life the year, month, week, day…before His arrival?

Daily Word

For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9. Paul sites several OT commandments regarding responsibility to others, all of which are summed up in the call from Lev. 19:18 to love your neighbor as yourself. How does your treatment towards others demonstrate what you think of yourself?

Daily Word

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8. “Owe no one anything” links back to verse 7, and thus the command does not prohibit all borrowing but means that one should always “pay what is owed”, fulfilling whatever repayment agreements have been made. The debt one never ceases paying is the call to LOVE one another. Indeed, love fills what the Mosaic law demands. How often do you become delinquent for non payment of love to others?

Weekend Quote

The soul loves and is loved in return; she seeks and is sought; she calls and is called. But in this, she lifts and is lifted up; She holds and is herself held; she clasps and she is closely embraced, and by the bond of love she unites herself to God, one with one, alone with him. ~ Saint Thomas Aquinas

Daily Word

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them; taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:6-7. Christians must not refuse to pay taxes simply because they think some of the money is used unjustly, for the Roman empire surely did not use all of its money for Godly purposes! So, too, believers are to honor their leaders, even if they are not fully admirable. As Christians our submission is a response of the conscience instructed by divine revelation. Because the task of government is divinely ordained and requires financial support, We as Christians can pay taxes with a distinctive motive and understanding, as an element of devotion to God. Paul was evidently familiar with Jesus’ statement (Matt 22:21), and indicates here how it is applied. Have you ever considered paying your taxes as an honor to God? Think of a leader, or someone in authority over you whom may not be full admirable and lift them up in prayer today.

Daily Word

For rulers are a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear for the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for you good. But if you do wrong. Be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s own wrath on the wrong doer. Romans 13:3-4. Rebellion against the authority implies rebellion against God’s ordinance. The state’s authority is for society’s benefit; this is its normal function, and Paul assumes it may be realized in practical terms even when governments are professedly non-Christian. The power of life and death (the sword). Capitol punishment is undoubtedly in view here. Elsewhere Paul accepts the principle of such punishment appropriate (Acts 25:11). What the individual must not do out of revenge, the state may legitimately do in pursuit of justice. We certainly live in a day and time where it’s easy to question the appointed government. However, scripture is clear that He appoints, and we are not to walk in rebellion. Do you find yourself spending more time complaining about or praying for the appointed government before you?

Daily Word

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Romans 13;1-3. Civil government is a means ordained by God for ruling and maintaining order in communities. It is one of a number of such means, including ministers in the church and parents in the home. Each such means has its own sphere of authority under Christ, who now rules and sustains creation, and the limits of each sphere are set by reference to the others. In our fallen world these authorities are intuitions of God’s “common grace” (kindly providence), standing as a bulwark against anarchy and the dissolution of ordered society. Whatever we think, or however we might feel about the government scripture is clear that God is in charge and we are to trust in Him

Daily Post

If possible, so far as it depends on you, leave peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be over come by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21. We as Christians have an obligation to be peacemakers. Harmony is not always possible, since truth divides us as well as unites. Paul’s double qualification (“if…so far as”) recognizes this, but the obligation to strive for peace in our personal relations with others remains. We must be free from the desire to “get even.” Such release from the instinct for revenge is possible because the believer knows that God will right all wrongs in His own perfect judgment. Scripture urges us, while God remains patient with the wrong doer, to show grace to him. As you reflect on these verses be reminded just how often it “depends on you” on a daily basis. While there maybe someone who comes to mind in regards to “getting even” with; also be reminded that you to are a “wrong doer” of whom God is showing His patients with.

Daily Word

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. Romans 12:14-17. Paul reflects here on the teachings of Jesus found in Matthew (5:39,44). The genuine unity of the body of Christ is especially evident in the empathy of its members in moments of high joy or deep sorrow. Paul’s language gives the idea of Christians sharing the same thoughts with respect to one another, another indication of the strategic role of the mind in sanctification. One manifestation of this will be an absence of conceit and pride in worldly position. Christians should be distinguished by their readiness to “associate with the lowly.” Many will look at this, and will agree whole heartily. But, at the end of the day is there an evidenced application of this in your life for others to distinguish you?

Weekend quote

The dearest idol I have known, Whatever that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, and worship only thee. ~ William Cowper

Weekend Quote

The most fatiguing activity in the world is the drive to seem other than you are; it is less exhausting to become what you want to be than to maintain a façade. ~ Sydney J. Harris

Daily Word

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13. The remainder of this chapter is a life that is pleasing to God. Not surprisingly, LOVE heads the list, for all that Paul says is embraced by the call to love. Love cannot be reduced to sentimentalism. Christians are to hate evil. There must be no hesitation or sloth in Christian living. We should be “fervent,” living for Christ with enthusiasm and energy. Hospitality was very important for early Christians, for most of them could not afford hotels when traveling but depended on the provision of fellow believers. How much different would your life be today if you were to put into practice, and daily living the above scriptures?

Daily Word

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: If prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 Christians should concentrate upon and give their energies to the gifts God has given them, whether in serving others, teaching God’s word patiently, or in exhortation and encouragement in the things of God. Some interpreters see “faith” as the prophets own faith. Others understand “faith” to mean the truth content of the gospel as the standard and measure of each prophetic utterance, testing whether the utterance conforms to “the pattern the sound words.” Paul recognizes the wide variety and practicality of these gifts and the intertwining of natural endowments with them. Throughout, it is clear that the blessing of those ministered to is the paramount consideration in using the gifts. How diligent are you in using the gifts God has given you to bless and minister to the body of Christ around you?

Daily Word

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5.. Paul makes use of the analogy of the body and its various parts to illustrate the nature of the church. He stresses it’s unity in verse five. Church is so much more than a building we show up to once or twice a week, and of above all other places we go. This should be the one place where which we should find love, peace, and unity among one another. To simply show up and do nothing is in itself a selfish act. Do you add to, or take away from, the unity of your church?

Daily Word

For by grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3. Paul’s ministry exists only because of grace, as do spiritual gifts. Realistic assessment of one’s gift (”think with sober judgment”) is essential, and involves a recognition of one’s “measure of faith,” that is, knowing to what extent one has the faith suited for exercising particular gifts. The faith by which we are justified is a separate question. Sometimes the frustration and discouragement brought about in serving the body of Christ is simply our own doing of attempting to operate outside that which God has gifted us to operate in. Our you operating in the gift God has given you or struggling in your attempt to something else?

Daily Word

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2. For Christians our mind-set is to be determined and reshaped by knowledge of the gospel, by the power of the Spirit, and by the concerns of the age to come, rather than by the passing fashion of this age. Only by such sanctifying renewal is the Christian made sufficiently sensitive to “discern” the behavior that is God’s will in each situation. “By testing you may discern” translates in the Greek, which often has the sense of finding out the worth of something by putting it to use or testing it in actual practice. In all honesty with yourself; how often do you really put the worth of God’s word to use or to test in each of the situations you face throughout the day as you walk with Christ?

Weekend Quote

It takes real faith to begin to live the life of heaven while still upon the earth, for this requires that we rise above the law of moral gravitation and bring to our everyday living the high wisdom of God. And since this wisdom is contrary to that of the world, conflict is bound to result. This, however, is a small price to pay for the inestimable privilege of following Christ. ~ A.W. Tozer

Weekend Quote

Hold loosely all that is not eternal. ~ Angus Maude Royden

DDaily Word

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. “By the mercies of God” is to love the poor and needy, and support those who cannot support themselves in a sinful world. The doctrines of Grace in Chap. 3-11 leads to a life motivated by gratitude. Jew and Gentile now belong together as the people of God for whom the final blood sacrifice has been made. The sacrifice that remains is that of thankful response by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. “Bodies” means whole persons as embodied individuals. Spiritual worship is the worship that is appropriate for redeemed creatures to offer. How much more time and effort do you put into presenting yourself to those here in this world then you do in presenting yourself before God?

Daily Word

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever, Amen. Romans 11:33-36 The words of Isa. 40:13 teach that no human being knows the mind of the Lord apart from revelation, and no one can serve as God’s adviser. Likewise the majestic words of Job 41:11 are a reminder that no one ultimately gives anything to God, instead, everything humans have is a gift from God. Today be reminded that everything you have, even the very next breath you take is a gift from God…the creator of heaven and earth.

Daily Word

For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they to have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Romans 11:30-31. Salvation history is structured to feature God’s great mercy. God saved the Gentiles when one would only expect the Jews to be saved, but in the future He will amaze all by His grace again by saving the Jews, so that it will be clear that everyone’s salvation is by mercy alone. The final now in this text does not mean the promise to the Jews in now fulfilled but that the promise of Jewish salvation could be filled anytime. The disobedience of the Jew leads to God’s mercy reaching the Gentile; the mercy of God to the Gentiles leads to the reception of mercy to the Jews. There is no difference…All have sinned, and God has mercy on both. What does “mercy” mean to you exactly, and how does your understanding of it impact your relationship with Christ on a daily basis?

Daily Word

As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards to election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:28-29. The unbelief of Israel has benefited the Gentiles, as this is the period of history in which Gentiles are being saved, while most of Israel remains in unbelief. But God’s electing Promise given to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be fulfilled in the future. Israel will be saved because God never revokes His saving promises. “Gifts” means thing freely given by God, and the word can be used to refer to different kinds of gifts. Sometimes the word refers to spiritual gifts for ministry and sometimes to the gift of salvation, but the context here favors yet a third kind of “gifts,” namely, the unique blessings given to Israel which Paul mentioned at the beginning of this long section. “Calling”( same root word in GK) for “election” refers here to calling to salvation. The process of Christian conversion, involving illumination, regeneration, and the transformation of the will. It is a sovereign work of God performed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today meditate on the depth of your conversion and recognize it is much more than a simple prayer!

Daily Post

And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins. “ Romans 11:26-27. A critical expression at this point in Paul’s argument, and one whose meaning is much debated ( All Israel). It could mean “all (spiritual) Israel,” that is, all elect persons both Jew and Gentile. Alternately, it may mean “all” Israel in the sense of “all Jews destined to be saved throughout history.” Or, as suggested above, it may point to a time of mass conversion among Jewish people.” When I take away their sins,” The salvation of Israel fits with God’s covenantal promise to save his people and forgive their sins. God has always been a God of Grace...be it over sin, disobedience, or unbelief His Grace is sufficient for you! Spend a few moments pondering His Grace over your life…