Please read Romans 11, 12, 13, and 14 today.  What’s your highlight?

Romans 13:9-16 is long, but worth reading together again: 

To sum it up: behave like a Christian! Let’s not make things more complicated than they actually are! Do the right thing. Be kind to each other. Love people. Understand that God loves everyone.

 ^“So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.” Romans 14:19 MSG

PURSUE love and edification of others – God is taking care of us so we can take care of others. There’s no room for a “scarcity mentality” in the body of Christ. Since there is no limit to God’s love and provision, we don’t have to worry. We can care for others and be confident that God will take care of us. 

We are continuing in Rome today! Please read Romans 8:18-39, chapters 9 and 10. What are you thinking about today? 

 ^“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:15-17 NKJV

The spirit of adoption, must have been an especially precious concept for people who wanted to belong as a child or family member, rather than a slave. 

I love 8:18-21 in the Phillips translation (google it!). Reminds me back to Matthew 11:28-29 again – when we have hardship here, we can turn on eyes to Him and realize that these current trials are not to be compared with what the Lord has in our future.

8:37 – In Jesus, are more than conquerors ❤️ What a comfort in this troubled world. 

9:14-33 – this connection to Israel is familiar to us after we spent all this time in the Old Testament!

10 – as we know that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved, we must do our utmost to proclaim His name to all!

Please read Romans 5, 6, 7, and 8:1-17 today. Come on back and share a highlight – God is so generous and kind to us, giving us His voice and His Word! What are you thinking about today? 

“For while we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” Romans 5:6

Such a comfort and encouragement that Jesus died for us while we were still ungodly. It is not about our performance, it is about God’s love. We do not have to earn God’s love or earn His favor with our actions.

I love the passage in 5:20-21, about grace abounding where sin abounds (not a permission to sin – but a promise of grace in our shortcomings).

”sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” Romans 6:14

We are not slaves to the law. Like we mentioned yesterday: in Rome at this time, there was almost an equal number of citizens and slaves – everyone either HAD a slave or WAS a slave. This was a subject that any of them could relate to easily.  Imagine the peace and relief that would have come when they realized that they could be slaves of Christ, the kindest and most loving Master we could imagine.

What are you a slave to today? Couple Paul’s words with Jesus’ encouragement to take on His yoke (Matthew 11:28-30) and find true freedom.

So, Paul is still in Corinth, but he writes a letter to the Romans in advance of his trip there.  Today, we are reading Romans 2, 3 and 4.  There’s so much here, and so little time in a short blog!  I’m hoping that you are finding your own highlights and digging in deeper than we are able to go together in these few words.  What stands out to you today? 

“there is no partiality with God” 2:11

“all have sinned and fall short” 3:23

“all under sin” 3:29

“Now it was not written for his [Abraham’s} sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” 4:23-24

Jesus was delivered for our sins and we are justified through His resurrection.  If you have time, read these chapters in the Message translation as well, and notice the emphasis on ALL.  This wasn’t just for the Jew, this wasn’t just for Abraham or David, this was for EVERYONE who believed in Jesus.  I’ve had to skip the history lesson every day this year (that’s been tough for me!), but it’s important to note here: at this time, Rome’s population was estimated to be up to 40% slaves.  Imagine how healing this was, how desperately important this was for them to hear Paul says, “It’s not for a select few – its for all of us.  There’s no difference in people – all of us are valuable to God.” 

Jesus is so kind to us – we could earn His love or ever deserve it, but He offers it freely. Thank You Lord!

Please read 1 Corinthians 16, Acts 19:21-41, Acts 20:1-3, and Romans 1. I’ll just list a few of my circles and highlights this morning – what are yours?  Today’s reading causes me to look inward a little more today…. Am I a faithful witness to the Truth? Come on back after you have read the chapters, let’s visit.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel ^[c]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16 NKJV

Though Paul says “the Jew first”, we know the Gospel is for every person. The power of the gospel is without end, without edges, limitless.  Without apology or shame, Paul proclaimed this powerful Word.  If we truly believe that the end is death for those who don’t believe, how can we act any differently?  What holds us back from proclaiming this truth?

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen” Romans 1:2

I wonder: are His invisible attributes clearly seen in me?

Romans 1:18-32 demonstrates a downward spiral that begins when we ignore the truth. I know it sounds harsh, but we have to remember: God is a Father, and His concern is for our best. (Remember the difference between fathers and children, we read in 1 Corinthians 5:14-16 a few days ago?) Like we learned of God’s character in the Old Testament, God has not changed and He is not unkind.  God never acts without cause – the cause was our actions and the effect is our consequence, not God’s punishment. 

The reading might be light today, but the concepts are not.  Please read 1 Corinthians 14 and 15.  Got a highlight? I’d love to hear from you!  Come on back and let’s visit:

Chapter 14 might present a controversy to some, but don’t let it bring confusion to you. Tongues is a spiritual gift, but it is not a salvation issue. Don’t get “hung up” on tongues, okay?  (I wish I had time to address it, I think it’s so important –  however, I also think you make it to heaven without it). You have to believe in Jesus to get to heaven. Paul addresses that next:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 NKJV

15:3 – “First of all” or could be translated as “most importantly” – Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again. If that part isn’t true, then Paul tells us that we have “believed in vain”.  Mercifully, it IS true!  Jesus has risen!

If you get hung up on an issue, get hung up on that one: salvation. 🙂 Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!

Please read 1 Corinthians 11:2-34, chapters 12 and 13.  Lots of familiar territory today – it’s good to be re-reminded of these truths.  What’s your highlight today?  

“Keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you” 1 Corinthians 11:2

There is a spirit in traditions, follow the principle of it. Sometimes we throw something out just because it’s “traditional” – but traditional isn’t always bad!  (A friend of mine says, “Let’s operate at the minimum with the discernment of a cow: chew the grass, spit out the sticks”)

“God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!” 1 Corinthians 12:4-10 MSG

Do not be ignorant of spiritual gifts, either your own or the spiritual gifts of others. All come from the Lord, all are valid, and all are valuable. 12:12-19 – realize that there is no room for jealousy in the body of Christ.  Rejoice and operate in the diversity of gifts!  Your gift is necessary to the Body of Christ, one is not more important than another.

“love is the more excellent way” 1 Corinthians 12:31

Of course, the “love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13…. Always, if you have a choice, choose love. (and of course, you ALWAYS have a choice!)

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 8, 9, 10, 11:1.  I’m going to go “bullet point style” with my highlights todays – what are your take-a-ways here?  Come on back and let’s visit!

“We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. ” 1 Corinthians 8:2-3 NKJV

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.  Another important distinction to make, as you are a steward of the Gospel.

“And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.” 1 Corinthians 8:11-12 NKJV

Even knowledge can wound a weak conscience – wield it wisely.

I like 9:22b in the Living Bible Translation:

“Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him”  1 Corinthians 9:22b TLB

and

“imitate me as I imitate Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Someone is always watching – make sure your behavior sets an example of godliness for others to see.

Please read 1 Corinthians 4, 5, 6, and 8:1. All in one place today!  What’s your highlight? Come on back and share your thoughts!

I cannot get enough of Paul’s description of leadership:

“Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I’m not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn’t mean much. The Master makes that judgment.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 MSG

Did you notice the requirements? “Reliability” and “accurate knowledge”. The NKJV calls that faithfulness: “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).  This isn’t a bonus, this isn’t “extra credit” – faithfulness, reliability, having accurate knowledge is required. Why? Because it is our job as stewards to pass along the knowledge we have been given, to clear a path that others can follow.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a secret to keep – it’s a gift to share.  Steward this truth well!

“I’m writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God’s Message to you that I became your father.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 MSG

Discern the difference between people and fathers (1 Cor 5:14-16).  That’s an important distinction to make.  A father would give counsel for the benefit of the hearer, in love, making an investment into others.  What a great example of leadership.  What a kindness to share truth.

1 Cor 6:9-11, still true today, as much as we want to pretend otherwise. Speaking the truth in love to those within our sphere of influence is a help. 

Today, we’ll read Acts 18:24-48, Acts 19:1-20, 1 Corinthians chapters 1, 2 and 3.  I love how Paul’s letters are interjected here in Acts with his missionary journeys – we see where he is traveling, see where he has been, read the words that he sent in advance of a visit or as a follow-up to the visit…. Like when we read David’s history with the Psalms alongside his life events.  What’s your highlight today?  Let’s read and then let’s visit!

“Apollos turned out to be a great help to those who had become believers through God’s immense generosity. He was particularly effective in public debate with the Jews as he brought out proof after convincing proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah” Acts 18:28 MSG

When Apollos arrived, “he greatly helped” by “showing through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:27-28). That IS a help – sharing truth.  My mind went to Proverbs 24:11, we read that earlier this year: “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter”. Every day we come across people who are literally on their way to death – sharing the truth of Christ IN LOVE and yet with urgency can mean salvation.  What bigger help is there?

Love Paul’s ministry at Ephesus, 19:1-7, but its too much for a short blog post. (Can we go for a coffee sometime?) Now we get to Corinthians with the context of Paul’s life: “God has revealed this to us through the His Spirit” (1 Cor 2:10) – don’t we see Paul depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Let’s do the same – the Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Guide (John 14:16).  What a gift that Jesus left us!