What is the Real Motivation?

 

What is the Real Motivation?

Romans 15: ¹⁴ My friends: I myself feel sure that you are full of goodness, that you have all knowledge, and that you are able to teach one another. ¹⁵ But in this letter I have been quite bold about certain subjects of which I have reminded you. I have been bold because of the privilege God has given me ¹⁶ of being a servant of Christ Jesus to work for the Gentiles. I serve like a priest in preaching the Good News from God, in order that the Gentiles may be an offering acceptable to God, dedicated to him by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁷ In union with Christ Jesus, then, I can be proud of my service for God. 

 

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Each day seemed to bring on a new trouble. It was a rough time and “everything” was going wrong. I had not focused on GOD very much, so I turned to HIM as a last resort. “Maybe if I am good, then I can get out of the trouble I’m in” I thought to myself.

 

I stopped doing a few sins I blatantly knew I was doing in hopes that the trial would end sooner. When the trial was over. I went back to the same sins.

 

There have been times when I tried to act righteous to get my way.

There have been times when I tried to use manipulation on GOD to get my way.

There have been times when I tried to be “good” temporarily so I could get my way.

 

Paul expresses his surety in the capabilities of those he wrote the letter. He also mentions his reason for writing. Paul wanted “everyone” to be accepted by JESUS, not just those he was familiar with. He would not be proud of himself until the Gentiles believed in JESUS.

 

GOD wants me to have a true purpose.

GOD wants my purpose to be permanent.

GOD wants JESUS to be known as the Savior and HE wants me to have this as my purpose.

 

When getting out of trouble becomes my purpose, I would desperately do anything. I mean, I lose sleep, panic and worry my way into a solution that usually fails and then I panic more. GOD wants to change that. HE brings me back to having purpose in my life, namely teaching people about the Good News of JESUS.

 

With purpose, temptations go away. It is easier to say “no” to fear, doubt and worry when GOD is my true purpose. Staying in the trial becomes easier when I have purpose because I know GOD wants me right where HE has me and HE is with me. I can then have peace wherever HE places me.

 

What is your purpose in life?

What is GOD’s purpose for you?

Will you accept GOD’s real purpose HE made you so you can speak about JESUS today?

One Voice

 One Voice

Romans 15: 4 Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. 5 And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus, 6 so that all of you together may praise with one voice the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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“What happened?” the person in authority said to us. Wanting to remain innocent, I omitted why I was part of the situation and gave only the facts that made the “real” culprit look bad. Our stories, however, did not align very well. The person in authority could easily see that something was not quite right with what we were saying.

• There have been times when I tried to speak with one voice, but left out important facts.
• There have been times when I tried to present “my” side of “our” story.
• There have been times when I tried to protect myself with “my” point of view.

Paul points to the Scriptures as the primary point of truth for hope, patience and encouragement. But there is a twist to the use of the Scripture. It is to being about the way to follow the example of CHRIST JESUS so “we” could have the same point of view.

• GOD wants me to see other people when I read HIS word.
• GOD wants me to seek unity with people through CHRIST versus getting my way.
• GOD wants me to follow the example of CHRIST so I can praise the FATHER with one voice among many people.

Unity through the example of JESUS is all the FATHER wants. HE is the source of patience and encouragement and HE gave HIS creation a way to hear HIM daily through the Scriptures. In its purest form, the Scripture gives hope through patience and encouragement.

There is no multi-sided road to the FATHER. HE wants all humans to speak about JESUS as the Savior of the world, with one voice. I gladly surrender “my” point of view to speak about JESUS, praising GOD the FATHER because of HIM.

• Are you trying to speak on your behalf?
• Do you want a group of followers?
• Will you surrender your quest to have people follow you and begin speaking about JESUS so you can align the message to one voice GOD wants all to have today?

From Praise to Hope

 From Praise to Hope

Romans 15: ⁷ Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. ⁸ For I tell you that Christ's life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true, ⁹ and to enable even the Gentiles to praise God for his mercy. As the scripture says,

 

“And so I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing praises to you.”
¹⁰ Again it says,
“Rejoice, Gentiles, with God's people!”
¹¹ And again,
“Praise the Lord, all Gentiles;
    praise him, all peoples!”
¹² And again, Isaiah says,
“A descendant of Jesse will appear;
    he will come to rule the Gentiles,
    and they will put their hope in him.”

 

¹³ May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

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“Let’s go on a bike hike” someone older said to us. Having only been out of the neighborhood a few times, I was excited to go on this adventure. We rode further than I had ever ridden in my life. We crossed the railroad tracks and the neighborhood looked different.

 

When we arrived at a park, the people called us by names of racial hatred. We were chased. I didn’t know much about prayer, but I started saying “Our FATHER…”

 

• There have been times when I just wanted to live together.
• There have been times when I just wanted to enjoy life together.
• There have been times when I just wanted to have peace, but could not find it because I was not accepted.

 

Paul’s plea was primarily to the Jews, but was universal in nature. He expressed something that is hard for humans, namely “accept one another.” But how? He then explains why do it. “For the glory of GOD, as CHRIST has accepted you.”

 

• GOD wants to show me that HE is faithful to make HIS promises come true.
• GOD wants to enable me to praise HIM for HIS mercy.
• GOD wants to be the source of my hope.

 

Praising GOD for HIS mercy is only the beginning of the relationship. I mean, when I confess I am in need of a Savior, JESUS accepts me, because HIS resurrection to life gave HIM all authority. Now that HE has accepted me, HE wants me to accept others, even those who do not look or act like me.

 

GOD then wants me to grow beyond confession. HE wants to fill me with joy and peace. But there is one caveat. I must place my faith in HIM. But what if my faith is small and wavering? HE has that covered by placing the HOLY SPIRIT in me. Now my “hope” will continue to grow and I can accept others as CHRIST accepted me.

• Is your hope small because you feel oppressed?
• Do you think there is no way out because of another group?
• Will you add “acceptance” to your heart and believe in JESUS so HE will provide the HOLY SPIRIT, who will grow you with HIS power today?

To Build Them Up

 

To Build Them Up

Romans 15: We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. ² Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. ³ For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, “The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me.”

 

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Hurling insults at the other team seemed like the right thing to do. I joined in on the “fun” and called the other team names through clever cheers and chants. Our team won! But when it was time to go home, the other school did not appreciate the previous insults. Fights broke out and escape was my only thought.

 

There have been many times when I used insults to feel better about myself.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel part of the “winning” crowd.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel superior to “those” people.

 

Paul tries to shift everyone’s thinking to follow the example of CHRIST. JESUS took the insults that were meant for other people and died in our place when HE committed no wrong. Paul gives some great advice. “Build them up.”

 

GOD wants me to build people up so they will continue in the faith.

GOD wants me to speak encouraging words to everyone so their faith will increase.

GOD wants me to carry the burdens of others so they can get up and help someone else.

 

Being caught up in my own situation usually leaves no room to help others. BUT GOD helps me up from the ground to see there is more to life than “that” circumstance. HE dusts me off and fills my heart with encouragement for others in the middle of the battle. GOD also desires that I remember HIS deliverance so I can carry it forward daily.

 

Instead of using the sneaky, tear down slanderous manipulation tactics, GOD wants me to replace insulting words with gratitude. If I cannot appreciate “that” person, then maybe I should not be in the conversation. I am grateful GOD helps me carry the burdens of others to “build them up” for HIM.

 

Are your words full of insults and slander?

Do your jokes speak life or death?

Will you reduce your insults and increase your encouragement so those who believe may have their burdens lifted and their faith increased for JESUS today?

Basis of Decisions

 

Basis of Decisions

Romans 14: ¹⁹ So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. ²⁰ Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. ²¹ The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. ²² Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! ²³ But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

 

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Being unsure of myself, I tried a tactic I did not like. One guy was good at eavesdropping on conversations. He would take what little facts he knew and try to put his own spin on it, to stay ahead of people. It seemed to work so I tried it. I listened in on someone else’s hallway conversation and overheard the wrong facts. I spread the wrong information. Now my credibility was shot.

 

• There have been many times when I have been scared, so I looked for direction to make decisions.
• There have been many times when I made decisions out of fear.
• There have been many times when I used what people said as the basis of my decision making and wound up in a worse spot than I was at the beginning or my worries.

 

Paul concludes his Spirit filled plea to help everyone refrain from tearing down what GOD has done. If someone were to eat or not eat something, then opposing the person would be hurtful. This action would not be based on faith but possibly pride. “Anything that is not based on faith is sin.”

 

• GOD wants me to run my decisions through HIM first.
• GOD wants ne to believe in what HE told me and continue on HIS path.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS plan for me and not feel guilty when I do something I judge as right for HIS kingdom.

 

Having a personal  relationship with JESUS requires faith. This means doubt needs to go somewhere else. I must move forward in faith, but if my faith is harmful to someone nearby, then GOD wants me to keep it between me and HIM. This pertains to a local interaction. But what about my other decisions?

 

GOD wants all my decisions to flow through faith in HIS power. HIS plans and promises are not to harm me but to provide me with a hope and a future. I gladly move forward with the faith that HE allows me to “do something I judge as right.”

 

• Are you questioning a decision GOD told you to make?
• Do you crumble at the smallest problem that may seem huge to you?
• Will you relook at the decision through the faith GOD wants you to have and allow HIM to do HIS plan, HIS way, while you continue to judge what is right in clear conscience today?

Create the Menu with Love

 

Create the Menu with Love

Romans 14: ¹³ So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin. ¹⁴ My union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually unclean; but if you believe that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean for you. ¹⁵ If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died! ¹⁶ Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. ¹⁷ For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. ¹⁸ And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.

 

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Putting together the lunch menu for the business meeting was supposed to be easy. I liked a certain type of food, but when I asked people what their choice was, I was shocked. “You mean you don’t like piles of deliciousness falling off of your plate?” I thought to myself. Several people wanted something different than what I would choose. I changed the menu.

 

• There have been times when I questioned what people ate.
• There have been times when I considered letting the ”picky” people, find their own meal.
• There have been times when I wanted to speak about CHRIST but my menu left people, who had different beliefs, out and I could not share the gospel with them.

 

Arguments over food needed to be addressed, so Paul wrote on this matter. He got to the heart of the matter, speaking to those who felt free to eat anything, telling them to curb their freedom for those who bound themselves to eat a certain way. It was not about the food, but the example.

 

• GOD wants me to think of others when I eat.
• GOD wants me to consider my freedom as offensive to those I may be trying to reach.
• GOD wants me to be flexible temporarily so I can serve those who HE wants to reach.

 

My freedom should not make someone fall. I mean, if I am alright with doing something, eating something or being somewhere that another person cannot handle, I should be flexible enough to pause my freedom for a moment. It’s not worth trying to convince “that” person to eat or drink a certain way.

 

GOD wants a good reputation and HE chooses sinners to provide it. HE wants me to be able to surrender my freedom temporarily, in order to reach the lost. It is not about me, it is about JESUS.

 

• Are you complaining about the way someone eats or does not eat?
• Do you think “that” person is weaker in faith?
• Will you “stop judging one another” and be a good example for CHRIST so you may be “approved by others” for HIM today?

Flip Back Over

Flip Back Over

Romans 14: ⁷ For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. ⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

 

¹⁰ You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹ It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

 

¹² So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

 

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“Look at them doing wrong over there” is what they said about us as we were just having “fun.” We would laugh and when one of my friends did something outrageous, I laughed even more. Years later, I returned to CHRIST. I felt sorry for those stuck in having “fun.: Years after that I said “Look at them doing wrong over there.”

 

• When did I flip over to being the judge?
• When did I start seeing the wrong in people?
• When did I look to blame others?

 

Paul continues with his appeal as given to him by the LORD. He had just tried to convince everyone that people will do different things for JESUS, giving honor and thanks to HIM in different ways. Now he sends a plea to stop looking at one another in a judgmental way. He ends his plea stating we all will stand before GOD as individuals, giving account for how we treated each other.

 

• GOD wants me to live for HIM and serve others.
• GOD wants me to drop the judgment and add words of life to people.
• GOD wants me to rid myself of contempt of “those” people and add prayers for “us” as sinners.

 

Being a tattletale is childish. I mean, a child tells an adult when another child is doing something wrong, meanwhile the child never looks at him or herself. This is my saying, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying ‘you have mud on you.””

 

Judgment is a sin GOD does not like. HE sees when I look down on someone for their actions and does not go after “that” person but corrects me. HE wants me to see people as HIS children whom HE loves. I am glad HE provides grace to me and hope HE guides me drop judgment of people.

 

• Are you judging people?
• Do you see the wrong in people immediately?
• Have you asked yourself, “When did I get to this point where I am judging people and I used to be judged?”, so you can flip back over to loving others?

Make Up Our Own Minds

Make Up Our Own Minds

Romans 14: ⁵ Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. ⁶ Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 

 

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“No! It must be this way” one person said to me. Another said “It must be that way”, passionately. I was quite torn over the argument at the time. A group of people had very good arguments for how to dress when attending church.

 

• There were times when I thought “my” way of worshipping GOD was the only way.
• There were times when I thought the music I liked was the only music pleasing to GOD.
• There were times when I thought the decorations, lighting and chairs arranged a certain way were the only way to truly worship GOD.

 

Paul tries to warn people to stay away from petty arguments by dealing with a difficult subject, namely honoring GOD. Some people dedicate a certain day to honor GOD and some think all days should honor GOD. Both are right if they do so to give thanks to the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have an individual relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to honor HIM by the things I eat and do.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM by believing in JESUS.

 

Honoring GOD is a personal thing. I mean, I like to get up early, pray, exercise, grab a cup of coffee and read. Others like to finish their day singing to the LORD. Any praise that includes thanks for JESUS dying for our sins and being raised from the dead is acceptable to the FATHER. I am glad HE give me a personal relationship with HIM.

 

• Do you think the way your group worships is better than another group?
• Do you judge the way someone sings, dances, or speaks for the LORD?
• Can you learn to appreciate how others are giving thanks to JESUS so you can broaden your community?

Could Be Having a Bad Day

 Could Be Having a Bad Day

Romans 14: Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. ² Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. ³ The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn't; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. ⁴ Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.

 

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Excited to get a good meal, I sat at the table and thought of how tasty it would be. This was a restaurant recommended by the hotel, so it must be good. I sat and sat. No one came to the table. I flagged a waitress over and she said “I will get your waitress.” When she arrived, her face was sad with a slight bit of anger. She gave me “bad” service.

 

• There have been times when I wanted to complain to the manager about someone.
• There have been times when I wanted to tell the boss about what someone was doing wrong.
• There have been times when I wanted to make sure the person who was giving me “bad” service would fail and hopefully be fired.

 

Paul continues with his strange message. At the core, he is speaking about respecting other people. The three people he mentions, remind me of a restaurant. One patron orders the everything platter while another table orders the salad bowl.

 

Both could ask the question “Why did that table order that kind of food?” in a judgmental way. Meanwhile both patrons judge the wait staff, not knowing the full story.

 

• GOD wants me to welcome those who are weak in faith.
• GOD wants me to hold back any arguments I may have, trying to convince someone to grow and simply accept the person, just like HE does.
• GOD wants me to become part of HIS success by removing judgment of the workers of churches, businesses or households I encounter.

 

Finding something wrong with the way someone does things is easier and easier these days. I mean, I can watch a video of how things are supposed to go, but when I try the experience it may not go as I have expected. I then have a choice, complain or give grace. GOD wants me to understand grace more than I want to at times. I mean “that” person is clearly wrong and should be told about it, right? Maybe. BUT GOD wants me to understand grace first.

 

Remember the sad, scowling waitress I encountered. Turns out she had a serious situation at home. I said I would pray for her and she shed a tear and gave me great service from then on. I tipped heavily. I am grateful GOD gives me a second chance, especially from those who judge me. HE makes me succeed.

 

• Are you judging someone?
• Are you saying to yourself “I wouldn’t do it that way?”
• Will you stop judging others and join the LORD who is willing and able to make them succeed?

Wake Up

Wake Up

Romans 13: ¹¹ You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. ¹³ Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. ¹⁴ But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.

 

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Seeing the huge stack of paper, my work was cut out for me. I was supposed to look at surveys and input customer responses. I started out with high energy, but as the day went on I started getting tired so I took a “quick” nap during lunch.  I woke up well after I was supposed to and now I was behind in my work.

 

• There have been many times when I started out strong, but soon became tired.
• There have been many times when I fell asleep on something I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been many times when I woke up and still had the responsibilities, but only a shorter time to do what I should have been doing all along.

 

“Wake up from your sleep” Paul says. The sleep he is referring to is a lulled sense of security from doing hidden things. He mentions two serious topics, “dark’ and “light.” The day is almost here and the night is almost over. But what am I getting prepared for? What must I do?

 

• GOD wants me to know JESUS is going to return.
• GOD wants me to prepare the world for HIS return.
• GOD wants me to take up HIS “weapons’ starting with the most powerful one called love.

 

Blindness has made me fall asleep. I mean, when I get lost in the concerns of the world, I get worried, doubt GOD and slip into sin for comfort which steals my joy and feeds mu sin nature. Afterwards, I feel hurt, lost and wandering.  My fighting increases and I grab the world’s weapons.

 

Human weapons hurt, kill and destroy, just as Satan wants us to do. BUT GOD has more powerful weapons, one being love. Love heals, protects, grows and raises people up. It was love that raised JESUS from the dead. GOD said “You must do this” and I accept HIS statement.

 

• Do you have a sense of urgency regarding the return of CHRIST?
• Are you so focused on you own sins that CHRIST is not your focus?
• Will you wake up and take up the weapon of love JESUS so generously poured out on you so you can stop paying attention to your sinful desires today?

Looked Over

 

Looked Over

Romans 13: ⁸ Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. ⁹ The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ¹⁰ If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.

 

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Getting off the train for the first time on the new job, I ran into a homeless person. I had an extra dollar, so I gave it to him. As I rounded the corner, there was another and another. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anymore” was the lie I told as I had much more in my pocket. The next day it was the same. So the following day I decided to go a different route to avoid seeing the homeless.

 

• Many times I have overlooked the homeless.
• Many times I avoided giving to the homeless because the problem seemed too large for me.
• Many times I said to myself, “I barely have enough for me, let alone this person.”

 

Paul writes about the greatest commandment JESUS spoke about, namely Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Love is required to obey the Law. But “Who is my neighbor?”

 

• GOD wants me to love the people in my household and the houses surrounding me.
• GOD wants me to love the people who are not in my neighborhood, but are out on the street.
• GOD wants me to love the overlooked such as the poor, widowed and physically sick.

 

When GOD said “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” HE knew many people would be so focused on their own struggles that we could not open our eyes to another person’s struggles. GOD wants me to take a moment to “see” others and be involved by loving them. Even if it is a cup of water given in love, I have obeyed GOD.

 

• What will you do to show your love to a stranger or a homeless person today?
• Will you go out and give to a person in need and do it in secret?
• Can you add love to your heart so you will see more people who GOD wants you to serve today?

Clear Conscience

 Clear Conscience

Romans 13: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. ² Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. ³ For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, ⁴ because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. ⁵ For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

 

⁶ That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. ⁷ Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.

 

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Being stopped because of a burned out headlight seemed unfair to me, but it was the law. I explained that I was unaware and demonstrated it by turning on the high-beam lights. The burnt out one came on and the other went off. “Okay, you can go” they all said. There were four police.

 

• There have been times when I questioned the law enforcers.
• There have been times when I wondered if I was being singled out.
• There have been times when I felt relieved I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul speak about following laws of people who may not believe in JESUS as their ruler. He knows that no kingdom, good or bad, could be put in place without GOD’s authority. Paul also spoke about paying taxes to show respect. He knew there was something greater at stake.

 

• GOD wants me to know the ultimate goal is to spread who JESUS is.
• GOD knows I need freedom to present the gospel of JESUS.
• GOD reminds me that I am not of this world so even if scoundrels are flexing momentary authority, HIS authority should be my focus.

 

During these days of racial tension over the misuse of authority, I find the timing of this scripture to be amazing. Also, it is tax day in the country I live in so I find that equally amazing. But what am I to learn? Should I just roll over and let abusers continue with injustice on everything Paul mentions? No, but with a different focus.

 

GOD wants me to make HIM my focus. HE is in control of the abusers and HE protects me. Injustice needs to be called out, as long as the end goal is to speak about JESUS. Meanwhile, I will yield to the temporary authority humans have and show everyone the respect JESUS showed me.

 

• Are you mad at those in authority?
• Do you feel you should not yield to their authority because you do not like them?
• Will you see beyond temporary authority and let GOD provide the vengeance HE promised to the abusers while enabling you to continue to speak about JESUS?

Good Power

 Good Power

Romans 12: ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

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After working hard for months, I sat for my evaluation. I received a “Good” as the performance rating. I was furious. ‘After all that hard work, you mean to tell me that it was ‘good’” I said. Good meant “doing as expected” and I felt I exceeded expectations by staying late and doing more. I wanted better than “good.”

 

• There were times when I felt “Good” was not powerful.
• There were times when I felt good people finish last.
• There were times when I felt great was better than good.

 

Paul continues with his radical words given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. He speaks about not taking revenge. This was strange because the law said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In other words if someone does something bad to you, it is your right to do something bad to them. But GOD wants a different way.

 

• GOD wants me to leave vengeance up to HIM.
• GOD wants me to feel sorry for my enemies because HE felt sorry for me.
• GOD wants me to use good as a powerful weapon that overcomes evil.

 

“Great” is not suggested to be used to overcome evil, but “good” is. Being good when there is a chance or even the right to do evil, puts me in a better place with GOD. HE sees my “good” effort and rewards me.

 

Meanwhile, HE says “Let ME handle the evil this person has done to you.” GOD’s wrath on enemies is nothing to gloat at, but to be feared by all. I accept the powerful weapon of good to fight against those who purposefully do evil.

 

• Has someone done something evil against you?
• Do you want to take revenge out on “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on who HE chooses, meanwhile keep doing what “everyone” considers good so HE will be please with your actions?

Grown Up

 Grown Up

Romans 12: ¹⁴ Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

 

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Being handed an award for outstanding work felt rather insulting when I was notified the position I held was cut. During the downsizing process, insults were hurled at me and laughter ensued as I had to present my final “next year’s plan.” You won’t be around to see it, they giggled. “YOU mean I am supposed to pray for them!?’ I questioned.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to ask GOD to drop boulders on those who hurt me.
• There were many times when I wanted to see those who hurt me to get hurt so they could feel my pain.
• There were many times when I wanted to gloat at the pain of someone who hurt me, thinking I would feel better.

 

Paul writes something extremely strange. HE tells everyone to “Bless those who persecute you.” What!? He then reemphasizes his bold statement to make sure everyone heard what he said. “Yes, ask HIM to bless, not to curse.” Paul had been beaten, stoned, chased, and slandered. GOD showed him another way to handle bitterness and a poisoned heart.

 

• GOD wants me to guard my heart from the poison of hatred.
• GOD wants me to protect my heart from rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to insulate my heart from bitterness and animosity.

 

Hate breeds more hate. I mean, when I see “that” person get what he or she “deserves” it does nothing. I still have the loss and I still need to heal. It hurts even worse when “that” person seems to walk away unscathed. “YOU mean I have been wronged and “that” person seems to be doing well?” Yes, GOD says, because HE knows how to repair my heart.

 

I sighed and prayed for those who persecuted me to do well. It did not work the first time, but over time it did. I was able to release the poison I had in my heart. I even felt better about my relationship with GOD because HE was pleased with me for growing up.

 

• Did someone hurt you?
• Are you still carrying around bitterness for that person after all these years?
• Will you regain the power of GOD in your life by praying for “that” person to be blessed by HIM and let GOD handle him or her the way HE wants to so HE can repair your heart with grace today?

Community

 

Community

Romans 12: ⁹ Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. ¹¹ Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. ¹² Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. ¹³ Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.

 

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“Leave him alone!” someone shouted at the bully who was about to attack me. I had taken a shortcut through an unfamiliar neighborhood and was just about to enter familiar territory when I ran into this guy. I did not know the person who came to my rescue, but it was welcome. I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked through my community.

 

• There were places I lived where I felt at home.
• There were places I lived where I felt safe and secure.
• There were places I lived where I felt I was being watched over versus picked over.

 

Paul provides an overlooked definition of love, namely community. This act of love is quite different because it requires an explosion of energy towards a group of people. The act of love must be completely sincere.

 

• GOD wants me to hate what is evil and hold onto what is good so I can protect others.
• GOD wants me to be eager to show respect to others to help them grow.
• GOD wants me to work hard in my community, serving HIM with full devotion, remaining patient in troubled times, praying, sharing and opening my home to strangers.

 

Community can start where I live. I mean, I can serve those who live in my apartment, dorm or block. If anyone wants to do evil to those around me, I can stand in the gap for the injustice. GOD is very serious about how HIS creations is treated. HE sees when each person has been wronged.

 

HE wants me to bring community to people who may not have experienced HIS love. I can take community to work, social gatherings and relatives. GOD wants my community to grow and I can do it with love.

 

• Are you around a group pf people yet you feel lonely?
• Do you expect people to show you love first?
• Will you start small by showing people respect and serving those in need with your talents and treasures today?

 

Broken Mirror

Broken Mirror

Romans 12: ⁴ We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. ⁵ In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. ⁶ So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; ⁷ if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully.

 

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Preserving some of my junk in the move, I wrapped a mirror in newspaper to protect it. I placed the mirror in a box with books because it seemed like a perfect fit. Somewhere in transport, the mirror broke. Since it was still in the frame, I used it. I learned how to navigate the cracks for different purposes.

 

• There have been many times when I pondered my purpose.
• There have been many times when I wondered if I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been many times when I questioned my purpose compared to another person’s purpose.

 

Paul tries to convince everyone to use their gifts and talents for the LORD. He eludes to the fact that some people are gifted one way and others are gifted another. Each person has a gift that they can do extremely well and it should be used for GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to use the gifts and talents HE gave me to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I am not gifted in all ways, so I need other people.
• GOD wants me to be in union with others so together, we can make one body, which is CHRIST.

 

When the first human sinned, every human fell to GOD’s discipline. Every human became a sinner. We used to be made in GOD’s perfect image but fell to pieces, individually reflecting GOD, one tiny fragment at a time. My reflection is only part of one huge mirror that attempts to show GOD.

 

My fragment is no more or less important that another. It takes GOD to pick up the broken mirror and put it together to make something that can reflect HIM. HE fuses the broken pieces together so the entirety can be used. I am grateful GOD takes my tiny faith and connects it to other broken people.

 

• Do you think your gift is not valuable?
• Do you feel less than other people?
• Will you stop looking at other people and allow GOD to show you your gift and talent so you can use it to glorify HIM today?

Review the Faith Side

 

Review the Faith Side

Romans 12: ³ And because of God's gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.

 

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After taking the leadership class, I started behaving as prescribed. I was promoted five times and felt pretty good about “my” abilities. I was proud of “my” accomplishments and offered to help others with some of “my” wisdom.

 

• There have been times when I trusted “my” abilities.
• There have been times when I believed in “my” accomplishments.
• There have been times when I thought “I” did things with “my” power, skills and talents.

 

Paul warns everyone not to think more highly of themselves. This is contrary to the world saying “believe in yourself.” He immediately gives a solution. Look at the faith side of your being.

 

• GOD wants me to know that my skills and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that I was placed in every position by HIM and HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to look introspectively so I can give HIM all praise versus thinking I did anything.

 

Looking back on my life, I can see things don’t add up. I mean, my pitiful background should not add up to where I was brought. There was nothing I said or did that got me to where I have been. I can say “Only GOD brought me here.”

 

Reviewing my faith, I see a deficit. Times of worry led to times of sin which led to times of worry. BUT GOD enabled me to take what little faith I had and share it with others. Like a piece of bread HE has broken, it miraculously grows into another piece of bread in someone else. I now understand that it is not me, but HE who lives in me that causes me to have abundant life.

 

• Are you looking at “your” gifts and talents as “yours?”
• Do you look down on someone else’s decisions based on “your” knowledge?
• Will you stop thinking more highly of yourself and allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS faithfulness, so you can place your dependence on HIM today?