Romans chapter 16
In this chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans, the names of thirty-three Christians are mentioned for the various ways they've worked for the Body of Christ. One was a "great help to many people." Two risked their lives for Paul. Epenetus is listed as the first convert to Christianity in Asia. Andronias and Junias were in prison for their faith. There's Mary who "worked very hard." Appeles was "tested and approved in Christ." Rufus' mother had been like a mother to Paul, too. Tertius wrote the words in the letter for Paul, as a secretary. Gaius was noted for his hospitality.
My name is not written in the Bible, but it is engraved on God's palms! (see Isaiah 49:16) It is also written in the Book of Life:
"He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels." Revelation 3:5
As a Christian, what talents or abilities, what good works for Jesus, will be written next to my name? Will I be remembered for my hospitality or being like a mother to others? Would I risk my life or suffer imprisonment?
What I do each day pens my life's story, one word at a time.
What will be written of me today?
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Like Going Back Home
"...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth, even to your old age and gray hairs. I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Isaiah 46: 3 & 4
After I became an adult and lived on my own, I missed mom's homecooked meals. If I became sick, I no longer had that compassionate attention I once did. Maybe that's why going home for Thanksgiving feels so special. It harkens back to those unique childhood feelings.
We never have to move out of God's house. He sustains us and carries us from conception to old age and beyond, ever coming to our rescue! It's such a comfort to know the same One who made me, sustains me all along the way.
Isaiah 46: 3 & 4
After I became an adult and lived on my own, I missed mom's homecooked meals. If I became sick, I no longer had that compassionate attention I once did. Maybe that's why going home for Thanksgiving feels so special. It harkens back to those unique childhood feelings.
We never have to move out of God's house. He sustains us and carries us from conception to old age and beyond, ever coming to our rescue! It's such a comfort to know the same One who made me, sustains me all along the way.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
A Child Never Forgotten
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."
Isaiah 49: 15 & 16
It was the most difficult book I ever read. A Child Called It was difficult because it's about a boy who was so unloved by his mother, so ghastly abused, neglected and mistreated, that she no longer called him by name. She called him It.
Praise and thanks be to God that He is not like that. He loves us more fervently and tenderly than our mothers. He is slow to anger, rich in mercy and abounding in love.
Your name is tattooed on the palms of his pierced hands! Love him right back and you will never, ever be sorry. He will never forget you, even if your parents have.
Isaiah 49: 15 & 16
It was the most difficult book I ever read. A Child Called It was difficult because it's about a boy who was so unloved by his mother, so ghastly abused, neglected and mistreated, that she no longer called him by name. She called him It.
Praise and thanks be to God that He is not like that. He loves us more fervently and tenderly than our mothers. He is slow to anger, rich in mercy and abounding in love.
Your name is tattooed on the palms of his pierced hands! Love him right back and you will never, ever be sorry. He will never forget you, even if your parents have.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Know Where You're Going
"Then Jesus told them, 'You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.'"
John 12:35
I like to watch the ants, wondering about their hard-working lives, what their underground homes look like and what propels them. I saw one crawling alone across my vast patio; where was he going? How does he know the way? As far as I know, there are no ant cartographers around drawing maps, making signs. Finally, I surmised that God gave him a built-in GPS. He tells the ant which way to go.
How refreshingly wonderful it is each day for me to know where I'm headed. I don't mean this in a literal sense, because, to be honest, sometimes it's not so wonderful to be headed to work. As a Christian, I do not have to stumble in the darkness without plan or purpose. Each night, God tucks me in and watches over me during his sleepless night. By day, I walk in the footsteps of Christ, the Light of the world. The end of the journey is heaven, a glorious place where there is no need of sun or moon. The Lamb is its lamp. (Revelation 21:23)
Isaiah 60:20 says: "Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."
John 12:35
I like to watch the ants, wondering about their hard-working lives, what their underground homes look like and what propels them. I saw one crawling alone across my vast patio; where was he going? How does he know the way? As far as I know, there are no ant cartographers around drawing maps, making signs. Finally, I surmised that God gave him a built-in GPS. He tells the ant which way to go.
How refreshingly wonderful it is each day for me to know where I'm headed. I don't mean this in a literal sense, because, to be honest, sometimes it's not so wonderful to be headed to work. As a Christian, I do not have to stumble in the darkness without plan or purpose. Each night, God tucks me in and watches over me during his sleepless night. By day, I walk in the footsteps of Christ, the Light of the world. The end of the journey is heaven, a glorious place where there is no need of sun or moon. The Lamb is its lamp. (Revelation 21:23)
Isaiah 60:20 says: "Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The Proper Perspective
"On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man.' Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten my worms and died."
Acts 12: 21-23
Keep the proper perspective. Don't let your ego get so big that it overshadows your Creator. God desires a humble heart.
Satan once thought he'd like to be larger than God: he would like to be praised and worshipped. Because of that, he, who once was an angel, was cast out of heaven.
Don't be swayed by the adulation of others. Even Herod's royal robes and throne were not enough to help him when God struck him down. He lost his perspective.
Isaiah 14: 13-15 says: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit."
Acts 12: 21-23
Keep the proper perspective. Don't let your ego get so big that it overshadows your Creator. God desires a humble heart.
Satan once thought he'd like to be larger than God: he would like to be praised and worshipped. Because of that, he, who once was an angel, was cast out of heaven.
Don't be swayed by the adulation of others. Even Herod's royal robes and throne were not enough to help him when God struck him down. He lost his perspective.
Isaiah 14: 13-15 says: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit."
A Living Letter
"You show that you are a letter from Christ...writen not wiht ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on ablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
2 Corinthians 3:3
Next to this passage, the sidebar of my Bible says, "Believers are living epistles." My Christian life is an open book that sells more copies than I realize because impressionable folks are reading what God is writing on me.
What do I want others to see? My snarly side that rears up when selfishness reigns? How many pages would have me portrayed as being kind, loving, forgiving, courageous or compassionate?
Jesus, I must close the book on my old self and allow your Spirit free license to author my biography. Amen.
2 Corinthians 3:3
Next to this passage, the sidebar of my Bible says, "Believers are living epistles." My Christian life is an open book that sells more copies than I realize because impressionable folks are reading what God is writing on me.
What do I want others to see? My snarly side that rears up when selfishness reigns? How many pages would have me portrayed as being kind, loving, forgiving, courageous or compassionate?
Jesus, I must close the book on my old self and allow your Spirit free license to author my biography. Amen.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
How Shall I Dress?
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3: 17
As a believer, how should I dress before leaving the house? Colossians chapter three lists a selection of garments: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (verse 12) Wearing these helps me to bear with others in forgiveness, just as God forgave me. How did he forgive me? By chucking my iniquities into the deep, deep sea. Therefore, I have no right to hold a grudge against anyone. It'd be like accessorizing my outfit with a purse of dripping, stinking mud. My overcoat is to be love (verse 14) because it covers over a multitude of sins. If I truly love others, their faults I no longer see.
Once dressed, I am to let the peace of Christ rule my heart, consume his Holy Word daily and raise my voice in songs of thankfulness. (verses 15 & 16)
Doing this each day will enable me to do ALL in the name of Jesus. I will be a well dressed woman, with the help of God.
Colossians 3: 17
As a believer, how should I dress before leaving the house? Colossians chapter three lists a selection of garments: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (verse 12) Wearing these helps me to bear with others in forgiveness, just as God forgave me. How did he forgive me? By chucking my iniquities into the deep, deep sea. Therefore, I have no right to hold a grudge against anyone. It'd be like accessorizing my outfit with a purse of dripping, stinking mud. My overcoat is to be love (verse 14) because it covers over a multitude of sins. If I truly love others, their faults I no longer see.
Once dressed, I am to let the peace of Christ rule my heart, consume his Holy Word daily and raise my voice in songs of thankfulness. (verses 15 & 16)
Doing this each day will enable me to do ALL in the name of Jesus. I will be a well dressed woman, with the help of God.
No End in Sight
"Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."
Isaiah 9:7
What do we know of eternity? Sometimes it seems like a boring speech goes on for an eternity, or someone may claim they will love you forever. When my mother and I visited her former high school, we sang the school's song that spoke of "eternal loyalty". (I had to chuckle since my mom barely remembered anything about the place.)
The definition of eternal is: without beginning or end, existing through all time, forever the same, always true. In light of this, the human idea of eternity seems ridiculous.
Only God is truly eternal.
How confused the followers of Jesus must've been when he was crucified. The prophecies these Jewish people knew like the back of their hand said their Messiah would reign on David's throne with eternal righteousness and justice. Where is this increase of his government? What happened to the endless peace?
The first advent of Christ was to establish his kingdom of believers. He wants no one to perish, thus he departed with his Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The second advent will put the Evil One in his place, all people will be judged and Jesus will reign with the saints. Then, the government will be upon his shoulders and he will verily be the Prince of Peace. Amen, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.
Isaiah 9:7
What do we know of eternity? Sometimes it seems like a boring speech goes on for an eternity, or someone may claim they will love you forever. When my mother and I visited her former high school, we sang the school's song that spoke of "eternal loyalty". (I had to chuckle since my mom barely remembered anything about the place.)
The definition of eternal is: without beginning or end, existing through all time, forever the same, always true. In light of this, the human idea of eternity seems ridiculous.
Only God is truly eternal.
How confused the followers of Jesus must've been when he was crucified. The prophecies these Jewish people knew like the back of their hand said their Messiah would reign on David's throne with eternal righteousness and justice. Where is this increase of his government? What happened to the endless peace?
The first advent of Christ was to establish his kingdom of believers. He wants no one to perish, thus he departed with his Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The second advent will put the Evil One in his place, all people will be judged and Jesus will reign with the saints. Then, the government will be upon his shoulders and he will verily be the Prince of Peace. Amen, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Give to Receive
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Proverbs 3: 9 & 10
I don't grow crops but I can imagine all the work that goes into the process: soil preparation, planting, weeding, watering, insect control, harvesting. It would be tempting to feel rewarded by that first piece of fruit when all is said and done. After all, I did all the work, right?
Could I have done any of it without sun, soil, rain or the initial seeds?
I have been made by Christ and for Christ; all of my resources come from Him. The Bible teaches some things in a backward way than what society would have me do. If I want to have overflowing barns, why would I give any of it away? However, nothing really belongs to me, does it? The house I live in was once occupied by someone else who may even be deceased by now. The car I drive will be in the junk yard one day. The food I ate yesterday will run through tomorrow's sewers.
Don't be tight-fisted. Give generously, first to God, then to others and you will be rewarded beyond measure.
Proverbs 3: 9 & 10
I don't grow crops but I can imagine all the work that goes into the process: soil preparation, planting, weeding, watering, insect control, harvesting. It would be tempting to feel rewarded by that first piece of fruit when all is said and done. After all, I did all the work, right?
Could I have done any of it without sun, soil, rain or the initial seeds?
I have been made by Christ and for Christ; all of my resources come from Him. The Bible teaches some things in a backward way than what society would have me do. If I want to have overflowing barns, why would I give any of it away? However, nothing really belongs to me, does it? The house I live in was once occupied by someone else who may even be deceased by now. The car I drive will be in the junk yard one day. The food I ate yesterday will run through tomorrow's sewers.
Don't be tight-fisted. Give generously, first to God, then to others and you will be rewarded beyond measure.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
A Valuable Heirloom
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 4: 14 & 15
My mother would regularly quote scriptures that pertained to my circumstances in life. When I was mad at my sister, she'd listen to my grousing before gently reminding me: "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." When I became restless and bored, she'd say, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop," as she handed me a list of chores. When, as an adult, the storms of life caused me to doubt, she'd mail a small card to me with these words: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Why did she coach me in this way? It's because she'd tested the faith for herself and knew the word of God to be an unfaltering foundation, not just for the time being, but for all eternity. The Scriptures were woven into the fabric of my days just as naturally as good recipes, happy memories and family traditions. This type of heirloom cannot be stolen, will not come apart and will always retain its value.
I'll take it!
2 Timothy 4: 14 & 15
My mother would regularly quote scriptures that pertained to my circumstances in life. When I was mad at my sister, she'd listen to my grousing before gently reminding me: "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." When I became restless and bored, she'd say, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop," as she handed me a list of chores. When, as an adult, the storms of life caused me to doubt, she'd mail a small card to me with these words: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Why did she coach me in this way? It's because she'd tested the faith for herself and knew the word of God to be an unfaltering foundation, not just for the time being, but for all eternity. The Scriptures were woven into the fabric of my days just as naturally as good recipes, happy memories and family traditions. This type of heirloom cannot be stolen, will not come apart and will always retain its value.
I'll take it!
Have a Little Compassion
"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out."
Isaiah 42:3
One of my neighbors is a smouldering wick. The evidence of her disadvantages or poor choices in this life are seen in her unkempt yard and noisy nights. While I feel sorry for her children, I find myself running out of patience with her. I wish she'd clean up her act.
Am I being Christ-like? Would Jesus act that way toward her?
Thank God, Jesus is not like me. I am ashamed of myself as I feel the loving, compassionate eyes of my Savior bearing down hard on me! I can envision Jesus patiently bending over a wick being drowned in wax, coaxing it along until the flame burned brightly once more. Tenderly, he'd keep fertilizing and pruning a struggling house plant that I would have set on the curb long ago.
Christianity is a tougher road to walk when it goes right by the front of your house, isn't it? If I had the courage of Christ, I'd go talk to this neighbor and offer a hand. If I am to reflect the compassion of God in my life, I had better clean up MY act!
Father, forgive me. Help me to remove the log in my own haughty eyes before I worry about the speck of sawdust in those of my neighbor. I thank you for not giving up on me when I smoulder in my sins.
Isaiah 42:3
One of my neighbors is a smouldering wick. The evidence of her disadvantages or poor choices in this life are seen in her unkempt yard and noisy nights. While I feel sorry for her children, I find myself running out of patience with her. I wish she'd clean up her act.
Am I being Christ-like? Would Jesus act that way toward her?
Thank God, Jesus is not like me. I am ashamed of myself as I feel the loving, compassionate eyes of my Savior bearing down hard on me! I can envision Jesus patiently bending over a wick being drowned in wax, coaxing it along until the flame burned brightly once more. Tenderly, he'd keep fertilizing and pruning a struggling house plant that I would have set on the curb long ago.
Christianity is a tougher road to walk when it goes right by the front of your house, isn't it? If I had the courage of Christ, I'd go talk to this neighbor and offer a hand. If I am to reflect the compassion of God in my life, I had better clean up MY act!
Father, forgive me. Help me to remove the log in my own haughty eyes before I worry about the speck of sawdust in those of my neighbor. I thank you for not giving up on me when I smoulder in my sins.
God's Laundry Soap
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:2
"Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" Isaiah 1:18
When my husband worked for the water department, he'd often come home dressed in mud, head to toe. He even had mud in his ears! Now, I don't care what claims the leading brands make, all the soaking, scrubbing and spraying could not thoroughly clean those clothes. So, he wore stained stuff!
Here is one of God's mysteries: How can blood cleanse? I thought it made unsightly stains, but there is power in the blood of Christ. Jesus, the Ultimate Stain Fighter, leaves no hints of former ground-in grime or grease to remind us of all the mud in our lives. Once we repent of our scarlet stains, he washes us whiter than snow so we don't have to go around in stained stuff. So, put on the righteous robes of the Savior and you will be the best dressed person around.
"Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" Isaiah 1:18
When my husband worked for the water department, he'd often come home dressed in mud, head to toe. He even had mud in his ears! Now, I don't care what claims the leading brands make, all the soaking, scrubbing and spraying could not thoroughly clean those clothes. So, he wore stained stuff!
Here is one of God's mysteries: How can blood cleanse? I thought it made unsightly stains, but there is power in the blood of Christ. Jesus, the Ultimate Stain Fighter, leaves no hints of former ground-in grime or grease to remind us of all the mud in our lives. Once we repent of our scarlet stains, he washes us whiter than snow so we don't have to go around in stained stuff. So, put on the righteous robes of the Savior and you will be the best dressed person around.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Jesus Meets You Where You Are
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me."
Revelations 3:20
Jesus meets me where I am. He comes to my house, knocking and calling my name, because he desires a true, daily relationship. A simple meal, a quiet conversation, wondering how I've been - I can have this closeness with my Savior if I but open the door.
That's how Jesus is. He goes out looking for the lost sheep. He enters the home of sinners and notorious no-gooders, just as he did in Bible times.
Zacchaeus was a despised tax collector. When Jesus came to his town, he wanted to see him but was too short to peer over the crowd. So, he climbed a sycamore tree that branched out over the road. When Jesus walked beneath, he stopped, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus met him where he was, in the middle of the road, in a tree. "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today," Jesus said in Luke 19, verse five.
Jesus is calling your name today. Don't tarry! Answer his call right away and you won't be sorry. I am living proof.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Luke 19:10
Revelations 3:20
Jesus meets me where I am. He comes to my house, knocking and calling my name, because he desires a true, daily relationship. A simple meal, a quiet conversation, wondering how I've been - I can have this closeness with my Savior if I but open the door.
That's how Jesus is. He goes out looking for the lost sheep. He enters the home of sinners and notorious no-gooders, just as he did in Bible times.
Zacchaeus was a despised tax collector. When Jesus came to his town, he wanted to see him but was too short to peer over the crowd. So, he climbed a sycamore tree that branched out over the road. When Jesus walked beneath, he stopped, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus met him where he was, in the middle of the road, in a tree. "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today," Jesus said in Luke 19, verse five.
Jesus is calling your name today. Don't tarry! Answer his call right away and you won't be sorry. I am living proof.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Luke 19:10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)