Titus 2: 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Paul is talking about grace and salvation. He has offered advice targeted to young and old, men and women, slave and free. Paul is very concerned about the kind of role models the young church provides. He believes that they are only waiting a short time for the second coming.
This is hard to understand. Why are people so sure Christ will return during their lifetimes? This is still happening today. I do want to be with my savior, but the descriptions of the second coming don't sound very attractive. Even if I am prepared to meet my maker, I know and love people who aren't. They would never have a chance to come to know God like I do and would suffer greatly.
Prayer: Lord, I am trying to live my life as a good role model for Christianity. I want to represent You well. I pray for those I love who don't know You. Help me to guide them to a place where they can meet You.
Amen
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
June 29, 2014
Psalm 86: 16. Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
David has many praises for God. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful. David's enemies are arrogant, but they will be shamed by the grace shown to David by his awesome God.
I am in my mother's home, so this verse really spoke to me. I need God's strength and mercy this morning. I have cried as I messaged Sherri. She is so good, and yet her suffering is so great. She apologizes for being a burden to me even as she suffers. She is not a burden, and my faith is strengthened as I pray for her.
Prayer: I need Your strength to help Sherri through this trying time in her life. Be right beside her, Lord, and offer her comfort in her time of pain. Guide me to send her messages of comfort.
Amen
Saturday, June 28, 2014
June. 28, 2014
Psalm 80: 3 Restore us, O God;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved.
The Psalmist tells of all the retribution God will bring to the unfaithful people. They have suffered in many ways for their transgressions. Paul tells a similar tale to Timothy. Many people have conspired to bring him down. God will there in the end to redeem him. The Psalmist asks for restoration and salvation from God.
I'm disturbed at what I heard about Sherri today. She is suffering from the effects of the radiation that is supposed to cure her cancer. I'm asking God for relief from the pain which prevents her from eating and drinking.
Prayer: Lord, make your face shine on Sherri. She needs relief from the pain in her throat. Please be with her and strengthen her resolve during this difficult time. Restore her health.
Amen
Friday, June 27, 2014
June 27, 2014
2 Timothy 2: 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul is wrapping up this letter to Timothy. He has warned him about people with bad intentions who mislead others, especially women. They care only about their own pleasure. Paul reminds Timothy that he comes from better stock. With that background and his training, Timothy is ready to do some really good work.
Lots of fighting and idol worship in today's OT reading and slim pickings in Paul's writing too. So I chose this passage about Timothy's spiritual background. This reminds me to be thankful for those who came before me, preparing me to accept the gift of faith God offered me. I was so blessed to be surrounded by God's people who made me receptive when He spoke to me.
Prayer: Lord, today I am grateful for my spiritual ancestry. I am so thankful that You blessed my life with people of faith. Guide me to pass that blessing on to those I meet.
Amen
Paul is wrapping up this letter to Timothy. He has warned him about people with bad intentions who mislead others, especially women. They care only about their own pleasure. Paul reminds Timothy that he comes from better stock. With that background and his training, Timothy is ready to do some really good work.
Lots of fighting and idol worship in today's OT reading and slim pickings in Paul's writing too. So I chose this passage about Timothy's spiritual background. This reminds me to be thankful for those who came before me, preparing me to accept the gift of faith God offered me. I was so blessed to be surrounded by God's people who made me receptive when He spoke to me.
Prayer: Lord, today I am grateful for my spiritual ancestry. I am so thankful that You blessed my life with people of faith. Guide me to pass that blessing on to those I meet.
Amen
Thursday, June 26, 2014
June 26, 2014
2 Timothy 2: 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful
Paul is giving more advice. God is with us, as long as we don't disown Him. We may not be very faithful, but He always is. And we need to represent Him well, putting aside our own desires for the greater good. The OT reading for today is Jonah. It's a story about hearing the word of God and responding in His way, not our own initial reaction.
We need to serve without reservations. It's kind of amazing how Paul sums up the Jonah story in his advice to Timothy. Jonah fled from God, but he couldn't escape. Then he tried to disown the results of his own ministry. He was sure the Ninevites did not deserve redemption,even though every one of them had repented. God knows better than us. Just shut up and serve Him with joy.
Prayer: I know I overthink things, sometimes I do it out loud and say things I shouldn't. Guide my words and thoughts to be of service to you. Let me see Your will and follow it cheerfully. Amen
Paul is giving more advice. God is with us, as long as we don't disown Him. We may not be very faithful, but He always is. And we need to represent Him well, putting aside our own desires for the greater good. The OT reading for today is Jonah. It's a story about hearing the word of God and responding in His way, not our own initial reaction.
We need to serve without reservations. It's kind of amazing how Paul sums up the Jonah story in his advice to Timothy. Jonah fled from God, but he couldn't escape. Then he tried to disown the results of his own ministry. He was sure the Ninevites did not deserve redemption,even though every one of them had repented. God knows better than us. Just shut up and serve Him with joy.
Prayer: I know I overthink things, sometimes I do it out loud and say things I shouldn't. Guide my words and thoughts to be of service to you. Let me see Your will and follow it cheerfully. Amen
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
June 25, 2014
2 Timothy 1: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Paul is writing to Timothy again. He misses him and wants to remind him to stay loyal and faithful. He cites examples. He reminds Timothy of the faithfulness of his mother and grandmother. He tells of those who have deserted him.
I like the imagery of not being timid. Since there are non-believers in my family,I sometimes rein in my spiritual side in their presence. Instead I need to feel the power God gives me and speak with love about all God does for me.
Prayer: Lord, help me to use the power You grant me to show all around me the joy and peace You give me every day. I feel Your power in my life, and I need never be timid about showing that to others.
Amen
Monday, June 23, 2014
June 23, 2014
1 Timothy 5: In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
Paul is advising Timothy about the church. He is concerned about the widows and has lots of rules about caring for them. He has advice about elders too. And he warns that sins, as well as good deeds, will become apparent.
Paul can come off as a busy-body to me at times. I don't question his intentions...I know he was trying to grow the church. But he micromanages the details with a little too much judgment for my taste. It was heartening, however, to see him end this chapter with an affirmation that good acts will ultimately be rewarded.
Prayer: Lord, I know I will stand in judgment before You some day. I want my faith and my actions to be pleasing to You. Guide my life towards this end goal.
Amen
Sunday, June 22, 2014
June 22, 2015
1 Timothy 4: 4. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving
Paul is concerned about Timothy. He knows that people with their own agendas will try to influence him. Timothy is young, and they may distract him with their rules. Paul says it is not necessary to worry about trivial things; instead we should focus on our blessings and read Scripture to better understand it.
I am in a special position to recognize all God has given me. God has blessed me with loving family and friends, with a strong body, with material comfort and with a gorgeous natural world.
Prayer: God has been so good to me. I am pleased to sing the praises of all He has provided. Please, Lord, guide me through Your amazing world to make the most of all the blessings You have shared with me.
Amen
Thursday, June 19, 2014
June 19, 2014
2 Kings 2: 9. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you."
Elisha has been following Elijah from place to place. Prophets in each place ask him if he knows that Elijah is about to be taken from him. He does. Elijah asks this question,and Elisha wants a double portion of Elijah's spirit. With a warning, Elijah grants the request. Elijah leaves in the whirlwind,and Elisha begins to do miracles.
I am weak in faith. I was sure that retirement would bump up my faith, but I fall right back into self-reliance. I didn't lean on God like I should. Why is it so easy to fall into old habits?
Prayer: I want to be more faithful. Guide me to You, O Lord. Let first impulse be to turn to You in prayer.
Amen
Elisha has been following Elijah from place to place. Prophets in each place ask him if he knows that Elijah is about to be taken from him. He does. Elijah asks this question,and Elisha wants a double portion of Elijah's spirit. With a warning, Elijah grants the request. Elijah leaves in the whirlwind,and Elisha begins to do miracles.
I am weak in faith. I was sure that retirement would bump up my faith, but I fall right back into self-reliance. I didn't lean on God like I should. Why is it so easy to fall into old habits?
Prayer: I want to be more faithful. Guide me to You, O Lord. Let first impulse be to turn to You in prayer.
Amen
June 18,2014
Colossians 4: 5. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Paul is sending advice from his jail cell, written in his own hand. He wants the church to be fair and loving.
I wish everyone who identifies themselves as Christians would follow this advice. We are so judgmental. If we are talking advantage of every opportunity to represent Christ to everyone we meet, we will be happier and the Great Commission will be fulfilled.
Prayer: Lord, let me represent You in all my daily contacts, whether with friends or with strangers.
Amen
Paul is sending advice from his jail cell, written in his own hand. He wants the church to be fair and loving.
I wish everyone who identifies themselves as Christians would follow this advice. We are so judgmental. If we are talking advantage of every opportunity to represent Christ to everyone we meet, we will be happier and the Great Commission will be fulfilled.
Prayer: Lord, let me represent You in all my daily contacts, whether with friends or with strangers.
Amen
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
June 17, 2014
Colossians 3: Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness,humility, gentleness, and patience.
.Paul is giving advice to the congregation. Above all they must love each other. They should treat each other fairly, with no divisions according to race or social standing. They should end the sinful patterns of the past.
I like the list of virtues. If only people could deal with each other with love, patience and humility. The humility seems especially important. We live in a culture which tells us to grab whatever we desire as a kind of birthright. We get angry if our desire isn't fulfilled. How much better would our lives be with a little humility to remind us of all we already have and a lot of patience when things don't go our way?
Prayer: Lord,grant me patience and gentleness with others. Guide my thoughts and actions towards loving kindness to all your people. Amen
.Paul is giving advice to the congregation. Above all they must love each other. They should treat each other fairly, with no divisions according to race or social standing. They should end the sinful patterns of the past.
I like the list of virtues. If only people could deal with each other with love, patience and humility. The humility seems especially important. We live in a culture which tells us to grab whatever we desire as a kind of birthright. We get angry if our desire isn't fulfilled. How much better would our lives be with a little humility to remind us of all we already have and a lot of patience when things don't go our way?
Prayer: Lord,grant me patience and gentleness with others. Guide my thoughts and actions towards loving kindness to all your people. Amen
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16, 2014
1 Kings 19: 12. After the earthquake came the fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Elijah has been a loyal servant to God, and God has protected him. Now Elijah has returned to civilization, but what he finds is troubling. Jezebel wants him killed. He goes to God for comfort. Then God comes to him in a whisper. He tells Elijah what to do next.
I love the God of the whisper. He will not perform as the people want, but He is there for those, like Elijah, who listen carefully. I need to focus on the still small voice, the whisper of God, to find my path through life.
Prayer: Lord, I am listening. I know of so many of Your people who are in need. Guide my path to serve You and them.
Amen
Elijah has been a loyal servant to God, and God has protected him. Now Elijah has returned to civilization, but what he finds is troubling. Jezebel wants him killed. He goes to God for comfort. Then God comes to him in a whisper. He tells Elijah what to do next.
I love the God of the whisper. He will not perform as the people want, but He is there for those, like Elijah, who listen carefully. I need to focus on the still small voice, the whisper of God, to find my path through life.
Prayer: Lord, I am listening. I know of so many of Your people who are in need. Guide my path to serve You and them.
Amen
Thursday, June 12, 2014
June 12, 2014
Philippians 2: 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This is the end of a sort of poem, where Paul tells the people to honor the needs of others above their own needs. In doing that, we are Christ-like, b/c he took the lowly form of a man although he was God, and was obedient even to death. God has exalted Jesus so that we should all bow and worship him.
There is no way we can ever live up to Christ's example. We are weak, and our salvation only comes through Christ's sacrifice. We must never forget how humble we are, and we must take the time to acknowledge that. We serve an awesome God and His only son.
Prayer: Lord, I do accept my limitations. I know that I am weak. I know I can only come to You through the sacrifices You and Your son made on my behalf. Please strengthen me so that I can more nearly approach all You intend for me to be.
Amen
This is the end of a sort of poem, where Paul tells the people to honor the needs of others above their own needs. In doing that, we are Christ-like, b/c he took the lowly form of a man although he was God, and was obedient even to death. God has exalted Jesus so that we should all bow and worship him.
There is no way we can ever live up to Christ's example. We are weak, and our salvation only comes through Christ's sacrifice. We must never forget how humble we are, and we must take the time to acknowledge that. We serve an awesome God and His only son.
Prayer: Lord, I do accept my limitations. I know that I am weak. I know I can only come to You through the sacrifices You and Your son made on my behalf. Please strengthen me so that I can more nearly approach all You intend for me to be.
Amen
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
June 11, 2014
Philippians 1: 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith
Paul is torn between the life he is now living in prison and the promise of eternal life to come. He knows that the afterlife will be far superior to life on Earth, but he doesn't feel that his work on Earth is done. His desire is to join Christ, but he feels it is necessary to complete his ministry on Earth.
I haven't suffered like Paul in prison. I haven't battled cancer or any other life-threatening illness personally. However, this passage struck me as a similar message. For those who fight for their lives against illness or injury, this must be the way they think. It would be nice to join our heavenly family and end the suffering, but one must go on until the race is over on Earth.
Prayer: I pray for all those who are fighting for their lives. They need to feel the promise of eternity with You, but they also know their worth here. So many people I know or know of are facing this battle. Be with them and guide them so that their work on Earth can be fulfilled, and then draw them near to you. Console those who are left behind.
Amen
Paul is torn between the life he is now living in prison and the promise of eternal life to come. He knows that the afterlife will be far superior to life on Earth, but he doesn't feel that his work on Earth is done. His desire is to join Christ, but he feels it is necessary to complete his ministry on Earth.
I haven't suffered like Paul in prison. I haven't battled cancer or any other life-threatening illness personally. However, this passage struck me as a similar message. For those who fight for their lives against illness or injury, this must be the way they think. It would be nice to join our heavenly family and end the suffering, but one must go on until the race is over on Earth.
Prayer: I pray for all those who are fighting for their lives. They need to feel the promise of eternity with You, but they also know their worth here. So many people I know or know of are facing this battle. Be with them and guide them so that their work on Earth can be fulfilled, and then draw them near to you. Console those who are left behind.
Amen
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
June 10, 2014
Ephesians 6: 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Paul has a lot of good imagery in the chapter. Your feet are in readiness from the Gospel of peace, you have a breastplate of righteousness, a helmet of salvation and a sword of the Spirit. You can extinguish the flaming arrows of evil with the shield of faith you carry. And your continuous prayers will be effective.
I need to focus on this continuing relationship with God through prayer. As I retire at the end of the week, that is one of my greatest hopes--freed from career-related stress, I will be more focused on prayer throughout each day, not just as it begins and ends.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to pray more often and more thoughtfully. Help me to send my requests to You continuously, without lapsing into self-reliance and pride. I know You will respond to my faithfulness with mercy and love.
Amen
Paul has a lot of good imagery in the chapter. Your feet are in readiness from the Gospel of peace, you have a breastplate of righteousness, a helmet of salvation and a sword of the Spirit. You can extinguish the flaming arrows of evil with the shield of faith you carry. And your continuous prayers will be effective.
I need to focus on this continuing relationship with God through prayer. As I retire at the end of the week, that is one of my greatest hopes--freed from career-related stress, I will be more focused on prayer throughout each day, not just as it begins and ends.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to pray more often and more thoughtfully. Help me to send my requests to You continuously, without lapsing into self-reliance and pride. I know You will respond to my faithfulness with mercy and love.
Amen
Monday, June 9, 2014
June 9, 2014
Ecclesiastes 11: 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Solomon adds to his list of advice. He is full of advice about kings and fools. He warns against laziness. But here he is addressing people who need to appreciate the moment, without forgetting that the Lord will judge their actions. Enjoy your life, but don't forget there are consequences. Paul says much the same in Ephesians.
This seemed perfect for the last Monday of my career. I retire on Friday. It is compelling to think that youth and vigor are overrated. I need not worry about anything, including the frailty of my body. I have an awesome Lord who will guide my later years!
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for the many years in my career, but I look forward to retirement. You have blessed me in my 60 years on Earth, and I trust You to guide my remaining years as well. I offer You praises for all my blessings, not the least of which was the gift of faith You gave me so many years ago and the people in my life who have helped me to strengthen that gift.
Amen
Solomon adds to his list of advice. He is full of advice about kings and fools. He warns against laziness. But here he is addressing people who need to appreciate the moment, without forgetting that the Lord will judge their actions. Enjoy your life, but don't forget there are consequences. Paul says much the same in Ephesians.
This seemed perfect for the last Monday of my career. I retire on Friday. It is compelling to think that youth and vigor are overrated. I need not worry about anything, including the frailty of my body. I have an awesome Lord who will guide my later years!
Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for the many years in my career, but I look forward to retirement. You have blessed me in my 60 years on Earth, and I trust You to guide my remaining years as well. I offer You praises for all my blessings, not the least of which was the gift of faith You gave me so many years ago and the people in my life who have helped me to strengthen that gift.
Amen
Sunday, June 8, 2014
June 8, 2014
Ecclesiastes 8: 15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.
Solomon is giving more of his wisdom to us. He warns us that "the race does not go to the swift," that random things happen to us all, regardless of how good we are or how evil we are. We need to enjoy our spouses, our food and drink, our lives as God gave them to us.
I really like the resurrected Jesus who comes to the disciples and asks for fish and eats it. This shows me that he, too, enjoyed his life on Earth. He could find the blessings of daily events, like the company of friends and good food shared. We must find our joy in the midst of daily struggle. Bad things happen, even to good people, and we could not bear this if it was not for the joy we take in our everyday lives.
Prayer: Lord, help me to find more joy in my life and those I share it with. I will come back from the good times more ready to face the bad with grace and faith. I praise You for all the blessings I have received from You in this life, and I look forward to the next life with You and all it will hold for me.
Amen
Solomon is giving more of his wisdom to us. He warns us that "the race does not go to the swift," that random things happen to us all, regardless of how good we are or how evil we are. We need to enjoy our spouses, our food and drink, our lives as God gave them to us.
I really like the resurrected Jesus who comes to the disciples and asks for fish and eats it. This shows me that he, too, enjoyed his life on Earth. He could find the blessings of daily events, like the company of friends and good food shared. We must find our joy in the midst of daily struggle. Bad things happen, even to good people, and we could not bear this if it was not for the joy we take in our everyday lives.
Prayer: Lord, help me to find more joy in my life and those I share it with. I will come back from the good times more ready to face the bad with grace and faith. I praise You for all the blessings I have received from You in this life, and I look forward to the next life with You and all it will hold for me.
Amen
Thursday, June 5, 2014
June 5, 2014
Proverbs 31: 31. Honor her for all her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gates
Solomon has been listing the traits of a good wife. She is not selfish or lazy. B/c of this, her family thrives.
I thought of all the great women I have known. The people of Bible times don't always give women much respect. But Solomon gets it.The good wife and mother plays an important role in the family success.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be the wife,mother and daughter You know that I can be. Let my actions be the ones which lift my family up.
Amen
Solomon has been listing the traits of a good wife. She is not selfish or lazy. B/c of this, her family thrives.
I thought of all the great women I have known. The people of Bible times don't always give women much respect. But Solomon gets it.The good wife and mother plays an important role in the family success.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be the wife,mother and daughter You know that I can be. Let my actions be the ones which lift my family up.
Amen
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
June 4, 2014
Psalm 60: 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
David has written a song. He is upset b/c he says God has rejected them. They have suffered, but now a banner is raised. He understands that he needs more than humans can provide. He needs God's help to be victorious.
I will be asking God for help too. Two friends are suffering, and others mourn. I fear for the health of my mother, and I am always a little anxious about my children. I have felt God's love, and I will ask for deliverance and mercy.
Prayer: Lord, I am asking for help for those You and I love. You know their needs and mine. We suffer from the harsh reality of the world we live in, and we know that human hands cannot heal our needs. We need You. I pray for myself, my family and friends that we feel Your powerful touch in our lives.
Amen
David has written a song. He is upset b/c he says God has rejected them. They have suffered, but now a banner is raised. He understands that he needs more than humans can provide. He needs God's help to be victorious.
I will be asking God for help too. Two friends are suffering, and others mourn. I fear for the health of my mother, and I am always a little anxious about my children. I have felt God's love, and I will ask for deliverance and mercy.
Prayer: Lord, I am asking for help for those You and I love. You know their needs and mine. We suffer from the harsh reality of the world we live in, and we know that human hands cannot heal our needs. We need You. I pray for myself, my family and friends that we feel Your powerful touch in our lives.
Amen
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
June 3, 2014
Proverbs 25: 25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
Solomon continues to give his good advice. He is not willing to live with a difficult wife. He adds a touch of humor by advising that giving your enemies food & drink will "heap coals" on their heads while satisfying your good intent. He warns about digging a pit into which you may fall.
This verse spoke to me in a couple of ways. I was thinking of Sherri, who began chemo yesterday and was so sick today. Then I thought about Leroy and our trip to London. Both are about old friends, and the good news would be of very different natures. Leroy sends pictures of his child, which make us smile. For Sherri, the good news would be that her treatments are successful and also less troubling for her as they continue.
Prayer: Lord, I beseech You to make Sherri's treatments effective. Please comfort her and minimize the side effects she must endure. Lord, guide us in our travels to see Leroy and his family. Make this trip be one of joy and building lasting relationships.
Amen
Solomon continues to give his good advice. He is not willing to live with a difficult wife. He adds a touch of humor by advising that giving your enemies food & drink will "heap coals" on their heads while satisfying your good intent. He warns about digging a pit into which you may fall.
This verse spoke to me in a couple of ways. I was thinking of Sherri, who began chemo yesterday and was so sick today. Then I thought about Leroy and our trip to London. Both are about old friends, and the good news would be of very different natures. Leroy sends pictures of his child, which make us smile. For Sherri, the good news would be that her treatments are successful and also less troubling for her as they continue.
Prayer: Lord, I beseech You to make Sherri's treatments effective. Please comfort her and minimize the side effects she must endure. Lord, guide us in our travels to see Leroy and his family. Make this trip be one of joy and building lasting relationships.
Amen
Monday, June 2, 2014
June 2 2014
Romans 14: 4. Who are you to judge somebody else's servant? To their own master they stand or fall. And they will stand for the Lord will make them stand.
Paul has a lot to say about the law and setting a good Christian example. Instead of being concerned with how others eat or worship we can focus on our own relationship with God.
I find this great advice. I don't think God needs me to judge His people. He's got that covered. I should concentrate on myself.
Prayer: Help me to reserve judgment. Guide my thoughts and actions to improving my relationship with You.
Amen
Paul has a lot to say about the law and setting a good Christian example. Instead of being concerned with how others eat or worship we can focus on our own relationship with God.
I find this great advice. I don't think God needs me to judge His people. He's got that covered. I should concentrate on myself.
Prayer: Help me to reserve judgment. Guide my thoughts and actions to improving my relationship with You.
Amen
Sunday, June 1, 2014
June 1, 2014
Romans 13: 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Paul is telling about the expected behavior of the church. We are to honor and respect authority. We are also expected to eliminate debt, except for that most important debt--we owe it to others to love them.
On the first day of the last month of my teaching career, I contemplate loving my neighbor. If I act in love, I have done everything I could do to be more Christlike. Simple and yet very complex and deep...how can I love my neighbor better? What steps would make me a more loving human?
Prayer: Lord, let me become more loving of those I meet. As I slow down in my level of stress and responsibility, help me to ratchet up the level of loving kindness in my thoughts and deeds. I long to be more in touch with Your will for my life.
Amen
Paul is telling about the expected behavior of the church. We are to honor and respect authority. We are also expected to eliminate debt, except for that most important debt--we owe it to others to love them.
On the first day of the last month of my teaching career, I contemplate loving my neighbor. If I act in love, I have done everything I could do to be more Christlike. Simple and yet very complex and deep...how can I love my neighbor better? What steps would make me a more loving human?
Prayer: Lord, let me become more loving of those I meet. As I slow down in my level of stress and responsibility, help me to ratchet up the level of loving kindness in my thoughts and deeds. I long to be more in touch with Your will for my life.
Amen
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