Making Beautiful Music Together – Romans 12:15-16
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. I had the privilege of growing up in a house with some gifted vocalists: my mom, older sister, and a couple of older brothers. My youngest brother was the most accomplished of us all, singing opera professionally. I also like to sing. After…
Blessed to Love My Enemies – Romans 12:14, 17-21
Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance is Mine, I…
Giving and Sharing Leads to Seeing God Work and Bless Us – Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. In looking back over the last 49 years, I have been blessed by many who have shared with me and practiced hospitality. In the rough times, when I was in need, this meant the world to me. My Uncle John and Aunt Sandi are famous for this and welcomed all kinds of family members to stay with them and have always been extremely generous with their…
The Growing Process: Which Phase are You In? – Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope,patient in affliction,faithful in prayer. When we look at a vegetable plant, take for instance a tomato plant, there are typically three phases of growth. Phase one is underground. The seed, once planted, germinates and starts to sprout. This growth is unseen, though a gardener must trust it is happening. This is like prayer. We are called to pray. What is actually happening when we pray is a bit mysterious. But we must trust…
My Overriding Passion – Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Honeybees are a very interesting insect. They pollenate the flowers around them and produce honey. Now they work hard and have a mission, but one thing overrides their daily honey-making and pollinating — even at the risk of their own life — the protection of the queen bee and the eggs. They will fight ‘til the death, because when they sting you, they actually…
Devotion, Honor, Love … We Are Called and Strengthened for These – Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. We have some pretty great examples around us of “devotion” that brings forth life. Take a baby: a man and a woman come together and the wife becomes pregnant. Sometimes, this first step can take lots of effort and be full of trials. Then, the woman cares for this new life in her womb and the man cares for the woman and her new and…
How Do I Use My Gifts? – Romans 12:6-9
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil;…
Belonging and Togetherness – Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. –Parallel verses:Revelation 21:1-5aThen I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,…
The Pride of Seeking Value in the World
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. –Parallel verses:Philippians 3:1-4aFurther, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out…