Archive for October 2011

“The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much” – James 5:16 Please forgive the brief format change – The photo above captures a meeting of ministers who decided to unite together to combat violence. What makes this meeting unique is that these ministers have not worked together previously – in fact, there was a …

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 …

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.     Romans 12:17-18 Some smaller kids were playing, and a dispute arose among them.  Someone wanted a ball, the other …

15  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.   16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. Romans 12:15-16   Ever been around someone who is conceited?  Someone who has an overly exaggerated sense of themselves?  A person who …

14   Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14   This is a hard saying – Paul is echoing the mandate that comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:44).  It is a difficult thing to do – bless someone who is doing harm to you, and pray for someone …

13  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13   Arthur T. Gerald, my pastor at Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, MA, says the saints must get back to “radical hospitality”.  Showing hospitality means to welcome, host and entertain guests.  But the “spiritual art” of hospitality is found in the …

12  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12   I think these are good words to meditate on during your quiet time.  Be joyful…patient…faithful.  Seeing the words in this way, and thinking about what they mean in the Christian context, don’t they blend well together?  Can’t you see yourself having …

  11  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Romans 12:11   “Zeal” and “fervor” in our text infers an inner excitement one has about the Lord in your life.  If its inside, then it ought to be shown on the outside, as a consistent part of your personality.  There …

10  Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10   I found this fearless prayer of humility that I think is appropriate for the devotional verse today.  Written by a Catholic Cardinal Merry del Val in the 16th century, it feeds my soul.  Repeat this prayer, so it may feed …

9  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9   For Paul showing genuine love was crucial in building a fellowship.  Being “real” kept you from isolating yourself in a shell, or trapping yourself in your own insecurities.  Think about the friendships and relationships you will nurture today.  …