Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”

During the time of Paul, he was known for being a great theologian. He had a highly trained mind that was sharper and keener than anyone else in comparison at that time. Then there was Apollos, who was a polished orator. People were impressed with his speaking abilities and magnetic personality. Both were significantly used by God. God made them both, yet they each had different gifts and talents in teaching and preaching and guiding the people regarding the Word of God.

The power of God’s Word has the ability to change lives – to bring people to repentance and make their life turn around and follow after Christ. The Word of God has the power to mentally illumine the mind – like what we call having the light bulb going on in our brain to the truth found in God’s Word and to have purpose in living.

God does not care about our image, our successes, our accomplishments, our popularity or lack of demand. God only cares about our heart’s condition and examines our motives. As Paul said in 1 Cor. 4:2, we are to remain faithful to do what is right.

Paul stated to the Corinthians that they should imitate Paul himself, or Timothy, who Paul considered a (1 Cor. 4:15-16) “faithful child of the Lord.” I think of a couple women in my life that I feel have been my mentors and examples that I look up to and want to follow. I have had a woman mentor in my work, and now I am looked to be a mentor in that arena. But I make mistakes and sometimes have trouble handling conflict issues. I am competitive and goal orientated. I need to alter my expectations of others that don’t share those characteristics. I have to ask God for wisdom and forgiveness in lacking patience. Then I view a few women that have encouraged me in my walk with the Lord that God placed in my life at specific needy times. That has been priceless. I want to do that for others.

Who is it that you look up to that you know that you want to imitate?

Are you one to be imitated? Or are you in a season of needing God to intervene and rescue you?

Paul was a leader and servant of Christ. The Message states in 1 Cor. 4:4: “The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don’t even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. You already have all you need.” Wow! Can I get to that point in my life as Paul did? Paul didn’t live for the applause of people but for God’s kingdom in mind.

“God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.” 1 Cor. 4:20 MSG.

Listen to Lauren Daigle’s new song Rescue (Official Music Video) 3:45 min. YouTube.

1 Corinthians 3:8-9: “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field. God’s building.”

This week marked the beginning of the Fall season which is also known as harvest time for farmers in the Midwest. Paul often used agricultural images in his letters. Planting and watering are both needed for crops to grow. Both work towards the same goal. Paul says we are God’s fellow workers as His working partner. A cross-reference is Matthew 16:27: “ For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” That is the day we believers are anxiously looking forward to as we plant and build and apply God’s Word into our lives and into others, and then God gives the growth. We need to be reminded, on this earth, of Galatians 6:9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Paul says in 1 Cor. 3:9, “You are God’s field. You are God’s building.” Fields get tilled –soil preparation, then planted, watered, cultivated, weed control measures applied, and then the crop is picked, which is known as harvest time. Farming requires diligence and hard work. Farmers have to depend on God to supply the right amount of rain and the right amount of sunshine to get a plentiful crop. Each year their income is totally dependent on God’s provision. I think they know the power of God’s creation and that it is out of their control because the weather is not always ideal, in a more intimate way, than other forms of making a living.

The human heart is compared to soil and the Word of God to seed in Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23. When we hear and read the Word of God we need to absorb and apply it in our hearts – like watering seeds in the soil in order for them to grow into plants that are strong and will not wilt under adverse conditions.

Buildings get built from a set of blueprints. The foundation is the most critical part of the building because the size, shape, and strength of the building always is determined by its foundation. The strength of the building rests on its foundation. Our foundation is Jesus Christ and nothing else. Both agriculture and architecture have a process of time involving due diligence to come to fruition. Paul’s spiritual gifts involved designing and building spiritual foundations within the lives of the people in the churches in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece from preaching Christ. He built the groundwork whereas Timothy and Apollos built the churches up from Paul’s foundations. God blessed and gave the increase all due to His grace and power.

Jon Courson has said:

                “Feel like you’ve been tilled a bit this week? Don’t be surprised. You’re God’s field.

                The good news is that when fields get plowed, it means something excellent is about to be planted.”

Do you feel your life is being turned upside down lately? Has life taken a detour? Don’t give up. Don’t “get weary of doing good.” Your heavenly reward awaits you! Keep looking to the Cross of Jesus Christ and all that He did on your behalf. Jesus’s blood and grace are sufficient. He paid for every sin that bothers us so much. Keep planting and building God’s kingdom for your reward is ahead. Keep glorifying Christ.

Who can you help today not to be discouraged, or show love and compassion to, and motivate by your example, from the lessons God has taught you?

Our reward is waiting for us in Heaven. I need to remember what Jesus has done for me on the cross and is telling me – “Look what I have done for you. If I can die and rise again, I can take care of this for you. You are my field. You are my building, and I am Your cornerstone that squares the building, so it doesn’t fall apart and disintegrate and crumble.”

Listen to Pat Barrett – Build My Life (Lyric Video) (ft. Cory Asbury) – YouTube

1 Corinthians 2:9-10: “But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”

I have agonized over a presentation for work, I was preparing for this past week to a group of Research & Development chemists and Process Engineer, for a company that is a customer of mine. I had been sent twelve preparatory questions to address and answer for this meeting I was asked to conduct and teach. The senior chemist of the department required the whole lab to hear me speak on a very current and vital specific topic involving formulating and producing hair care and skincare products with a particular ingredient. My preparation involved gathering facts of information on the subject I was asked to teach on, and have been trained on, and incorporating this information on my PowerPoint slides. It took considerable time to put together all of my data for my training session, and I was concerned it needed to be just right. I was giving guidance to fortify their understanding of handling a new area in this realm that has great difficulty in incorporating this ingredient into hair and skin care formulations. I was presenting logical, factual, information in this critical area, and I wanted it to be done just right in my delivery. I needed to be prepared for any questions that might arise during my presentation.

Thus, the word “prepared” in 1 Cor. 2:9 caught my attention as I was reading this chapter. Some say that the word “prepared” used in 1 Cor. 2:9 is referencing God has “prepared” Heaven for us that are believers. Paul paraphrases in quoting Isaiah 64:4 regarding Israel in captivity awaiting God’s deliverance: “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those that wait for him.”Paul is applying this reference to the church in 1 Cor. 2:9. Paul is talking about the wisdom God has prepared for believers. God is revealing these things to us here and now as verse 10 says. God’s truth is not discoverable by objective evidence (eyes or ears) nor is it discoverable by rational conclusions. It comes by faith in accepting God’s message of salvation. Our future is secure no matter what our circumstances are which gives us hope. The gospel gives us light, life, and liberty. We as believers will see things and know things others can’t because the Spirit reveals to us the big picture eternally as we read and study His Word. Our minds cannot begin to perceive or comprehend God’s plan for us in His preparation of making us complete in Christ, as the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to understand and obey the message of the gospel and God’s will.

A month from now, the essential powerpoint presentation I taught and agonized over will be in the past tense. It will be behind me and already is. But the wisdom God has for you and for me we cannot see with our human eyes and cannot hear with our ears. Instead, the Spirit reveals it to our mind and heart spiritual truths as we pray to God and as we read His Word. He is preparing us because He loves us. Therefore, every day is a good day – Roman 8:28 is a promise– but I cannot always see it or visualize it, and I don’t always feel like it can be for my good. But I have to remember it is God’s eternal plan. He is my shield of protection and invisible bodyguard. He has the big picture in mind – eternity – and so often I just need to get through today.

How has God been preparing you this past week in deepening your relationship with Him?

What incidents do you now see as not as significant as they first appeared? I am not intending to belittle anything you have been going through. I have been there too, and unpleasant circumstances have seemed to be increasing these past few weeks further challenging me.

What trials have God caused you to be better prepared in an area than before and been wiser for undergoing the situation? What lessons did you learn about faith and trust in the Lord?

The Message states 1 Cor. 2:9-10 this way: “God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes . . . what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene . . . The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along.”

My time spent in preparation for my presentation in my work that I wanted to appear very knowledgeable and wise was a reminder that God is preparing me in ways I don’t even know about or understand. The Holy Spirit will give true wisdom, discernment, instruction, and guidance, as we read the Word of God in order to reach proper conclusions, and make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. There is hope ahead.

Listen to Danny Gokey’s Hope in Front of Me (Official Lyric video) – YouTube. Posted Jan. 23, 2014.

1 Corinthians 1:17-18: “ For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Paul’s mission in life, after his conversion, was to know nothing but Jesus Christ. He didn’t try to engage in grand and audacious arguments of persuasion but held strictly to the word of God. He states in 1 Cor. 2:4: “And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith may not rest in the wisdom of men.” Paul came speaking without any attempt to impress or dazzle with eloquence or intellect, and his passion was to preach the gospel plainly and without compromise. He spoke on an everyday level even though he was a highly educated man himself. His argument for the gospel begins with God the creator of all and ends with God, the judge of all. That’s pretty much it in a nutshell.

The Greeks and Romans, in Paul’s day, took pride in intellectual brilliantly worded pretentious rhetorical persuasions and were entertaining in their instructional speeches and human reasoning by their scholars and philosophers. Greeks did not believe in a bodily resurrection and thought no reputable person would be executed as a criminal. They did not look for the message of the cross because they found it too simple. The Jews demanded miraculous signs (1 Cor. 1:22), and when they were asked a question, they would answer with a question. They took pride in arguing, debating, appeared arrogant, and had supreme self-confidence. They thought the Messiah would be a conquering king, a descendant of David to come and establish the Kingdom of God on the earth. These Jews were not looking for the message of the cross either. They were looking for a miraculous Messianic deliverance.

The power of the gospel changes peoples hearts and lives. Nothing else can. No politician, or modern philosopher, can change our culture that worships power, wealth, and influence. Our relationship and union with Christ results in having God’s wisdom and knowledge which is wiser than human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24). Skill and intelligence do not get us into God’s kingdom – only simple faith does. That is the wisest decision anyone can make.

When all is falling in on us at work, where should we go? Flee to Jesus and the message of the cross! It all goes back to doing the main thing is the main thing –faithfully and obediently following Jesus Christ. Luke 1:37 declares: “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Jesus gives direction and gives us hope. The solution to every problem, no matter who you are, is in Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Lysa Terkahurst has said: “Being a steadfast leader is important. Yes, reading books on business and leadership is good – but the Word of God transforms lives. God saved my soul. Only the Word of God transforms lives. We must stay in the Word of God!.”

What have been your “But God” moments recently?

What verse or verses, has the Holy Spirit spoken just to you that have made an impression and given you insight and direction? Be sure to write them down when this occurs so you can review them over and over again to remind yourself of what He had said to you when you needed it the most and He will do it again.

Listen to Casting Crowns – Nobody featuring Matthew West (Visualizer Video). 3.27 minutes.

1 Corinthians 1:4-8: “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge – even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you – so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is interesting to note what Paul did state and didn’t state in his letter to the church in Corinth, in the first few verses of 1 Corinthians. He did not say he thanked God for the Corinthians righteousness or faithfulness because neither was the case with the believers in Corinth and Paul later spends time rebuking sin and correcting error in the church. Instead, he thanked God for “the grace of God that was given you.” The people had been given spiritual gifts, due to God’s grace, so their lives were enriched – fortified, enhanced, skilled in speech, well-taught, intelligent, and knowledgeable about the Word of God. The word “enriched” comes from the Greek word plutocrat. A plutocrat is a very wealthy person. The Corinthians were very prosperous in two of the gifts – speech and knowledge of God. They possessed great spiritual wealth. Paul congratulates and praises them on having earned these gifts because it was a testimony to the truth of the gospel, of Christian doctrine, and a confirmation of the evidence of Christ as they were living in eager expectation of Christ’s return. Paul communicated encouragement first before giving stern correction to these immature and prideful believers.

Paul focused on the term “grace” in his greeting and benediction (1 Cor. 16:33). He prayed that the believers would live for the Lord Jesus Christ by experiencing God’s strength – God’s grace. God had given them a variety of grace-gifts because of God’s sovereign will to confirm the reality of their salvation experience. Paul puts grace and peace together in 1 Corinthians and other epistles he wrote, and always put “grace” first because one cannot have real and lasting peace unless he understands God’s powerful grace.

How can you see God’s grace in your life recently?

How are you using the spiritual gifts that God has given you? They are not meant to be only used at church – did you realize that?

God has richly provided His grace in my life especially during the past few weeks. How about you? God has enrichment progressively purposed for the grand finale when Jesus will arrive to take us home.

The Message states 1 Corinthians 1:5-8 this way: “There’s no end to what has happened in you – it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. Just think – you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.”

Listen to Your Grace Is Enough lyric video by Matt Mahler.

Romans 16:19: “For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”

Don’t we all want our parents and our boss to be proud of us? We want reaffirmation that our efforts have been appreciated and noticed regarding our benefit in what we do or have done as we became an adult, and in our work role. However, what is even more critical, is for God to say to us – You have been faithful to me. Well done – good job!

Paul lists in the last chapter of Romans, thirty-five people that stood out to him from being a benefit to him in his ministry. Many of the people he listed were unknown. It is the most extensive list and intimate expression of love for fellow believers and coworkers in the whole New Testament. It gives us a glimpse of the character of this early church and how personal Paul was in his relationships with people. Friends were important to him besides being a soul winner.

Paul mentions ten women, two married couples, single people, five men that appear to be spiritual leaders, two groups of whole households, and at least three groups that represented house churches,  that had influenced people for Christ with Paul, that he is sending greetings to in the last chapter of Romans. He lists Epenetus, the first convert in Asia. One name of particular interest to me was Aristobulus. He was a grandson to Herod the Great. The very one that had tried to annihilate Jesus by killing all the Jewish males under two years of age. Herod was a butcher of anyone threatening his power. Yet his grandson is listed among the household of faith in Paul’s list, that had been of benefit to Paul and stood out in Paul’s memory as being durable and faithful leaders. Each one held a positive memory and contribution to Paul’s ministry.

I can think of five people that have encouraged and influenced my Christian walk during my lifetime as Paul said in Romans 16:19b: “to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” Who are the people in your life that have done the same for you?

We must remember to keep doing the main thing which is the main thing: To love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as Christ has loved us. Jesus warned the apostles in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Even today we must use good judgment and be aware of false teachers while reading books and listening to various teachers and preachers trying to convince one that they are teaching the truth. Paul says to identify them and avoid them.

Despite our maturity in Christ, we must expect disillusioning crisis circumstances will occur, but to be unwavering in our perseverance and endurance in maintaining our Christian character.

Studying the book of Romans should make us more stable in our faith, clearer in doctrine, understanding principles to live by, and grasping the power of scripture and prayer. Then we must apply God’s will to our lives by walking fully in the grace and glory of God, demonstrating love for one another in unity, as we march forth today in His presence, in obedience and staying faithful.  How have you been challenged in these areas recently?

May God say “Well done! Good job!”

Listen to The Afters – Well Done (Official Lyric Video).

The apostle Paul was ambitious in preaching the gospel of God’s grace where Christ was not known. Paul’s actions accompanied his words with sustained hope. He lived it and yet was not afraid to show his vulnerability and ask for fervent prayer. He states in Romans 15:28: “When therefore I have completed (planned to travel to Rome and then onto Spain) this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.” Paul’s plan to come to Rome (Acts 22-28) was accomplished but not as he intended, since he arrived in Rome as a prisoner.

Paul asked passionately for the church to pray for him (the Holy Spirit had warned him in town after town that prison and hardships were facing him, Acts 20:23; 21:4; 11) for three things:

1. That he might be protected from the unbelievers in Jerusalem so he could continue his ministry, for the Jews desired to put him to death.
2. That the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem might accept him and the financial aid he had collected by their Gentile fellow believers in Greece, for famine relief funds.
3. That he would come with joy to Rome, and be refreshed by their company, so he could continue his ministry and go to Spain.

Did Paul experience anxiety? Yes – he had good reason to and he showed his vulnerability and asked for specific needs to be answered and met for him. He stated he needed their prayers more than ever and stated it twice, which emphasized the intensity of his need for prayer. Paul’s dependence was upon God and God’s people involving his plan and vision.

Paul experienced severe stoning, from unbelieving Jews, but his life was spared only when he was taken into protective custody by a man named Lycinius, a Roman soldier (Acts 21). Not as he intended.

Strangely, Paul was never accepted by some of the believers who were the underlying reason for the stoning he received. Paul spent two years in prison in protective custody. He was falsely accused by Jewish leaders in the temple – the very comrads he formerly served when persecuting Christians, and arrested. He was in court numerous times, escaped an assassination plot on his life, was in prison for months, and then exercised his right to have his case heard in Rome since he was a Roman citizen. His enemies created an opportunity for Paul to witness for Christ, but this was not as he intended.

Did he arrive in Rome with joy? He traveled as a prisoner in chains. Paul thanked God and took courage (Acts 28:15). He arrived but not as he intended. Paul got to preach the gospel with unexpected access to the emperor of Rome himself. That was not in his original plan.

Was Paul protected? Yes, because he did not die, and lived, but not as he intended since he was in protective custody for two years.

Was he accepted by the believers? Not initially – but eventually yes – but not as he intended. Paul knew that the church in Jerusalem looked upon him as a dangerous innovator and that they were very conservative. Peter himself instructed the believers in 2 Peter 3:15, to listen to what Paul had to say.

Did he make it to Rome? Yes, and his trip was accomplished with all expenses paid – but not as he intended.

Paul’s prayers were answered, but not in the way he intended. God had His sovereign plan, and it was carried out through Paul’s life despite the circumstances. Paul kept his dream and vision for spreading the good news of Christ despite intense opposition. Lives were touched, people were saved, and Paul maintained his hope and joy and peace found only in God, due to the prayers of others. Right before Paul’s death, he stated: “I have finished my course.” 2 Timothy 4:7, yet it was not as he had intended.

Have you experienced an unexpected u-turn in your plans that were not as you had intended? Are you still waiting for the finish line to appear? Have you felt your safety net has disappeared? Despite the circumstances you had not intended, think about how God has provided comfort, knowledge, wisdom, strength, given you peace, encouragement through other believers, and calmed your fears in ways that you had not intended?

Listen to Mercy Me – Even If (Official Lyric Video). I think Paul would have sung this song too, if he had had it with him in prison in Rome.

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

What expectations do you have? We often base our expectations around anticipation with obtaining pleasure in achieving an expectation with confidence based on faith and hope. Some common expectations we all have are for:

• Our children.
• Our job.
• Our marriage.
• Our dreams.
• Our leaders and mentors.

Paul’s prayer of blessing to the church in Rome was that they would live equipped in a common bond of unity in their relationships with one another as mature believers and not as immature believers. He had expectations for these Gentiles and Jews that made up the church, that they would be admonishing and building and cheering each other up to keep moving along in sharing the abundant grace they have been given in Christ, so they can be an impact on the world.

The NIV version states Romans 15:13 this way: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Have you given your dreams to God? Have you asked God what dreams He has for you in your work? Jesus brings rest and peace, and the devil brings restlessness, striving, and pain. Your identity is not in your success or failure; it is in Christ. I have to keep telling myself that over and over and over again. Our responsibility is to believe in the God who can, who is the great I AM. The Scriptures give us hope. Rom. 15:4 states: “. . . that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Christ in you is the hope in glory that we possess. As you go about your day you are in the presence of God. Colossians 1:27 declares: “ . . . the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” God himself, in the person of Christ, will be directly and personally with you. His presence assures us of our future life with Him when He returns. This is the competitive advantage you possess in your life. It is Christ in you, teaching you how to pray, transforming you as you read His Word (Rom. 12:1-2), instructing you with the wisdom you ask Him for, and walking with you every where you go.

May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, and may you be filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, so you will brim over with abounding hope!

This reminds me of the Newsboys song, “That’s How You Change the World.” Watch and listen to the words. Be aware of simple needs all around you in being a light in the dark. That is how we can change the world so that they may abound in hope too.

Romans 15:1-2: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

How has your week been going? Have you been working through obstacles or has it been free sailing for you? Have you felt weak or strong? Do you dare admit you may have felt God seemed silent? Maybe you have felt like Peter, boldly climbing out of the boat and walking on water to meet Jesus, but then realized the wind was coming up so started to sink because he looked down, and his eyes left looking at Jesus (Matt. 14:29-32). Peter was afraid and cried out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus lent Peter His hand and took hold of him and helped Peter get safely back into the boat and then the wind stopped. But Jesus did ask Peter as he saved him from drowning: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt (v.31)?”

The church in Rome was a very diverse group. There were Jews and Gentiles, slaves, and free people, wealthy, and poor, legalistic, and not legalistic in their Christian faith. Much like today. Paul addressed the Romans that those who are strong have a responsibility to lift up, encourage, tolerate, and support those that are weak in faith just as God had given them endurance and encouragement (Rom. 15:5). They needed to have unity and live in harmony with each other. We are to do the same as Paul also said in 1 Thess. 5:14: “And we urge you brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

The word “strong” in Rom. 15:1, is the Greek word dynatos. It means able, powerful, mighty, mighty in wealth and influence, strong in soul, to pick up and carry a weight. It involves being able to bear calamities and trials with fortitude and patience and excelling in something. Our struggles, God will use to build others up as God has so built us up with endurance, perseverance, and learning to trust and pray. It goes back to keeping the main thing the main thing.

Today the modern cultural mindset is to look out for number one – put yourself first and let anyone else fall where they may. But Paul counsels the people that true happiness and fulfillment in life – is get your eyes off of yourself and on Jesus – on heavenly things. Then you will find yourself lifted up and built up and able to walk on water as Peter did. Psalm 16:8 declares: “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”

Do you ever stop and examine, while amid an overwhelming problem, that you might be irrational (I admit, this just happened to me last week)? The emotions are flowing like Niagara Falls, and you cave in and wish for a quick escape. Your imagination takes over with all kinds of fears. That is when you need to seek out a friend, and get back into God’s Word and reflect upon God’s promises. That is what the Christian family does – bearing with those who are weak, giving a word of correction gently, when needed, and listening so they can help analyze and assist in sharing the Holy Spirit’s direction of truth as you hit the pause button for just a moment. One’s life is not always like an organized Excel spread sheet neatly planned out.

Out of the blue, while recently sitting and enjoying being at a Dodger’s game on a Saturday night, a text from one of my customers, who is a Christian popped up on my iPhone which said: “As you sleep tonight, I pray God will surprise you in the morning with breakthroughs and miracles. Amen!” Those words were a needed welcome reminder and surprise at just that moment, and God did just that for me on Monday morning!

So at the end of your day today, ask yourself the following questions:

1.How did Jesus show up?

2. What did He do?

3. Who am I obligated to encourage and build up today as Christ has done for me? Write it down in a journal.

I would love to hear from you in sharing these details in your life.

Jon Courson has said in his Application Commentary on Romans 15:1-3: “It’s as though the Lord gives us broad principles in the Word and then says, “See Me for further instructions. Talk to Me about specific application.”

The MSG version of Romans 15:2 says it this way: “Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” “

Lend out your dynatos like hand today to someone in need, just as Jesus has lent out His dynatos hand to you. Allow yourself to take your turn to be on the receiving end of needing to be uplifted. Don’t sit in guilt feelings of failure. “We all are either going into a trial or coming out of one” as our Pastor Todd has said many times.

Listen to What A Friend Lyric Video by Matt Mahler. Lay your burdens down as you listen to the words.

Romans 14:1-3 HCSB: “Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues. One person believes he may eat anything, but one who is weak eats only vegetables. One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him.”

We all are strong in some aspects of our faith and weak in others. Isn’t it tempting to pass judgment on those that disagree on a doctrinal stand we are dogmatic about? There is a tendency with some people in any church to argue about nonessential things in their view of what is and is not to be in God’s will. They delve into that Christian indoor sport of self-righteous judging and trying then to change the other person. The early church in Rome had this very problem that Paul was addressing regarding controversies within the church family. Paul had just admonished the church in Rom. 13:13 to put on the armor of God and to stop sinning by “quarreling and jealousy.”

Each person must examine for themselves if something will cause them to sin and hurt their relationship with Christ in any doubtful area. Paul has just instructed in Romans 13:13, to “walk properly. . . . and not in quarreling.” The HCSB uses the phrase “don’t argue, in Rom. 14:1, and the ESV uses the phrase “not to quarrel over opinions” with someone who is “weak in faith, welcome him.” They could have weak faith or are weak in their faith.

I believe convictions need to be upheld, don’t misunderstand me. We must act upon our conscience and discernment based on the Word of God and not compromise. But sadly how harmful fighting about differences of opinion, not involving the grace of God and salvation found in our Lord Jesus Christ, is really a waste of time and is the opposite of being a living example of the peace found in Christ.

Wise Warnings Against Quarreling:

Proverbs 17:14: “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

2 Timothy 2:14: “Remind them of these things, and charge them before God, not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.”

2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”

I think Paul’s chosen words in 2 Tim. 2:14 and again in verses 24-25 sums it up precisely in regards to quarrels within the Christian community. We need to practice and live as Christ did – with solid firmness when needed but basked in gentleness and love. Paul, in this setting, is awaiting his death. He is reminding Timothy that the purpose of being a disciple and apostle for Christ is to proclaim the gospel – not to argue but to pursue righteousness (v.22), faith, hope, and peace, from a pure heart.

If you were awaiting your death, what would be your final words that you want to impress upon your family and fellow workers? What would you want them to remember you for?

I love the MSG version of Romans 14:1-3:

“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.”

We that are born again Christians have all been invited guests to Christ’s table, and all are welcome. I love the following verses found in the MSG which further declares: “So each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience. . . What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. . . It’s God we are answerable to – all the way from life to death and everything in between – not each other.” Romans 14:5-8 MSG.

The conclusion for us should be – accept and welcome all believers as our sister and brother in Christ. Show gentleness in differences of opinions and hold tight to your convictions of conscience. We all will have to give an account and answer for ourselves before God one day when we stand before God’s court of justice – the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10). We all are required to have faithful obedience and on that day every Christian will not be judged for sin but are to be given awards for what we have done for God’s glory in obedience to Him (1 Cor. 3:13-15).

We need to keep our focus on seeking intimate fellowship with Jesus, and being in His presence – that should be our priority. In judging others (I admit I have done this many times), or if you have been wrongly judged, remember God’s grace is freely given. Others, or you, may not know the full story. But God sees and knows it all. God says: “I am with you. I will see you through.” Set your heart continually on heaven. Some day God’s righteous judgment will be perfect and justified.

Now it’s time to eat some broccoli and filet mignon and thank God for providing it!

Listen to a special YouTube pictured song from Mercy Me. It is titled Mix-Grace Got You. It is the one with Star Wars characters pictured on the first screen and is 3:38 minutes. Enjoy!