Scripture-- Romans 13- Romans 15
Observation: This stopped me in my tracks: Romans 14:20-23a "20Don't let your appetite destroy what God has done. All foods are fit to eat, but it is wrong to cause problems for others by what you eat. 21It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that causes problems for other followers of the Lord. 22What you believe about these things should be kept between you and God." In the translation I read in Nicaragua, the first verse said, "Do not for the sake of food destroy the work of God".
Application: How many things do I lead people to believe to be barriers to Christianity. How many people am I keeping out of the Kingdom by what I say or do? I think of our Church (not KUMC, but our CHURCH--the one bigger than Methodists!), and how we are keeping people out by what we do. We're condemning instead of forgiving. Or, we are being hypocritical and not loving or living as we should. I pray we continue to struggle to become relevant, loving reflections of God's love!
Prayer: God, show us our errors. Forgive our sins. We repent of the times we made food or clothes or "extras" get in the way of your love. Let us be vehicles of your grace. Let us love like you. Let us preach your love to the ends of the earth! Amen
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
July 22-- Romans 16
July 23-- 1 Corinthians 1- 1 Corinthians 3
July 24-- 1 Corinthians 4 -1 Corinthians 6
July 25-- 1 Corinthians 7-1 Corinthians 9
July 26-- 1 Corinthians 10-1 Corinthians 12
3 comments:
Are the rules we live by God's, or are they rules we made up ourselves or a group of humans created? Food, drink, clothes, dancing, the way communion or baptism is done are things between us and God. We shouldn't judge each other on these "disputable matters". Christians should seek unity, like Jesus asked us to do, and stop judging each other.
What an amazing transformation! The man who persecuted Christians, who stood by and watched Stephen be stoned now says, "Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." The devout Jew who followed Jewish law to the letter now says, " I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself." If God can transform Paul in such a powerful way, what can he do in my life? May I be open to such transformation...
Several basic instructions stood out for me:
1. People in authority can be God's ministers for our good.
2. Owe no one anything except love.
3. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love is the fulfillment of the law.
4. Don't judge the individual ways we all have for worshipping God.
5. Seek out Christian brothers and sisters for fellowship and encouragement.
My favorite verse today was 14:17.
The Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit!
Can I get an AMEN to that? :)
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