July 19-- Romans 7-Romans 9
Observation: So many good verses in this:
- 7:15b "For I do not do what I want, but the very thing I hate"
- 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"
- 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
But the part that hit me was 8:26, "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us, with groanings too deep for words".
Application: Have you been there? At the end of your rope? Not knowing what else to pray? We get there don't we? I read this on the second day of my trip, when I'd seen so much poverty. So much love. So much grace. I'd driven on dirt roads and mixed concrete until my shoulders ached. I'd sweated out every ounce of water I had. I'd laughed and wanted to cry. And my heart was full. A few times I tried to pray and had no words.
This was Rosa's Old House. Dirt floor, patched up rusted tin,
the other side was open or patched with black trashbags.
We built her a new one--with a concrete floor.
When I read Paul, I realized that's when the spirit prayed for me. Stepped in. Saved the day. That's when the Spirit works best--when we give all our words and feelings and lives to him. Have you let the Spirit have control of your life? Then its time. Give up your groanings and love and joy and fears to the Spirit.
Prayer: Spirit--We have no words. So, pray for us. With us. Give us the words. Give us the power that doesn't even need words. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
July 20-- Romans 10-Romans 12
July 21-- Romans 13- Romans 15
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
4 comments:
When I am reading scripture to prepare for my blog, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me in choosing a meaningful verse for that day. When writing, I pray that He will give me the words to best express my thoughts that they might inspire others to want to know more about the Lord.
I felt the sting of "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me." I think I am doing good, but here comes that critical word or judgmental thought- evil right there with me. Hopefully the Spirit can set me right before I hurt someone with my words, or expressions.
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Emily, love your pictures... it reminded me of a woman we visited during a mission trip in Mexico who fed all the children in her 'neighborhood' of shacks along the railroad tracks everyday at lunch. Before feeding them they had a Bible lesson and sang songs. Her house was made of pieces of lumber, plastic, and cardboard yet she gave out of what she had. It was one of the most generous things I've ever seen. It certainly my life in a different perspective. Love this verse from today's reading, "What, then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things?"
I loved 8:6 -- "to be spiritually minded is life and peace". I closed my eyes and focused on the word peace. Such a calming word...Come Spirit, dwell in me. God, I want to be yours. Help me give it all to You. Remind me often that NOTHING on earth can separate me from your love. Thank you.
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