Day 41: The Weak and The Strong

Romans 14, 15, 16

I can admit that I used to be one of those people who said, “I’m not sure how the stories of the Bible relate to my life and problems now.”  In the little time that I have spent in the Word, I realize now that anyone who says this has yet to read their “owner’s manual”.  I used to wonder, “How am I supposed to apply this story to {present situation}?”

As I read Romans 14 & 15, I couldn’t help but realize that the Bible is filled with practical applications.  I may not be able to understand what is different about being able to figure out application but I do know that it is all due to God.  I realized that I am a culmination of both the weak and the strong.  It has essentially become harder – because I now have the knowledge.

As I read about the instructions that Paul gave to the Romans as far as the weak and the strong go, I could easily see myself in both classifications.

¹Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. Romans 14:1

⁴Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4

⁸If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.  ⁹For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. ¹⁰You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Romans 14:8-10

¹We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ²Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. ³For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^{[a] 4}For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:1-4

¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dear Lord, as I deepen my relationship with You, let your Spirit fill me with joy and peace.  The joy and peace that you bestowed on all of us – though undeserved. may it serve as a reminder of our weakness and of your great strength.  I pray that you may humble any desire of boasting for earthly reasons, let it be boasting for you and that I may seek Your truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 38: Peace & Joy

Romans 5, 6, 7

By being justified in our faith, we have the luxury of being granted peace and joy.  Think of it.  Regardless of what we’ve done, by coming and repenting before God and truly abiding by His instructions – we get to experience peace.  This, however, does not mean that we will be free of stress, pain and hurt.  Why?  Being saved does not reflect on the ease of life.  It means quite the contrary.

³Not only so, but we^[a] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Is this not true?  Isn’t suffering the root of becoming a stronger person – to persevere – to build character?  It draws upon your trust and faith in Him.  I realized this just recently.  When I had what I thought I needed (job, money, love, friends), it was hard for me to grasp the concept of complete trust and faith.  It made me quite the sad believer.  I wasn’t sure why I felt this way.  When my stability was taken away from me, my inner faith had to burst through.  It was then, that I realized that God does provide.  He provided me with a peace and joy that I will never be able explain – but will forever be grateful.

Dear Lord: Thank you for granting me peace and joy through the marvelous sacrifice of your Son’s blood.  I realize more and more that it isn’t the earthly things that provide me with peace and joy, but your grace, forgiveness and the gift of my salvation.  Thank you for loving me, even though I am a sinner, enough to sacrifice your one and only Son. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 11: Go Home

Day 11: Mark 5, 6, 7

Have you ever felt this spiritual wash where you felt renewed and wanted to shout to the world that God is your Savior?  Have you wanted to immediately go on a missions trip to spread the word?  This has happened to me, one too many times.  Usually, after a moving testimony or a strongly convicted baptism – the weeks follow with unfruitful attempts at resurrecting my passion for my salvation.

I worry that every time, that my passion and enthusiasm is for the wrong reason.  I’ve been approaching it very incorrectly.  The passion and enthusiasm was fine, the magnitude just doesn’t have to be to some desolate third world country.

¹⁸As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis^[a]how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

The important part that struck me the hardest was Jesus’ instruction to not come with him.  The cured man’s work was clearly cut out for him at home.  With that instruction, he trusted.

Father, allow my passion for you to burn inside me – genuinely.  Do not let me doubt my actions or intentions.  Allow me to be content with where you have placed me. Thank you for that peace.
Amen