SCRIPTURE
Romans 16:17 "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."
OBSERVATION
The early church had growing pains and struggles. There was much to learn after Jesus came and went and Paul became a wise patriarch for them. His direct revelation from the Lord gave him an authority and boldness in carrying out his role. But, in his absence, some of the churches experienced division, contrary teachings, and other problems. Paul's letters to them attempted to help settle some of these issues in his absence.
APPLICATION
In this verse, he simply tells the church in Rome to stay away from the troublemakers who were disrupting what they were taught.
How many people or things become obstacles for us today? What is in our way that prevents us from serving the Lord as we should at all times? Are there people we should avoid who are a negative influence on our Christian lives? Are there places or events from which we should stay away? What is monopolizing our precious time, preventing us from doing what God wants us to do?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see with Your eyes the things and people that are obstacles to my life with You. Let me carefully choose how I will spend my time each day to fulfill Your perfect will for my life.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Everything That Was Written
SCRIPTURE
Romans 15:4 "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."
OBSERVATION
In these chapters, Paul is writing to encourage the church in Rome who appear to be having issues regarding the differences among Christians - Jews and Gentiles. Paul instructs them to not judge or fight over such matters as circumcision or dietary laws, but instead to use Scripture as a source of encouragement and to endure all things.
APPLICATION
As I read this particular verse, I took it as more of a personal directive. That is, since Scripture was written to teach and encourage us, it is my "How To" book for life and living. I should become daily more familiar with it's contents to draw from as I go through my days. Verse 4 then ends with an added reminder of hope through our faith in Jesus. How can people endure adversities without that hope?
PRAYER
Lord, keep me ever mindful of my need for more and more knowledge of Your word. Encourage me to make it the #1 priority of my day. And thank you so much for our hope that is Jesus!
Romans 15:4 "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."
OBSERVATION
In these chapters, Paul is writing to encourage the church in Rome who appear to be having issues regarding the differences among Christians - Jews and Gentiles. Paul instructs them to not judge or fight over such matters as circumcision or dietary laws, but instead to use Scripture as a source of encouragement and to endure all things.
APPLICATION
As I read this particular verse, I took it as more of a personal directive. That is, since Scripture was written to teach and encourage us, it is my "How To" book for life and living. I should become daily more familiar with it's contents to draw from as I go through my days. Verse 4 then ends with an added reminder of hope through our faith in Jesus. How can people endure adversities without that hope?
PRAYER
Lord, keep me ever mindful of my need for more and more knowledge of Your word. Encourage me to make it the #1 priority of my day. And thank you so much for our hope that is Jesus!
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