Good day dear friends.
Let us be in prayer for Dolly White (Darryl's mom) undergoing hip surgery in San Antonio at the Nix Hospital. Also, for the Board of Ordained Ministry of our conference meeting at Mt. Wesley in Kerrville. And for the Astros. Lord, is it too much to ask?? I've only been a fan since 1964...
We continue our study of evangelism and what it is that we have to offer. Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Read again the Romans 12 passage. Make this a checklist of what Paul is saying is ours if we commit our lives to Jesus Christ. Which ones are easy to check as those things we’re currently doing? Which ones have we left unchecked? What should we do about it?
Here is the Romans 12 passage: 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Here is your checklist, please check those that are true in your life. No check means a NO response.
( ) Is my love genuine?
( ) Do I hate evil?
( ) Do I hold fast to what is good?
( ) Do I love others?
( ) Am I outdoing others in showing honor?
( ) Is my zeal (enthusiasm) lagging?
( ) Is my spirit ardent (i.e. do I "burn" for the things of God?)
( ) Am I serving the Lord?
( ) Do I rejoice in hope? (Astros aside)
( ) Am I patient in suffering? (Okay, Astros included)
( ) Do I persevere in prayer?
( ) Do I give to the needs of the saints (church, needy)
( ) Do I show hospitality to strangers?
( ) Do I bless those who persecute me?
( ) Do I refrain from cursing those who curse me? (Fingers included)
( ) Do I rejoice with those who rejoice?
( ) Do I weep with those who weep?
( ) Do I live in harmony with everyone (family included)?
( ) Do I think I'm better than others?
( ) Am I aware of those I think are beneath me?
( ) Do I think I know more than everyone else?
( ) Do I seek revenge (repay evil for evil)?
( ) Do I share water with the thirsty?
( ) Do I help feed the hungry?
( ) Do I seek to overcome evil with good?
What a checklist! It might profit us more to print this out and have it somewhere where it will remind us that as Christians we know a better way to live. That list above shows things that the world is not used to seeing. It reflects a lifestyle not seen in most competitive settings. It also reflects a life lived in prayer asking God to help us because left to ourselves we do the opposite of most of the things on that list.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus into my heart and fill it with Your love. Let me be the person that I've been called to be when I said yes to you. I can't do it alone. I need You. So I will trust You and walk with You this day. I pray in Your name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
