God of History, make history in the life of this dear reader today in whatever s/he may be facing. In Christ Jesus' Name, amen.
Let us be thankful for that which defines us. Let us be more thankful for that which we allow God to do in us and through us that defines us even more. Ultimately, it is our relationship with God and the resulting fruits of that relationship that will matter most. Yes, we can proudly wear the label that says we are Christians. We also can choose the secondary labels of church affliation and membership, but it will be what is in our heart and how we allowed God to make that evident that will matter most. Sadly, some hide behind tradition. A colleague would lament that most of his anguish and battles in his church came because of the importance of a tree planted years ago by a long deceased member. That member's descendents took great pride in that action, though they had ceased attending or giving to the church. Any matters of moving forward or advancing the space for ministry were stopped because of that tree. What "tree" is in your life? It could be a pew given by your grandparents. It could be the any number of things and while those are important and appreciated, the ultimate question is what does it matter really, when it comes to the way you're living your life?
Paul shares these same thoughts towards the Jew and how they hid behind their birth and race. Our passage from today addresses those as found in Romans 2:17-3:8.
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God 18 and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, 19 and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, 21 you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." 25 Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. 29 Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God. 3:1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much, in every way. For in the first place the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true, as it is written, "So that you may be justified in your words, and prevail in your judging." 5 But if our injustice serves to confirm the justice of God, what should we say? That God is unjust to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my falsehood God's truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not say (as some people slander us by saying that we say), "Let us do evil so that good may come"? Their condemnation is deserved!
Paul also says, it's not just what we know, but how we live it. We could be the best preachers, teachers, counselors, etc. all for the sake of the Lord, but when it comes to our living what we preach, teach and share, if we do not live our lives in righteousness, then what good has it done us or God or God's people? Again, it's not what's on your resume, it's what's in your heart, your face, your hands. Are you showing love, smiling at folks, helping others? Or are you busy adding one more item to the list of accomplishments that you believe will be impressive to God?
Live and give to please and serve God, not yourself.
PRAYER: Loving God for all those who have blessed my life I am thankful. For the gifts and works of others in my family, I am thankful. But Lord, I know that ultimately, those things will pass away or not be used anymore like we may have wanted. Help me to know it is what I can and should do right now to be a blessing to You and Yours that really matters. Let me hide no longer behind tradition and history, but let me build on our relationship. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUESTS: Please be in prayer for Rita Tanburg who was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon. I visited with her last night and she's very upbeat and optimistic. Also, Pam Pettijohn is having surgery tomorrow morning on her knee. Please pray that God may comfort and heal her. Also, we learned of the death of Cathryn Edmiston, former resident of Camelot Village; she died up north and her family requested a memorial service and interment of her remains for Saturday, September 26th. Please pray God's comfort for the Edmiston family. And dear friends, our prayers for the Kennedy family upon hearing the news of Sen. Ted Kennedy's death. They suffered much especially in these last few weeks. May God comfort them.
