May we be as wise as those who sought Him that night...
God is Worthy of our Praise
From Romans 16:25-27: Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
"Do you have any prayer requests?" I asked a woman on Saturday. "Yes," she replied immediately, "Pray for the world." Indeed. The world needs this prayer of Paul; I need this prayer of Paul. We need to recognize that we are weak in so many areas and it is showing in the world today. We've become weak in sharing the gospel and in proclaiming Jesus Christ. We're making the mystery stay secret to those who need to hear it. Glory is something we're seeking, rather than giving it to God.
God has made His wisdom available to us, and what have we done with it? Paul's prayer comes at the end of his gospel to the people of Rome. His list on instructions share the names of so many who were active and working for the good of the gospel in the capitol of the greatest nation in the world at that time. These were the wise, who had taken advantage of the Truth once shared with them, and they knew it was to God's advantage and theirs, to share it with all who would listen. The gospel brings hope, joy, and peace, and as we pray for the world and ourselves in it, we know we need of these things as well.
This epistle lesson comes after the announcement to Mary that she would bear this wonderful son for the good of the world. May our lives be part of the prayer that helps save the world from itself, and saves it to God.
PRAYER: Loving God, to You be all honor and glory. May Your strength be ours, as we seek to proclaim Your love through Jesus Christ to all the world. This we pray in His holy and strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Please keep Rev. Harold Onwiler in your prayers this morning as he undergoes a heart procedure in Austin, Texas. Also, keep his sweet wife, Roma, in your prayers. May God bring healing to Harold and peace to Roma.
