Day 233: Recap!

Day 226: Unpacking Romans 12-Good Overcomes Evil

Today we finished out the "Unpacking Romans 12" series and addressed some of the issues facing our world and communities today. We talked about how love is the only way to move forward and get past all the hate be spewed by so many people. We talked about how even in the midst of all of the injustice and racial tensions we must pray for those who are persecuting us. We focused on Romans 12:21.
"The only way we can overcome the evils of this world is by doing good. Evil cannot beat good. Hate cannot beat love. Dark cannot be light. Fear cannot beat hope. So today I want to encourage the body of Christ to love in the face of hate, to do good in the face of  evil. Be a light in the dark."

Day 227: All Summed Up

Today we broke down Romans 13:8-10 and as you can read in the devo, it had me shook! We talked about how through love we are fulfilling the law set forth by God through Mosed in the Torah. We talked about how loving God and loving each other drives us to righteousness and allows us to follow the laws of God and obey all of His commandments (you gotta read it).

"By obeying these two commands we obey all ten commandments. We do not ignore the law in the name of Jesus instead we honor it by following His path. What I mean is that Jesus gave us these two great commands to love God and love people. Now if we love God, ourselves, and others these commandments are fulfilled. Simply because love is the foundation of it all. We don’t hurt the people we love, we won’t steal from them, kill them, covet what have, sow discord, because love won’t allow us to do it. It’s almost as if love obeys the commands for us. When we love God we won’t put anything before Him or use His name in vain. Love won’t allow it."

Day 228: Pass No Judgement

Today we start a three part series, kind of. We talked about Romans 14: 1-6, and for the next two day we built on this subject. Today we talked about passing judgements on others who decide to live differently than us. We were talking about those who live sinful lives as opposed to Godly lives. We talked about how we as Christians choose how we want to live our lives and that looks different for each of us. Some of us are more traditional while others are more modern or contemporary, just to name one scenario.

"All this to say, for lack of better words, don’t be petty. Don’t pass judgement on someone and doubt their devotion to Christ because their life does not look exactly like yours. We as the body of Christ should be lifting each other up, praying for one another every chance we get. That way, there’s no time or room to be petty and judgmental."

Day 229: You Decide

Today we built on yesterday's subject by talking about the lives we choose to live. We talked about how for certain areas in our lives we get to choose whether it's right or not. We talked about a number of subjects like choosing to drink or not to drink. We talked about how some things are looked down upon or deemed sinful within the Christian community but they aren't actually a sin. We also talked about not being made to feel guilty about your decisions. We focused on Romans 14:22-23 and Ecclesiastes 9:7.

" I think many times we kind of set up boundaries to keep ourselves from sinning. We live these compact lives in these boxes of comfort that will keep us out of harm's way, keep us from temptation and sin. We are so concerned with not sinning that we forget to live."

Day 230: Don't Be A Stumbling Block

Today we talked about not doing anything that will cause our brother or sister to stumble. We talked about how it's not always what we choose to do that causes someone else to stumble. But it can be our judgments and our need to look like good Christians by tearing someone else down because we don't agree with the life they are leading. We focused on Romans 14:13, 19.

"I believe there is something much bigger than whether we agree or disagree, that doesn’t matter. What does matter is that people are not turned away by our judgmental faces and comments. What matters is that we put someone’s soul before our opinions. What matters is that we do not become the obstacle someone has to get over in order to get to Christ."

Day 231: The Sheep and the Shepherd

Today we talked about following God and listening to His voice. We dove into the analogy of the sheep and the shepherd and how it is synonymous to our relationship with God. We talked about how important it is for us as the sheep to listen to God and trust Him in order to have a relationship with Him. We focused on John 10:26-27.

"I think another important message to learn here is that in order for us to follow Christ and listen to His word we must trust Him. The flock trusts the shepherd with their life, everything they are depends on the shepherd, they have learned to trust their shepherd and listen to His voice. They will not follow the wrong voice either. I believe that as followers of Christ, if we do not trust Him, we are wasting our time. When we don’t trust someone we hesitate to listen to them, we question everything they do, we will not give them a chance to be a part of our life. We cannot have a solid relationship without trust."

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 234!

Day 229: Pass No Judgement

Romans 14:1-6

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s alright to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God.

(Today’s devo is the first of three parts. For the next three days we will explore subjects that tie into one another or build on one another. It’s kind of like a mini series.)

The biggest point I want to make today is, do not pass judgement on someone because they live differently than you. Now I’ve seen this quote a multitude of times, however the word ‘live’ is replaced by the word, ‘sin’. But that’s not what I’m talking about today. I want to discuss how we as Christians are so quick to turn our noses up and look down on someone because they live differently than us. We tend to doubt someone’s Christianity because they aren’t living their life, or doing the things we think a Christian should do. We often project our lifestyles onto other people because we think our way is the only way. Maybe they’re more traditional in their faith and maybe they’re more contemporary or modern. Maybe they believe the Sabbath day is on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Maybe they don’t eat certain things, or participate in certain activities because of their faith. Maybe you do all of these these because of your faith. What I’m getting at here is, it’s not a matter of how, and where, and when. But it’s more a matter of the heart. If we love God with every ounce of our being, and we know in our heart that He is God, and if we have confessed it with our mouths than we are saved. . If we truly live our lives dedicated to Him, then at the end of the day that’s all that matters.

I think sometimes we can get this “holier than thou” attitude, that somehow gives us to right to act superior to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We think that because we don’t live the exact same lifestyle then one of us must be doing it wrong. That is not the case at all, God gave us a choice and even in the will of God, we get to choose the type of lifestyle we want to lead. It’s not a matter of sin or righteousness, it’s just a choice.  Not all of us are going to make the same choices, but who are we to judge someone else because they decide that our life and our lifestyle isn’t for them.

Our generation can relate to this message a lot as millennials make up most of today’s contemporary churches. These churches get quite a bit of slack from the older generations and the more traditional churches. It’s a new type of church, where you don’t have to dress up, or have a traditional choir, there’s not really a pulpit for the clergy to sit on. It’s very unconventional. Different than what many of us grew up with.  However, it works, we may look different, or sound different, but the message is the same. Our worship time may look like a Hillsong United concert with the lights and ripped skinny jeans, but we are still singing about the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hearts are still near the cross. We profess our love for God. Traditional churches are the complete opposite. But the beautiful thing about it all, no matter what denomination, no matter where it is, how you look, there’s one thing we all have in common, the Good News. Every Christian church is preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I believe Romans 4:17-19 wraps this message up perfectly. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

All this to say, for lack of better words, don’t be petty. Don’t pass judgement on someone and doubt their devotion to Christ because their life does not look exactly like yours. We as the body of Christ should be lifting each other up, praying for one another every chance we get. That way, there’s no time or room to be petty and judgemental.  

Reflection

1. Have you ever passed judgement on someone because you felt they should be living a certain way as a Christian?
2. Has someone ever done it to you?
3. In both situations, how did it make you feel? Be honest.

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above question guide your prayer today. Ask God to search your heart and take any judgement towards His people out. Have an honest and intimate conversation with Him.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for day 230!

Day 226: Unpacking Romans 12- Recap!

This week we started a new series, 'Unpacking Romans Twelve'. We are not done with the series just yet, we will continue with it into next week. However we will still do our weekly recap. So, here it goes.

Day 219: Renew Your Mind 

We started the week off with Romans 12:2, speaking about renewing our mind and changing our mindset. We talked about how when we become Christians, the way we think and the way we view the world and everything in it also changes. We talked about being likeminded with Christ. Other scriptures we focused on today were, Isaiah 55:7-9 and Matthew 22:37.

"If our mind is not renewed our life cannot be renewed. If we are still moving and thinking the same way we did when we were in the world, how are we ever going to grow in Christ. A worldly mindset does not work in a Christian body."

Day 220: One Body, Different Functions

Today we focused on Romans 12:3-8. We talked about how we are all one in Christ, yet we are all different. We talked about how we use our differences to come together to elevate the body of Christ. We also touched on how we are all equal and we are not to look down on anyone.

"We are one in Christ and nothing should divide us. We are meant to function together as one body. Yes, we are different, but we are also one in the same."

Day 221: A True Christian

Today we focused on Romans 12:9-10, we talked about the makings of a True Christian. We talked about how we are too often caught up in being a "good christian" that the truth behind our christianity fades becomes it becomes more of an image to keep up, instead of a lifestyle. We talked about being genuine and not showing fake love to people in order for us to look good as a Christian.

" A lot of times, our motives have a lot to do with how we act and ultimately how we treat each other. We have to ask ourselves why we do things sometimes, what our motives are. Are we doing something for someone because we really love them or because it will make us look or feel good?"

Day 222: Going after God

Today we focused on Romans 12:11-12, we talked about chasing after God. One of the big themes we discussed today, is knowing the difference between wanting God and needing God. We talked about how we must want God more than anything else. We discussed really having a passion for God. Other scriptures we referred to was, Jeremiah 29:13.

"One of the things I’ve learned within my almost twenty-five years of living is, need gives up drive, want puts passion behind that drive."

Day 223: Hospitality

Today we focused on Romans 12:13, and you guessed it, we talked about hospitality. We talked about how as Christians we should make all people feel welcomed and loved. We talked about how also the church should be more hospitable when it comes to welcoming strangers, or sinners.

"We must learn to welcome people with open arms and make them feel like they are loved, like they are a part of this beautiful community God has created. We never know what people are going through and one hospitable act from us could literally change the course of someone’s life."

Day 224: Bless Those Who Curse You

Today we focused on Romans 12:14, and we talked about soft answers. We talked about praying for the people who prey on us. We also talked about how those very people need our love the most and how they are probably trying to cover up their own hurt. Another scripture we focused on today was Proverbs 15:1.

" So many times I think that when we are called to turn the other cheek, or bless those who curse us, it is just as much for them as it is for us. While our faith might be being tested someone is being healed. It’s much deeper than just getting the last laugh or proving that you are mature."

I love you and I hope you have, had, or are currently having an amazing and beautiful day. We will continue this series tomorrow, be sure to come back then for Day 227. I love you!

Day 225: Unpacking Romans 12- Bless Those Who Curse You

Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

One thing I’ve grown up being old is, “Kill them with kindness.” Meaning don’t treat people the same way they treat you. Don’t be mean just because they are being mean to you, the best thing you can do is kill them with kindness. Now I’m sure many of us have gotten to a point when we say, there’s only so much kindness to give, and eventually you’ll want to get back at them, whoever “them” is. You get tired of people being rude or disrespectful and want to tell them what’s on your mind.  Sometimes it’s hard not to say anything or do anything back to the people who intentionally try to hurt you or stir you up, especially when they know the exact buttons to push. But boy is it so rewarding. It’s so rewarding and a bit funny to see the reaction you will get when you refuse to get angry with someone.

One of the lessons I’ve learned is to just laugh it off. I am very sarcastic and I know it can be annoying to people who try to get to me. But I’ve learned that two angry people can get nowhere. It just turns into a screaming match, of who can scream the loudest and who can get the last word. I can get angry and stirred up, but when alls said and done, what will I have accomplished? Nothing. The best thing to do is diffuse the fire before it gets out of hand. I believe that this is the lesson here. God is telling us to turn the other cheek. He’s telling us not to get riled up and angry, but instead pray that He will bless the people who are out to get you. Pray the best for them. They are God’s children as well, that is very important to remember. We can take an example from Jesus, as with everything in life. Jesus was persecuted in the worst way, He was beat and spit on. He was talked about, but He responded with love. Even as the people were nailing Him to the cross He said “father forgive them for they know not what they do.” He knew that there was a bigger picture. He could have been angry at them, but instead He chose to forgive them, instead He chose to love them. When we think about it, it’s truly a beautiful image. To set yourself aside for the very person that is harming you and bringing you a world of pain.

My mom would always tell us growing up, “hurt people, Hurt people.” Meaning people who are hurt, do not want to hurt alone. You never really know why someone is treating you the way they are. Sometimes people act out because they themselves are hurting and they want someone to either feel the pain they feel or feel something worse. It’s a messed up disposition but it’s real. So many times I think that when we are called to turn the other cheek, or bless those who curse us, it is just as much for them as it is for us. While our faith might be being tested someone is being healed. It’s much deeper than just getting the last laugh or proving that you are mature.

All this to say, love everyone, even the ones that are hard to love. Bless the people that constantly curse you. In the end you will be proud of yourself for not engaging and you give the other person a chance to inspect themselves.

Reflection

1. Have you ever been in the position where you had to walk away from someone who was angry with you?
2. How are was it?
3. Can you see the bigger picture in blessing the people who curse you and giving a soft answer?
4. What is it?

Prayer Time

Allow your answers to the above questions guide your prayer today. Ask God to help you learn to pray for those who curse you and help you hold your tongue. Pray for self-control. Whatever is on your heart today, talk to God about it.

I love you, and I hope you have an amazing day or evening. Be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for day 226!

Day 223: Unpacking Romans 12- Going After God

Romans 12: 11-12

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

One of the things I’ve learned within my almost twenty five years of living is, need gives up drive, want puts passion behind that drive. When we want something, when we really want something with all of our heart nothing is going to stop us from getting it. No one can stop us from getting to it. Like a dream, when we find what it is we are meant to do and we fall in love with it, we will go to the ends of the earth and back to make it happen. It always raises the question, “how bad do you want it?’. The work we put into it will show if we really want it or not. We go after our dreams because it is what we love. We pursue people we are interested in, because we want them in our lives. What if we treated God the same way. We are all aware that we are in desperate need of God, but something changes when we decide that we want Him. When we want God in our lives we will work overtime to serve Him. We will do all that we can to show our gratitude and thanksgiving. We get to a point in our lives where serving God is no longer an obligation but a choice. We no longer do it because we have to, we do it because we want to. As we grow in Christ, we must learn to go after Him. We must learn to follow Him. When we are serving God because it is something we want to do, as choice that we have made, we serve Him happily and diligently. Serving Christ is not a burden, it’s an opportunity to live for something and someone much greater than ourselves.

Jeremiah 29:13 reads, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

All this to say, go after what you want. Learn that there is a difference between needing God and wanting Him. When we need God, we come to Him from time to time. We pray when we really want Him to do something for us. When we realize that we need Him every second of every moment, we will get to a point of not wanting to live without Him. We will get to a point when we want Him more than anything, even our next breath. When we want God, we want to walk with Him everyday of our lives. We want His presence with us wherever we go. When we want God we seek His direction and we do whatever we can to stay in His will. Go after God with all your heart because in Him lies everything we can ever need and want.

Response/Prayer Time

Respond in whatever way you feel led. Talk to God about wanting Him more than anything and seeking His face. Have a conversation with Him.  

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening, be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 224!

Day 220: Unpacking Romans 12- Renew Your Mind

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Isaiah 55:7-9

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

When we become Christians, everything changes about us, from the inside out. They say Christians are more attractive, but that’s not the point. When we become Christians, our lifestyle has to change and in order for that to change our mindset has to change, the way we think about about things and the way we view the world and people has to change. We cannot walk with Christ and still have the mindset of the world, it won’t work. The mind is very powerful, that’s why they used to have billboards and commercials, and posters in the classrooms when we were younger, telling us “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.” As corny as it was, it’s true, a lot of times we are ruled by our thoughts. Some of the greatest inventions and discoveries started as a thought. It also works the other way, many of the biggest crime Lords, and even serial killers started off with a thought. Our minds shape a lot of who we are, How we think says a lot about who we are. If we want to be like Christ we have to think like Christ.

One of the questions I always ask myself is,  ‘Is the glass half empty or half full?’ Just to see where my mind is. When we become a Christian we will almost always view the glass as half full. Meaning with Christ, it’s never over until He says it’s over, and as long as I have breath in my body, it’s not over. Christ has changed the way I view life, love, people, and the world. What I’m getting at here is, if our mind is not renewed our life cannot be renewed. If we are still moving and thinking the same way we did when we were in the world, how are we ever going to grow in Christ. A worldly mindset does not work in a Christian body. It just doesn’t, our thoughts have to be His thoughts. We must think like Christ in order to be like Christ. Move like Christ did and view the world as He did.  

I think when our mind is renewed by Christ we are more in tune with His voice and His will. We  become one with Christ meaning we can hear his voice more clearly, and we can differentiate between His voice and the voice of the enemy or even our voice. Also when we are in tune with Christ it’s almost as if every thought or idea of doing wrong is banished,

All this to say, when we submit our lives to Christ, we must also change our mindset. Allow our minds to be renewed by Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. When we grow our mind grows with us. So when we grow in Christ so our mind will also grow. These things are not separate. I’ll leave you with this scripture.

Matthew 22:37

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Response/ Prayer Time

Take the time to think about what we spoke on today. Respond in whatever way you feel led. There are no questions today, just take the time to have a conversation with God. Ask Him to renew your mind. Have an honest conversation with Him.

I love you and I hope you have an amazing day or evening, be sure to share this with someone and come back tomorrow for Day 221!