Devotions

“Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.”  [Romans 12:16 NIV]

“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”  [NKJV]

Harmony and humility. We are to have the same mind, to live in harmony with each other. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:1-4, “…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.”

Love bends the knee. On the eve of His death, Jesus bent down and washed the feet of His disciples. This task was an especially dirty one, usually reserved for the slave of lowest position in the households. Yet Jesus, their teacher, their master, their Lord, the one about whom they would soon proclaim “My Lord and My God!” performed this lowliest of tasks for them.  [John 13:1-17]

He asked them, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” And then He gave them this command, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” 

Love bends the knee. It bows down to the lowest rank, to the most common of all. It stoops to the meanest of tasks.

In thought and deed, in attitude and action, love bends the knee.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”  [Romans 12:15]

I have folders set up on my computer in which to file things. I have a folder labeled “Devotions” and sub-folders set up by years. One labeled “sermons and seminars” another labeled “financial information” and others for pictures, recipes and correspondence. But the folder that is perhaps the most unusual is labeled “weddings and funerals.”

Weddings and funerals are hardly similar items and I’m not sure why I keep both in the same folder, except that perhaps weddings and funerals are the most intensely personal and touching of all events. At a wedding we rejoice with those who rejoice. At a funeral, we mourn with those who mourn. At these events we participate in the joys and in the sorrows of others.

True love will interest us in both the joys and the sorrows of those with whom we come in contact. Every day we meet some who are full of joy and others who are consumed with sorrow. In this world, at any given time, some are laughing and some are weeping. It is part of the human condition.

When trouble strikes others, we are to be concerned and ready to help. We are to be touched by their hurts. If possible, we are to lend a hand. Often the most precious thing we can do is simply cry with them. We can’t always fix things. We’d like too, but often there is no solution. The most human, the most God-like thing we can do, is simply to sit quietly with them, love them, hold them, pray for them, and cry with them.

May I say also that often it is easier to relate to another’s sorrows than it is to rejoice with another’s joys?  When we see others experiencing the comfort, success, prosperity that we too desire but do not have, it can be easy to become resentful or envious. Yet here we are commanded to rejoice.

In my computer folder I keep words of joy spoken at weddings, and words of sorrow and comfort from funerals. In my heart, I am to hold joy for those who rejoice and mourn with those who cry.

Sadly, Romans 12 must end. The final section [vs 14-21] contains some of the most difficult attitudes and actions we are to see blossom in our lives.

Listen to the words that frame this passage: “Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them,” and “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” [vs 14, 20 NLT]

How like those words are of Jesus. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  [Matthew 5:43-48]

 To bless means simply to speak well of, to invoke a benediction, to thank, to desire for to prosper. It has often been the lot of Christians down through the centuries to suffer at the hands of persecutors. Sometimes the persecution has meant torture and death. At other times it is words and attitudes. In the words of Christ, in this passage in Romans, and in other places in the New Testament we are taught to bless those who persecute us.

Love and blessing are to be the marks of those who claim to be sons of God. We are to be ready to always show kindness to those who love us, but also to those who hate us. That is what sets us apart.

While we were enemies with God, He gave His Son Jesus for us. While we were cursing Him, He was blessing us. While we were fighting Him, He was loving us. While we were at war with Him, He was overcoming us with good. Now, if we claim Him as Father, we are to do likewise with those who are against us.

I became angry the other day – over something petty. Lost my patience and did not engage my brain before my mouth spoke. Impatience and anger have been sins that I have had to battle all my life. I let them run without restraint for many years … then I surrendered my life to Christ Jesus and realized how they displease Father God. So, when they raise their ugly heads again, I pray I am prompt to repent.

I know that IF I confess, God will be faithful to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]

I also know that I am not always prompt to confess, and there is a problem with that. Oswald Chambers in “My Utmost for His Highest” reminds us: “It is not only God who punishes for sin: sin confirms itself in the sinner and gives back full pay … the penalty of sin is that gradually you get used to it and do not know that it is sin.”  

The Scriptures confirm the penalty of sin. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” [James 1:14-16]

I know we don’t talk about sin much anymore – but it is very important to remember to confess promptly when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin … otherwise we can “gradually” get used to sin and fail to recognize it as sin in the future, which will bring forth death.

I have been thinking a great deal about pain recently – probably because I’ve had a great deal of pain! I am approaching the 7^th anniversary of my PMR diagnosis. PMR stands for Polymyalgia Rheumatica, which simply means “lots of pain everywhere caused by inflammation.”

I have had some great days and some awful ones, but mostly, it is simply some sort of pain somewhere every day. I would probably classify last week as “awful days.”

People who have never experienced chronic pain seldom understand how tiring and difficult it can be to just do the things other people do without giving a thought to the doing. Simply getting out of bed or a chair becomes a chore, or taking a short walk, or getting out of a car, or pushing a grocery cart. Routine tasks are no longer routine; they now take planning and perseverance.

Most of the time I push through … with the LORD’s help, but I would really like to wake up and find the pain gone forever. And I will one day …

… for now I cling to the most precious promise of God found in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” [NLT]

Amen & Amen!

The song service last Sunday in church focused on “Our God Reigns.” It reminded me of my favorite chapter in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 19, which begins with heavenly songs of victory and ends with Jesus’ return as the Rider on the White Horse.

The declaration of “Our God Reigns” comes in verse 6: “Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: ‘Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.’” [NLT]

As we sang and worshipped last Sunday, I sensed that the Lord was speaking directly to me to not just DECLARE that “Our God Reigns” but to PRAY “God Reign” over my life. As we worshipped, I began to Pray…

…God Reign over every part of my life

…God Reign over my health, my pain

…God Reign over my thoughts, my attitudes

…God Reign over my failings, faults, my successes

…God Reign over my guilt, my shame

…God Reign over my tongue

…God Reign over my family

…God Reign over my … on and on I prayed as God revealed more of my life over which He wanted the absolute supremacy.

When we declare “Our God Reigns” we often think of God’s dominion over the cosmos, over everything He created. It’s big and bold and wondrous. But God also wants to reign over the smallest parts of our lives. He wants every part of us submitted to His authority and His Kingdom.

‘Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.’ Amen

Romans 12:9-13 ends on this note: ^“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” [NLT]

Two thoughts are contained in this short verse. The first flows out to others; the second invites others in. While these two thoughts intertwine, they also have two lovely distinct parts.

We are to distribute, to give out of our supply to help others in needs. We are to share with God’s people.  One of the hardest things to teach a child is to share. I remember the shouts of “mine, mine, mine!” that permeated our home on occasion. How difficult it was to convince one small child that it was a good thing to relinquish a prized toy to a sibling or guest.

In God’s house the shouts of “mine, mine, mine!” are never to be heard. It truly is all “His, His, His!” and is to be shared with others who are in need. What flows to us from God is to also flow out from us to others.

The second thought is just slightly different. We are to practice, or be given to, hospitality. There is to be a welcoming in our spirits for others. While this also involves sharing, it is more intimate and personal. I may be able to contribute to the needs of others anonymously. Hospitality on the other hand is very personal. To be hospitable means to open my life and what I have to others. It takes time, effort and a lot of love, love, love to be hospitable.

Love, that’s what this life is all about according to Romans 12:9-10. Everything in our lives is nourished, replenished by love. The following two verses give six guidelines for love. They are not all there is to love, but they are a sampling of the way in which love is to be shown.

“…not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” [Romans 12:11-12 NKJV]

Number 1: “Not lagging in diligence.” Whatever form our love takes, it is to be energized, active, zealous. The life of the believer isn’t one of “lying about,” it is one of action and commitment.

Number 2: “Fervent in spirit.” That is how the New Testament described Apollos. Fervent means “burning.”  We are not to be lukewarm in our desire to show God’s love.

Number 3: “Serving the Lord.” The word for serving in the Greek is from the word for slave. We are willing slaves, servants to the Lord Jesus Christ. We have given ourselves over to Him without restrain, in complete abandonment, to bring His love to all.

Number 4: “In hope, rejoicing.” We have a sure hope, not wishful thinking. Our hope is centered in Christ, who is our spiritual anchor. It is sure and it is secure, fully trustworthy, so we rejoice.

Number 5: “In tribulation, patient.” How can we be patient during tribulation and trouble?  Because our hope is secure, we can remain steadfast amid even the most trying of times.

Number 6: “In prayer, persevering.”  Handling every situation immediately by taking it to our God.

If you look at Romans 12:9-10 in the Greek, three totally different words are used to describe what we identify as love.

“Let love be without hypocrisy.” The word is “agape.” God’s brand of love. “Agape” love is not centered in the worthiness of the one being loved; it is centered instead in the heart of the one loving.  It is given freely, unconditionally.

“Be kindly affectionate to one another…” This comes from the word “philostorgos.” This word was used to denote the love of parents for their children, genuine, tender, free flowing as a bubbling spring might be. It is readiness and inclination to love, the most natural of love.

“…with brotherly love.” This is the word “philadelphia.” It means exactly what it says, fraternal or brotherly affection.

But it doesn’t end there. It goes on that we, as believers, are not just to love, but we are to honor one another above ourselves and give preference to one another, “…in honor giving preference to one another….” Giving preference in the Greek means to take the lead or show the example.

It isn’t enough to just possess qualities of love; we are to stride forth and take the lead in loving others. How we treat fellow believers, how we treat even those who hate us and persecute us, is an example to the world of the love of God. We don’t wait to see what others will do. We are to set an example.

Love! Unconditional love; genuine, natural, free flowing ready love; and brotherly affection. The hallmark of those who claim Christ as Savior. Taking the lead; providing an example.

Romans 12:9 begins “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them,” and then the verse goes on “Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” [NLT]

Sincere love must characterize believers. Looking at what follows this verse, it becomes clear that sincere love is to flow from all those who claim Christ as Lord to those within the fellowship of believers, and to those outside the fellowship. Pure, warm, unadulterated, honest, genuine, unfeigned love, without embellishment or exaggeration is to be the mark of God’s people.

We are to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. That phrase comes between sincere love in the beginning of verse 9 and brotherly love and devotion in the beginning of verse 10. We are to hate the things that injure or hurt others. Whatever is unkind or hurtful should never be a component of our relationships with others. Instead, we are to cling to the good things, words and actions that benefit and bless others.

Words often hurt more than anything else. It takes a long time for my heart to recover from unkind or injurious words. And you cannot turn back the clock and take back hurtful words. Once spoken, they can never be retracted.

Words can injure people and bring a rift in relationships. Can a relationship ever be repaired? Surely with the grace of God, it can be. Will it? Maybe. Those who hurt and those who are hurt will have to work at forgiveness and love to bring healing, but the willingness to do so might not be there.

Hurtful words and behaviors hurt others. That’s what Romans 12 means when it says that love must be sincere. Love must be natural to a child of God; the kind of love that God has shown us, must now flow from us to this world, sincerely, honestly, warmly.