Day 333: Rom 14:1 - 16:27

The subject of chapter 14 is unfortunately one that plagues the church like a hideous, growing cancer - drama. If you've ever spent much time in the church or even more so in the ministry, you no doubt have been exposed to drama like none other. It's no coincidence that this subject is in the Bible because it is one that can tear a body of believers apart faster than anything. All too often, we and our fellow believers find ourselves caught up in little spats over topics such as drinking and smoking or whether or not women can preach in church; all the while, people (people that we have been called to reach) are dying and going to hell having never heard the Gospel preached in such a way that can truly turn them around. I appreciate the way that Paul deals with petty arguments such as this so that we can get our minds off of the little stuff and focus on what's really important. The bottom line from Paul's perspective is this - if you're involved in something that could be interpreted as evil (whether or not it actually is) and could cause your brother to stumble, it's not worth the risk. So I would encourage anyone reading this to re-examine what you're doing and decide whether or not it's worth the risk because there are people out there right now who don't need to be bothered with petty arguments that plague the church, they need to hear the Gospel that will not only get them to heaven, but will ultimately lead them to true victory in every area of their lives.

- Father, help me to not waste my time or yours on the petty arguments that plague today's Christian society, but let me go forward with Your Word and change the world in which I live. Give me the strength and courage to go into every corner of this earth and spread Your love and truth to this lost and dying world. You are the only subject that is truly worthy of discussion. -

Day 332: Rom 10:1 - 13:14

In chapter 11, Paul compares a very familiar feeling with those of Elijah when he describes himself as being one of a "loyal minority." It's interesting to note that Elijah felt that way hundreds of years before Paul and yet we still feel that way nearly 2000 years later. It's important now, as it was then, for us to be reminded of the fact that our focus should never be on ourselves or this seemingly "small" army that we have become members of. As long as we keep our focus on the One leading the army, He'll be sure to keep His focus on His troops. I know at times I've felt like I was the only one for miles and miles who had any sort of relationship with God, but we must remember at times like these that we are not some sort of outsider or mutation, but rather we, the loyal minority, are much more comparable to a rare gem or item of value. Instead of allowing our passion to count us out and force us out of the picture, we can stand strong knowing that we have something that the world needs whether they realize it or not. And just like the army of Gideon we, the minority, can conquer all that God has laid before us, not because of what we can do, but because of Who He is!

- Lord, help me not to be intimidated when I feel outnumbered by those in opposition to Your Word. I know that as long as You're on my side, I don't need anybody else. It's not by my might nor by my power, but by Your spirit that I can move forward and claim my world for You! -

Day 331: Rom 8:1 - 9:33

Romans 8 is one of those passages that I could read 100 times and hear 100 different sermons about, and I would still feel as though there's more to learn from it. I love this chapter because it goes directly against the attitude that religion has taught for centuries. Religion seems to think that the way to live a Christian life is to start on the outside and eventually it will make its way inside. Growing up in church, I can't remember how many times I heard my father say that you can't clean a fish before you catch it. Of course, what he meant by that is that a true Christian life doesn't stem from our outward lifestyle. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. Paul reminds us in this passage that we are called to live in the spirit and die to the flesh. If we will take our focus off of the flesh and turn our hearts completely to the Father, He will see to it that not only are our hearts in the right place, but that our flesh lines up with His will.

- Lord, help me to stop living in the flesh and begin living a life completely focused on You. It's easy to focus on living a good life and not even think about the One who gave me life. Give me the focus and strength to focus on You and I know that You will make sure everything else in my life lines up with Your Word. -