Idols

By Brooke Momblow

Exodus 20:1-3

When I was born, I was given a beautiful long eared stuffed dog. His name was Kodi and he was dearly loved. He slept with me every night. On Christmas Eve when I was seven years old I received a real live toy poodle puppy as a gift. Her name was Princess and our hearts were knit together.

Princess defended me against my brother and fought with him in the same manner I did. She slept under the covers with me and I snuck her into museums. She forgave me regularly and I forgave her when she chewed off the feet of my Barbie. Later in life, when we’d both grown up a little, she would come stand in front of me and just stare and I’d instinctively know if she wanted water, food, up on the couch, or to go out to the bathroom. We knew each other so well you’d think we were reading each other’s minds.

When I began to study the Bible for myself I was very young. Immature due to understanding and experience, I’d attempt to practice what I was reading in scripture without much guidance from anyone. Now that I know how much is gained from the training and gifts of others, I seek out guidance in addition to personal study.

Reading in the Old Testament, I got it into my head that God would require me to give up something I loved dearly to prove I loved him. Realizing how much I loved and cherished my poodle; I was terribly afraid that God would want me to give her up. I agonized over this. After a while I decided to make a deal with God: “God, I’ll give Kodi to someone who needs him if you’ll let me keep Princess.” So, I took Kodi and donated him to toys for children.

God is so gracious to cover with mercy and grace what is done in childlike faith… even when we are terribly misguided.

After giving away Kodi I felt terribly guilty, not relieved. I recognized God had not been asking me to give up anything. Instead I had attempted to bargain with God about treasures when what God wanted was my heart. A glimmer of awareness tugged, and I began to ask new questions. What is God after? What are his motives? How does he want me to give to him? Exactly what does he mean by some of the hard things he says in scripture?

Sexual immorality, evil desires, greed, these are idols according to Colossians. But as people who claim to know Christ we can sometimes be deceived to think that because of our “good” life, we don’t have any idols. 2 Kings 17:41a Functional idols usually come and hide themselves amidst things that are meant to be good (i.e. family, relationships, jobs, technology, appearance, recognition, ministry). Believing ourselves capable to do and decide without inquiring of God makes an idol of our intellect.  

Occasionally we may suspect that we haven’t submitted every area of our lives to God. Instead of doing the hard work of eradicating those idols we might attempt to bargain or prove our love for God by giving up something else or committing to do something that he hasn’t asked of us…

It isn’t that God never asks hard things, but he isn’t on a power trip to make us do something just because. He always has a reason rooted in love.

God wants our hearts. He wants us to come to a place of such assurance of his love for us that we aren’t afraid to trust him. God is love and he wants us to learn to love deeply in every way there is to love. He wants us to enjoy things he has created us to enjoy.

God doesn’t ask us to give things up simply because we like them (except for a time of fasting and prayer). What he does say is that Jesus is of such value that everything else should pale in comparison. Matthew 13:44-46 If something in your life holds a greater value to you than relationship with God, that is an idol.

In a bible study titled No Other Gods, Kelly Minter writes:

“I’m both deeply grateful and sobered. Grateful because the Lord did not spare me His severe mercy in dismantling the idols for whom I was living at the time. Sobered because if left to my own desires and rationale I would have missed the unsurpassed blessing I’ve experienced on the other side of that deconstruction. Identifying false gods, let alone contending with them, can be challenging stuff. I know that freedom is possible, and the unrivaled pursuit of Jesus Christ is worth it. This is my life message.”

Believe me when I say, the enemy of your soul does not want you rooting out idols in your life. This undertaking has the potential to be one of your mightiest battles.

If you are unsure of what God is asking of you, I encourage you to seek advice from a spiritual authority. If you are unsure of the character of God, I encourage you to read your Bible and join a bible study group. Prayer above all else is the door to encountering Jesus and walking in the Holy Spirit.

“Jesus looked at him and loved him…” Mark 10:21a NIV

“With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” 2 Chronicles 32:8 NIV

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV

 

 

Grace

By Cathy Ramsey

 

 

 

Amazing Grace

 

Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
'Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His Word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.

 

This has always been one of my favorite hymns. It brings me to tears every time I hear it. But I never really understood the entirety of its meaning until I started my intentional spiritual journey and studies. God loves us so much that he extends his grace to us as a gift of love, no matter our sins and failures. It feeds my hope and it inspires my faith. The thought of it takes my breath away.

 

The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.” We can all extend grace to others, but when the word grace is used in connection with God, it takes on a more powerful meaning. Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves.

 

The grace of God is God's favor and kindness toward us. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day, such as sunrises and sunsets, God’s glorious creation in nature, laughter and camaraderie with friends. He infused me with thoughts that there is something more in life, something beyond the simple intuition that life is good. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them because God so loved the world. Believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm because we are united with Christ.

 

Based on an article by Jennifer Heeren:

 

Salvation Grace - The best grace is that God purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave all our sins.

 

Numerous Grace - I have sinned, I sin, and I will sin. I always seem to do what I do not want to do and not do what I want to do, even though I want to do right all the time. Yet God will forgive me each time if I repent. All sins — past, present, and future — are forgiven after you believe in Christ.

 

Forgiveness Grace - God helps me to forgive little offenses, big offenses, and even previously unforgivable ones. I have learned that forgiveness is possible even when the offense caused extreme hurt.

 

New Grace - Each morning I have the glorious chance to begin again. If I made mistakes yesterday, I can start over with a clean slate. Every new day, hour, and breath is a chance for me to act better and display more of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Because of His presence within me, I always have new opportunities to think and do better.

 

Freedom Grace - Grace gives me the freedom to forget about other people’s opinions. I can learn to be the person that God created me to be before the lies of this world attached themselves to me. I don’t need to impress other people. I just need to be faithful to the One who created me, and He already loves me, so I have nothing to prove.

 

Future Grace - God promises to be with me at all times. His Holy Spirit will counsel me and prompt me as I go through my days. He is with me in each present moment and those moments lead to a glorious future. Even when I go through trials, and I will, He is there to help me get through them and make the environment around me better.

 

There are almost 100 verses in the bible that refer to God’s grace in some form. These are a few (ESV):

 

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

 

James 4:6 - But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

 

Romans 11:6 - But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

 

Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people. 

 

Romans 6:14 - For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

Romans 3:24 - And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

 

1 Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

 

1 Peter 4:10 - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

 

1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

 

John 1:16 - And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

 

Ephesians 4:7 - But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 

Romans 5:8 - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Ephesians 6:24 - Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

 

Ephesians 2:5 - Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

 

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

 

This is a beautiful rendition of my favorite hymn, Amazing Grace.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0vH4WYChQ&feature=youtu.be

 

Light

By Marilyn Travis

 

 

I cleaned my kitchen and dining area recently. I really worked at it. I even washed the big window and the sliding door in the dining room. I wiped down all the cabinets and put a shine on the stove and hood above it. The countertop gleamed and the dining room table glowed. I swept and mopped the floor too. There wasn’t even a stray piece of dog or cat food to step on! By the time I finished, I was a sweaty mess. It took me the better part of the day to accomplish such a glorious outcome, but it was worth it. I was very proud of myself. It looked amazing!

 

Of course, such perfection was soon marred a bit. The dog had a snack and left a few pieces of food on the floor. After cooking and eating dinner more clean up was required. I found a few pieces of popcorn under the counter after we had a late snack. I wasn’t deterred though. I tidied up and soon had restored my kitchen and dining room to the glory achieved earlier in the day.

 

I went to bed feeling quite proud of myself and all that I had accomplished.

 

The next morning was beautiful. The sun was rising, and I looked forward to the day. Our dining room window is on the east side of the house. When I entered the room, the sun was beginning to shine through that window. I noticed streaks I couldn’t see in the afternoon light the day before. I vowed to wash that window again. Then as the sun crept higher in the sky its light slowly illuminated the dining table, counter, stove and cabinets. What I thought was glorious perfection was not. Tiny bits of dust clung to my table, and every little scratch and imperfection was exposed. I found some spots on my counter I had missed, and the stove had streaks and there were places on the floor near the cabinet that were not as clean as I had thought.

 

I put my best effort toward cleaning the kitchen, and I thought it was thoroughly clean, but no amount of effort I put forth in the dim light of the afternoon would allow me to see everything that needed to be done.

 

The experience reminded me of my walk with Christ. No matter how hard I try to live a clean life, without sin, I can’t. No amount of effort on my part will accomplish that. Sometimes I deceive myself for a while and believe I’m doing a pretty good job, but then the Son shows up through the Holy Spirit and exposes my faults.

 

This seems like Christianity 101, but I struggle with sin every day of my life, and I bet you do too!

 

1 John 1:5-9

 

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

I don’t ever want to take this for granted. I am powerless to help myself, but I don’t have to help myself! Jesus purifies me from all my sin and I not only have fellowship with Him, but I have fellowship with you. He purifies you from your sin too! The thought fills me with joy and hope!

 

I found a version of “Search Me, Oh God” that has music and lyrics, but no singing. I enjoyed singing it as a prayer. You may want to sing the prayer or just read it. Either way it is beautiful.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rNyoC3-9vQ

Rest, Warrior

By Brooke Momblow

 

 

A long time ago I read a book titled Dear Princess. The book talked about being a daughter of the King! Men, you are a Prince, son of the King! Yes, I know it all sounds rather fairytale-ish. Being royalty though means you have a duty to serve. The responsibilities of your service come with an authority to do the tasks that need to be done. This authority is backed by the power of the King.

 

Later in my life I read a book titled Walls of a Warrior. In the book the author covers the topic that as a woman I was created to be a “helper” Genesis 2:18. She talks about how God uses the Hebrew word ezer for women in this passage, which means to aid-help, protect and defend. She states that every other use of this word in scripture relates to God or military allies. Of course, this greatly changed the way I viewed the idea of being a “helper.” It also made me realize I am a Warrior Princess! This picture somehow makes me feel strong and confident. Sons follow their King into battle, they are our Champions. Who knew as daughters we also were called to contribute our gifts to the fight for the kingdom?

 

Sometimes, however, I get so caught up in the battles of this world or so focused on the inner spiritual fight that I refuse to rest. I start relating to my Father only as Commander or Boss. Our interactions become businesslike. It’s as though I think the outcome completely relies on me: my strength, my effort, and I can’t stop for a second.

 

But first and foremost, my identity is Daughter/Son. Beloved. We are commanded to rest. Sometimes the King asks us to take a knee, to bend our will to his and allow him to fight for us. In this command there is great love. We are not being set aside as unneeded, we are not being rejected due to performance, we are simply resting and renewing. The Father cares for us as precious children.

 

Recently I read an interview with Don Shula. He became a coach instead of becoming a priest. He didn’t lead the people of God at church, but he did remain faithful to the Lion of Judah as he led the Dolphins to six Super Bowls. He quoted from his book Everyone’s A Coach and described how he never missed Mass growing up.

 

“Attending Mass and looking to God for guidance aren’t just habits for me,” he wrote. “They matter deeply to me… It makes a real difference to me when I start off each day by giving thanks and asking for help from God… There’s something good about kneeling down, asking for help, and listening for answers.”

 

When I was young, my bedroom often became my place of refuge. There behind closed doors I would kneel before my King. Often, I would sink breathlessly or with tears into the embrace of a heavenly Father who cared for me and knew me like no other. In those moments it was as if I were in the Holy of Holies, wrapped in a love that made everything else manageable and meaningful.

 

As an adult, I hear God calling me back to those places of complete submersion into him. A total release of everything into his hands. Yes, I have responsibilities. I also have the authority and power to carry them out. Wise direction for a course of action comes from the King though. And rest too, comes from the Father.  

 

Twila Paris has a song “The Warrior Is A Child,” and I dare say that sometimes we need to lay down our sword for a while and run like children into the open arms of Jesus:

 

Lately I’ve been winning

Battles left and right,

But even winners can get

Wounded in the fight.

People say that I’m amazing,

Strong beyond my years,

But they don’t see inside of me

I’m hiding all the tears.

 

They don’t know that

I go running home when I fall down.

They don’t know Who picks me

Up when no one is around.

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

‘Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child.

 

Unafraid because His armor is the best,

But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest.

People say that I’m amazing,

Never face retreat,

But they don’t see the enemies

That lay me at His feet.

 

They don’t know that I go

Running home when I fall down.

They don’t know Who picks me

Up when no one is around.

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

‘Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child.

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  – Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

 

Rest, strong warrior. Daddy’s got this. Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6

 

Going Deeper for September 13, 2020

By Pat Russell

 

 

Considering the sermon by Pastor Bruce on September 13, 2020

Scripture Reading, 2 Timothy 1:1-12

 

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

² I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.

 

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

 

³ Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. ⁵ I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 

 

⁶ This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 

⁸ So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. ⁹ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. ¹⁰ And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. ¹¹ And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

 

 ¹² That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

_____________________________________________

 

After spending time with Paul, learning of his background, hearing of his encounter with Jesus that forever changed his life direction, and finally seeing the overflowing ministry that came out of that encounter, Pastor Bruce now takes us into the depth of relationship that Paul had with the younger Timothy. Paul mentored Timothy.

 

Paul spoke words of encouragement and love into Timothy’s life. (2 Tim 1:2-4) Paul understood the value of Timothy’s childhood background in terms of who he was as an adult. (2 Tim 1:5-6) Paul trusted Timothy completely as Timothy led the church in Ephesus. (2 Tim 1:8-10) Paul encouraged Timothy in the area that might have been his greatest challenge: fear. (2 Tim 1:7) Paul was an example to Timothy in a time when the world was a threatening place for Jesus’ followers. (2 Tim 1:11-14)

 

Take time to read this passage again in light of someone(s) in your life that you might encourage this week. Last week, I was thinking about the fact that I am on my way out of this struggling world due to my age, but my nephews and nieces have a long way to go, it would seem. They will face challenges that I only have begun to experience. How can I be of encouragement to them?

 

In that moment I texted this to my nephew, “Hi Cory. Thinking of you today in all your life roles – father, designer, leader, teacher, friend, husband. I pray God anoints you with his ‘Spirit that gives you power, love, and a sound mind.’” (Timothy) This morning (Sunday), I received this reply, “Thank you Aunt Pat. I appreciate the prayers. When your text came in, I was actually reading about the Holy Spirit! I’m reading Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves. It’s very good. Love you.”

 

My heart sang! And then my heart sang a second verse of praise when I heard this sermon and the very Scripture verse that I sent to my nephew. Believe me, God will use you as you reach out to others.

 

Fear in Death

By Mike Banta

 

 

Therefore, since [we] share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

 

                                                                                    Hebrews 2:14-15

 

Hearing Bruce’s message this last Sunday recalled one of the most agonizing yet liberating experiences of my life. Note that this is very personal; I hope that it brings encouragement to you.

 

I would consider myself a former slave to the fear of death. My father died at the age of 54. When I reached that same age, I went into a period of deep anxiety and depression. After months of misery, I began counseling. My Christian counselor helped me explore these emotions and identified with me that I believed I would not outlive my father. As a matter of fact, none of my direct male forebears of the last century had reached the age of 60. (I broke the record when I reached 60 some years ago.)

 

Years before this episode of anxiety and depression, I had a very vivid and unusual dream:

 

I was lying down in an antechamber of a stately cathedral made of grey stone. A pure white eagle was in the room with me. I turned to my daughter sitting near me, and exclaimed, “Careful! He’s not a tame eagle!” Those of you who have read C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series might catch the allusion to Aslan who as a lion was also not tame.

 

The eagle left its perch and flew out of sight through a doorway. I stood and followed. A tall set of frosted windows opened onto a starry night sky and the eagle flew out. As I stood at the window a set of hands reached down to me from the sky. I experienced a shot of pure unadulterated love through my being. It was more intense than anything I had ever felt. It was as if my body and soul was ready to explode. I shouted out, “Stop! I can’t take any more!” I immediately awoke from the dream.

 

I puzzled for many months on this dream. It seemed to me that this was a dream such as described in Joel 2:28 (…I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind; …Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions). However, I could not fathom its meaning. Then, after going through the counseling over my fears, I was reminded of the dream in a time of prayer. I sensed the Lord saying something incredibly profound to me: “The only difference between that dream and the day you die, is that instead of saying, ‘Stop!’, you will say, ‘I’m ready.’”

 

This picture of God as pure intense love has sustained me through many fearful times. Even more, I can look forward to the time when I will see Him face to face, and not just endure but embrace and take joy in the fullness of His love. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, He took on human form and partook of death. His resurrection is the seal of approval that He has fully conquered death as one of us, and we no longer need to fear. We have nothing less to look forward to than the full experience of His love.

 

Lord Jesus, I thank you for your boundless love, that you gave your life so that I no longer need to fear death. Teach me to recognize your love as I experience it day to day. I ask that I become more attuned to you and able to experience your love more freely. If fear threatens me, remind me of Your love again. Amen.

 

Romans 12

By Cathy Ramsey

 

 

I have spent a lot of time praying and trying to discern my “gifts.” The skills and training I used in my career do not seem to translate into gifts that can be used in serving God as he teaches in Romans 12. My desire to determine my God-given gifts is a work in progress.

 

Paul’s words here are a very practical and succinct way to practice living according to God’s will, living in his kingdom. When I rediscovered this scripture in my studies the last few days, I became entranced with it. Wow, this is so straightforward and clear-cut. It really speaks to my geeky brain.

 

John Lemmon: “The power of the book of Romans, especially when looked at as a journey from sin to salvation is incredibly powerful. The manner in which Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, lays out the pathway to salvation is simply awe inspiring.”  

 

Romans 12 (NIV)

 

A Living Sacrifice

 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

 

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

 

Love in Action

 

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

 

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

 

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
 if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Prayer (source unknown):

 

Loving Father, too often my mind is deflected from Jesus onto the things of the world, especially when times are difficult, but I want to keep my mind on Christ, knowing that this is Your best will for me. I pray that I become increasingly aware of the Spirit's promptings in my life, so that day by day, my heart and mind may become saturated with the lovely Lord Jesus. May His nature be reflected through my actions and attitude and may my life be transformed daily, by the renewing of my mind. Help me to prove in my life what Your will for me is, and may I do only those things that are good, and acceptable and perfect in Your sight – for Your praise and glory, and for the benefit of others. This I ask in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.