by lighthouse | Aug 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 14:1 “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” You and I can study God’s Word as thoroughly as our brain power allows and we will arrive at different conclusions as to what is God’s will. We begin with the same premise that God’s Word is absolute truth, there are no contradictions and the Trinity defines God. Yet, there are Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and the list is almost endless. Who is right? Who is wrong? Our problem is not with our premise. It is with our brain power. Our human nature. Our not being our infallible God. Therefore, listen carefully while not judging and realize no human possesses absolute truth–while our God does. Be Christian–know your Savior while continuing to study and pray.
by lighthouse | Aug 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 13:14 “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Have you ever thought to yourself,—I can’t wear that, I wore it last time I went there or last time I saw them. Or have you thought—I need more clothes to be fashionable. Theoretically, over $368 billion is spent in the fashion world every year in the US. Clothing and fashion seem to be ultra important. Is that same thought true of our faith? Is fashion important or is a simple childlike faith, clothing ourselves with one outfit the most important fashion statement we cam possibly make. One outfit, one faith, one Heavenly Father–the best fashion statement we could possibly make.
by lighthouse | Aug 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 13:9 “The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If the last 5 words of this passage are followed all the other words of this passage are summarized and obeyed. Love is the one key, which when used, solves all interpersonal problems. Isn’t that an amazing truth which has been true since the beginning of time and applies to all people and all nations. God’s truths never fail.
by lighthouse | Aug 6, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 13:1 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Throughout the history of the world there have been governments which have performed in the most ungodlike manner. How can God, through Paul write this passage? We know God is always in total control. We know God allows the Devil to have his way. You and I can understand this passage when seeming good authorities are in control, but evil government? Like Hitler! This is a time we will have to wait for God to explain.
by lighthouse | Aug 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Seeking revenge is the worst thing a person can even consider for their own emotional well being. Never is a person happy and content when getting even. Inner turmoil is the only result when revenge is even hoped for. We must always place revenge thinking in God’s hands, clear our minds, go on with life and walk the purposeful life God intends we live.
by lighthouse | Aug 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” What would make any of us think we are above or better than anyone else? I have never looked into a mirror and have seen perfection. I have never imagined myself perfect. I have always known I, without question am in need of a Savior. Have you found the same for yourself? If anyone reading this has found themselves without a desperate need of their Savior—email me and you can take over writing these devotional thoughts. (I am very anxious to hear from you.)
by lighthouse | Aug 3, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:13 “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” A true characteristic of a Christian is helping those who are in need. About 15 years ago I voluntarily was the executive director of a Pregnancy Counselling Center. We had purchased a strip mall and also ran a used clothing/household goods store. Donations were so strong from the local churches that the store was always overflowing with the back large warehouse space also always full. Christian people were very generous. We should always practice generosity.
by lighthouse | Aug 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Every Christian, without exception, experiences hope, affliction and prayer. Because God takes great care of all of us He knows attitude is everything and therefore is very specific in regard to our mental state as we live through these three experiences in life. Hope or confident expectations, afflictions or sorrows in this life and prayer or communicating with our Heavenly Father daily happen. You and I do well when we listen to God and practice joy, patience and faithfulness.
by lighthouse | Jul 30, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fever, serving the Lord.” About 15 years ago our children and their children (our grandchildren) were at our home celebrating Christmas. We were all opening presents when one of our grandchildren received the best gift ever given–a tooth brush. She was so excited she jumped up and down to the surprise and enjoyment of all of us. That picture will always be in my mind. Why the story? That excitement is exactly what all of us should continually experience because of the loving relationship we each have with our Heavenly Father! We jump up and down with excitement! Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Jul 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” The difficulty of sincerely following the thoughts of this passage approaches the impossible left to ourselves and our normal way of thinking and living. We normally live thinking with a capital I. Only with God’s help can you and I turn our thinking from a capital I to a small i and a capital YOU. Our self image is not destroyed; however, YOURS is magnified. What a wonderful way of Christian thinking.
by lighthouse | Jul 28, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” God is love. He hates evil while holding fast to you and me. Because of the love of our Savior, God has determined you and I are good and therefore, He walks beside us or carries us. God is our example. His instruction to all of us is to do the same. This simple verse defines our daily walk as a faith filled child of His.
by lighthouse | Jul 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do no think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” God has given each of us talent and along with that talent purpose. All of us are therefore equipped to serve Him in the capacity He has prepared for each of us. We are not to abuse or waste that talent, but use our gifts in service to Him. That is the humble duty of all Christians while living faithful lives as His dear children.
