Romans_16

Scripture:

Romans 16:2020 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Observation:

“God’s given us mighty weapons to live life in victory, to stomp on the devil and walk mightily…”

Understanding:

God is still bigger, stronger, mightier, more powerful than Satan. And, knowing that, He becomes our God of peace and grace – graciously loving us towards better versions of ourselves and providing peace beyond understanding despite whatever circumstances may arise.

 

Life Application:

We just need to live in this knowledge. Despite what may surround you, “the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” and He is with us ALWAYS.

“…So put on the full armor and don’t be afraid no more, no, no more. Cause you’ve been chosen by the Mighty One and now it’s time for war.”

 

Rei

PS I'd include a link for the song I referenced...but I've not been able to find one. Call me and I'll sing it to you. :) An awesome anthem to walk through the day repeating.

UPDATED: Check out the link here -> https://soundcloud.com/hanslerch/05-mighty-weapons

 

Romans__15

Scripture  Romans 15:13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Observation-What does it say?  Starting in chapter 12, Paul gives advice regarding our behavior as Christians.  Through these chapters, we are encouraged to live a life in contrast to what we are being told by the world: use our gifts to serve others, not ourselves; submit to the government, because their authority comes from God; use your freedom to build up those who are weaker, instead of an opportunity for your pleasure; lay down your “rights” for others, this way you can build unity.  But, none of this is possible without hope.Our hope, though, cannot be conjured up by our own effort.  It comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit. But, our hope should not be in the things we can see, here and now, we hope for our home in a new heaven and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13).Understanding-What does it mean?  I was listening to a podcast a while ago, and the interview was with the author of a book talking about how fleeting motivation is.  At the beginning of the interview, they discussed the excitement that people feel at the beginning of the new year, especially in terms of goals and resolutions of things like weight loss and travel.  But, for many people, the excitement wanes quickly as the burden of life weighs down on you. Motivation, he said, “is a myth.” The remedy to this is discipline. When I was done listening to the podcast, I was really motivated to be disciplined… which lasted about three days.The problem I find with most self-help authors and programs that I try to implement into my life, is they lack the “why.”  For me, the thought of losing weight, or getting smarter, or saving more money is great, but can quickly be overcome by real world stuff.  Saving money is great, until you need to replace your transmission. Losing weight is great, until you work the night shift and the only thing open to eat at two A.M. is Jack-in-the-Box.  The “why” in these cases have no substance and no support.In our Christian life though, the why is greater than anything on earth.  Our life becomes not just a temporary thing, but one without end. Our actions have implications into the eternity which we cannot see right now.  Therefore, our life can be viewed in terms of service and worship to the creator of the universe (Colossians 3:23-24). Not only that, but we can use our actions as a billboard for Christ’s love for others (Philippians 2:3-4).  Additionally, we don’t have to rely on our own strength, but that of the Holy Spirit, who was sent by Jesus (John 14:6).

Life Application  Jesus, thank you for the family of believers around me that point me to you.  Help me to also be an advocate for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to fight the good fight, and help me to join others in their fight.  For our fight is not against flesh, but it is in the spirit. I want to always look to you, the author and perfecter of my faith.  

 

-Tyler Galloway

Romans 14

 

Scripture

Romans 14

1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. (NIV, personal underlines added) 

Observation

It appears that Paul is attempting to pacify some of the infighting and arguing that was going on in the early Roman church. According to verses 5 and 6 of the same chapter it sounds as if the members of that particular body were arguing over matters such as the sabbath day, “Christian diets”, and abstinence. All things that may pertain to the life of a believer.. 

Understanding

Have you ever asked God to highlight a portion of scripture for you and He highlights the one verse that you did not want to see? Deep down there is a part of me that knows that there are multiple areas I need to see growth in. Romans 14:3 is one of them. The sad part is, I am not even one of great faith “who eats everything”. Ha! This passage is intended to instruct Christians on how to deal with one another in areas of their faith based living. But I feel led to apply this principle to areas of my life which do not necessarily require faith. For, I am still guilty of treating others with anger. Inside my heart.To justify my annoyance.To give depth to my anger.Because my way is clearly the more mature way! Paul urges us in verse 13, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (NIV)

Life Application 

I certainly don’t want to operate from a perspective of anger and contempt. I wonder how different the global church would be if we took some of the edge off of our tones and our hearts when we disagreed with one another. Whether the issue was theological or faith based. Lord help me to deal with my brothers and sisters in Christ as one who does not want them to stumble. May my words and my actions towards members of the body have zero judgement, less anger, and embody love.May I carry that way of thought into how I interact with non-believers.May I operate that way even in the most mundane of ways as I live and walk daily to further your message of love on this earth and beyond. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.-kenneth lee