Category Archives: Romans

You’re Welcome

Romans 8:1 (CSB)  8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,  source

There’s a word in that verse I really don’t want us to miss! 

NOW!

Because of Jesus, those IN Jesus are not condemned!  And it’s not just some future time in the sweet bye and bye but today! NOW!

Today if we have exchanged our state of sin-ship for His righteousness we are today NOT condemned. Not condemned to hell. Not condemned to wrath. Not condemned to being an outcast. NOT Condemned!

That is good news!!  And if you listen closely you will hear Him say: “you’re welcome.”

Chazaq! 

Always and Never

This is a word someone needs today. I surely did!

Often I could respond on Social Media, particularly Facebook, with a snappy, TRUTHFUL comment but I don’t. Before my fingers can type it out my soul has said: ‘it would not be taken as kind’ and ‘it would not help’; ‘and besides that it would only inflame them’.

Ephesians 4:29  (TLV) 29 Let no harmful word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for building others up according to the need, so that it gives grace to those who hear it. source 

I’m better at this in print that face to face. But I am learning! Well, that sounds like some kind of bragging, doesn’t it? Perhaps. 

Do you sometime hold your tongue at just the right time? Do you sometime hold your fingers from the keys at just the right time too?  Yes?

Then allow yourself some honest evaluation of yourself!
Let yourself be encouraged that you do not always say the wrong thing. That you do not always cut others with your words.  That you don’t always do the wrong thing. If we let ourselves be encouraged by the good decisions we have made, the good words we have spoken, the good actions we have taken – we just might do right more often! 

Here’s a verse admittedly taken out of context but it makes my point I think.

Romans 12:3 (CEB) Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. source

It is crucial that we are HONEST with ourselves. It is crucial that we see ourselves as we really are – the bad and the good. Admit our sins and admit our obedience with humble gratitude, knowing that every good thing in us comes from Our Savior. It’s the only way we can be REAL. It’s the only way we can make a good difference in our spheres.

So! Let us be honest about ourselves and others. Those words Always and Never.  Mostly likely only GOD can wear those in truth. 

Chazaq! 

I Needed This!

Read this.

Romans 5: 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Messiah died for the ungodly.  source

For while we were still helpless.

Does that mean we are no longer helpless?

How often do we feel helpless?

Based on these words of Holy Writ are we helpless?

Does this really mean since we have been saved by the Son of the Living God we are no longer helpless?

Since we have exchanged our sin for His righteousness have we been helped?

Have we been lifted out of our helpless estate?

What’s that song? Oh yes!

Listen, watch for those words – helpless estate.

It is well! In Christ Jesus! We are no longer helpless! Whatever comes – we are no longer helpless, not in death and not in life!!

I needed this!
Kathie

Business

Praying for holy changes today in my Tribe, your Tribe, every Tribe.  

It’s a good prayer. It can be directed to cover a world of ground. :)

But let me bring this real close.  Intimate marital relationships. In the best of loves, busyness happens.  And I saw a prayer key today found in Romans 12. As the Apostle penned this message from the Father the target audience was brothers and sisters in the Messianic Community. What if we pull this in and let our target be the hubby (wife-y)? 

Romans 12: 9 Let love be without hypocrisy—detesting what is evil, holding fast to the good. 10 Be tenderly devoted to one another in brotherly love; outdo one another in giving honor. 11 Do not be lagging in zeal; be fervent in spirit. Keep serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in distress, persisting in prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the *kedoshim, extending hospitality.   source
(*saints NKJV)    (KT suggestion – *spouse)

Without a lot of elaboration can we get a vivid picture here? I see that word: brotherly. I have a thought on that:  ‘friendly’ affection produces friendlier :) affection, does it not?  And for the purposes of this conversation that is more than alright, wouldn’t you agree?  

Did you notice that if you take the Y of busyness and make it an I the word becomes business. Perhaps we should make it our business to not let our marriages become so busy that ‘friendly’ affection disappears; for when it goes, friendlier affection will follow. Got it? 

Hence the prayer: I pray we both will be willing to prefer one another over all the distractions associated with day-to-day living; including, but not limited to, family, friends, media, work, and yes even the Church. Hope this helps.  I’m appreciating it but, I know practice is what really counts! :)

Kathie