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Romans 14:7-10

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Personal Challenge

Jesus told His disciples, and ultimately all of us, in Matthew 7:1-2,

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Too many who proclaim to be followers of Christ choose to put on the robe of the judge and measure others against a standard that they hold for others and not even themselves. This is a dangerous thing to do. God, and only God, is the judge of the actions of each and every person. Only He knows their hearts. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Psalms 119:105 (118:105)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my paths.

Encouraging Words

Why is it so important for those of us who choose to follow in the footsteps of Christ to continue to be in the scriptures? One very important reason is clearly articulated in this verse. We live in a fallen world, a dark and dangerous world. By staying in God’s word, we have a bright and consistent light to lead us on the path that leads us to heaven. Glory be to God!

DO NOT JUDGE

Romans 14:3-4

Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Personal Challenge

The Christian Church is currently in the season of Lent. The Western Church is winding down to Palm Sunday this weekend and the Eastern Church is in the midst of their first week of Lent. A common practice in both in this season of Lent is fasting. This is to be a time of soul searching and repentance as we prepare for the upcoming, Easter/Pascha celebration. Unfortunately, it is also a time where many people begin to of judge others on how they are doing, or not doing, with their Lenten practices. Paul makes it clear that what another does, or doesn’t do, is none of our business. We have a big enough job looking after our own lives. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Psalms 119:89 (118:89)

Forever, O Lord,
Your word continues in heaven.

Encouraging Words

Christianity has only been around for 2,000 years, however, the God that we worship is eternal. His word is eternal and became flesh 2, 000 years ago. No other religion of cult can claim this truth. That very God, who is eternal, has loved us from the beginning of time and desired for us to be His children. this truly is encouraging. Glory be to God!

Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Personal Challenge

We have come to a significant crossroad in our day with institutional Christianity. We are hearing so many people; church leaders, church participants, elected officials all proclaiming the label of Christian, and yet, treating their neighbors with contempt and hatred. This is antithetical to the teachings of the Christian faith. God has made it undeniably clear that we are to love our neighbor and do them no harm. If we desire to claim that we are a child of God, then we must look honestly at our behavior in this area. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Psalms 119:77 (118:77)

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live;
For Your law is my meditation.

Personal Challenge

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are challenged to walk in His footsteps, to be like Him, to act like Him. As the Psalmist here calls out for the compassions of God, we are reminded that Jesus was God’s compassion for us made incarnate. He poured out His compassion by humbling Himself and becoming human. If we are to truly be His followers, then we too must humble ourselves and be compassionate to those whom He brings into our life. This means everyone, the immigrant, the indigent, the homeless, the sinner, everyone! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner and forgive me for not showing compassion to my neighbor.

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Personal Challenge

One of the unchristian behaviors that I have seen in my lifetime is the blatant resistance to the leaders of our government. God has Appointed the leaders that we have. We are charged with submit ting to them and praying for them. We are blessed to live in a time and country where if we disagree with them, we can vote against them. We are to exercise that right with prayerful consideration and then treat those who are voted into office with godly respect. When the world around us begins to dehumanize and disrespect these leaders, we are not supposed to join in. That makes us complicit with the ways of the world, which are driven by the enemy of God. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Psalms 119:37 (118:37)

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity;
Give me life in Your way.

Personal Challenge

This is one thing that we so often neglect to seek after…God giving us life in His own way. We are constantly trying to shape that which goes on around us in our own ways and not His. This is why we so often end up committing sin and needing to run back to him. He has a way that will always lead us on His path. We need to take our eyes off the vane things of this world and keep them on Him. Glory be to God!