Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Personal Challenge

Paul concludes his discussion on loving our fellow Christians by challenging us to pursue those things in our relationships that result in peace and edification of one another. In order to do this, we must be willing to humble ourselves and put others first. Even if our doctrines are slightly different, as long as we are followers of Christ, we are family. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Psalms 119:133 (118:133)

Direct my steps according to Your teaching
And let no lawlessness rule over me.

Encouraging Words

We have seen two passages in this psalm that show us how God provides His light to guide us on our path through life. He does not stop there. He is willing to direct our steps on that path according to His teaching and guidance. We just need to be willing to follow His direction. We can also pray to Him asking that we be protected from the lawlessness of this world that will try to distract us from Him. Glory be to God!

Romans 14:12-13

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

Personal Challenge

When Paul wrote this letter there was only one Holy catholic and apostolic church. They were already dealing with heresies and wrong teaching, but they were not yet divided as we are today. His message here is more important today than ever. We are told to take care of our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what. Whether they are Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant, as long as they are followers of Christ, we are not to judge them or be stumbling blocks to them. Sobering thoughts in this day with our Christian faith practice so divided and hostile towards each other. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Psalms 119:130 (118:130)

The revelation of Your words gives light,
And it causes children to understand.

Encouraging Words

We all need light to see in the dark. Since we live in a dark and fallen world, we need a light that is spiritual and pierces through that darkness. God’s living Word provides that light and helps us, His children, to see and understand the way. Glory be to God!

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!