Daily Meditation: Romans 14:13, 17 & 15:17
Romans 14:13, 17 & 15:17
17 This service of God is for me a cause of pride in Christ Jesus.
My Beloved, I wish to thank the Holy Spirit for inspiring Paul to put so beautifully in words what a true Christian is called to be. If only every Christian took to heart all that Your Word tells us then truly the Kingdom Of God would be visible on earth.
All of us are great in dishing out criticism nothing escapes the sharp edge of our tongue; yet how willing are we not to be the cause of our brother and sisters stumbling because of our high expectations. We must hold ourselves to a much higher standard than anyone else and we must always be willing to make excuses for our brothers and sisters - leaving the judgment always to God alone who sees and knows as we do not.
In Rom 14:17 we read that the kingdom of God is not a matter of food or drink; it is justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
My Beloved, to look at the world today one would imagine that all that matters is succeeding, having the latest in everything and indulging every taste, fashion and passion yet here is a sober reminder to those who seek to follow You wholeheartedly. The Kingdom of God is justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. As we prepare for Pentecost we plead with the Father in Your Holy Name for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit for without Him it is impossible to please God.
Romans 15:17 says, "This service of God is for me a cause of pride in Christ Jesus." If only this was the motto of every baptized Christian. Wow. We would all live very satisfying lives indeed. Rooted deep in the Holy Spirit, we would live to serve in love, in perfect imitation of You. Help me Lord and help all Christians to understand that to love is to serve.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Mass Readings: Acts 15:22-31, John 15:12-17, Psalm 57:8-10, 12
Acts 15:22-31
My Beloved, how often I can see the Readings of the day tie in so beautiful with the Scripture verse I am inspired to read during my quiet time with You. How can I not know that You are speaking through the Holy Spirit when all that I read falls so harmoniously into place.
Here we see the Church as always in her role as Mother trying not to put unnecessary burdens on her children thus destroying their peace of mind. So many Christian denominations preach a gospel of prosperity and good health which condemns those who suffer from sickness or who are poor as being displeasing to God for unfathomable reasons.. These are wolves in sheep's clothing. We can always trust the Church to teach and preach the Truth because She is always submissive to the movement and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
John 15:12-17
You continue Your discourse on Love and service. The two are intrinsically woven together. You cannot have one without the other, "Love one another as I have loved you." This is the only true measure of love - to love as You have loved - which means loving without counting the cost and a willingness to lay down one's life if need be for the other. We may never be called to literally give up our life, but there is a constant dying to self every day for the good of the other and for the glory of God.
Here is another thing to remember, You choose us my Lord and it not the other way around. This ought to keep us humble since we know that we are such poor specimens. It is as You said that all glory will rebound to God for it is clear there is a greater power at work through such poor instruments. Thank You for verse 16 which tells us that the Father will equip and give us all we need if only we ask in Your Name. Thank You.
Psalm 57:8-10, 12
8 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.
9 Awake, my soul, awake, O harp and lyre! I will wake the dawn.
10 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praise to you among the nations.
12 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your Glory be over all the earth!
No comments:
Post a Comment