cchrisholland

Tripping over something can be embarrassing (especially in public) and sometimes wounded pride can also be accompanied by injury. In the household of faith, we’re commanded to take extra care regarding the placement of “spiritual furniture” around our life’s living room. The reason is there may be a routine or activity we’re comfortable with that inadvertently causes another to stumble. Consider this charge:

“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.” –Romans 14:13 NKJV

The life of liberty in Christ is filled with freedom. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice; sin’s curse is broken, the Law’s requirements are fulfilled, and abundant life is experienced. However, we don’t walk away from the altar without responsibilities. We’re instructed to learn, grow, mature, and serve. The life of a disciple isn’t one of perpetual adolescence, it’s one of influence…the right kind of influence. Occasionally, that means some habits need a second look. According to Romans 14:7, we live to the Lord, not ourselves; and caring for what He cares for…people.

What gave Paul confidence? In other words, as the road got more rugged, what kept hope alive inside him?

Well, to begin with, he wasn’t someone who relied on fables or “hope-so” religion. He was trained at an early age to study the scriptures intensely and base conclusions on it. At conversion, he then began a journey of knowing Christ personally to go along with his vast knowledge of the sacred text. Ultimately, after years of ministry, and extreme circumstances, he wrote these words to articulate his personal, rock-solid conclusion regarding Christ’s faithfulness:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of Christ.” –Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Those words reveal a deep, abiding hope. Have you ever considered that absolutely, positively nothing can separate us from the love of Christ? As disciples, we don’t earn God’s love, nor is it dependent on how we feel. He chooses to love us and there’s not one thing the enemy can do to change it, except try to convince us otherwise. Have you thanked Him for that today? Are you walking in the confidence of it?

Some items have significant worth, even if their monetary value is low.

For example, a loved one’s photo may be worthless on an auction site, but priceless to you. It’s often described as having “sentimental value”. As followers of Christ, God places a certain value on us personally. And He not only values us, He protects us as well. As a matter of fact, these incredible words of encouragement sum it up:

 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” –Romans 8:31 NKJV

And if that’s not enough to fortify your soul, consider this verse to go with it:

“Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” –Romans 8:37 NKJV

It doesn’t matter what value others place on you because God’s accounting is all that really matters. We’re kept by his hand, and that’s a secure place to be.

What brings fear to your heart today? Is it intimidating people, challenging situations, or maybe the unknown? Remember who watches over you, and walk in His strength. “If God is for you, who can be against you?”

Sometimes there are no words.

Hurt, grief, and disappointment are just some of the things words can’t properly frame. Whether attempting to talk to someone, or attempting to pray, words can lack the ability to properly communicate feelings. The secret is; they don’t always have to because our value as a friend or a child of God transcends words.

For example, just the sight of a close friend can lift a spirit; and a brief hug can be worth more than hours talking on the phone. It’s the same with God, but on a deeper level. He doesn’t need words to understand us, or to connect with our heart. Words can be used in prayer of course, but there are moments when the Holy Spirit steps in and communicates on our behalf in ways only He understands. Paul explained it this way:

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” – Romans 8:26-27 NKJV

Prayerful quiet can often start a conversation you didn’t know was needed. Are you short of words today? He understands.

It’s been said that “blood is thicker than water”, but what is it that makes family…family?

The most obvious answer is birth, but then there’s adoption and marriage that also join people into the bonds of family. In each case, there’s a common link. For example, the parents of children are the connection to the grandparents, the spouse is the link to the in-laws, and in Romans chapter 8 the Bible says the Holy Spirit links the believer to Christ. Verse 16 says this:

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

His ministry is intimate and far-reaching. In the previous verses Paul says those who are in Christ are alive in the Spirit and are sons of God through Him as adopted children; welcomed into God’s presence as a child crying “Daddy!” Our Father knows, loves, and provides for us as part of His household. We’re welcomed to relax in the “family room”, at the “family table”, and at “family reunions” among other believers.

Are you living according to the Spirit’s guidance as He “bears witness” with your spirit? Do you have an appreciation for the rest of God’s family, or is there a tendency to act like an “only child”? You’re part of His family; take comfort in the strength of those bonds today…

“Not guilty!”

Upon hearing that declaration, what would an exonerated person be thinking? Thanks? Joy? Things-to-do? Freedom? All-the-above?! For the believer, there’s also such a declaration:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” – Romans 8:1 NKJV

The Righteous Judge has looked at the evidence, heard the arguments of the Accuser, considered the presentation of the Advocate and declared the followers of Christ, “Not guilty!” And by the way, His decision is final. So, what should be on the mind of one walking out of the spiritual courtroom and into freedom? Paul says it should be a mind that’s “set” on the things of the Spirit (8:5). It’s a determined focus on what’s important to Him; in a spirit of joy, letting the Holy Spirit work in and through us to accomplish the will of the Father. He leads the way, and we humbly follow as ones declared, “Not-Guilty!” Breathe in the fresh air of liberty today and live!

What’s so special about a sunrise?

For some it’s the beauty, for others it marks the end of a night shift, and for commuters, a companion in the early hours. Regardless of your appreciation, a sunrise represents the beginning of a new day. In a similar way, the Bible speaks of newness. Romans 6:4 describes the picture of us being buried with Christ in His death and raised to walk in “newness of life”. The life of a disciple is filled with newness, and each day is an opportunity to walk in it.

So what is walking in “newness”? It’s a deliberate posture of turning one’s back to sin, and seeing each day as one filled with:

• Purpose that is ordained of the Lord
• Forgiveness that brings liberty
• Boundaries that provide a framework for success
• Opportunities that present fresh experiences with the Lord

Is your spiritual posture turned away from sin? What area of your life needs refreshment? Do you see this day as one filled with newness? It can be…

Have you ever been unsure of something?

Perhaps it was about a decision or your ability to perform under pressure. In Abraham’s life, there were some very unsure moments. However, the heavenly statement about his life reads this way:

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,” – Romans 4:20

How can someone who struggled at times end up being known as “unwavering”? Well, Paul goes on to say this in the next verse:

“And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” – Romans 4:21

He trusted God. As one commentator said of Abraham’s faith, it was “fully developed”. He knew his past struggles, and he knew the obvious challenge of having children as older adults; but his trust in God’s abilities was stronger than the doubt in his own. He kept moving forward in his faith and it continued to get more focused every day. He was convinced that God would be faithful, regardless of what made sense, and it was “accounted to him as righteousness”.

Where is your trust? Is it directly in the Lord’s faithfulness, or is it dependent on a combination of things “going right”. What do you need to trust Him with today?