Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Romans 1:11-12 – Encouraging Relationships

Daily Devotional Bible Verse
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12 ESV)
Do you have a friend who you know you can go to coffee with or call on the phone and feel refreshed after the talk? They are good listeners and seem to understand everything you are going through. They don’t condemn you, but lift you up with encouragement.
Paul earnestly desired to visit the church in Rome. There were probably multiple reasons, including: it was his calling/ministry, he wanted to teach them, wanted to see how they were doing, and many more. But, it was also so that he could receive from them. Paul was a man who wrote the majority of New Testament books and he wanted to be encouraged by new Christians in Rome. How awesome!
At times we also need the encouragement of other Christians. He was wanting to spend time with people, to develop relationships with people, and to then be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. These kind of relationships do not happen by attending church services alone, we need to take steps to genuinely get to know one another and discover the faith and spiritual gifts that others have. In this scripture, we can learn from Paul and seek out a group of people to meet with to be encouraged by their faith. As we gain encouragement, we give encouragement. We weren’t called to live the Christian life alone.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

2 Timothy 3:16 – God Speaks Still

Daily Devotional Bible Verse
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)
Have you ever felt like God has quit speaking? Maybe sermons are losing their impact, times of genuine worship in life are growing more scarce, and overall, you’re coasting on spiritual memories and past times? Whatever the reason, there are times in life in which we feel disconnected from God and alone. If you feel this way, consider looking deeper into your Bible. The Bible was faithfully recorded by inspired men from all walks of life, who lived across three continents, and compiled the texts over a period of fifteen hundred years without ever contradicting one another. God spoke then through Scripture, and He is still speaking through it now.
When we neglect to meet God in the words He preserved for us, we lose our bearing in life and He seems distant. However, the wonderful truth is that God hasn’t moved and He is still speaking to us through the Bible. Remember; it’s not just a book with worn-out phrases, rather, it’s a treasure house of truth that’s living and active. The Bible is a fountain of living water and is intended to be our prime source of strength. Pick it up, dust it off, and draw near to the God who speaks still.
Approach Scripture with the understanding that God still speaks to us every time we read His words.