Romans 12 ~ Contribute

 

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. 

Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.



Romans 12 is incredibly inspiring. One of my favorites.


God praised the multi-talented and blessed Solomon for not asking for his enemies. Which was a new thing. The Blessing of Abraham said Abraham would possess Heaven and earth (for Abraham's faith and willingness to hear God and obey God). And continued into saying Abraham would find his enemies in his hand.


I like Solomon's idea. Let God take care of this. God is this big. 

More time for the Joy of Salvation Jesus Lives.

Romans 12 is a difficult chapter if you take this as a "To Do List". It's glorious. Don't get me wrong. But you have to step out of the caste system the United States is holding on to in some places. "One Opinion." And lately that is difficult. Yet, we live in a nation of freedom of religion and speech. Jesus might speak and fish are in the net, but Jesus never called us to be Salmon. We need our gifts and talents contributing.  And escape the net of what we know to be our own fish net.

At the opposite end - we have difficulty coping with the soul who clings to us and goes on and on about this and that. We have the elderly who will discuss odd health requirements. And this will be us, days will come.

God says if we keep listening, we hear their gifts and talents of God in people, in their goodness. God tells us to flee from some people. There is an actual list of flee. To give thanks and find what God is telling us.  And warns that the mercy of the merciless (when I look out for myself, or you look out for yourself) is cruel.


if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness

Prophetic gifts of Evangelism believe God is serious about the world. His mercy is vast.

Faithful people believe we need more people in God. The water is warm, come in. The Faithful believe the Promises of God will be given by God. Abraham believed God and was considered righteous. Even when he did not own a foot of the Nation of Israel.

Service people believe we can all lend a hand, working good for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Teaching people believe, if the Bible is put in someone's hand, God is going to show Goodness to them.

People who extort, have to have a sense of humor. Or a good pair of running shoes to keep up as people do their own thing quickly. Or a solution.

People who contribute believe God is going to really provide Goodness. Time, talent and money.

Generosity for the Kingdom of God is Blessed with encouragement of God's Children.

Vim, vigor, zeal - mercy and cheerfulness.

This is the Way, Truth and Life of Abundant Living in Jesus Christ.




We live Psalm 91. We believe God is going to keep us safe.  God is usually asking for compassion and mercy and not war. God wants us to see His compassion and His mercy reach to all people, asking Him. God says leave working for vengeance and work on being hospitable souls to one another. Overcoming what is wrong by seeing the good and working there.

Believe most people are doing their best.
Believe most people are doing their best.
Believe most people are doing their best.

And 4 of 10 people feel they are facing undo stress.

Revelation 7:17 

For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. 

'He will lead them to springs of living water,'

 and 'God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'"

Abba, our Father,

Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ.

Thank You for the gift of Salvation in Jesus Christ.

Thank You for the gift of seeing Jesus

washing feet

after His Feet were washed.

Jesus the Blessing

of Sharing His Blessings.

Jesus giving us the understanding of You,

Your Exact Nature.

Jesus brings us the Kingdom Today.

Your Blessings Renew Daily.

Thank You, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Let us Bless the Lord

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yay Thanks be unto the Lord