Romans 13 is a continuation of how to live a life dedicated to Christian conduct. Being a Christian is being obedient. Obedience to the laws of the land is likened to laws of God. There is no need for fear if one is doing what is right. Punishment is reserved for the wrongdoer. But Paul expands this concept to include respect and honor, which are what we owe God. Obedience is a by product of love. When we obey God it is proof of our love for him. Paul's message is that if we love, then we are in no danger of breaking God's command. Lastly, do not put off righteousness. Begin now, for it would be an error to gamble with later or to assume we will have time to get right. Doing right can always start immediately. Acting in the spirit of Christ will produce righteousness, submitting to the will of sinful desires equals unrighteousness.
Genesis 39-40: The story of Joseph is a poster child for the saying/song, "Be still God will fight your battles." However, we must at be righteous to the concept. Joseph was innocent even though bad things were happening to him. Verse 8 reminds me of the opportunity Adam and Eva had in the garden to do right; and of the question each of us should ask ourselves; "How can I do such wickedness and sin against a God who gives us so much?" Chapter 40. Joseph continues in the favor of God. I want to encourage you that testing is a part of Christian life. During those times we have to continue to lean and depend on a righteous and merciful God to rescue and restore us. Joseph has favor even in prison. He uses his gift of dream interpretation and proves that his understanding of dreams comes from God. But the significance of this is to give Joseph hope that his story does not end in prison. Remembering his dream would be to remember that God would raise him up from the dungeon as he did before. Someone reading this might find comfort in knowing that the promises of God are available to you. Righteousness has reward added to it. Hold on do not let your seemingly bad circumstance stray you for obeying God. Keep walking with Joseph and you will see that God has not forgotten him or you!
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Staying focus on God seemes to be the key.
ReplyDeleteWe need many prayer's to make staying "FOCUS"
a reality. Possibally praying a hundred times a day?
Someone smarter than me said, "A Journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step" My point is that if we get started with a prayer a day, and then we are on our way.
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