Yo, I got served!

I have finally got myself on a fairly consistent reading schedule, now. And, I'll tell you what--Its challenging! Not just reading daily, remembering, getting the routine..but when you do read everyday, you really get challenged.
I just started Romans, and we know how encouraging it starts. Then Paul starts in on God's wrath, and how we generally give up the good for the bad all by oursleves: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie.." (Rom 1:25). In chapter 2 God's judgment is dicscussed. This is where it gets hard. He sets us up by talking about the Jews and the Law, gentiles and the law they are unto themselves because of their consciences and then he convicted me. I got served.

"You who teach others, do you not teach yourselves?"

"You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
As it is written: 'God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' " (Rom 2:21,23,24)
You who preach against __________, do you _________ ?

You who teach others, do you not teach yourselves?

To whom are you accountable?

Your wife, kids?
The boss?
Brother, sister?
The preacher....God?
How about all of the above...and more.
Truth is we are really accountable to everyone.
How's that working out for you?
Paul struggled with sin (Rom 7), but didn't let it get the better of him. I encourage you to find a brother to hold you accountable...and while you're at it, return the favor.

"Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1Cor 9:24
"If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" 1Cor 10:12

The Choosing of the Seven

Are you familiar with Acts 6:1-7 ?
This is about ministry-establishing a ministry without hurting another. We have ministries in place in church, of course. We also each have a heart for a certain ministry. Here was a need not being met. The solution? Chosse seven men known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Seven men besides those already working in this other ministry. This seems to point out that everyone is here for a reason, for a job in the Kingdom.

Do not neglect your ministry. Consider yourself anointed.

"So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly..."