Author - Clay Corvin

01/12          Romans 13:4-7 

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.  5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.  6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do.  7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. 

CHANGE

We must change the way we deal with authority.  It is the World in us that causes us to rebel against authority.  Tragically when we do rebel we may find ourselves working against God.  This is an area that at times is complicated to discern but God’s Word is true and we are called to follow the Lord.  This isn’t a final word.  There are times we need to stand against evil authority.  Pray.  

01/11          Romans 13:1-3 

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.  2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.  3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 

PRAY

Pray for those in authority.  Pray for their work, their families and God’s use of them in the community and society.  God is the Lord and there is not other. 

01/10          Romans 12:19-21

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD .20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

LISTEN

Listen to God’s plan and set aside your anger.  The Lord will deal with it and you will conquer evil by doing good.  

01/09          Romans 12:16-18 

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

BE

We are called to be more like Jesus.  He is our example.  His very nature is Love.  He calls us to love one another, loving others the way we would love ourselves.  We represent God if we are a Christian.  God loves and calls us to be His love in the world.  

01/08          Romans 12:14-15 

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

BLESS

We are God’s children because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  He is Lord.  He calls us to care for people-all people.  Every person you meet has value therefore as God’s children we are called to value them. 

01/07          Romans 12:13 

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

NOTE

Note I said earlier the people count with the Lord.  You and I are called to care for the people we come into contact with.  We are the hands and feet of Jesus.  We go and do what he calls us to do.  That includes treating everyone the same way we want to be treated.  Love the unlovely and care for those who cannot pay you back.  

01/06          Romans 12:11-12 

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

BE

God calls us to be usable and then we are to get busy.  Pray for others all the time.  Prayer is hard work.  Do it and be a prayer warrior.  

01/05          Romans 12:10 

Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.

PEOPLE

People count with the Lord.  All people count with the Lord.  Although the lost have no claim on the Lord, the Lord cares for them and is looking for them.  Treat people like you want to be treated.  Pray for the lost.  Seek to help and be kind to everyone you meet.  Jesus loves you, therefore you can love others.  People count with the Lord.  

01/04          Romans 12:6-9 

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 

YOU

God has given you an ability.  It might not be the ability you admire but it is an ability you can use in the kingdom to honor and glorify the Lord God.  Do what He has called you to do.  An encourager encourages.  A writer writes.  None of us are called to sit on the sideline.  Get busy.  

01/03          Romans 12:4 

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 

PEOPLE

People count with the Lord.  We need to learn to make people count with us.  Every one you see has value and we need to learn how to show them we know that.  People count with the Lord.