SFNAZ Newsletter Devotional 12/02/2021

Olivia Craker Metcalf, the author of this year’s Advent devotional reminded me of an old chorus based on Psalm 119:105 that reads, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”.  Maybe you remember it, and if you do, and if you’re like me, you’re now singing it either out loud or quietly within yourself. Either way, I HOPE it is bringing you joy and a smile on your face like it did for me.

My Bible reading and study for today was Romans 12. Verses 9-21 especially spoke to me like a fresh revelation, causing me to stop and pray these verses for myself and for His church.

9 Love must be sincere. The ESV translation uses the word genuine instead of sincere. What struck me was that it is intentionally listed first.

Hate what is evil; cling (hold fast) to what is good.

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. The ESV reads, Love one another with brotherly affection

Honor one another above yourselves. Outdo one another in showing honor. (ESV)

11 … keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful (constant) in prayer.

13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice (seek to show) hospitality.

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

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. But give thought to do what is honorable.

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  

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

PEACE be with you,

Pastor John