O2/17/2008

Glue

I think Jesus likes the Higher Grounds ministries!! Why else would he bless such a small congregation with so many wonderful and gifted speakers? This week we were excited to hear God speak through Steve Gould.; a gifted orator using that gift to speak about God`s words.

The lesson this week was from Romans chapter 12 starting with verse 9 through verse 21. The verses are a series of admonishments from Jesus some of which are frankly pretty tough. They are a follow up to similer urgings found throughout the New Testament especially in Matthew.

A sampling of some toughies
verse 13- contribute to the needs of God`s people
14- Bless those who persecute you
15 -rejoice with those who rejoice
16-live in harmony with one another
17 -repay noone evil for evil
18-live at peace with everyone

and this really tough one
20-If your enemy is hungary -feed him!!!

There is most likely one or more of these that are difficult for most of us. So hard that they seem impossible to adhere to. The glue that holds all these most challenging of entreaties into a possibility is love. Love is the binder for all of God`s demands. Love is the doorway into a world that is against human nature(sin). With love we can do what seems impossible because we see the situation differently. Matthew 5:44 says love your enemies. If we do indeed love them then we can indeed feed him; you can give your coat to someone suing us(Matthew 5:40) and more and more extremely difficult tasks. Without love, how can we get beyond ourselves as humans? Its this Christian love that is the glue that holds all of Christian teachings together. Romans 12;9 says "Let your love be sincere"

A final comment on Steve`s lesson. Steve warned us that if we left the Coffee Grove intending to try harder that we might fail. I didnt know what he meant but when he indicated that we were to- Let go and let God- I understood. God imparts the feelingof love to us thru the Holy Spirit and we must allow Him to do this for us. Then and perhaps only then can we adhere to very demanding admonishments.

Y`all have a great week and watch the ice!! If we think sidewalks are slippery, think about the slippery slope away from Jesus. Watch your steps and stay on the salted paths of Jesus!