45Rom015.mp3
Commentary
Oh, You are my perfect provision. I put my head low in Your presence, as I see more clearly the mess I put my life in. I see my true potential and then see what I have become so far, and I know I could have done better for You, oh Lord. I am encouraged that is not the way YOU see it, Jesus. As You know all things, I understand that all I am is of You, for you, and in You. Anything the enemy tries against me is made to my blessing, not of curses. No weapons formed against me can ever prosper. You are my full and complete provision. If You don't provide it, I am to have contentment in that You have given me all I need, and removed any hindrances to that result. I consider the lilies now and I will not fret. Thank you, God almighty! I thank You for cleaning me, for forgiving me, and for restoring me to whole and complete. I receive Your word now, in Jesus' name!
In this chapter, I see right from the beginning that we shift our focus on each other, to demonstrate the love of God through us and to other people. My time of strength is NOT for my good pleasure only. My strength is manifest so that I can help to bear the burdens of my brothers and sisters, and to gently guide the lost people to Your perfect will. My strength is not from me, nor is it for me, as a whole. My strength came from You, oh God. During times of weakness, I have established this strength.
The previous chapters in this book covered our identity in You, oh God. Then, You have shown me that even though I am no longer a defendant in a spiritual courtroom, it is not a license to sin, but that I am required to utilize all of Your provisions as expedient tools to do Your will. Now I see the fullness of what You show me now. Even the good stuff is not for me only, but for all who need it. Even though I can now operate in the overflow of Your provision, I understand that sacrifice can sometimes require me to give, even from the cup that overflows. I shouldn't limit my givings to ONLY THE OVERFLOW. If my brother, neighbor or friend needs something that I have, even if I don't have extra, I am made strong to endure the lack as I give it to someone so that they do not have to lack. I will not be selfish any longer.
I desire to spread the good news of hope in Christ Jesus. I desire to spread the spiritual things among the people. I understand that is not the completion of this commission. I must also minister and spread abroad the carnal things necessary for our flesh to survive on Earth. This is not to be mistaken for any carnal thing. I will not produce and spread any forbidden fruit.
Father, thank You for your life giving Word. Thank you for filling me with its hope, fresh and new! I see how much Paul writes to the many different communities in the body of Christ and I think, "I should write also, even if I don't know who my audience will be." Led by Your Spirit, oh God, I will receive and apply Your will through your Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, and what I write comes from my heart as a direct result of the individual chapter, and all of the studies overall. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing to You, oh God. Let your Word go wherever it goes, to complete the work it is assigned to do, in me and in all the people in my 110. I pray in Jesus' name, amen!
Monday, June 18th, 2012 - 7:34am
