Mission Faithwalk

                 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  (Romans 13:1)                 This is a tough one, especially for Americans. We tend to think that if we don’t like a government official, we can start a revolution. This is the tone of the rhetoric I hear about our elected officials and about those involved in the Lindsey Clancy debate. When we look at this passage, we tend to think, “Oh, it’s saying we have to obey the emperor, the king, or the president. We have to brown-nose for the pleasure of some megalomaniac human being – a Pharaoh, a Nebuchadnezzar, a Napoleon, a Hitler, or a (name your favorite “demon ”).                 The quest...

              For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,   by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, (Ephesians 2:14-19)                 The last verse is the conclusion toward which we are working, but to get there, we need to wander the estate. We have been welcomed in, given a room, and...

                 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)                 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.’” (Leviticus 23:22)                 Jumping from the idea of gifts to that of fruits. As a gardener, I tend to think a little selfishly about fruit. I want my crops for my use. I’m not trying to be mean, I’m just not experienced enough to know how much is enough for me. I have told my north neighbors that anything that grows through the fence is fair picking for...

               Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:14-16)             Again, today’s passage flows after the verses about gifts that we should, if we have them, put to use for others in our community. The ability to bless those who persecute you is a gift. If you think that forgiving someone who has harmed you or something you care about is hard, releasing them from your justice is nothing compared to doing them good! (Keep in mind that doing them good doesn’t involve putting yourself or anyone else in harm’s way. “Good” could involve their being put in jail, which will limit the amount of harm they can do to others.) We desperately need to ask for that one to ...

                Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.    Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.    Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13)                 Today’s passage continues from yesterday’s, in which Paul was writing about gifts. There’s no obvious, real break in the text, so it’s reasonable to suggest that the topic is still the use of gifts, lots of gifts and the quality of some of them. It’s the qualities that caught my attention because there’s another word that could be used, another gift that makes the others even better. Attitude, which is defined as “a settled way of thinking or feeling about s...

                     We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)                 Let’s begin with a deep breath. Release it. There is no reason to believe that this list of gifts is complete. If you lack these particular skills, you’re not giftless. If you’re not the greatest in the world at something, you’re not giftless. Even if you’re sure you’re a nobody, that doesn’t mean you are a nobody (or that a nobody is what you think it is.) If you think you may as well stay home because no one is go...