Day 4 - Week 45 - Romans 12:11 "Do not lack diligence, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

....be fervent in spirit.....

We've determined we are to be consistent in our striving to do God's will, expressing His love to others in all aspects of our lives, and showing our love to Him above all else.  Diligence. 

Now, what does the phrase, "be fervent in spirit" mean to you?  Really...what does that say to you?  I think there would be some who would interpret it to mean that we are to be emotionally charged devotees who never miss an opportunity to raise our hands in praise or to shout a "Praise the Lord!" or "Hallelujah!"   (I love doing all of these things...but overused, both actions and words can become less meaningful than intended.)

"zeo in pneuma"

"Zeo" (fervent) is defined as to boil with heat, used of boiling anger, love, zeal.
"Pneuma" (spirit) is best defined in this context as the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one

So we are to have a boiling hot disposition when it comes to the things that Paul discusses in the verses preceding Romans 12:11, remember those?  But let's also look at the verses following our exhortation to fervency....

Romans 12: 9-18
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.  Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.   Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.      Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.   Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.    Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.   Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.   Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes.     If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 

These are the things we are to be fervent about in our spirit.  We are to be a people who are consumed by our desires to live in accordance with the way God has asked us to live.  We are not to be complacent or satisfied with lives exhibiting anything less.  I love these words written by J. C. Ryle that Robert J. Morgan chose to include in his text covering this verse...they are not words of comfort, but words of strong exhortation!

I want to strike a blow at the lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity of these latter days, which can see no beauty in zeal, and only uses the word "zealot" as a word of reproach. I want to remind Christians that "Zealot" was a name given by our Lord to His Apostle Simon as a mark of honor, and to persuade them to be zealous men.....There is in a sense in which it may be said that zeal is contagious.  Nothing is more useful to the adherents of Christianity than to see a real live Christian---a thoroughly zealous man of God.

Now I'm not sure of the date of that quote, but I do know that J. C. Ryle died in 1900.  I have a feeling that the "lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity" of his day would appear quite zealous compared to what he may witness in many churches of today.  Where is our zeal?  Where is our burning desire to be a "real live Christian----a thoroughly zealous man of God."  That is what we are called to. 

I cannot close without including the phrase that has been ringing through my mind as I write today's thoughts....

Revelation 3:14-20
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says:    I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot.    So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.   Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,  I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.   As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.    Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.   

As we enter into 2012, let us renew within our selves a call to fervency, to a boiling hot love for Christ and His will for our lives.  No more lukewarm, no more lazy, sleepy, easy Christianity. 

Another year is dawning, dear Father let it be, on earth or else in Heaven another year for Thee!    Frances Havergal

Day 3 - Week 45 - Romans 12:11 "Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord."

Do not lack diligence...

Nothing like starting off with a very direct exhortation, is there?  Since it is so direct, let's make sure we get the full meaning so we don't miss anything!

You know how this section reads in the King James Version?  "Not slothful in business..."  Now that throws a different light on it, doesn't it?  Slothful in business=lacking diligence?

The Greek words used are "okneros" (sluggish, slothful, backward) and
"spoude" (earnestness in accomplishing, promoting or striving after anything; to give all diligence)

So I think we get the message - we are not to be lazy, but we are to be diligent in accomplishing the business we are given to do.  This is one of those times that I think it bears looking at the context preceding this passage to ensure we are clear as to what we are not to lack diligence about.

Romans 12:9-11
    Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.   Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.   Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.  

The section title above these verses is "Christian Ethics"...basically a description as to how Christians are to live.  The sentence immediately preceding our verse says a lot, doesn't it.  "Outdo one another in showing honor"...THEN...."Do not lack diligence..."

Seems to me that we are to never let up on honoring each other...never let up on loving in honesty and sincerity...never let up on hating evil, loving good...never let up.

It is easy sometimes to get caught up in our own selfish motivations, but we must be diligent in combating those deterrents to the business we are called to...loving others more than ourselves...loving God above all else.

What if, in 2012, those of us who call ourselves Christians were absolutely diligent about our desire to show honor to others more than seeking to honor ourselves?

What if, in 2012, those of us who call ourselves Christians were absolutely diligent about our desire to express true, honest and sincere love to others?

What if, in 2012, those of us who call ourselves Christians were absolutely diligent about our business...the business of seeking God's will in each and every aspect of our lives? 

I'm thinking that is what we are to be the absolutely most diligent about...seeking God's will and doing it.  As I start a new year, I am going to remind my self..."Do not lack diligence!"   Never let up! I saw a quote today that bears repeating, don't know the author so I can't credit, but I can repeat: "God's will for my life is for me to seek to do God's will."

Day 1 - Week 45 - And again we begin...

...another verse to add to our hearts.  With the end of a year, we tend to think of finalizations.  But our trip is not yet half over.  Don't even think about quitting!!

Going back to the analogy of the Appalachian Trail, we are now crossing the Potomac River into Maryland, most likely across the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge.  Makes me realize that someone has come before and made the trip a little bit easier for us.  Someone built a bridge!  Now what does that remind you of?

Christ has gone before us - He built the bridge for us to be able to cross over the river of our sins into the presence of Holy Almighty God.  Every time you cross a bridge from now on, say a prayer of thanks for our Bridge who sacrificially gave Himself so that we can safely cross over.

We continue with our section of verses on obedience.  Last week's verse was a good one to have toward the end of a year and going into a new one to remind us that we are not about this world, nor do we want to conform to this world.  We have been born to something so much better!

Let's review and then unwrap (possibly our last Christmas present for this year!) our new verse:

The Gift of Assurance (10)

1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and that life is in His Son.

1 John 5:12-13 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God, does not have life. I say these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life.

John 14:1 Your heart must not be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansion, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3 And if I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you unto Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or afraid.

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed . (KJV)

Isaiah 53:6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquities of us all.

Praise and Thanksgiving (4)

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Promises of God (10)

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Obedience (10)
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.
Romans 12:2  Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.

We're going to stay in Romans 12 and just move down to verse 11.  I have to admit, this is not a verse that I have repeated to myself over the years, but I can see where it is one that I need to remind myself of regularly!

Romans 12:11
Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.

Short, sweet and to the point, isn't it?  But easy...hmmmm....what do you think?  Let's camp out at the end of our footbridge and let this one soak in to our hearts this week. 

Thank you for taking this journey with me...it's been encouraging to me to hear positive comments from some of you when we meet.  I never know where this is landing, but it is landing in multiple places and in multiple hearts.  I ask God's blessing on you as you share His Word with me and I ask His restriction on me as I write, that my words never are in contrast to His.

Moving forward together!

 

Day 6 - Week 44 - Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."

I hope you all had as merry a Christmas Day as the Hodges family did...we ate, and gifted, and talked, and ate, and did one of the silliest things ever...we pulled off our socks and shoes and ran out in the 4" of snow that Amarillo surprisingly received to make it one of our rare White Christmases!  Even 5 year old Genny joined in our "Polar Bear Run"!  Fun times that make for good family memories!

On Christmas Eve we celebrated Christ's birth with wonderful services at Hillside Christian Church.  It was an evening of true praise to Christ our King.  My mind was renewed with the truth of the gift of God to us in the form of His Son, coming as a baby in Bethlehem.

When we dwell on the truths of God, we will find ourselves being non-conformists to this world, to this age of the temporary.  We will find ourselves realizing that the lies that are being told to us by this world do nothing for us other than increase our levels of discontent and frustration.  Lies such as...

• getting more "stuff" will add to our happiness
• our physical appearance determines our value
• making more money should be our ultimate goal
• bigger, better homes/cars/clothes/toys increases our enjoyment of life
• growing old gracefully is an idea that you should never embrace

The list could go on and on...but you get the idea.  What the world tells us should be our priorities is in direct contrast to the priorities that God lays out for us.  God's priorities are clearly stated by Jesus as the two greatest laws:  love God and love others.  More than ourselves.  That's where the biggest rub comes to the primary lie that the world (and the ruler of this world, Satan) tries to etch into our heads...WE are not the center of the universe...WE are not the priority...WE are not to think of ourselves as most important.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

Or as The Message puts it,

Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.

That is not what the world tells us...but it IS what God's Word tells us and what helps us in our quest to understand God's good, perfect and pleasing will for our lives. 

Day 5 - Week 44 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas to all---Christ is born!! 

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."

Christ came down!  Christ lived, died and rose again...and because of Him, we have an option.  We can live as if this divine event never happened and live according to what the world gives us (which is all temporary), or we can choose to renew our minds in the truth of Christmas, the truth that Christ came and made a difference for all mankind.  Because of Him, we can choose to live according to the good, pleasing and perfect will of God, knowing that there is so much more to this life and beyond this life. 

I look around at what the world is telling us today---it is trying very hard to minimize Christmas from the one that I knew as a child.  Santa, reindeer and snowmen have taken over the yard decorations rather than the serenity of the manger scenes that were once the absolute norm of every yard.  The world says, "Celebrate the holidays, give yourselves some gifts, and sing some silly songs.  Feel good for these few days of the winter holiday season."  Now there is nothing wrong with those things in themselves, but the sad thing is that many people today are not realizing that there is something so much better going on.

In minds that are being renewed into the knowledge of God's will, ideas are spinning that are not of this world.  They are dwelling on the fact that 2000 years ago, God came to earth in the form of a baby, bringing with Him the absolute truth and grace that the world had never experienced.  These minds are thinking about the love that Christ taught us, and they are thinking of the compassion that needs to be shown to those with less, to those who are physically and emotionally needy, and to those who are spiritually empty.  They are thinking about what they can do to share Christ's love in whatever way they are being led to do so. 

In minds that are being renewed into the knowledge of God's will, thoughts are on Christmases to come and how they can be better for themselves and their families, the lessons that still need to be taught.  And they certainly are thinking about the one day when they will leave this temporary world and enter into the place that God has prepared for them....all because of the fact that a Baby came to provide for them access into this divinely appointed place, where God's will is for all to live with Him for eternity.

Christ came!  Hallelujah!!  Because of Him, life is different---life is imminently better---life is eternal.  I pray that you embrace the Savior today...He has come for you.