WATCHWORD:
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow. Romans 8:38 TLB
Meditation:
Greatest Chapter?
Pastor Robert Morris tells us that Romans Chapter 8 is the greatest chapter of the Bible because it captures the essence of God’s Presence in our lives. It is the Good News and God is the Messenger. What is the message? It is a death sentence for our old life! Yes, and in exchange, we are sentenced to eternal life through belief in Christ. That sounds like Good News, to me.
I’ve gotten into arguments with friends on interpretation or understanding of Biblical truths. I remember one time when the disagreement got a little heated and my friend justified her position on the basis of her religion. “My religion tells me, thus and so.” I gave up trying to convince her otherwise, but left the door open with “We both love God.”
You know, we hold close some thoughts and words that really have no spiritual meaning. Religion, is an example. God makes it clear, in Romans Chapter 8, that Christianity is NOT a religion. Religions are man-made and shaped according to human thinking and understanding, and each one is subject to splitting, often on the basis of petty ideas. Why else would we have thousands of “religions”?
That may not surprise you, if you think about it. So, what is Christianity if not a religion? Well, God gives the answer: Christianity is a relationship with Christ, on-going, all encompassing, permanent. Guaranteed not to shrink or unravel, or disappoint. A relationship with Christ, there you have it.
Look at The Message version of Romans 8:38: “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture”.
So, there you have it. Should you be asked, “What is your Religion?” how are you going to answer? Maybe, “I don’t have a religion, I have a Relationship with Christ!” Take that to heart.
Let the Peace of God flood your heart and grant you a calmness like nothing you have ever felt. God is in charge, God loves us, and we are His Children. Trust that. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
Today, I interviewed my grandmother for part of a research paper I’m working on for my Psychology class. When I asked her to define success in her own words, she said;
“Success is when you look back at your life and the memories make you smile.”
(Short stories from a friend.)
We will explore Romans Chapter 8 in subsequent Watchwords. Keep your bookmark in place.
Closing Prayer:
Great and Mighty is Your name, Lord! You are worthy of all my love, respect, honor and praise. You are my Strong-tower, my Deliverer, my Refuge and my Strength. In You, I put my confidence and trust. Heavenly Father, I love You with all my heart and soul. You are awesome! You make me glad. I will rejoice and praise Your name forever. Amen.
