Devotional Thoughts

Romans 16:6-16    “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’   household.  Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the   household   of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salu...

Psalm 73:1-3   A Psalm of Asaph.   "Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.  (2)  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  (3)  For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Today's writing might be a little different from other days. This Psalm tells the entire story of how quickly you and I can be plunged into a state of discouragement and despair. I believe one of the most used tools in Satan's toolbox is that of discouragement. And quite honestly discouragement is the offspring of selfishness. I know that is a hard saying, but I believe it's true. Discouragement comes when we do not get our own way. Discouragement comes when we place our eyes on others and the things they possess and enjoy. Discouragement comes when we begin to compare ourselves against others. Do you see what caused discouragement in the life of the Psalmist? "... my steps had well nigh slipp...

Romans 16:1-5    “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise   greet   the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” As Paul closes out his letter to the church at Rome, he speaks to them of specific individuals that have proven their love for the church of God. While some would have us believe that Paul had no use for women, he is very diligent to mention several sisters here who were vital to the church in that day. There is much debate today about what women can and ...

Psalm 72:17-19    "His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and  men  shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. (18)  Blessed  be  the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. (19)  And blessed  be  his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled  with  his glory; Amen, and Amen."   I believe stability is one of the greatest needs that we have from birth until death. Change can be a frightening and unnerving thing. In today's verses, we find the ultimate stability that will ever exist. "His name shall endure for ever." We serve the same God today who spoke this universe into existence and continues to sustain it every moment of every day. The Psalmist used words that described his thoughts about God when he said, "his name shall be continued as long as the sun." We often hear something described as, "sure as the sun will rise in t...

Romans 15:30-33    “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in   your   prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which   I have   for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace   be   with you all. Amen.” Paul has given admonishment to the saints at Rome and confessed his deep desire to come and see them. He has also related to them that he must first go to Jerusalem and minister to the needs of the saints there before he can come to Rome. He now makes a request of the saints at Rome. This should also be our desire today for one another. The word translated as beseech means to call near (see Strong’s). Paul needed to feel the spiritual closeness of his brethren, even when they we...