Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

Lake Stockton -- a favorite place for prayer retreats.  Scripture Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf. Observation In humility, Paul asks the believers in Rome to intercede for him. He has shared his concerns, his burdens, and his travel plans. Fully aware that he cannot accomplish this mission in his own strength, he asks them to join him in earnest prayer. That phrase— earnest prayer —captures my attention. It suggests something far deeper than simply saying, "I'll pray for you." Paul knows the journey ahead will be difficult. He needs believers who will genuinely carry him before the Lord. History tells us that he was right. The road to Rome was dangerous. He would eventually arrive there—not as a free man, but as a prisoner. Yet before the journey ever began, Paul recognized that it had to be covered in prayer. Application There is so much about pra...

My granddaughter's new high score at Bass Pro Shop's shooting range! This is her ambition :).  Scripture Romans 15:20–21 Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written: "Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard shall understand." Observation As Paul begins to conclude his letter to the church in Rome, he pauses to speak about his ambition. Throughout his life, we catch glimpses of Paul's remarkable drive. He was present when Stephen was stoned. He sought official permission to persecute Christians in Damascus. His ambition was unmistakable. Then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul did not lose his ambition. Instead, it was completely redirected. For the rest of his life, his ambition became proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Rather than building on someone else's work, he longed to ...

On the wall at the new residence for  missionaries in training in Clearwater, Florida.  Scripture Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Observation Paul has been quoting the Scriptures to affirm God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles. He makes it clear that the gospel is for all people. Then, almost unexpectedly, he breaks into a benediction. Perhaps he is extending this blessing over the diverse community of believers in Rome, praying that they would find their unity in Christ. This blessing centers on a new kind of hope, one that stands in sharp contrast to the hopes offered by the Roman Empire. Rome even had a goddess of Hope, but Paul points instead to the  God of hope , who fills His people with joy and peace.  Joy and peace are fruit of the Spirit, evidence of His transforming work in the lives of those who believe. Although Paul uses different language than ...

My parents' Bibles from when they served as missionaries in Germany.  Scripture Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Observation Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they are not to be concerned with pleasing themselves but with serving others. Right in the middle of that discussion, he pauses to emphasize the importance of the Scriptures. Everything that had been written before was given by God for the instruction of His people. The Scriptures are not merely a record of God's dealings with humanity. They are the foundation upon which the Christian life is built. Through them we learn steadfastness, receive encouragement, and discover hope. God's Word has always been His means of forming His people. Application A little over a week ago, I was asked to preach a sermon on Scripture based on Article IV of the Articles of Faith of the Church ...

A peaceful garden!  Scripture Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Observation Paul continues to be concerned that the Christians in Rome are judging one another. In fact, they seem to have become legalistic. They are arguing about food and drink in ways that reveal a very self-centered faith. Some insist they should be free to eat and drink whatever they choose. Others argue that faithful followers of Christ must abstain from certain foods or drinks. In the midst of these debates, Paul offers a remarkable reminder. The kingdom of God is not about rules concerning food and drink. Instead, it is about "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Suddenly, the conversation moves in an entirely different direction. Application How often do we reduce the kingdom of God to visible actions while overlooking the deeper realities of righteousness, peace, and joy? When we become consumed with arguing...

                                                                    Who Are You Living For? My granddaughter is learning from her grandpa. She left this at a hotel recently.  Scripture: Romans 14:7–9 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Observation Paul is writing to the church in Rome, where believers find themselves surrounded by a very secular world. As new believers come into the congregation, they bring with them a variety of experiences and backgrounds. It's easy to judge one another for the ways they practice their faith. Some choose to abstain from certa...