Something Different for May - Day 28 - The Courage of Your Convictions

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

Romans 14:12-23 NLT

Prayer - Day 28

Lord, 

        Why do I so easily pass judgment? Help me keep away from that, and avoid being a stumbling block to others. With your Spirit, I can make every effort to encourage peace and mutual support with others. Let’s do that today, Jesus! Amen!

Praying Through Romans - www.crosswalk.com

Something to Think About

And the chief priests accused Him of many things, 

but He answered nothing. 

Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 

But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

Mark 15:3-5 NKJV

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. 

He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.

He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered.

He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

He personally carried OUR sins in His body on the cross...

1st Peter 2:21-24a, 

I am so convicted.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for loving us enough to convict and correct us. And for making the provision for the forgiveness of our wrongs. Write this deep on our hearts so that we don't sin against You. Help us to follow Christ's example in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Scattered

A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria...
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 
Acts 8:1b, 4 NLT

A great wave of persecution... If you read the historical accounts about the persecution of Christians that began following the stoning of Stephen, it is quite horrifying. Saul licensed with the authority to go house-to-house to throw men and women into prison for being believers. Christians used as sport in the Roman Coliseum against insurmountable odds. As human torches to light Nero's garden. Believers fleeing the city for their very lives.

Two things stand out to me in the ensuing verses. 

One: People were sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was the Christ - that He was exactly who He said He was - and IS. You don't continue to stand against all odds - and death - unless you know that you know...

Two: Believers who may never have left the city otherwise, scattered in all directions and the Word tells us they preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. If you're fleeing from persecution, you don't normally stop to teach people about the very Gospel that is the reason you're running away from town.

They may have been scattered, but they were also scattering seed everywhere they went!

Prayer:

Father,
           May we always walk in the courage of our conviction about Christ, no matter where we may end up. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen