Harmony!

Harmony!

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5 AMPC

As we read in the devotion for yesterday, it is important to note that power to live right and in line with God's standard has been made available for all who will surrender to Him. It has to start from an internal stability before you can speak of external impact. You can know the whole of the bible from cover to cover, but the proof of the value of what you know is seen from the depth and scope of the relationships that you form and sustain with this knowledge. It is very important, then, to take time to study the Word of God, so I can know the mind of God on all matters that concern me. I love the verse that comes just before the one above: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." The things we read in the bible are for our own edification, and to build and entrench patience in us.

These words are to comfort us on the journey of life, so we are sure that God is with us wherever we go, and whatever may be the experience. You are sure and certain of His supply of grace and strength. He is faithful to His promise, and He will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. Whenever I go through tough times, I recall men like Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego who walked through fire and were delivered, and I know that God is still very much the One who is with me, no matter what the physical reality is. I also recall the story of Stephen, who though he was stoned to death, he saw heaven open, and the glory awaiting him was far greater than any gain the world could offer him. That has to be the mentality I have: it is God and He alone. He is the focus of my heart and no one else can be who or what He is to me. Does this also apply to you too? 

It is this inner strength that drives outward impact. I take the power and strength available to me in and through Christ, and I touch lives around me with what I have received from Him. He helps me endure what comes my way, providing encouragement along the way, so that my story can be a joy and encouragement to others. As I relate this way with people around me, the touch of God upon my life is evident, and the spring of joy in me cannot but flow out to be a blessing to other people. I love the way the verse above puts it: "mutual harmony and full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus". It means that we share a common bond in Christ. We are allowed to be different, but the love that binds us impacts the relationship. The connection to Christ is stronger than our differences. Would you allow God work in you to bring you to the place described above? God's time of favour is here.