Spiritual Gifts

Scripture:             8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 

Romans 1:8-12

Pics:                     Penny Hurley

Music:               "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"             Casting Crowns

Listen here:      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DdgkvnsHjM

Message:                                       Spiritual Gifts

Today I share an excerpt from one of Pastor Christine DiGiacomo's recent blog posts on Paul and his third letter to the Romans. Christine writes: " I believe if you get Romans, you get Christianity."  I find this to be an interesting perspective, and one that can challenge us to further understand Romans.

"‘My Roman friends, I can hardly wait to explain the vastness of God’s great love for you,’ Paul indicates. ‘The love of God changes everything—keep reading, I will explain, and one day I will be with you as I long to see you so very much!’ Paul was a man’s man who yet felt free to express his love – that is a remarkable thing to note more than 2000 years later as we consider it.

With all he has, Paul prays for the Roman believers -- that both the grace of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ would be theirs.  What better things could be ours, than these—the great grace of God in our lives and the supernatural peace of Jesus to reign in our hearts and minds.  I submit to you, that’s it right there.  That’s what-I’m-a-talkin-bout.  Amen."

“We must approach our meditation realizing that 'grace,' 'mercy,' and 'faith' are not permanent inalienable possessions which we gain by our efforts and retain as though by right, provided that we behave ourselves. They are CONSTANTLY RENEWED GIFTS. The life of grace in our hearts is renewed from moment to moment, directly and personally by God in his love for us.”

Thomas Merton