Daily Reading // Romans 9-10
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Romans 9:1-2 (NKJV) 1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
At first this sounds like a terrible condition: great sorrow and continual grief. That sounds awful. If that’s what’s in store for those who follow Jesus, then who would want it?
It reminds me of people who deal with chronic pain. They just hurt every day. Paul expressed a emotional or spiritual pain.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
This seems like a good description of a ministry burden. When you desperately want what is best for someone, especially their salvation, it creates a burden, a weight or even a pain.
Ministry burden isn’t just for ministers. I see it most often in parents for their children or their grandchildren.
A ministry burden reminds me of two things:
It reminds me of my great love for someone. I would do anything for their spiritual well-being.
It reminds me that I can’t make spiritual decisions for anyone but me. I can tell them, love them, sacrifice for them and carry a burden for them but they must make that decision.
I’m thankful that someone had this kind of burden for me. That’s how o heard the gospel and gave my life to Him.
Now I can carry this ministry burden for others.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Jesus, It was Your ministry burden for us that brought You to live among us and die for us. You have put people in my life to pray for and be burdened for. I do that now. Amen.
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