From:
Date: September 4, 2020
Subject: It's September 4; Good Morning Union


“Love must be sincere.”         Romans 12:9

And true to my axiom- If it’s important to God, it’s clear in His word,” Paul lists 26 more things in this chapter (thus Chris Blake’s “The Other 27 Fundamental Beliefs.”) -- things that for me help describe the sincerity of love:

  1. “Hate what is evil
  2. Cling to what is good
  3. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
  4. Honor one another above yourselves
  5. Never be lacking in zeal
  6. Keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord
  7. Be joyful in hope
  8. Be patient in affliction
  9. Be steadfast in prayer
  10. Share with God’s people who are in need
  11. Practice hospitality
  12. Bless those who hurt you (bless and do NOT curse!)
  13. Rejoice with those who rejoice
  14. Mourn with those who mourn
  15. Live in harmony with one another
  16. Do not be proud
  17. Be willing to associate with people of low position
  18. Do not be conceited
  19. Do not repay anyone evil for evil
  20. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone
  21. As far as possible live at peace with everyone
  22. Do not take revenge
  23. If your enemy is hungry feed him
  24. If he is thirsty give him something to drink
  25. Do not be overcome with evil
  26. But overcome evil with good”

That’s quite a list of challenges for the transformed life; a life after the pattern of Jesus. I have a higher calling that attempting to achieve society’s status quo. I challenged myself to prayerfully read that list again this morning and see which one or ones the Spirit stops me at, and then focus on those today. That could be a good spiritual exercise every day for “transforming” SO THAT I can pattern my life after Him and not my society and culture. This morning I’m especially drawn to #26. My calling is much higher, and so is yours!

Have a great day NOT conforming to the world but being transformed by Jesus,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day:      Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.


PS        Family Worship- Friday @ 7:30- Join us on back campus (aka “The Quad,”) for music, fellowship and a chance to make a difference in a little kid’s life with very little effort and a lot of fun on your part!

 

PPS      Afterglo- Friday @ 9pm “Movie night” with food right after Family Worship.

 

PPS      Virginia Simmons Memorial Service tomorrow, September 5 @ 4pm on Campus Ministries Facebook            https://www.facebook.com/unioncampusministries