Heralds Digest

"...that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints." (Romans 15:31 NKJV) It is natural to expect appreciation from every good gesture; but consistent sowing of good seeds will be impossible with uncertain wind of appreciation. If Apostle Paul could offer prayer for security in service to sinners, and a petition for acceptance in service to saints, it is obvious that he needed no motivation in order to serve the Lord. Rather than the reward-seeking dedication of service, free-flowing service cherishes the opportunity of laying aside a little out of the remnant of a wasted life in sin, prior to catching a glimpse of the mercy of God. After all, a free-flowing service is an evidence of a fresh-glowing grace in the heart of man.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NKJV) The only thing that readily excite self is the pleasurable happenings, and not the unending hoping. Hope defers breed boredom, especially when self's desires are unfulfilled. However, when we look a little deeper than self's glorious expectation from all engagements in life, heart's restlessness become outdated. We all need the grace of God to pass self and its unreasonable demands.

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Romans 14:19 NKJV) Ascension into the presence of God is the priority of all who love the Lord. Yet, the demand for clean hands and pure hearts often invite the diverse interpretation of the faithful. Although it is logical to adopt a separatist lifestyle in order to avoid contamination, the pursuit of clean hands before God is impossible without the practice of peace with fellow men. It is not the accommodation of people's understanding about the circumstances of life that defiles the heart. Hearts are disconnected when education is given priority over edification. The pursuit of peace, especially with people who are called within the same neighbourhood with us, is the priority of fellowship in the love of God.

"He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." (Romans 14:6 NKJV) Dominion over time and space on earth is designed as inherent responsibility of man, and not an accidental privilege within his existence. When the focus of all of man's engagements is God, the detail of the embodied activities cannot deviate from the worship of the Lord. The secret of a life of total dominion is open to those who acknowledges that their secret motives are open to God. Therefore, it makes no sense to argue on every motion in life, when acquaintance with the God of heaven, who rules over motives behind the motion, is compromised. Unlike religious motions, dominion lifestyle is patterned by righteous motives and the worship of God as the only essence of its existence.

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:14 NKJV) Provision of the flesh includes attractive decorations with regalia that command dignity and respect. The only problem is that the pressure to provide these decorations often expose the heart to danger. Whether intentioned or provoked, every engagement in unrighteousness underscores the practice of evil. While others may be careless about rules, believers are called to walk properly, in holiness and righteousness. Unless we accept to be fully covered by Jesus Christ, we cannot be free from all appearance of evil and attractions to unrighteousness.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith" (Romans 12:6 NKJV) A full-house is not measured by the size of the building, but by the complementary engagements of members within the building. Where everything works, there is no deficiency of hands towards the provision for every need. Such is the expectation within the household of faith; there is no redundancy of ideas. Since everyone is created for something special, there is no room for competition. This implies that the understanding of the special gift upon anyone is an indication of his relationship with God; and it is not expected to be by the comparison one's potentials with the abilities of other member of the community. We owe it to God alone, especially when we fail to function according to the divine auction.

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33 NKJV) One of the natural possessions in life is the ability to develop bond through relationships with either family or friends. Due to several twist and turns, relationships are easily broken than built, leaving a concerned party with endless questions. The same dynamics are typical of relationship between God and man, especially when previous record of intimate or covenant relationship is evident. Despite the call of God to minister to Gentiles, Apostle Paul was restless on the broken relationship between God and his kinsmen until his exposition to the depth of God's wisdom and judgments. Man is limited in wisdom and all attempts to possess his relationship with others can be frustrating. The knowledge of the God of all wisdom and an intimate relationship with Him represent the best and principal possession in life. Onc...