Thoughts From Romans 15 - Part 1

 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed  Rom.15:1-8

        Listening to this new song I love by "Tides" called "Alive?" Love it. Here are the lyrics or at least some of them. Notice what she is saying. Her life used to be about serving herself, getting followers, finding herself - all self-centered things. What a universal motivation in the world. If you go to any psychiatrist, they will try to build this part up in your life to find meaning and happiness.

      Did you ever think about what it would look like if Jesus decided to serve Himself? I think the Devil knew because when he tempted Jesus, he hit Him in those areas; "You have miraculous power so use it to feed yourself, get popularity, get power" - but Jesus knew that in order to do that He had to follow Satan. It even appears from Romans that Jesus going to the Jews only was a part of His submission to God's plan to fulfill the promises to the Patriarchs. He could have gone to the Gentiles and been received but He didn't serve Himself and the end result was rejection and crucifixion. But Hebrews says He did it for the joy set before Him. If you want to have joy, meaning, hope, peace - stop serving yourself. Die to self and live for Jesus. You can't serve yourself and follow God. You might think, "I'll follow God in all these areas but in this one area I'm going to serve myself." Nope, doesn't work.

We are drops in an ocean without limit

You and I, we′re specks of grain in the sand

But I believe we were placed with intention

There's a part to play

Grow a following, yeah

Gain influence

What a currency to people who are clueless

But I need more than that

Something tangible

Dig in deep to the root of what makes me whole

Hope in myself was my sole fixation

Never livin′ up to my own expectation

And most of the time

I'd do anything, if it meant I would feel alive

Cause I was not alive

Or at least not yet

Not yet

(Listen)

We're not here to stay

Only passin′ thru

I fear that so many people get it misconstrued

You gotta face the fear

Confront all the wrong

And let your life be redeemed to know where you belong

Hope in myself was my sole fixation

Never livin′ up to my own expectation

And most of the time

I'd do anything if it meant I would feel alive

Holiness in life is my new motivation

Castin′ all my cares on the author of creation

Now this is the way

Yes I'm sure is way it is meant to be