Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Encouraged by Each Other's Faith

A Living Faith
Who Understands Faith?

Paul Sails for Rome

Romans 1:8-12

The Message
8-12 I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.

For Reflection
Our faith, outside of the context of fellowship of the faithful, is anemic.  Paul recognized the strength he got from listening to faith stories and participating in the faith journeys of others.  Interacting with others in the faith can be exasperating at times.  Just ask Paul.  The formal church can be frustrating as well.  Just ask Luther.  But, faith inside the fellowship of believers can be supportive, instructive and full of opportunities to grow in Grace. 

Pray
for the fellowship of believers.  Pray that you will be challenged, by your participation, in ways that will lead you to grow toward the person God intends you to be.

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