I Always Remember You in Prayer

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

Romans 1:7-15 The Message

2-7 The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God’s Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.
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.

13-15 Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God

For Reflection

Belief in God and Jesus Christ is only the first step in your salvation. Without support and action, your faith is almost empty.  Paul recognized the importance of connections.  One believer connecting with another, and then another, and another builds a network of believers who can support each other, inform each other, correct each other, comfort each other and pray with and for each other. Thus, a church evolves.  

Will God foster a single believer? Of course, but a believer will grow in grace more quickly and adopt The Way of Christ more fully if one surrounds one's self with other believers and interacts with them.

Pray

Pray that you will find a network of believers that can support, comfort and lead you into a stronger relationship with Christ and God.

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