Romans 15:30

"I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me-to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the spirit..." Romans 15:30

What does it mean to pray strenuously for someone?  Does it mean that you are praying more than you have ever prayed for them?  Does it mean that you are praying while doing jumping jacks?

Strenuous is defined as vigorous, active, energetic, and extreme effort.

I think Paul means that I should skip sleep or eating so that I can devote my energy to praying for someone.  I might even possibly skip out on a hobbie or sitting on the lawnmower so that I can pray for them. Devoted attention and energy given to prayer.

So, who are you praying for strenuously?  Pick a day this next week and pray for someone strenuously!
(Suggested Reading: Romans 15:23-33)

Romans 14:1

"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do.  And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.  Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently." Romans 14:1

Isn't it true that you will always find someone you don't agree with?  Of course it is true.  But in all of our debate and arguing over our convictions, we've missed the testimony we display for the rest of the world to see. While we are proving our point, the world sees hostility and disunity.

Paul teaches us in this chapter that God is at work in each believer.  The way in which He works in you may be different than the way He works in me.  Because we both have different backgrounds. There are things in my life that needs some attention while not in yours and vis a versa.  God speaks to both of us and what I do know is that while God will lead us both through different experiences and convictions, He will lead us to the same destination.  Kneeling side by side in worship of the One who rescued us.

Are you kind and gentle with others who don't agree with youo or have the same convictions? Or, do you spend all your energy trying to prove that you are right?
(Suggested Reading: Romans 14)

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

You and I naturally learn how to live life by what we see going on around us.  We automatically pick things up.  If you see someone cheat another in a business deal, you will learn to cheat as well.  It doesn't mean you will, it's just that you've learned that there are times you may need to cheat.  If you see someone gossip about another, you will learn how to gossip as well.  If you see someone pay their taxes, you have learned that you should pay your taxes.  Our minds are formed by the decisions of those around us.  If you don't believe me, watch a father and son spend time together.  You will see that child start to mimic their father without the father being aware of it.

Paul tells us to intentionally protect our minds from the dangerous ideals that we pick up from this world and allow the spirit of God to teach us how to live through what we learn from the Bible.  When we read it and allow it to influence us, we will begin to see God's will for our lives which is good, pleasing and perfect.

So who are you learning from today?  Those around you or God?  Pick up your Bible or get a bible app and start reading today.
(Suggested reading: Romans 12:1-8)