Elliott's Muses

I began a series of teachings in September at our church in the book of Romans, and am now nearing the end of it.  As the Apostle Paul comes to the end of his letter to the Romans  he makes two statements that have intrigued me to think some more. In writing about the need for unity in their differences he urges them to not pass judgment on one another over disputable things in chapter 14.  I dealt with that issue in a message a couple of Sundays ago.  I did not touch much on a verse that struck me more this week - reflecting back on it - than the week I was teaching it.  The passage is  Romans 14:22-23 (ESV)  22  The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23  But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.   The essence of what Paul is saying is that we have freedom before God in many decis

Anne Graham Lotz wrote this for the National Day of Prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV) 14  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Lord of the Universe. Lord of this planet. Lord of the nations. Lord of our hearts.  On this National Day of Prayer, we look to You… In the darkness, You are our Light. In the storm, You are our Anchor. In our weakness, You are our Strength.  In our grief, You are our Comfort. In our despair, You are our Hope. In our confusion, You are our Wisdom.  In time of terrorism, You are our Shield.  In time of war, You are our Peace. In times of uncertainty, You are the Rock on which we stand. We make our prayer to You using the words of the prophet Daniel: O Lord, You are the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments.