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Day 34: Romans 13/Psalm 84
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Monday March 29, 2004
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Let no debt remain
outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he
who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8 (New International Version)
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Easy
Payments, From Now to Eternity
Anyone who’s ever read the fine print on the paperwork for a loan knows
that things are never as simple as they seem. Phrases such as “no
interest for 90 days” and “pay nothing for six months” seem to
evaporate under the scrutiny of a wary consumer.
It seems like
nothing in this world is free. The only thing truly free comes from
another kingdom--the Kingdom of God--and we’re commanded give it away
to others, considering ourselves to owe a debt to our fellow man that
can be only paid in love.
Economists tell us
that in a shrinking economy, consumers hold tightly to their dollars.
Their lack of spending hurts retailers, who in turn, raise prices,
causing the consumers to feel even more certain that the economy is
hurting. In a growing economy, consumers spend freely and prices stay
low. Everyone benefits because of peoples’ willingness to allow
resources to be transferred from their pocketbook to others.
God’s economy is
always a growing one. He tells us to give lavishly, to spend ourselves
on behalf of the poor, and to consider ourselves indebted in love to
one another. In fact, He’s so intent on us relating to one another in
love that He says that in doing so, we fulfill all of the rules that
He’s ever handed down. In paying our debt of love, we find that we
always receive more than we give.
Today’s
Prayer:
Jesus, remind me today that to live a life of abundance--freely
giving and receiving love. Help me to fulfill my highest calling--to
love you and love others.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are
in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit
of life set me free from the law of sin and death. "
Romans 8:1-2 (New International Version)
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For a complete listing
of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
Romans
13
o
Psalm
84
Randy Bohlender, bohlender@cincyvineyard.com,
Director of Small Things at VCC
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