Reflection for Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008

Romans 15:7-13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -- Romans 15:13

This verse alone speaks volumes to me. I read a few days ago a writers description of the rainbow. "When we look at a rainbow , we see light reflected in many glorious colors. The magnificence of the rainbow is a visual display of the power and the beauty of light."

Thinking of this statement on my way to work this morning and seeing the sunlight piercing through the clouds reminded me of another kind of light, the Christ light which is always shining within me and those who chose to have Christ in their daily lives. Christ light is always a ray of peace and hope in times of conflict in or lives. Christ light is wisdom in times of indecision, energy and hope in times of physical demand. When we know that we are filled with Christ light or divine light this gives us hope for today and better tomorrows. I know for me this light helps keep my focus positive when situations in my life seem out of control and I don't know which path to take. When I recognize the Christ light within, I am more attuned to the wonders of life, the beauty of my surroundings and appreciative for all that I have and can share with others.

It is beautiful to feel this presence and I am sure when each of you experience Christ's light you are calm, filled with peace, hope and strength and you move through the day with ease and confidence. Therefore as we move through this day, this holy week, let's keep our thoughts focused on the divine light of Christ and we will find that our lives will be abundantly blessed.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008

Romans 13:1-7 "Submission to the Authorities"

I believe, Romans 13: 1-7 speaks to us about choosing to do what is RIGHT in all the aspects of our lives. There are governing authorities in our lives, for instance, the U.S Constitution, Tax Laws, Criminal Laws etc. Though these laws may be governed by judicial authorities, these laws are also in place to serve God's Law and God's plan. Governing laws often mirror and uphold the morals that God Himself has set for us to live by. That is why we must choose to do the right thing in all the areas of our lives, whether this is a financial area, a spiritual area or an interpersonal area. For those that follow governing laws are pleasing God, because we are upholding his morals as well. When we pay our taxes we are contributing to society, when we treat others with respect we are setting the example for others to be inspired by and follow, when we pay our debts we are demonstrating we are keeping our promises and demonstrating honor.

Both God's Law and governing law are in place to do us good, not to harm us. It is in place to protect us, as God protects us each and every day. Those who choose to do the RIGHT thing on a daily basis are commended by God through his many blessings and should not fear the wrath of God. However, it is important that we choose to do the right thing because of our inner conscience and because it is what our heart and soul tells us to do, not merely because we fear God's punishment. If we do what is right with an open and honest heart, surely God sees this even if others are unable to recognize it.

If we Let Go and Let God direct our steps we would not have to fear God's wrath either. As humans we often want to take charge and make decisions on our own without consulting God through prayer. It is during these times we find ourselves in difficult situations and end up calling on God to see us through.

Have a blessed day.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Romans 10:5-21

I believe God is telling us that there is common judicial law that is set up in the world to judge one another's actions. However, we do not live only by this law. We live also and most importantly by the righteousness and law of God. However, God's law does not give us the right to judge one another; to determine who merits going to Heaven, and who merits going to hell. Instead, this law is in place to tell us to believe in the word of God, and to believe in our hearts and to speak the word of God with our mouths. Within God's law, everyone is eligible to be saved by believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he blesses us daily when we place our faith in his hands. Regardless of whether we are Jews or Gentiles.

In addition, I believe God is telling us not only does he want the Israelites to be blessed but all of his people to. And Jesus is the redeemer for us. The flesh is weak but the Holy Spirit is perfectly strong which Jesus is in us. When his chosen people failed and struggled with the law of Moses, they then received a second chance by believing and trusting in Jesus through faith which allowed the blessings to continue toward salvation. By having faith trusting and believing not only will God continue to bless you but love you and save you from the forces of evil and not pay the penalty of death through sin. God's closeness is as close as the very breath we breathe.

Each morning when I journal it is my daily belief that I trust, believe and have faith in God. No matter what challenges I may be faced with for the day or judgmental comments made toward me, for I know through the power of Christ all will work out in divine order. In addition, through the power of morning prayer and going with the winds of change through the course of the day I know that it is my Savior Jesus Christ at the end of the day who brings me through. Hope and trust you all are having a blessed and productive day.

by Stephanie Murphy

Reflection for Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008

Romans 3: 1-8

We know that God tells us that the Jews are favored people and the biggest indication of that was he spoke to the Jews directly versus the Gentiles where he used Jesus Christ to redeem us. Injustice is a challenging word because it is for us and not against us and what God does is allow the devil to tempt us while He tests us. God gave his people another chance for the Jews are religious. As for the Gentiles, through Jesus Christ a covenant was established with God.

We've all experienced the disappointment that descends upon us when we are passionate in speaking God's word. Some are regarded or labeled as "liars","fanatics" or a idealist full of rhetoric. Romans 3:1-8 tells us that though many people may consider us liars when we speak of God or speak of his word, we must remain steadfast and strong. We must not allow for how nonbelievers perceive us to affect how we view God or affect our faith inGod. Even though many people choose not to believe in God, or believe that he is fair, just and loving, these same nonbelievers do not nullify who God is to us. Our faith remains strong. Our faith is what brings us through the storms of life. Even though some may not believe in God, or may not trust in God, God will always believe in them, care for them and love them because we are all Gods children whether Jew or Gentile. Though some may condemn the concept of God, it is ironic that they unwillingly further justify that God is fair because God does not condemn them in return.

-- by Stephanie Murphy