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Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scripture, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended form David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead; Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, “including your selves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, 7 to all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints; Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

8 First, I thank you my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. 9 For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, 10 asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you, 11 For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you. (12 or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”) This last verse was not included in the reading, and I took the liberty of including for further explanation.

 

Paul is often criticized for his long greetings in his messages. He has a very inclusive approach in his writings so that everyone, no matter what their prior belief or unbelief, are welcome to hear the Word of the Lord. Paul is very gracious in his thanksgiving for all of the listeners and their faith. He so wishes to be with others to discuss and be strengthened by their mutual faith.

 

Our Lord wants us to uplift others with our faith and also be uplifted by others. We can do this by praying for others, sharing a story of how God has moved us in good times and in challenging ones. We might not be like John the Baptist preaching in a flamboyant way, however, even the smallest caring act shows God’s love for the world.

 

Dear Lord, Show us how to be like Paul and uplift others in faith as they can also lift us up. Let us be open to sharing the Good News in our areas of influences near and far. Amen

 

Cindy Dougherty

beachspch@aol.com

 

Prayer Concern - School has started so please pray for students, teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers and all who are involved with education in schools, churches and other clubs, sports and other activities.