For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.
—Romans 1:11 NLT
Paul wants to bless the believers in Rome with a spiritual gift that finds its effectiveness and grace in the Holy Spirit's power and presence. When Paul is able to gather with the Roman Christians in the name of Jesus, he is confident that he can bring them encouragement and blessing that can help them "grow strong in the Lord." Encouragement and mutual edification are gifts of Christian fellowship and worship (Hebrews 10:24-25) and are rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-21). What if we approached each gathering of believers as an opportunity to bring other believers "some spiritual gift" that would help them "grow strong in the Lord"? You know, we can do that! An attitude change about the purpose of our coming together as believers and a deeper dependence upon the Holy Spirit to use us as a blessing would allow us to bring this "spiritual gift" to others (1 Corinthians 14)!
Father God, please fill me with your Holy Spirit and use me to be a blessing to your children as we meet together to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###.
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—Romans 1:11 NLT
Key Thought
Paul wants to bless the believers in Rome with a spiritual gift that finds its effectiveness and grace in the Holy Spirit's power and presence. When Paul is able to gather with the Roman Christians in the name of Jesus, he is confident that he can bring them encouragement and blessing that can help them "grow strong in the Lord." Encouragement and mutual edification are gifts of Christian fellowship and worship (Hebrews 10:24-25) and are rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-21). What if we approached each gathering of believers as an opportunity to bring other believers "some spiritual gift" that would help them "grow strong in the Lord"? You know, we can do that! An attitude change about the purpose of our coming together as believers and a deeper dependence upon the Holy Spirit to use us as a blessing would allow us to bring this "spiritual gift" to others (1 Corinthians 14)!
Today's Prayer
Father God, please fill me with your Holy Spirit and use me to be a blessing to your children as we meet together to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###.
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