Refreshed

In Your Company

But now, with no further place for me in these regions, I desire, as I have for many years, to come to you when I go to Spain. For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things. So, when I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will set out by way of you to Spain; and I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.

Romans 15:23-33

God takes care of us through people we know and love, right here on earth. The apostle Paul was keenly aware of how the body of Christ was supposed to work. Facing possible opposition from unbelievers in Jerusalem, he asked the Christians at Rome to join in his struggle by praying that he would be rescued from them.

We should pray that we not become too proud to ask for help. God’s help can come to us from His children, and all we have to do is ask for that help.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill.

Our Daily Bread – June 16, 2005