Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by Pat Kissell for Thursday, 15 December 2016 with Scripture: Romans 16:17-20, 25-27

Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by Pat Kissell for Thursday, 15 December 2016 with Scripture: Romans 16:17-20, 25-27
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"A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by Pat Kissell
Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put snares alongside the teaching in which you have been trained — keep away from them. 18 For men like these are not serving our Lord the Messiah but their own belly; by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the innocent. 19 For everyone has heard about your obedience; therefore I rejoice over you. However, I want you to be wise concerning good, but innocent concerning evil. 20 And God, the source of shalom, will soon crush the Adversary under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Yeshua be with you.
25 Now to God, who can strengthen you, according to my Good News,
in harmony with the revelation of the secret truth
which is the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah,
kept hidden in silence for ages and ages,
26 but manifested now through prophetic writings,
in keeping with the command of God the Eternal,
and communicated to all the Gentiles
to promote in them trust-grounded obedience —
27 to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah,
be the glory forever and ever!
Amen.
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I think I lock my doors every night. But, when I learn that there has been a burglary in the vicinity, I am positive I lock them, even if I have to get out of bed to check them. This was Paul’s situation with his followers as shown in Romans 16. He complimented them because they were known for their obedience to the gospel. He emphasized how this brought him joy. But, he wanted to warn them against those who are evil, those who cause dissension for their own gain. They were taking bits and pieces of the gospel and twisting them. Paul was concerned that their flattery and smooth talk would lead his followers away from the truth. He warned them about being gullible.

A doxology which is a liturgical form of praise concludes Romans. Praise to God is offered because God is able to strengthen believers, establishing them in their faith–setting them on their feet. God, “the only wise God,” will do this. He will be praised through Jesus Christ. The revelation of the age-old mystery of redemption is disclosed through the prophets and now made available to the entire world.
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Hymn for Today: "My Faith has Found a Resting Place" by Lidie H. Edmonds.
1. My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
2. Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
3. My heart is leaning on the Word,
The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
Salvation through His blood.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
4. My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,

For me His life He gave.
Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
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Thought for Today: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!
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Please Pray: That many people in Egypt will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKodesh.

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