Kids are out of school. The swimming pools are open. The temperatures are reaching into the 90’s. You know what that means? It’s summer! And if it’s summer, that means we’re halfway through 2018! Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas and New Years?” Yes, we did. But somehow six months slipped past us in a blink of an eye.
So, before we rush headlong into summer, let’s take a deep breath. Let’s slow down for a bit and take a moment to evaluate how things are going. What’s the first six months of 2018 been like for you? Name the high points and the low points. Retell the stories. Cry. Laugh. Give thanks. Then, ask yourself, “What midyear course corrections do I need to make?”
In fact, for summer 2018, we’re going to ask that question as a church. We’re going to slow things way down and take a good hard look at our life together as the family of God. Starting today, we’re going to spend the next nine weeks (June and July) in Romans 12:9-21. That’s only thirteen verses for nine weeks! But don’t let the brevity fool you. These thirteen verses are among the richest instruction we find anywhere in the Scripture on what it means to be the family of God.
Life in the Family of God
June 3 – Romans 12:9-10, “Let Love be Genuine”
June 10 – Romans 12:11, “Serve the Lord”
June 17 – Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in Hope”
June 24 – Romans 12:13, “Generous in Hospitality”
July 1 – Romans 12:14, “Love Your Enemies”
July 8 – Romans 12:15, “Show Compassion”
July 15 – Romans 12:16, “Live in Harmony”
July 22 – Romans 12:17-18, “Be at Peace"
July 29 – Romans 12:19-21, “Overcome Evil with Good”
If you really want to get the most of out of this study, pick up our (free!) summer devotional booklet available at both entrances this morning. There are several features in this booklet that are intended to work the truth of Romans 12:9-21 into your life.
· Five distinct prayer services for each day of the workweek
· An evening reflection guide to help you close the day with the Lord
· Scripture reading plan that parallels the main themes of Sunday’s worship
· Practical articles on key subjects related to life in the family of God
Whisper a brief prayer right now for our summer together at Cornerstone, asking the Lord to renew our commitment to the Scripture’s vision for life in the family of God.