Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my coworkers in the ministry of Christ Jesus (Romans 16:3).

Read Romans 16:1–16

What a powerful chapter Romans 16 is. What, at first, might seem like a boring list of names actually details the workings of the early church across the Roman Empire. (Many of the towns referenced throughout the New Testament epistles can still be found on a map today, especially in what is now modern-day Türkiye.)

Some of these people had been expelled from Rome; others travelled to and from the area. All were involved in the early Christian community in one way or another. When you read the descriptions, you will read about deacons, coworkers, believers and the Lord’s people. You will notice women and men, married couples and single people. You will hear Greek names, Roman names, Jewish names and Gentile names. All working together in the ministry of Jesus Christ! Thank you, Lord.

Here is a challenge: How about you write your version of Romans 16? Give thanks for all those you know are involved, working together in the ministry of Jesus Christ. This might be people from your congregation. It may include people from the wider community who serve in various ways, even from other churches or service groups.

Make a list! But don’t just make a list. Describe what they do that nourishes, encourages, allows the organisation to operate, challenges others or shares the good news in so many ways. And then, share it with them (like Paul did). Or perhaps read it out during the announcements at church! And pray for each of these people, giving thanks, today or daily, until you have mentioned them all (or perhaps you could include it as part of the prayer time at church one Sunday).

What a powerful document that would be; what a powerful action for you to take. Giving thanks for all those involved in ministry together.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for my (our) coworkers in ministry, whatever form that takes. May they know they are appreciated. Bless their actions, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. Peter prays that as you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the psalms, he invites you to read them anew, applying them to your lives. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 91), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com

Generosity leads to generosity

by Peter Bean

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

The believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26).

Read Romans 15:25–33

The Greeks in Macedonia (northern) and Achaia (southern) had heard the good news. This obviously changed their lives. No longer were they slaves to tradition or rules, but they had freedom in Christ. They recognised the generosity of this gift, brought to them by Paul. They wanted to celebrate. They wanted to share the good news. And so, they took action.

They eagerly took up an offering. They didn’t have to. They could have looked after themselves. They could have worshipped, prayed, encouraged and eaten together. In fact, they probably did all these things. But they knew what a gift they had received. They wanted to respond to the generosity of God’s grace in as many ways as they could. So, they eagerly took up an offering to help the poor in Jerusalem.

We are not told how the poor in Jerusalem responded to this. However, we can assume they would have been grateful, full of joy and, quite possibly, responded similarly.

How do you, how do I, respond to the generosity of God’s grace? We don’t have to respond with a gift of money. If you can, do so with enthusiasm. But responding in some way is a natural thing. We all like to receive gifts. But the gift of life? Wow! I want to respond by using the gifts God has given me. I hope you might respond similarly. Obviously, we all have different gifts. But imagine the wonderful community that would arise from our generous gifts given eagerly.

Perhaps a good response to God’s gift of grace is to identify your gift or gifts, and then, as eagerly as you can, use it to further God’s kingdom. It could be a gift of money, a word of support, an empathetic response, fighting for justice, looking after grandkids or volunteering somewhere. Whatever response you have, respond eagerly. And know that your generosity will lead to further generosity. And the sharing of God’s grace in word and deed.

Generous Giver, help us to be generous too. Inspire us with your Holy Spirit so that we may respond eagerly in using our gifts. Amen.

Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. Peter prays that as you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the psalms, he invites you to read them anew, applying them to your lives. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 91), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com

by Peter Bean

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach (Luke 15:1).

Read Luke 15:1–10

This is an interesting introduction to the three ‘lost’ parables: sheep, coin and son. We usually focus on the recovery of the lost and the great rejoicing that follows. And that is good.

But have you ever considered these opening verses of Luke 15? Notorious sinners – or ‘men and women of doubtful reputation’ (The Message) – came to listen to Jesus. And he treats them like ‘old friends’ (verse two).

Somewhat scandalous, really! How often do you associate with notorious sinners and those of doubtful reputation and, what’s more, treat them like old friends? And if you do, what do others think of you? (And does it matter?!)

The introduction sets the scene for three stories about the lost and found. Perhaps these notorious sinners were already found! Maybe those of doubtful reputation are those whose sight has been restored and can now see clearly, as opposed to those who ‘see and yet do not see’. Perhaps having a doubtful reputation allows them to see themselves clearly in the following stories.

I suspect most of you reading this are not notorious sinners. Nor would you have pursued a doubtful reputation. Yet those are the ones who Jesus gets close to.

And no, I am not suggesting you go out and commit some notorious sin. But perhaps each of us is called to examine our own lives a little more closely. Maybe as we examine who we are, the way we act and think, we can put aside our judgement of others and stand before the mirror Jesus provides.

Seeing oneself as a sinner (even if not notorious) and recognising one’s reputation is not all it’s cracked up to be might allow us to read these ‘lost’ stories differently, revelling in the generosity and the grace of the one who finds us anew every day.

Gracious Friend, accept us as we are. Find us in our lostness. Restore our sight. Bless us with your grace and forgiveness. Amen.

Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. Peter prays that as you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the psalms, he invites you to read them anew, applying them to your lives. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 91), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com