It's a bit difficult to cover so much ground as we move through the epistles this week. It seemed to be easier to "keep the story straight" in my mind as we covered similar lengths in the narrative works of the gospels and Acts. Now it's concept upon concept and theological proposition upon proposition. Nonetheless, it's our goal to have our minds informed NOT by our culture but by the Scriptures as we live out NT Christianity. Plus, the original hearers of these documents likely heard them read to them all at once!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to thpattern of ths world, but be transformed by the renewning of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." I find that these 40 days are doing just that!

What I've learned today...

1. About God: He cares deeply about the weaker among us! (ch. 14-15:13)

2. About NT Christianity: They were a community, a real "body" ch. 12, who made "every effort to what leads to peace and mutual edification" Romans 14:19.

3. DWIS (Do What It Says): This command comes around again and again through the gospels and epistles - Love your neighbor as yourself! So how do I really do that today? I have a neighbor who has recently separated from his wife. I don't know him very well, but I'll walk over and try to connect with him today when he gets home from work.