This morning, I went and helped a family friend move from Davis to Woodland. We loaded all the big items in the house into the U-Haul, drove over to the new house, and unloaded them. We then returned again to the old house, where we took a break and ate pizza for lunch. We went home after reloading the truck.

For the rest of the day I stayed home with my family. In the evening, my parents went to a missions conference at my homechurch while I stayed at home with my brother.

Devotion time notes:

Romans 16

This last chapter of Romans begins with personal greetings regarding specific people. Paul does not hesitate in speaking highly of fellow believers with whom he has worked with, commending them in this letter and fostering unity among the fellowship by doing so.

We need to make every effort to foster the type of church and fellowship seen in Acts 2, and one of the ways that helps in this is by making an extra effort to demonstrate love and unity.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
Romans 16:16

The word "holy" in this verse is interesting. Paul desires that the Roman church grow in unity, and encourages them to demonstrate love for one another. However, like most things, it's not the act of loving but the heart of love that counts. Mathew Henry notes that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Our motives towards one another must be sincere and godly.

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:17-18

The fact that a warning is needed reminds us that these people are not obvious, and are successful in deceiving many believers. This verse is very applicable in this day and age, with many famous people who claim to be Christians but preach and publish things that just don't stack up against the Bible. We need to be personally aware of such people, so that we are not deceived in ignorance.

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Romans 16:19

Innocent can mean "not guilty", but it can also mean inexperienced and unexposed. I need to make every effort to become wise in the ways of godliness and wisdom, while staying away from the wisdom and wickedness of the world.

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Romans 16:20

to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Romans 16:27