The Romans' Hora Prima - the first hour

Christianity is different from other world religions because of the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power of death has been defeated. It's interesting how other religions claim eternal life in some form or another but their prophet or leader was never documented as having risen from the dead. That topic is for another day. The point of this post is to contemplate : "What is the stone in your life that needs to be rolled away and do you trust Jesus to do that for you?"

Matthew 28: "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdelene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men."

The Romans divided the day into twelve hours. The first hour, hora prima, began at sunrise, approximately 6 a.m. The twelfth hour, hora duodecima, ended at sunset, approximately 6 p.m.

Roman hours of the Day

Hora Prima = 1st hour - 6 - 7 a.m.

Hora Secunda = 2nd hour - 7 - 8 a.m.

Hora Tertiana = 3rd hour - 8 - 9 a.m.

Hora Quarta = 4th hour - 9 - 10 a.m.

Hora Quinta = 5th hour - 10 - 11 a.m.

Hora Sexta = 6th hour - 11 - 12 p.m.

Hora Septina = 7th hour - 12 - 1 p.m.

Hora Octava = 8th hour - 1 - 2 p.m.

Hora Nonana = 9th hour - 2 - 3 p.m.

Hora Decima = 10th hour - 3 - 4 p.m.

Hora Undecima = 11th hour - 4 - 5 p.m.

Hora Duodecima = 12th hour - 5 - 6 p.m.

There were eight nightwatches:

Watches before midnight -

1. vespera
2. prima fax
3. concubia
4. intempesta

Watches after midnight:

1. inclanatio
2. gallicinium
3. contininium
4. diluculum

I have many good things in my life...quotes from Tim Keller

"I have many good things in my life - family, work, spiritual disciplines, etc. But none of these good things are ultimate things to me. None of them are things I absolutely have to have [replacing Jesus], so there is a limit to how much anxiety, bitterness, and despondency they can inflict on me when they are threatened and lost."

"My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for His enemies, who was excluded from the city for me. I am saved by sheer grace. So I can't look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace I am what I am. I've no inner need to win arguments."

"My self-view is not based on a view of my self as a moral achiever. In Christ I am simul iustus et peccator- simultaneously sinful and lost yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad he had to die for me and I am so loved he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deeper and deeper  humility and confidence at the same time. Neither swaggering or sniveling."

God is most glorified when...

"God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in him." - John Piper

Excellent resources for refugees and those wanting to serve alongside them.

Interested in volunteering to serve refugees? Here are several great organizations in the St. Louis area that support refugees.

Oasis International : www.oasis4refugees.org

Whether it be a BBQ on Saturdays, English classes on Thursdays, or receiving new gently used furniture in their brand new apartment, refugees get to know the smiling faces of the staff at Oasis. Their mission is "to love and care for the refugee...". They do it well. Oasis is a welcoming place for refugees from a variety of war torn countries. Their are regular volunteer events in ESL, daycare, furniture delivery, and construction/remodeling.

Rise Together Ministries : www.risetogetherministries.org

Job Placement. RTM is an excellent resources for refugees needing a job today. RTM Commercial and Residential cleaning services is a great way for refugees to begin earning income right away. RTM also offers a job opportunity in a retail space. Refugees can learn inventory and cash register skills as well as practice their English. RTM also offers woodworking positions for those refugees interested in this craft.

The International Institute: www.iistl.org

For the past 100 years the International Institute has helped settle and assimilate refugees. The staff offers a wealth of information and opportunities. The Institute offers programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, Career Path Services, Language (Interpretation and Translation) services, and many more.

God's thoughts are not like ours, they're better.

In a world of "me first" and not liking those who are different from ourselves, God's grace and mercy is the power that wakes each of us up every single day. God loves all of his creation. But his creation has turned against him. We want freedom from restraint, the freedom to make our own decisions. But freedom without the truth only leads to a false freedom. Freedom without boundaries is like setting a hungry tiger loose in the middle of Istanbul.

So God's ways are not our ways, his thoughts are not our thoughts. So we must surrender to his thoughts and serve his ways versus our own ways. Submit to his all powerful, all knowing, all loving thoughts. God is love. He is right. He is our creator. He gave you this day, he gives you every day.

And so here is another thought of his that may turn your world upside down. But believe it, you will make the world a better place by obeying it.

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

–Luke 6:27

PRAY that Muslims around the world would know God as their good and trustworthy Father.

“My name is Fatjon. I was raised in a Muslim family and I lived my life unable to trust anyone around me. But now I follow Jesus the Messiah, who alone is worthy of my trust.”

Throughout the Muslim world, many are taught that it is dangerous to trust.

Many live in isolation – hiding their questions, struggles, and burdens. Millions of Muslims are looking for someone they can trust.

And many, like Fatjon, are finding it in Jesus.

Rise Together Ministries - Helping Refugees find jobs!

Rise Together Ministries helps refugees

Whether refugees have been in the U.S. one week or one year, Rise Together Ministries (RTM) helps them find meaningful work. Through RTM's retail store, residential and commercial cleaning services, or woodworking projects, refugees can begin working in the U.S. right away to pay their rent and buy groceries.

Find out more by clicking here.