DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-03-19
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL
SCRIPTURE FROM: Romans 1:18-21
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)
BIBLE TEXT: 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, evil men who push away the truth from them. 19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively; God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day. 21 Yes, they knew about him all right, but they wouldn’t admit it or worship him or even thank him for all his daily care….
APPLICATION: As I reflected on this Scripture I couldn’t help but notice how, immediately after Paul’s introduction, he got straight to the point about the purpose and drive behind his ministry. You see, there are certain things that we identify with, and that very thing becomes the fuel and drive for our ministry. We must remember that the former Paul (Saul) was heavily involved in doing some of the same things that he is now bound and determined to address with those who are still committing those sins. There are times that you and I might see a Christian doing something that we have personally been convicted about before, and we want to say something to them, but we are soon reminded that our lives are not squeaky clean. So you may wonder what should we do. I believe that this message from Paul is very revealing. Yes, Paul had been quite a character and done some very evil things, so we may wonder where he get off at in telling his audience about how bad it will be for them. Friends, we must always remember that the message we are to share is that of Jesus Christ – the Gospel. At the foot of the cross, the ground is all level, and we all stand before the Father on bended knees and a heart looking for His acceptance. A changed heart is one that has a desire to be of service to our Lord, and preach His message of salvation to other beggars much like ourselves. While left on this earth where Satan is roaming about, we will be tempted and we will sin. However, we have an advocate who sits at the right hand of the Father petitioning on our behalf. Additionally, the Holy Spirit is housed inside of us as our Guide, our Protector and to fill us with wisdom. So God has provided all the support that we will need. Let’s learn to preach the Gospel, because the examples given by Paul is still prevalent today. Unbelievers are watching closely to see if their way of life will cause us to return to our sinful life. Like Paul, let’s be strong in our faith and fully dedicated to our Lord, while preaching and teaching His Word that is capable of saving even the worst of sinners. There’s no need for excuses, for God knows every action and even every thought, so we can’t hide our sin from Him. Look to Jesus my friend! He will forgive your sins, save your soul and welcome you into the heights of heaven on Judgment Day!
BLESSING(S) NOTED: I can only sing ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand’! God being my helper, I pray that I will stand firm with my hand in the hand of the One who died for me!
PRAYER: Precious Lord Jesus, we were reminded that without Your saving grace, we will not have ‘a leg to stand on’ come Judgment Day. Furthermore, without that grace and without the powerful hand of Jesus upon our lives, we will constantly mess up while here on earth. May it be evident from our heart, that our minds are fixed on You as we walk this challenging life here on earth. Please guide us into all truth, and help us to boldly share the Good News with all that we come into touch with. AMEN!
FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!