Last week we began the new study from Hello Mornings: “Not Ashamed of the Gospel”. It is a study on the book of Romans; a book that will challenge and shape our faith as we study.

We began with reading Romans 1:1-7 . I had to pause over the simplicity of verse 3:

“The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family life, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” (NASB)

The Good News is all about Him! Yes, He was born into an earthly family but this was not the end all, be all. He was shown to be all that He is – the Son of God when He was raised from the dead.

I cannot help but wonder a few things this morning …

Yes, we are born into an earthly family. We may resemble in appearance and personality one or both of our parents.

However, who we are and all that we are to be is shown through our relationship with Christ. Our identity is founded in Him.

Paul confirms this in verse 7:

“I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.”

He alone calls us His own holy people.
May we live up to our calling.

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In reading Romans 1:16-23, most often it is verse 16 we tend to focus upon as it speaks of God’s power. It is so true that this power – dunamis – which raised Christ from the dead, is the very same power that is at work in our lives today.

But then, I was struck by something else ..

Our propensity to wander. Our propensity to honor or worship other people and things.

Creation all around us testifies of Him, was designed to constantly remind us of His Presences and draw us back to Himself.

We have so been created by our God to worship, and His hope was that we would worship Him and Him alone.

“If people will not worship the true God, they will worship a false god, even if they have to manufacture it themselves!”
(from The Warren Wiersbe Study Bible, page 1648)

Has your heart been wandering lately? Maybe you haven’t walked away from Him fully but perhaps, neglected Him a bit? Have you been consumed with the daily happenings in our world rather than the One who has complete power (dunamis) over it all?

These questions reminded me of the hymn, “Come Thou Fount”, and brought the familiar words back to mind:

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above.”

What has pulled at your heart lately? What makes it difficult for you to stay focused on His power which still is at work in our world?

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We brought the week to a close with reading Romans 1:28-32. It paints a grim picture of the condition this world is in.

The world has not held onto their knowledge of God, and we are seeing the effects of this neglect … immorality, wickedness, horrific acts of evil, disrespect on every level.

Paul tells us those practicing those things not only are doing them but also encouraging others to do so.

God has not given up on this world and its people. He is still making Himself evident around us. He is still pursuing people.

Our hope is in:

Submitting to Him,
Drawing near to Him,
Confessing our sins,
and remembering there is forgiveness through Jesus.

Photo 1: by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Nadia Clabassi on Unsplash

Today I am joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .