The Normal Christian Life: A Journey Through Romans
Thursday, February 2, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for another day of life. I never tire of giving You thanks and praise for each new day, because I know that You are the Author of each one, and that every day You give me is both a blessing and an opportunity. I pray that I will use the blessing of this day as an opportunity to bless others. Thank You for all the material blessings I enjoy in life, and I pray that You will give me wisdom and will power to use them as a wise and faithful steward. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may speak the truth in love with everyone I meet today, and to resist the works of the Devil. Glorify Yourself in my life and let me live in a manner worthy of the calling You have placed in my life to know Your Son, Jesus and to live in the power of Your Holy Spirit. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Word Today—Romans 1:18-20
Romans 1:18-20 NLT
18But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. 19For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.
Romans 1:18-20 NIV*
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
*Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.
Reflecting on God’s Word
Look at Romans 1:18-20 in the NLT only. As you read these three verses in this modern English translation, what is the single, most important reality you find? What impact does that reality have on You right now? After reflecting on these questions, write your thoughts and feelings below:
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Look at Romans 1:18-20 in the NLT only. As you read it, how does Paul “prove” that no one has an excuse for failing to know of God’s existence?
What traits of God’s character does Paul tell us that we can determine through the creation around us? Why do you think that he emphasized those traits rather than others?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
As you consider Romans 1:18-20 in the NLT what purpose or purpose do you see for which God has created us?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
As you have looked at Romans 1:18-20 in the NLT, what one thing “jumps out” that you need to do right now in order to be more faithful to God? How will you do that today?
Think about one person you could share what you have been learning about God with today or in the next couple of days. Write that person’s name below, and pray for God to give you the opportunity to speak with him or her before Sunday!
Thoughts - The "Knowledge" of Our Hearts!
The Bible frequently speaks of the heart having “knowledge.” In a recent book, Deadly Emotions, by Dr. Don Colbert, Dr. Colbert picks up this theme and points out from a medical perspective that while those in the medical arena used to belittle the idea that the heart could “think,” more and more evidence is coming in that demonstrates that the heart is so much more than just a “pump.” The heart can actually override the brain’s instructions, as for example when the brain perceives a matter as something requiring the “fight or flight” syndrome to kick in, the heart can actually send a message to the brain that in effect says, “calm down.”
The Apostle Paul tells us that the knowledge about God is placed in our hearts. That doesn’t mean that our minds can’t discern the reality of God. As a matter of fact, they can. Paul tells us as much when he writes that we can discern God’s invisible qualities, such as eternal power and divine nature through what we can see and by implication understand through creation. The Apostle Paul, Jesus and other biblical authors and characters remind us that faith is not either a matter of the mind or the heart; it is both. The mind and the heart work together to discern who God is and to know and act on God’s will. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life!” Based on what Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, this advice is particularly power in that the heart guides and directs us when it comes to a knowledge of God. May we live in such a way today and always that we put the knowledge of God in hearts to work in ways that deepen our obedience to Him and open the door for others to come to know Him as well. May our hearts lead the way in developing the new life of Jesus Christ within us and sharing it with the world—one person at a time!
This Week’s Memory Verse:
They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. Romans 1:19