Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 30, 2012
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
Satan sometimes shames seekers when they begin to take God and His word seriously. The enemy plants seeds of doubt related to intellectual honesty and the fear of being labeled a religious fanatic. The devil wants Jesus believers to be apologetic and embarrassed to live for the Lord, not declaring His teachings as the gospel truth. But, there is no shame in standing up for Christ and His commands. Faith reveals His fame.
Instead, we are to be ashamed of sin and its deplorable outcome, while embracing wise living. Shame enslaves us in our selfish behavior, but we are emancipated by our selfless service to others. Our Savior Jesus does not seek to motivate us out of disgrace; rather He infuses His grace into our inner being for bold initiatives. The good news of salvation in Christ gives us the confidence to love all people. God’s power is shameless.
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
Your prayer is for Jesus to be unashamed of you. Offer Him your daily attitude and actions that He can anoint with His favor. Can your conduct pass the scrutiny of your Savior’s examination? Is there anything in your life that could bring reproach to His name? Holy reverence for God runs from any potential embarrassment to His name. Because you deeply respect your heavenly Father you honor Him with a life that brings Him glory.
His power rests on you when the gospel governs your worldview. The Lord’s power exerts itself with quiet influence over individuals and loud declarations over crowds. God entrusts you with the power of His ideas to do good for Him. Harness the Holy Spirit’s energy for eternal purposes. For example, take your family to feed the poor so they can experience giving the riches of God’s grace and hope. Love lingers longer for Jesus’ sake.
Perhaps the Lord has empowered you to foster or adopt a child. Take the next step of faith to create a culture of care and acceptance for a rejected and abused one. Use your energy to engage the handicapped and mentally ill. Look for ways to get the gospel to those who are sick, in prison, neglected in nursing homes, and hungry in housing projects. There is no shame in representing your Savior Jesus, so be stunningly shameless.
Prayer: Lord, how can I be shameless in declaring and living out your good news?
Related Readings: Genesis 2:25; Psalm 25:3; Isaiah 54:4; Romans 6:21; Philippians 1:20
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Holy reverence for God runs from any potential embarrassment to His name. Because you deeply respect your heavenly Father you honor Him with a life that brings Him glory.
Well done! Thank you for being willing to be HIS messenger. It is so much fun to see Him working and changing lives. He has done so much in my life and in the live of those I love that just can’t wait to share HIM with others! Not that life is always easy but it is full of his miracles. I am certainly one of the fortunate ones who gets to see HIS miracles daily. They are there to see and they are encouraging. Your words encourage me each day …thank you. Praying for your ministry. My best to you and yours! Thanks again Boyd.