Today’s Podcast
Today’s Scriptures
Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – Romans 1:18-32
Set – 2 Chronicles 3; Romans 1
Go! – 1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1
Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is breaking through from heaven, opposing all manifestations of ungodliness and wickedness by the people who do wrong to keep God’s truth in check. 19 These people are not ignorant about what can be known of God, because He has shown it to them with great clarity. 20 From the beginning, creation in its magnificence enlightens us to His nature. Creation itself makes His undying power and divine identity clear, even though they are invisible; and it voids the excuses and ignorant claims of these people 21 because, despite the fact that they knew the one true God, they have failed to show the love, honor, and appreciation due to the One who created them! Instead, their lives are consumed by vain thoughts that poison their foolish hearts. 22 They claim to be wise; but they have been exposed as fools, frauds, and con artists— 23 only a fool would trade the splendor and beauty of the immortal God to worship images of the common man or woman, bird or reptile, or the next beast that tromps along.24 So God gave them just what their lustful hearts desired. As a result, they violated their bodies and invited shame into their lives. 25 How? By choosing a foolish lie over God’s truth. They gave their lives and devotion to the creature rather than to the Creator Himself, who is blessed forever and ever. Amen. 26-27 This is why God released them to their own vile pursuits, and this is what happened: they chose sexual counterfeits—women had sexual relations with other women and men committed unnatural, shameful acts because they burned with lust for other men. This sin was rife, and they suffered painful consequences.
28 Since they had no mind to recognize God, He turned them loose to follow the unseemly designs of their depraved minds and to do things that should not be done. 29 Their days are filled with all sorts of godless living, wicked schemes, greed, hatred, endless desire for more, murder, violence, deceit, and spitefulness. And, as if that were not enough, they are gossiping, 30 slanderous, God-hating, rude, egotistical, smug people who are always coming up with even more dreadful ways to treat one another. They don’t listen to their parents; 31 they lack understanding and character. They are simple-minded, covenant-breaking, heartless, and unmerciful; they are not to be trusted. 32 Despite the fact that they are fully aware that God’s law says this way of life deserves death, they fail to stop. And worse—they applaud others on this destructive path.
Today’s Devotional
From today’s background scripture God might say:
There you have it. The description of humankind’s degradation. Paul saw it in the decadent conditions of the Roman empire and its influence on the rest of society. It’s happening again today. Despite America’s start based on religious freedom and faith in Me. In the nearly five hundred years since the first European settlers, the nation continues to turn further from Me and My principles of living.
Just as Paul observed in his day, you can see the escalation of humankind’s degradation today. And just as then, when men refuse to listen, I will let you make your choice and let you follow your own path. The description Paul gives shows the results of that path. Godless living, wicked schemes, greed, hatred, endless desire for more, murder, violence, deceit, and spitefulness. Any of that sound familiar today. If not, you haven’t paid attention to the headlines.
Paul goes on describing the people who continue to follow their own way and it isn’t a pretty picture. The problem is they don’t realize the penalty that comes with their actions. Just because they don’t believe in Me doesn’t mean I’m not real. Just because someone doesn’t believe there is no such thing as racism doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist today either. My word tells you there will be a day of reckoning for those who refuse to listen and obey My commands.
Unbelievers can say anything they like about My word and the events that will come to pass recorded there. One day they will know the truth, just like My followers already know the truth. Don’t let false prophets or unbelievers deceive you. Just because I have withheld My wrath for many years to pour our My mercy and grace to allow as many as possible to seek and find Me, there is still a day coming when all will face judgment for the deeds they have done.
I will come again and I will call all to account for their actions. All are guilty, but some are forgiven. Those who received the gift of forgiveness I freely offer will escape My wrath. But those who do not come to Me in repentance and receive My gift of forgiveness will feel the full force of My wrath. As Paul points out, I’ve given humankind every chance. You know the way. All you have to do is take it.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.