Online Devotions: October 19 (Romans 1:16)

Sunday, October 19, 2014

October 19 (Romans 1:16)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…. (ESV)

It is a simple story, really. God loved the people He made in His image so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to them. Jesus revealed the true nature of God and went on to stand in the gap between life and death for us by dying in our place. He rose again to prepare a place for us with God our Father. Oh, and He sent the Holy Spirit to live within us, reminding us of all this and constantly redirecting us to Him. What is there to be ashamed about in a story like that?

“Well, you just don’t understand. I have co-workers who aren’t religious. Some of my relatives have been hurt by the church. Who am I to say that my private faith has to apply to everyone? I don’t want to push my religion off on someone else.”

Sigh.

Lord Jesus, do not let me get caught up, swept in, and pulled under by misguided human reasoning. Help me remember the simple, yet world-transforming power of the gospel. May my life and my words at every moment of every day in every situation with every person I meet reflect the love of God that You have shown me. Amen.

Copyright © 2014 by Steven R. Perkins

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.