When we think of excuses, I believe it is easy to remember our kids coming up with so many excuses about why they did something. If it’s something we had preached into them over and over again, we may become a little hardened to accept their excuse, for they knew better. That’s pretty much the picture I see in this message from Paul today. As we contemplate the Word of God today, let us be mindful of all that we know, yet we commit the ‘crime’ anyway! Paul shares with us what he feels like God will do with that on Judgment Day.

DATE POSTED Saturday, 2022-03-19
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BY: Ed Algreen

SCRIPTURE FROM: Romans 1:18-21
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, evil men who push away the truth from them. 19 For the truth about God is known to them instinctively; God has put this knowledge in their hearts. 20 Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day. 21 Yes, they knew about him all right, but they wouldn’t admit it or worship him or even thank him for all his daily care….

APPLICATION: As I reflected on this Scripture I couldn’t help but notice how, immediately after Paul’s introduction, he got straight to the point about the purpose and drive behind his ministry. You see, there are certain things that we identify with, and that very thing becomes the fuel and drive for our ministry. We must remember that the former Paul (Saul) was heavily involved in doing some of the same things that he is now bound and determined to address with those who are still committing those sins. There are times that you and I might see a Christian doing something that we have personally been convicted about before, and we want to say something to them, but we are soon reminded that our lives are not squeaky clean. So you may wonder what should we do. I believe that this message from Paul is very revealing. Yes, Paul had been quite a character and done some very evil things, so we may wonder where he get off at in telling his audience about how bad it will be for them. Friends, we must always remember that the message we are to share is that of Jesus Christ – the Gospel. At the foot of the cross, the ground is all level, and we all stand before the Father on bended knees and a heart looking for His acceptance. A changed heart is one that has a desire to be of service to our Lord, and preach His message of salvation to other beggars much like ourselves. While left on this earth where Satan is roaming about, we will be tempted and we will sin. However, we have an advocate who sits at the right hand of the Father petitioning on our behalf. Additionally, the Holy Spirit is housed inside of us as our Guide, our Protector and to fill us with wisdom. So God has provided all the support that we will need. Let’s learn to preach the Gospel, because the examples given by Paul is still prevalent today. Unbelievers are watching closely to see if their way of life will cause us to return to our sinful life. Like Paul, let’s be strong in our faith and fully dedicated to our Lord, while preaching and teaching His Word that is capable of saving even the worst of sinners. There’s no need for excuses, for God knows every action and even every thought, so we can’t hide our sin from Him. Look to Jesus my friend! He will forgive your sins, save your soul and welcome you into the heights of heaven on Judgment Day!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: I can only sing ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand’! God being my helper, I pray that I will stand firm with my hand in the hand of the One who died for me!

PRAYER: Precious Lord Jesus, we were reminded that without Your saving grace, we will not have ‘a leg to stand on’ come Judgment Day. Furthermore, without that grace and without the powerful hand of Jesus upon our lives, we will constantly mess up while here on earth. May it be evident from our heart, that our minds are fixed on You as we walk this challenging life here on earth. Please guide us into all truth, and help us to boldly share the Good News with all that we come into touch with. AMEN!