The Roman Devotions: CH1

Okay, so Romans is an amazing book and I've decided to reread it! Since I'm trying to journal daily, I've decided to devotionize (it's a Katie word) my blogspot. One chapter a day.. or perhaps more if I feel so lead. So, God please open my ears, eyes, heart and mind to understand and received what you have written in your word. Amen.

Romans Chapter 1:
~we are called to belong to Jesus Christ, with His death on the cross.
~Paul states that he wishes to return to those in Roman, "in order that I might have a harvest among you..." this really shows how important 'follow up' in a body of believers is.
It's easy to plant a seed, but if there is no follow up, accountability, food and water to the seeds, there will be no harvest. And that's what is most important. Paul has been sending them letters directing them, now he wants to come and personally see what they've been doing to further the kingdom of God.
~"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'"
It's amazing to me, how we, as humans are so often ashamed, or embarrassed or held back because of caring what people will think if we publicly step out in faith. When Paul tells us directly, "it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone..." Don't be ashamed!!! You're sending a message of hope, and life and joy!!! Free from condemnation and hell. Yet I so often hold back, or am embarrassed to stand out simply because it's uncomfortable.
~He then goes on to say, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For 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."
....okay so that one kind of hurts a little. I have this quote that says, "I don't regret the things I've done, but those I didn't and should have." I completely agree with this. We will be judged for disobeying the commands God gave and we failed to follow through with. It's so weird to think about, but it's true.
I was in the skit one time that showed friends who got in a car wreck. One was a Christian and went to heaven. The other was a sinner and the Christian friend never shared Christ with the other friend. And as the angels for both sides come the sinner friend says, "why didn't you tell me. I've been searching for more, if only you'd have told me!"
I don't know about you, but I don't want to have that on my conscience. You can never really know how some people are feeling. or what they're searching for... God's waiting to reveal himself to them, are you willing to let him use you?

Okay so that's what I got from Romans 1! Have a most excellent week!

PS that was only part of Chapter 1... the rest will be continued.