PDF Link Week of Feb. 01, 2010

MONDAY

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.
Romans 1:18-20

Everyone believes in something. Maybe it is God. Maybe it is themselves. Sometimes our belief can be so blind that we ignore truth and the reality of the circumstances around us. Remember, when telling someone about God, it ultimately will come down to their heart. We can embrace science and its pursuit of truth from nature. It will only confirm God’s presence and involvement in His creation. Pray for those who suppress truth. Pray that they would embrace the truth and let it guide them.

TUESDAY

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Romans 1:21-23

Those who forsake God typically embrace science as their source of affirmation. Think about how it is important for them to define and lift up images of men, birds, animals, and reptiles in an effort to support the supremacy of nature. The study of nature is a good and worthwhile pursuit, but those forsaking God are not just studying nature. They are looking for affirmation in their belief system. Pray for those who worship nature and science. There is depth to life that is lost when we remove the spiritual side.

WEDNESDAY

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen.
Romans 1:24-25

The decision to accept or reject the evidence for God is sometimes driven by a different issue. Accepting that there is God means that there is someone who has moral authority over us. We are not permitted to do whatever it is we want. A higher authority now judges our actions. The desire to sin can be a motivation for the rejection of God. It can drive some to reject truth for lies so they can keep their sinful desires. Pray for humility. Pray that those who reject God would at some point humbly go to Him and accept His leadership in their lives.

THURSDAY

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.
Proverbs 11:9

For people who are seeking truth, they are open to information from many sources. We live in a country of free speech. It is not within our country’s mindset to silence those who blaspheme God, but it is within the country’s mindset to let your voice be heard. Eventually, truth wins. At the end of the day, or a life, the truth will become apparent to everyone. Be a voice of truth to your family, friends, and co-workers. Pray today for the opportunity to share with truth with those who are seeking it.

FRIDAY

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
Psalm 14:1

Again, as with Sunday’s message and other devotionals this week, acknowledging God is a matter of the heart. We should be aware of resources that can help us share the facts in science and nature that point to God. More importantly, we need to let people know there is a God who is love and loves them very much. Pray for the opportunity and your ability to say, “God loves you” to someone who needs to hear it.

SATURDAY

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:16

As ambassadors for the kingdom of heaven, we are called to hang out with those who are not yet members of our kingdom. We need to meet them where they are, but not participate in godless talk or activities. Do not be in such a desire to build a relationship that you pretend there is no God. We can build relationships with people and not be required to sin or talk as though we do not know there is a God. Pray for your integrity and as you engage in activities and discussions with people that you maintain your place in God’s kingdom.

SUNDAY

My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
Psalm 57:7

As we engage the world and let our lights of truth shine, we will require strengthening. Make sure you do not let yourself be worn down. Take time to hang out with other Christians. Most of all, make time to worship God, who is our ultimate source of strength. Sing out to Him today.