Saturday, September 28, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Something to Get Excited About

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of The Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Have you ever been out in public with a close friend or a family member who says or does something outrageous and you jokingly (or SEMI-jokingly) follow-up their behavior with, "I don't know this person...I've never met him before."

At times, I'm sure we've all been embarrassed (even if it was just momentarily) because of our associations (and...vice versa).

The Apostle Paul boldly declared in today's verse that he is "not ashamed of The Gospel."

If asked directly if we are ashamed of The Gospel, most would probably say "no." However, it is often not our words but our LACK of words that at times may prove otherwise.

People get excited about many things and consequently do things that might cause their friends to chuckle and say, "Uh, I don't know that guy..." Consider how you or those you know dress or respond to a football game...or a concert?

A group of rather large shirtless men lined up in order to spell their favorite team's name is not typical behavior...and their teenage children may not "claim" them at that moment.

Adults shouting and jumping around at their favorite band's reunion concert may not be reflective of their personality during the week.

Events and exciting news often elicit a grand response from even the most reserved individual followed by the burning desire to tell someone all about the excitement!

However, when reading God's Word (the TRUE account of how He gave His Son to be sacrificed for our sins), the excitement is often not as bold as the response over a temporal football game.

The word ashamed is defined as "feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace" or being "restrained by ANTICIPATION of shame." God's miraculous, loving, life-changing Word is nothing to feel shameful, guilty or disgraceful about.

I challenge you today to never "restrain" your joyful response to what God has done for you because of the "anticipation" of shame...the "anticipation" of rejection by men. Of all the things in this world to rejoice about, to be outspoken about, to make a scene about IS what Jesus Christ did for each of us.

Dear Lord, Forgive me for the times that I denied You by withholding the good news of Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Give me the boldness and the wisdom to share Your love with all that I encounter.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord

and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Please note that this week is the last week for the early bird Anchored Conference registration.