A Faith That Consumes

Daily Reading: Romans 1

 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son. (Romans 1.9a)

Devotional Thought: The NIV translates v. 9 as, "God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son..."  That makes me want to ask, "Am I serving God with my whole heart?  Are you?"

First, is it even possible?  Does the Bible teach such a state of consecration to God?  Yes!  Paul said he was doing it.  Jesus said that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Jesus prayed that you and I would be sanctified – set apart completely – for God’s service.

Second, if I’m not, how can I start?  To answer that question, we need to fast-forward to Romans 12.1: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."  I like the King James translation of that last phrase: "which is your reasonable service."  It is reasonable to offer my complete self to God!  To serve God with my whole heart, I must offer myself completely – nothing held back!  “Search me, O God!”

Third, what shall I do to serve God with my whole heart; how do I do it?  Paul said he served God with his whole heart by preaching the gospel.  Do I need to become a preacher?  No, but no matter your vocation, God has called you to share the good news (gospel) of his Son!  Are you a nurse? Share the love of God with your whole heart as you care for people.  Are you an accountant?  Keep careful records to the glory of God.  Are you a banker or business owner, a laborer or teacher?  Serve God with your whole heart on the job, bearing witness to the hope, peace and love of Jesus.

Prayer: "Lord, I offer my life to You, Everything I've been through, Use it for Your glory.  Lord I offer my days to You, Lifting my praise to You, As a pleasing sacrifice. Lord I offer You my life." Amen.  (~Don Moen)

Psalm of the Day: 22.6-11

6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.

7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;

8 "He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!"

9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.

10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God.

11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.