From heaven God shows how angry he is with all the wicked and evil things that sinful people do to crush the truth. They know everything that can be known about God, because God has shown it all to them. God's eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. That's why those people don't have any excuse.
They know about God, but they don't honor him or even thank him. Their thoughts are useless, and their stupid minds are in the dark. They claim to be wise, but they are fools.
They don't worship the glorious and eternal God. Instead, they worship idols that are made to look like humans who cannot live forever, and like birds, animals, and reptiles.
So God let these people go their own way. They did what they wanted to do, and their filthy thoughts made them do shameful things with their bodies. They gave up the truth about God for a lie, and they worshiped God's creation instead of God, who will be praised forever. Amen.
Romans 1:18-25
In the United States of America there is a great struggle going on between Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.
Thanksgiving is the day to gather with your family and give thanks to God for all that He has given us. Black Friday is the day that millions of Americans rush out to get more stuff for the Christmas gift giving season. Black Friday is not a derogatory term. It is called that because that is the day that many retailers begin to turn a profit for the year and are in the "black."
This year things are beginning to change because many retail outlets are opening in the evening of Thanksgiving Day to begin the rush for things and profits. "Things and profits" are not bad, but inserting them into a day that was set aside to be thankful to God most certainly is troubling. If this continues then next year I am sure that Black Friday will begin on Thanksgiving morning!Here is the problem.
These verses from Romans 1 say it very well. As we turn from God He removes His support system from our nation. We will continue to see "useless thoughts and stupid minds in the dark." We are bombarded with philosophies that even deny the existence of truth. The foolishness of such thinking is obvious to anyone with a sound mind. These rebels are certain that there are no certainties and are absolutely sure that there are no absolutes!
My challenge as a follower of Jesus Christ is simply to be "salt and light" and to keep from being polluted by the world. Being salt and light is offensive and not being polluted is defensive. Salt and light will change the world around you and the other will keep you from being changed.
"Lord Jesus, even though You have removed so many of Your blessings from a nation that has rebelled against You, please Lord support Your people with knowing Your mind about everything. Uphold us with Your righteousness and fill us with Your love. In Jesus Name. Amen."
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