We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Nate Hemphill.
Bible Reading:
“ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”Romans 1:16
Word:
Whenever I ponder what being unashamed of the Gospel means, I have a repulsive emotion thinking about the downtown corner evangelist hurling out condemnation to the young people stumbling to and from the clubs and bars on Saturday night. He reads the words that were written to lead the lost to repentance, but they seem to do exactly the opposite. All that is heard is judgement and condemnation. Is that what it means to be unashamed of the Gospel? There must be a better way.
Let’s look back to the days of Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness. You may recall that when Moses came down from the mountain, spending time in the presence of God, his face radiated light. He literally had to wear a veil over his face just so that people could look at him! I think that a similar thing happens to a believer as they spend time in the presence of almighty God. The shine we carry is actually greater than the one Moses had because his shine was temporal – it faded away with time. But for us, as God actually dwells within us by the Holy Spirit, our shine to the world around us is continual.
So how does being unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus manifest itself in us? It happens quite naturally as your life is transformed by God’s ongoing work in you. You become more aware and sensitive to the needs of people around you. You begin looking for ways to serve others – stripping down barbells, and helping clean up after class. Your mannerisms change as you learn to control your temper when being cut off in traffic. The way you speak and carry yourself; the way you spend your time; the things you invest in….on and on the list goes. Your transformed life speaks volumes more than your words ever could as God operates in you. All of this opens the door, making the world around you inquire, “What is the hope that you have?” This enables you to be unashamed of the Gospel. This boldness comes from an authentically changed life – not puffed up and proud, but humbled and loving.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus help me to radiate your love to the world around me. Remove anything that is holding me back from being fully used by you. Help me to be authentic and unashamed of your truth. In Jesus name, amen!
Skillwork:
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