Word at Work January 7, 2015

Word at Work January 6, 2015
January 6, 2015
Word at Work January 8, 2015
January 8, 2015

Word at Work January 7, 2015

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
Scripture: Romans 1:20-32

Romans 1:20-32 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Those that “…knew God, (but) did not glorify Him as God” are unequivocally without excuse. And “…even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind.” Our Bibles say “those who practice such things…” and those that “approve of those who practice them” are deserving of death! It is indeed strong language, but it is the language of Romans. We are called to represent Christ and we are called to follow the Spirit in doing righteousness and doing judgment. The Spirit knows when a judge has exhausted mercy. We do not decide these judicial prayers on our own. Instead we move through Holy Spirit direction. Asking God to weigh to a judge what they weigh to a nation allows the Lord to determine the layer of love necessary – warning, affliction or even termination. Simply practicing homosexuality or approving of those who practice it does not make or break an individual case. Fullness is the ultimate issue. Only God knows if an individual is filled with ALL “…unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful…” It is a comprehensive list and one where only the Spirit can know if an individual qualifies. But if they do and we are given clear Holy Spirit direction, we must pray judgment on their heads. I believe the Throne is open and we will see the Holy Spirit lead us into judicial prayer that will curb unrighteous judges from filling the cup of iniquity. The time to pray judgment is if and only if the Holy Spirit leads. But I trust He will lead if we are open to listen. Moses saved his nation by praying judgment on the perpetrators and so can we. If America will see any salvation from a full cup of iniquity, then it will be because there are saints willing to listen and pray when the Holy Spirit directs. Dark days of national destruction are inevitable if the church does not embrace the way of the Lord and do judgment!