God is at Work, whether you Acknowledge it or Not.

Romans 1:16-20

The heading in my Bible for verses 18 - 20 says "God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity."  Wow, those are not 'soft, kind' words, are they.  I don't want to incur God's wrath, and yet, I know that I sin every day, and that there have to be times when God is very angry with me and with all of his people.

Yes, we suppress the truth by our wickedness (v. 18).  We do what we know is wrong.  We put ourselves before others, and yes, we put ourselves before God.

Is there a way out?  Verse 20 tells us that "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (emphasis is mine).

Have you seen God's eternal power and divine nature??  When is the last time you stopped to watch a beautiful sunset?  Or a fierce rainstorm?  Or took a walk in the fall, reveling in the glorious colors as the trees turned gold, red, yellow?

Have you been to a concert and marveled at the skill and artistry of the violinist or the cellist or even the percussionist?  The conductor, who masterfully leads musicians as they create music that fills your soul?  When did you last visit a museum and soak in the paintings that bring you joy?

Have you watched a surgeon skillfully heal a broken bone - maybe even yours?  (or mine, just two weeks ago).

Some theologians refer to this as "general revelation."  The artist or the surgeon may not be a Christian, but God still works through her art or his skilled hands to glorify Himself.  Psalm 19:1 says "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Nature sings God's praises and humans declare his works, whether they realize it or not.  As Paul says, "people are without excuse."

Take time this week to thank God for all he has given you, whether it is through music, or art, or nature.  Thank him for his good work.  And share this good work with others!