“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be know of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even this eternal power and God head; so that they are without excuse; Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became as fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like a corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves; who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1: 18-25

Today’s Christian daily devotional

“Quarter turn to the left.” Mike tries to interpret the expressions of the stony judges sitting in the front row.

Flexing his arms while twisting his torso, he exhales all the oxygen in his stomach.

The hot lights are turning him into a statue of pure sweat and flesh. The toxic combination of tanning cream and lack of food and water is nauseating, but Mike keeps his mind focused on the golden trophy that will separate him from the average gym rat.

Flexing and posing with all his might, Michael wondered what drove him to torture himself like this—year after year.

“Thank you.  You may now take your final bow and exit to the left of the stage.” The grand marshal of the show instructs the oil-slickened men in brightly colored speedos.

Roaring loudly, the crowd cheers them all on, reminding him of what all this madness is about.

Yes.  This is why he bothered.  Nothing felt better than those cheers of approval. They justified his hours in the gym and helped him to forget the sacrifices he made to get there.

He catches the eye of cute brunette winking at him from the audience.  She would make a perfect treat for all of Michael’s hard work. Like numerous other conquests from his past, the girl in the front row would probably keep him company for a few weeks. This would be until she discovered that the livelihood of a bodybuilder could never support her weekly manicure habit.

Following the line of oiled bodies trailing off the stage, Mike ducks into the bathroom and splashes the sweat off his face with the tepid water from the faucet.

“Your heart can’t take the abuse much longer.” The words from Mike’s doctor seemed to echo off the white tiles.

Visions of his father flashed on Mike’s mind like a movie projector.

Mike vividly recalls the day his dad was rushed to the hospital. Complications from this massive heart attack only gave his father two days on life support.  Mike’s dad was only forty years old when he passed away.

Michael took a deep breath; a week ago he celebrated his thirty seventh birthday.

Pushing his emotions aside, he shoved the door open with his good shoulder.  His physique had all the markings of a champion, but every inch of him was riddled in some kind of pain.

Romans 1:18-25 reminds us of God’s graciousness that has been overlooked by men with hearts bent on worshiping anything other than him.  When men do this, they remove themselves from the blessings of God; and He sadly rewards them with the desires of their heart, even if it means it will entail breaking His own.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I have probably broken your heart a million times, and you have gracefully allowed me to live another day…just to do it all over again.

Today, the madness stops.  I repent and turn from my own pride; I give up. Life feels like it is not worth living because I have lost my purpose.

Show me what you created me for.  Give me a passion and a purpose so I can wake up happy and go to bed with the peace of knowing I am in your will.

In Jesus name, bless me to never waste another day, another breath or another opportunity to serve you.  Amen.”

Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Romans 1:18-25

Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!

Author: Julia Shalom Jordan