So That We Are Without Excuse

1 Tim.4:12-16 (NKJV)

12 Let no one [a]despise your youth, but be an example to the believers

 in word, in conduct, in love, [b]in spirit, in faith, in purity. 

13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to [c]doctrine. 

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, 

which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 

15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, 

that your progress may be evident to all. 

16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. 

Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself 

and those who hear you.

Today's Daily Bread Devotion Scripture reading (posted above)

  first laid the groundwork for today's poem,

(click link for beautiful encouragement

to persevere faithfully, right where we are)

...then I looked up to see a burst of pink permeating the atmosphere

 ...as I gazed I was smitten with this passage in Romans 1:18-20

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven 

against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, 

who [d]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 

19 because what may be known of God is [e]manifest [f]in them, 

for God has shown it to them. 

20 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 [g]Godhead, 

so that they are without excuse,...

He bestows to the heavens, rose and periwinkle hues

He fills them with splendor no one can ignore or refuse

He imbues earth and sky and sea with wonder’s pedestal

So that His divine nature will be evident to all

Since the creation of the world God’s hidden attributes

Are clearly seen and understood; we are without excuse

He stirs within the human breast, an urge to satisfy

Where none but He can fill the quest that tests longing’s reply

Though much will try to take His place, where the devil deceives

His peace, his hope, His joy, His grace only true faith receives

Where His goodness, mercy and love abound to one and all

Both on the good and evil the sun shines and rain drops fall

Ho, everyone that thirsts, come and drink where God’s grace runs rife

And gives us Living Water from a blood-bought Fount of life

Call upon Him while He is near, while He may yet be found

Seek Him with reverential fear (we tread on holy ground)

Beneath majestic heavens, while creation’s creatures groan

Until all will behold Him seated on His glorious throne

His love decreed that none should miss faith’s opportunity

So He instilled in what He made, His divine deity

So that we are without excuse; and no one is exempt

Oh, pray we do not look on Him with unbelief’s contempt

But bow the head and bend the knee before death’s final toll

When everyone will look upon the Saviour of the Soul

© Janet Martin

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