Thanks to the good Lord, we seem to be recovering. Both of us being sick at the same time has been interesting. Humbling too. We are both still having pain and fatigue and the coughing seems to come and go at will. I remind myself that it takes me longer to recoup than it would someone with 'normal' lungs and so give myself time to rest regardless of what is going on around me.

I have been reading in Romans 1 this week ... and these verses have made me stop and do some thinking and investigating:

Romans 1: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19 because what may be known of God is manifest 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 Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

21 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.

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

27 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.

28 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;

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 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.

And these excerpts from Enduring Word Commentary:

(http://www.enduringwordcommentaries.com/)

a. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven: The idea is simple but sobering - God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against the human race, and the human race deserves the wrath of God.

b. We sometimes object to the idea of the wrath of God because we equate it with human anger, which is motivated by selfish personal reasons or by a desire for revenge. We must not forget that the wrath of God is completely righteous in character.

i. The wrath of God is not revealed in the gospel, but in the facts of human experience.

Again, this “freedom” to disobey should be seen as God’s judgment, not His kindness; those who engage in such acts are receiving in themselves the penalty of their error.

It is this sentence that has stayed with me all day ... 'freedom to disobey should be seen as God's judgment, not His kindness'

From what I've read in these verses, no man will ever stand before God and say "I didn't know about You". There are no excuses, no plan B, no other way but Jesus. And it is by God's grace that we submit to His will for our lives. Those who chose to do it their way and persist in sin, are heaping judgment upon themselves.

I believe that once you come to living faith in Christ, nothing will separate us from Him. (Romans 8:38, 39) But I find myself wondering how much I forfeit by trying to do things my way? I know there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, (Romans 8:1) but there may be a price to pay for our waywardness when we stray. He disciplines His children. (Hebrews 12:6)

We know the story in the Bible of Mary & Martha. Mary sat at Jesus' feet; Martha worked and stewed and fretted ... that's who I've been of late. A Martha. Maybe that's one reason I've had to slow down and sit and rest and be still and quiet.

Whatever it takes Lord. Just don't leave me as You found me.