devotional journey: romans 1.

it has been an interesting time since i first started first year medical school. Today is September 30, 2010, and i am studying pretty hard these days. It is the second year of medical school and school has been all encompassing. During this stressful time(although considered stressful to me I have been very fortunate to live an easy, awesome life), I want to try depending on God more and being empowered in this relationship I want to have with God. In some ways, it may be selfish that I'm looking into getting something out of this relationshp, but also I want to develop a broader sense of what my life goals are, and what I can do to make me a better person, and the world a better place. What better place to start with the Bible? therefore, the next posts I'll be giving will be somewhat of a devotional from reading a chapter a day. I decided to start in Romans because I remember liking it's message and had very good points on how to live a Christian life and what it means to be a Christian.

I hope by doing this, I strengthen my relationship with God and I become not only a better person, but it will help me in my studies to become even a better doctor with selfless goals, such as helping other people. Here are my thoughts on
Roman Chapter 1:

Paul starts off in his letter giving thanks to God. He talks about his love for the gospel and how he is unashamed to give it. Suddenly, he talks about the wrath of God. A verse that struck me was "who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator" found in verse 25. It talks about the backbiters, haters of God, proud, boasters, inventors of evil tings, disobedient to parents, that these people will suffer from the judgement of God.
In a way, I thought it was an odd way to start off a letter, but also, it struck a cord within me that probably did the same to those who received this letter form Paul. I find myself sometimes thinking I am too wise, and I'm ashamed to admit that I do commit many of the wrongs Paul lists in the chapter. We do deserve judgment and we are inexcusable. However, I live my life thinking sometimes I am God's gift to man. I sometimes proudly walk around thinking I'm the best, when in reality, I am a sinner. Perhaps instead of judging others or criticizing others, it just takes a minute to think about all my negatives and makes me realize that I need to change. This change needs to take place right now, not later (because who knows when later is). I believe this is a start, and I plan to live conscioously a Christian life. I do want to become a better person, and I do want God to mold me into the man He wants me to become.

My prayer,
"Dear God,
Thank you for blessing me so much in so many ways. Help this to become the start of a fruitful relationship. Help me to realize that I am not perfect, and that I do need your help. Amen"