Devotionals for July 18, 2023
We have our Fall Prayer & Fasting coming up on August 2-4!
READ
ROMANS 3:21-26
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
REFLECT
Being part of the body of Christ is a miracle and an act of sheer grace from God. We don’t deserve to be in God’s family. But God, in His justice and love, “presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement...to be received by faith.” As you engage with your spiritual family this week, reflect on this miracle: There’s nothing you could have done to earn your way into God’s family — it’s only by trusting and believing in Jesus.
APPLY
Q: According to Paul, why is there no difference between Jew and Gentile?
Q: What is the source of your forgiveness and justification before God? Reflect on what you rely on each day.
Q: Just as God has forgiven you a heavy debt of sin, who do you need to forgive and love today?
Q: What is the source of your forgiveness and justification before God? Reflect on what you rely on each day.
Q: Just as God has forgiven you a heavy debt of sin, who do you need to forgive and love today?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, you have forgiven us, justified us, and united us through your Son. Help me to reflect your coming kingdom and reflect the Prince of Peace to those around me. Amen.
Lord, you have forgiven us, justified us, and united us through your Son. Help me to reflect your coming kingdom and reflect the Prince of Peace to those around me. Amen.