Wednesday March 16, 2022

Today is Wednesday, March 16 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about the nature of humanity and our relationship with God.

As I step into this quiet space alone with my Creator, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply and focus my heart and mind on the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I worship you in the serene stillness of the dawning day with praise and thanksgiving. Help me hear the message you have for me. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I turn to my heavenly Father in remorse with the sorrowful words of Psalm 14.

The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:2-3

Pause and Pray

In the third chapter of Romans, Paul declares that no one is righteous echoing the words of our opening Psalm 14. He exclaims “not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). Through the fallen nature of our sin we are all unworthy of the salvation of God. Paul reiterates the nature of our human rebellion and sin beginning with Adam and Eve and resulting in separation from God and divine desertion. Paul contrasts God’s righteousness in Christ with the abandonment of humanity to sin and death. Only through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can we be restored. God desires to re-establish a positive love relationship with defiant humanity even though we all have fallen short. Every one of us. This is the amazing good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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. Romans 3:22-26

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that includes me. There is no hope for me to be reestablished with God and reconnected with his original love for humanity. There is no way, except God made a way. There is a way for all sinners. There is a way for me. A way to righteousness when I believe the good news. A way to justification through the redeeming blood of Christ. A way to life that is abundant and eternal. How do I find this way? Through the One who is The Way (John 14:6). Jesus made a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of his blood for me. I receive this by faith. Through faith alone in Jesus, I am bought back, redeemed, my sins are covered, the chasm is crossed, I am justified, sanctified and made righteous through the power of his blood shed for me. I need only believe.

Ask: Have I found Jesus – the way, the truth and the life? Am I trying to earn God’s grace and forgiveness or do I receive grace by faith in Christ?

Pause and Pray

Gracious Lord, thank you for making a way home for sinners like me. I believe Jesus Christ is your son, the Messiah and I have faith in him alone for my salvation. I have sinned and fallen short of your glory, yet I embrace the promise that I can be justified freely through the shedding of blood on the cross. This gift is too wonderful to comprehend and I receive it by faith. I read the words from Romans again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. Romans 3:22-26

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the emotions this passage evokes in me today – do I feel confidence or confusion, relief or rebellion? I listen with the ear of my heart to the gospel truth. I repeat the word or phrase that stands out to me, recording it in my journal to reflect on throughout the day. What does it mean for me to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ? What does it mean for me to sin and fall short of the glory of God? What does it mean for me to be made righteous, justified, redeemed, and know I am received by faith? I imagine the enormity of my sin. Lumped up in a big, ugly, putrid pile. I picture Jesus on the cross of crucifixion, the shedding of his blood, a sacrifice to atone for my sin, even mine. Glory be to God.

Pause and Pray

Most Holy Lord – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank you for loving me and making a way home to you. Come and be my welcome guest. I invite you into the recesses of my soul, justify my sinful nature, redeem my sinner’s heart, restore your image, establish your righteousness, sanctify your servant, and mature me on my Christian walk. Amen.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

I leave this time of prayer as a justified sinner praising my Savior and sharing his love with everyone I meet.

Amen.