Devotional - June 25, 2025
Scripture: Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Many of us have resigned ourselves to the saying, ain't nothin free. Everything costs in one way or another. Even our good deeds seem to come with a cost. So, it is hard to believe that God still gives gifts by grace alone. Paul's readers believed that their justification for being God's people resided in their deeds. If they kept the Law and observed the festivals, they maintained their identity as God's people. As time went on, for some, the words became just that ...words. Do this, do that, say this, go there, and when you get there, do this. If I do it, great, God will be happy and I can be on my way. We don't get like that, do we? Our faith in God is not a litany of actions (deeds) that we feel satisfy God and keep us in the clear, is it? It is understandable if it is, especially when the heavens seem silent. We dont hear much from God, so we go through the motions and keep going. Hopefully, we can rekindle some of our passion for God and our purpose with God by remembering Abraham. The way Abraham received God's promise was through faith (Hebrews 11:8). God characterized Abraham's faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). God could see Abrahams heart and knew he believed what God had said (promised). At times Abraham would wonder, and wander, and struggle with it, but he believed. He received God's blessing, not as a result of any good works. In fact, Abraham messed up time and again, but Abraham's actions did not derail what God had promised. Throughout his life, he knew God was faithful to God's promises and word. God does not change because of our behavior. Even when we are reaping what we have sown, in a bad way, we can still find peace and help in God's presence. Even when we question if God exists, or if God is with us, or things do not go our way, God is faithful. Even when it seems that God has not kept promises that we’ve manufactured from our own wishes and dreams. Promises we've manipulated toward our agenda, but God never pledged to keep. Yes, our God is still with us as we come to our senses and grow in grace. Why? Because our Lord Jesus understands us, has walked with us, and loves us, ...even us. And, it is not based on the things we've done, but on who God is and our belief in it. So, dont let your sense of duty to do the things of God put you to sleep. You can roll along dutifully going to church, praying the prayers, singing the songs, ...listening to the sermons, and completely miss what God has for you today. Abraham's faith, and the faith Paul calls us to have, are based on our relationship with God, the very Creator and Sustainer of all there ever was, is, and will ever be.
Pray with me ..., Thank You Lord Jesus for all Your benefits. All Your grace and faithfulness in the midst of our hesitation. Thank You for the blessings we receive through our relationship with You. Hear us as we pray for our loved ones. Bless them, we pray, according to their needs. And bless our church, so we can be the blessing You call us to be, in Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
