April 4 -- "Salvation’s Mystery: Mercy, not Merit"

Today’s Reading: Romans 9:1-16

Romans 9 gives us a profound glimpse into God’s sovereign role in salvation—a decision rooted not in human effort, but in His boundless love and divine will. Salvation is not something we earn; it is a gift, freely given by God.  It does not depend on our abilities or choices but rests entirely on His mercy and perfect wisdom.

Paul makes it clear that God's sovereign election is also not limited to a particular group.  Salvation is not based on ethnicity, adherence to the law, or religious tradition, but solely on God’s mercy. While many Jews placed their confidence in their lineage as descendants of Abraham, Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are united in grace through faith—chosen according to God’s will, not human merit.

God’s grace extends to both Jews and Gentiles, both male and female, both servant and master, both black and white, both rich and poor, both liberal and conservative, breaking down any barriers of heritage, achievement, or works-based righteousness.

This truth challenges our natural inclination to link success with effort. We often feel the need to prove our worth. It may seem like a mystery to us, but God’s love does not operate that way.  He desires a relationship with us, not based on our merits, but on His mercy, grace, and love. Before time began, God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to extend salvation to you and me. His decision was not influenced by our actions, personalities, or any virtue He foresaw in us. It was purely an expression of His good pleasure and immeasurable love.

Embracing this truth humbles us, stripping away pride and self-righteousness. It reassures us of God’s absolute authority and unwavering faithfulness. No longer do we need to strive to be “good enough.”  Instead, we can rest in the assurance that His love is unconditional and our place in His family is made possible through Christ and His merits.

Today, may your heart be filled with peace as you reflect on God’s mercy. Remember: you are chosen, not because of anything you’ve done—or will do—but because of His limitless grace. May this truth anchor you in hope, awe, and a deeper love for Him.

 

April 3 -- "Current Pain, Future Gain"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-39

It may not always feel like it, but the difficulties and sorrows we face in this life—though heavy and overwhelming at times—are but fleeting shadows compared to the magnificent future God has lovingly prepared for us.

In today’s passage, Paul doesn’t diminish the reality of our pain but invites us to view it through the lens of eternity. The “sufferings of this present time” include the struggles, challenges, trials, pains, and even persecutions we endure as followers of Christ. Yet, Paul boldly proclaims that these trials “are not worth comparing” to the glory destined to be revealed in us.

To grasp this, imagine comparing a single grain of sand beside the Sahara Desert.  That single grain is not worth comparing to the vast Sahara. Or picture a drop of water against the vast oceans of the world. Such comparisons help us see how our present struggles are infinitely surpassed by the glory awaiting us. When life’s burdens weigh us down— and they will —it’s easy to be consumed by the here and now.  These challenges can obscure God’s bigger plan making it difficult to keep eternity in focus. Yet this verse reminds us to lift our eyes beyond the temporary. Our trials, no matter how overwhelming, are but whispers compared to the eternal weight of glory in Christ. Keeping an eternal perspective brings unshakable hope in Christ, a hope that far exceeds any fleeting troubles we face.

This doesn’t mean our hardships are insignificant. Quite the opposite! These struggles are the very tools God uses to refine us, preparing us for the splendor He has planned.  While they may seem small and “insignificant” when compared to our future glory, they are a deeply “significant” part of God’s process to transform us into the likeness of Christ. Every trial, heartache, and challenge molds us, deepens our faith, and draws us nearer to Him. Through them, God develops perseverance, trust, patience, and humility within us. The “glory” Paul describes is the wondrous moment when we stand in Jesus’ presence, fully transformed into His image.

As we are told in Psalm 73:“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.” The Hebrew word for "glory" refers to the honor, splendor, magnificent, and divine presence of the glorious God. On that day, the weight of sin, struggle, and sorrow will fall away. It is the unveiling of our new Heavenly home, a place of perfect restoration and righteousness.  This glory and joy will be so overwhelming that every earthly trial will seem as faint as a passing shadow.

May God grant you grace to view your trials from His eternal perspective. May He fill your heart with hope and strength, turning your gaze from today’s burdens to the radiant glory of His love. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and watch just how faithful He is.

April 2 -- "Sail On Sailor: Living By The Spirit"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:1-17

Every day, a battle rages within us. The flesh whispers, urging us toward temporary pleasures and selfish ambitions. It promises fulfillment but always leaves us empty—spiritually dead. The Spirit, however, leads us into true, abundant, joyful, and eternal life.

Romans 8:13 makes it clear: living by the flesh leads to spiritual death, but living by the Spirit brings life. This isn’t about trying harder—it’s about surrender. When we submit to the Spirit, He empowers us to put to death the sinful inclinations that once ruled us.

Think about this like a sailboat which doesn’t move by its own effort but by catching the wind. The Spirit is our wind—in fact, the Greek word for “Spirit” (pneuma) means wind, breath, a gentle blast of air. When we hoist the sails of faith, surrender, and obedience, we are moved by His power.

If the Holy Spirit is the wind, then hoisting our sails means positioning ourselves to catch His movement. It’s about being open, surrendered, and responsive to His leading. Here’s seven ways you can hoist your sail:

1.      Get Filled – Ephesians 5:18 commands us to be filled with the Spirit, giving Him full control.

2.      Surrender Daily – Like raising a sail, we must daily yield to God, praying, “Lord, I surrender. Lead me by Your Spirit.”

3.      Soak in God’s Word – Scripture is the Spirit’s voice, renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and tuning us to His truth.

4.      Cultivate Prayer – Prayer isn’t just requests; it’s relationship. Continual dialogue with God keeps us attuned to His leading.

5.      Walk in Step with the Spirit – Galatians 5:25 calls us to follow His nudges: repent when convicted, act when prompted, serve when led.

6.      Stay in Community – Lone sailors falter in storms; crews thrive. Fellowship with Spirit-filled believers strengthens us.

7.      Worship and Gratitude – Worship, through song or thanksgiving, keeps our “sails” open to the Spirit.

We don’t generate the wind, but we can prepare our hearts to catch it. And when we do, He leads us into the fullness of life only He can give!

May the Holy Spirit fill your sails, guiding you into the fullness of His life and power. And as you surrender daily, may you sail on sailor, as His gentle wind leads you in wisdom, strength, and joy.

April 1 -- "Always Striving, Never Arriving"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 7

The weight of religious obligation without the Spirit is suffocating. It’s like being trapped in a dark, airless room where every action is scrutinized, and every failure met with condemnation. But in Christ, we can step into a fresh, open space where the refreshing breeze of the Spirit fills our lungs with freedom and joy!

In today’s verse, Paul describes this as “the new way of the Spirit.” The old way, bound to religious rules and sin, crushes the soul, but the new way of the Spirit breathes life into every moment. Under a life of religious rules—the law—people live under a constant burden, never measuring up, always striving, but never arriving.

As Paul candidly explains in Romans 7, sin takes advantage of the law, producing guilt, shame, defeat, and frustration. It is a cycle of effort and failure, like endlessly trying to climb a rock face with a chain around your ankle. Working hard, but never reaching the top. But in Christ, we are “released from the law!"  We have died to that burden! The Spirit now empowers us to serve God not out of duty, but out of delight. The law only exposes sin, but the Spirit leads us into righteousness.

Many still live as though they’re chained to religious rules—trying to earn God's approval, weighed down by shame. Doing things they don’t want to do, and not doing the righteous things they long to do. But Jesus didn’t save you so you could carry that old burden; He set you free to walk in newness of life. The Spirit now produces in you what the law never could—love, joy, peace, and new found power over sin.

Are you living in the joy of this freedom, or are you still measuring yourself by an old scorecard? Step fully into the new way of the Spirit!  Lay down the weight of religious striving and embrace the joy of walking with Jesus. Instead of trying harder, surrender deeper.  Break the cycle of sin and despair by relying fully upon the Spirit’s power. Instead of fearing failure, rest in His grace. 

When you live by the Spirit, obedience and righteousness inexplicably flow from love, not obligation. May the Lord fill you with the joy of His Spirit, releasing you from the weight of striving and drawing you into the freedom of His love. And may you serve Him with gladness, walking daily in the refreshing air of His grace.

March 31 -- "Sin is Not the Boss of You"

 

Read Romans 6

Have you ever felt like sin has a hold on you, controlling and dictating your actions? Imagine a life where sin doesn’t reign supreme. A life where you’re not a slave to its demands.  This is the incredible freedom offered in Christ!

Romans 6 paints a vivid picture of this new reality.  When we came to Christ, we died to sin. Sin is no longer the boss of us! Sins cunning allure and unwavering grip dictated our past actions.  But the moment we surrendered our lives to Jesus and received the Holy Spirit, a remarkable transformation occurred. We became one with Him in His death and resurrection and the chains of sin binding us were shattered!

This means that we don't have to live under the tyranny of sin anymore.  We can renounce its hold on our lives and start living a new life, one that is pleasing to God. Sin is a cruel master, but through Christ’s victory, its power over us has been decisively broken. As a follower of Christ, you now have a choice you never had before – the choice to say “no” to temptation and sin. While temptation may still beckon us, the Holy Spirit now empowers us to resist.  We are now alive to God and dead to sin.

When you encounter sin’s temptation, remember that your identity in Christ means you have the power to resist. Practically, this means you can now make choices that align with your new nature. Instead of being bossed around by your old, sinful nature, actively choose to yield to the Spirit and allow God to show you the power to rule over sin’s impulses. When temptation arises, don't confront it alone.  Simply remember that you are dead to sin and submit to the Spirit's power and deliverance.  He will equip you to make choices that glorify God.

As a follower of Christ, you are a new creation.  When temptation arises, remember whose you are. Breaking free from sin requires acknowledging Christ’s victory at the cross, leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit, and making choices that align with our new identity as God’s children. This is not about striving in your own strength but about walking in the freedom Christ has already purchased for you. Each time you choose to rely on Him rather than yield to temptation, you’ll find greater victory and a deeper joy in living for His glory.

Keep your focus on Him, and trust that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in your life  (Philippians 1:6). May the Lord grant you eyes to see the incredible freedom He has purchased for you. May His Spirit empower you to live in your victory over sin, not as a slave but as a triumphant child of God.

March 30 -- "Adam vs. Jesus: A Tale of Two Choices"

 

Read Romans 5 

Romans 5 shares this incredible idea: one man’s mistake brought a world of trouble, but another man’s obedience turned it all around. Adam, the first man, said ‘no’ to God, and because of that, sin and death entered our world. But then Jesus arrived, said ‘yes’ to God, and opened the door to grace and life for everyone who believes.

This idea ties into something called “federal headship,” which might sound like a complicated theological term but is pretty simple when you think about it.  It’s about how the choices of one person can affect an entire group. Imagine a family tree.  At the top, there’s the head of the family who makes decisions that ripple down to everyone else.  In this way, Adam and Jesus are the heads of two different “families.” 

Adam represents humanity as a whole, while Jesus represents those who—by faith—follow Him. When Adam made that wrong choice in the Garden of Eden, his disobedience didn’t just affect him. It set the stage for all of us to be born with a natural bent toward sin. It’s like we inherited this tendency to go against God’s will, not because of anything we personally did, but because of what started with Adam and is embedded in us. It’s why we’re naturally drawn to things that aren’t good for us nor pleasing to God.

But here’s the good part: Jesus came to change that!  The Bible calls Him the “second Adam,” and for a good reason. Where Adam messed up, Jesus got it right.  By living a perfect life of obedience and offering Himself as a sacrifice, Jesus took on the punishment for our sins and gave us the gift of His righteousness in return. Because of Him, we’re made right with God and given power to overcome our sinful tendencies.

This profound truth about Adam and Jesus offers a lens through which you can view your life and spiritual journey. In your personal situation, it means that no matter your past mistakes, struggles, or inclinations toward imperfection, you aren’t defined by them. Like all of us, you inherited a broken nature from Adam— But through Jesus, you’ve been given the opportunity to live under a completely different reality, one rooted in grace and redemption.

So, in the day-to-day challenges you face, whether they involve relationships, work, or internal struggles, this means you can approach life with the assurance that Jesus’ “YES” covers you. His example calls you to reflect His character—choosing love, kindness, and grace—not out of obligation but because you're eternally united with Him by faith. And when you fall short because of your residual sin nature, His forgiveness and righteousness remain constant, giving you the courage to get back up and keep moving forward.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said 'yes' to the Father on our behalf, guide your steps today. May His love fill your heart, His righteousness cover you, and His compassion shine through you.

March 29 -- "Seven Keys to Unshakable Faith"

 

Read Romans 4

Faith forms the unshakable foundation of our journey as Christians. It goes far beyond merely acknowledging that God exists—it calls us to place our trust in Him entirely, even when life throws challenges our way that seem insurmountable.

One remarkable example of such faith is found in Abraham, lovingly known as "The Father of the Faith." In his letter to the Romans, Paul mentions seven “keys” that illuminate the essential qualities of Abraham’s extraordinary faith. These timeless truths have the power to unlock and sustain a vibrant, unyielding faith in our own lives.

1. Hope When There’s No Reason for Hope— Abraham’s faith exemplified the audacity of hope, believing in the promises of God even when the evidence screamed otherwise. "In hope [Abraham] believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.'” (v18) True faith stands firm, refusing to surrender to despair or the hopelessness of impossibility.

2. Resisting the Weakening of Faith—  To follow in Abraham's footsteps, we must actively push back against the insidious whispers of doubt and unbelief.  "[Abraham] did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead." (v19) Despite overwhelming reasons for doubt, Abraham actively refused to let his faith falter.

3. Looking Beyond Human Limitations—  Abraham’s eyes remained fixed on God's promises rather than his own frailties or physical limitations.  "He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body...or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb." (v19) Abraham focused on God’s promise, rather than the physical limitations of age or biology. He understood that God operates beyond the boundaries of natural laws and that His power knows no limits.

4. Staying Steadfast Without Wavering—  Doubt can often feel like a pendulum, swinging us back and forth between faith and uncertainty. Abraham, however, refused to let the pendulum swing toward unbelief.  "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God." (v20) His faith held steady, unshaken by the storms of life.

5. Growing Stronger Through Waiting—  Waiting for God's promises to unfold is rarely easy, but it was through this very process that Abraham’s faith deepened and grew stronger.  "But he grew strong in his faith" (v20) Trials and delays became opportunities for him to depend more fully on God, fortifying his trust.

6. Glorifying God Always— At the core of authentic faith lies the act of glorifying God. Abraham understood that every blessing in life flows from Him, and he lived to magnify God’s name.  "But he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God." (v20) When we shift our focus from our circumstances to God’s glory, our faith is renewed because it becomes centered on Him, not ourselves.

7. Absolute Confidence in God’s Ability—  Abraham’s life revealed a profound, unshakable assurance: nothing is impossible for the Almighty Creator. "[Abraham was] fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." (v21) His faith was rooted in the certainty that God not only had the ability to fulfill His promises but was willing and faithful to do so.

As we reflect on Abraham’s unwavering example, may we be inspired to cultivate a faith that dares to hope against all odds, a faith that glorifies God no matter the circumstances. Today, may you grow in confidence, trusting that His power and faithfulness are more than enough to carry you through every trial. May the Lord grant you a faith more steadfast than Abraham’s, one that draws you closer to experiencing the fullness of His grace and glory in your life.