April 10 -- "Our Debt of Love"

Today’s Reading: Romans 13

In today’s Scripture, Paul reminds us that our lives are meant to balance deep, unwavering love with thoughtful, responsible financial stewardship. We are called to owe no one anything except an everlasting debt of love—a debt that calls us to put the needs of others before our own and to extend forgiveness as Christ forgave us.

The Bible offers clear, practical advice on navigating the challenges of financial debt. First, we are urged to avoid unnecessary borrowing. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” This gentle warning reminds us that taking on too much debt can lead to financial bondage, limiting our freedom. Instead, we are encouraged to live within our means. Hebrews 13:5 advises us to keep our lives free from an excessive love for money and to embrace contentment, trusting that what we have is enough.

As a key element of good stewardship, the Scriptures call us to be generous and compassionate. Matthew 5:42 inspires us by saying, “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” This teaching challenges us to extend kindness and help to those in need, even as we carefully manage our own resources. Additionally, Psalm 37:21 contrasts the unfaithful, who borrow without repaying, with the righteous, who are consistently generous—reminding us that honoring our promises and commitments reflects both our integrity and reverence for God.

Altogether, these teachings illustrate that our financial habits are much more than about managing money—they serve as a mirror of our inner love for God and others. Our love for others is meant to be abundant and freely given. This boundless “debt” of love flows from the overwhelming grace we have received through Jesus Christ—a grace so immense that it erased a massive debt we could never have repaid ourselves. In response, we are called to show that same unconditional love in every relationship we nurture.

May the Lord fill your heart with a deep, abiding love for Him and for those around you. May He guide you in every financial decision, helping you to use the resources He has entrusted to you to further His kingdom. And as you journey forward, may your life reflect both wise stewardship and the generous spirit of Christ’s forgiveness and grace. 

April 9 -- "Surrender: The Logical Choice"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 12 

Whenever we see the word “therefore” in Scripture, it’s like a signpost telling us to stop and look back. "Therefore" is a connecting word—it links what is about to be said with what has already been established. It’s the writer’s way of saying, “In light of everything I just told you, here’s how you should respond.”

Chapter 12 is a turning point in Paul’s letter to the Romans, shifting from deep doctrine to practical discipleship. Paul begins this chapter with “I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God…” That therefore isn’t just a filler word; it’s pointing us back to everything Paul has been teaching in the first eleven chapters. He’s spent all that time laying out the depth of God’s mercy: Starting with how we were lost in sin  (3:23) But because Jesus paid the price for our salvation by His death on the cross (5:8) And because Now we are saved by grace through faith (10:9) And because our salvation has brought us peace with God and freed us from the power of sin (5:1, 6:14) And because we have been grafted in to God's “olive tree” and made part of His eternal covenant (11:17) And because nothing can separate us from the love of God (8:38-39)

Now -THEREFORE-our only reasonable response is to surrender ourselves completely to Him. Paul calls this a “living sacrifice”—not a one-time offering on an altar but a daily, ongoing surrender of our lives to God. God isn’t asking for empty religion; He’s asking for real relationship.  He doesn’t just want an hour on Sunday—He wants your heart, your mind, your daily life. Your job, your family, your choices—every part of you can be an offering to Him. This means seeking His will in everything, pursuing holiness, and living in a way that honors Him.

It’s not about perfection but about direction.  Are you walking toward Jesus? Or away from Him? Surrender isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily choice.  Each morning, offer yourself anew: “Lord, this life belongs to You.” Give Him your thoughts, your plans, your fears.  Let His mercy motivate you to live differently. Today, take a step—whether that’s spending time in His Word, serving someone in need, or letting go of a habit that doesn’t honor Him.

After all, in light of all that He has done for you, this is the only reasonable, logical, and fitting choice you can make.

May the Lord fill your heart with the wonder of His mercy, stirring within you a joyful surrender. May you walk in His will, fully alive in His purpose, and may your surrendered life bring Him glory.

April 8 -- "Broken Branches"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 11:19-36

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Like you were on the outside looking in, longing for something more? Maybe you’ve felt cut off—like a branch broken from the tree, withering, disconnected, unsure if you’d ever be restored. If so, you’re not alone.  And more importantly, you are not beyond God’s reach.

Paul paints a powerful picture in Romans 11, using the image of an olive tree. The people of Israel were like the natural branches, carefully planted and nurtured by God. But they rejected Jesus, and as a result, they were broken off.  Not cast away forever, but set aside for a time. There’s a deep ache that comes with being separated from something you were meant to be a part of.  That’s the sorrowful reality behind Paul’s metaphor. Israel, once securely attached to the olive tree of God’s covenant, was broken off because of unbelief.  

And here’s the stunning part—God took “wild branches,” the outsiders, the ones who never thought they had a place in His story, and grafted them in.  That means you. That means me. The concept of grafting is borrowed from horticulture, where a branch from one plant is attached to the rootstock of another, enabling them to grow together as one and share nutrients. Through this powerful analogy, Paul illustrates how Gentiles are brought into God's covenant promises and united with His people by faith in Christ.

Think about that. God didn’t just allow us in—He made the way for us to become part of His family, fully nourished by His promises, His presence, His grace. You were never meant to be lost and withering.  By your faith in Christ, He has grafted you into something eternal, something life-giving. And just as He invites you in, He longs to restore those who have walked away, whether they be Jews or Gentiles. Maybe you know someone—a loved one, a friend—who once flourished in faith but has since drifted away.

Don’t lose hope. Just as God can graft in the wild branch, He can restore what was broken. Let this truth sink in: You are not an afterthought.  You are not abandoned.  You are chosen, cherished, and connected to the very life of God through Jesus Christ.

May the Lord anchor your heart in His unshakable love. And may you rest in the security of His grace, knowing you are held, nurtured, and fully embraced in His family.

April 7 -- "The Lord’s Remnant"

Today’s Reading: Romans 11:1-18

Throughout history, God has always preserved a people for Himself—a faithful remnant, not saved by their own strength or merit, but upheld by His unshakable grace. A remnant is a small, steadfast group that remains when others fall away. In Scripture, it refers to those whom God has set apart and sustained, even when the world around them drifts into rebellion. No matter how dark the times, the Lord never leaves Himself without a people.

Paul reminds us of the prophet Elijah, who, overwhelmed and weary, believed he was the last man standing for God (1 Kings 19). But the Lord corrected him—there were still 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was not alone, and neither are we! This theme of a preserved remnant runs throughout the Bible. When wickedness consumed the earth, God secured eight souls in the ark with Noah (Genesis 7). When Israel was exiled, a faithful remnant returned to rebuild Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah (Ezra 9). Even in the early church, while many rejected Christ, a faithful remnant of Jewish believers embraced their Messiah.

And this pattern continues. Scripture declares that in the last days, as deception spreads like wildfire, God will once again preserve a faithful remnant—those who stand firm in Christ even through the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12). Though the world may turn away, God will never abandon His own. His remnant is not held together by human effort but by His sovereign grace.

If you belong to Jesus, you are part of that great legacy! This truth should fill you with three things:

Honor – You are part of something eternal! God has always kept a people for Himself, and you now stand in that same line of faith as Noah, Elijah, Daniel, the early church, and even the future remnant of Israel. What an awe-inspiring reality—to be counted among those who remain faithful to the Lord!

Humility– This isn’t about superiority but about gratitude. We are not here because we are better, stronger, or wiser. Just as God told Elijah, “I have kept for Myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal,” it is God who keeps us. Our salvation and perseverance rest in His grace alone. That should move us to worship and deepen our dependence on Him.

Encouragement– The world may feel cold and hostile to faith, but you are never alone! Even when it seems like faith is fading, God always has His people. You are part of a victorious kingdom that will never pass away. No matter how dark the days become, the Lord will sustain His remnant to the very end.

May the Lord fill your heart with joy, knowing that you are chosen by His mercy and kept by His power. And may you stand boldly in the assurance that you are never forsaken but eternally held as part of His faithful remnant.

April 6 -- "So Simple, So Profound"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 10

One of the many beauties of the Gospel lies in its radiant simplicity. Salvation isn’t a complicated system of rituals or requirements—it rests on a sincere confession and genuine belief that Jesus is Lord. God offers eternal life to all who trust in Christ and proclaim Him as Lord.

Yet, human nature tends to complicate things. Many believe salvation requires more than faith—good deeds, moral perfection, church attendance, legalistic rules, evangelism, donations, sacraments, door-to-door evangelism, or reciting catechisms. Some even practice extreme self-denial, thinking it brings them closer to God or cleanses them of sin.

But God’s Word is clear: salvation is simple. It comes down to believing in, and confessing, Jesus as “Lord.” These two acts, though simple, carry profound and life-changing power. Unlike human-made religious systems, God’s truth is straightforward and accessible.

“Confessing with your mouth” isn’t about eloquence or public recognition—it’s a natural expression of what your heart believes. Jesus made it clear that confessing His Lordship is essential to our relationship with Him and our eternal destiny— “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). To declare “Jesus is Lord” is to acknowledge His authority, divinity, and supreme rule. It’s an act of faith, spoken in confidence and conviction.

“Believing in your heart” that God raised Jesus from the dead is more than acknowledging an event—it’s a deep, personal conviction that shapes your life. The resurrection isn’t just a story; it’s the foundation of our faith, proving God’s victory over sin and death. True belief transforms your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

The simplicity of salvation reflects God’s love. He didn’t create an impossible path filled with barriers—He made a way through Jesus, accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. This simplicity reveals His desire for everyone to come to Him freely.

If you haven’t yet taken this step of faith, let today be the day you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. If you already have, take a moment to reflect and give thanks for the clarity of God’s Word. Declare it boldly: “Jesus is Lord!” May this truth refresh your spirit and fill you with gratitude.

April 5 -- "Who’s In? Who’s Out?"

 

Today’s Reading: Romans 9:17-33

The people of Paul's time held strong convictions about who was considered acceptable to God and who was not. Many Jewish individuals believed it was inconceivable for God to welcome Gentiles—non-Jews—into His family and grant them salvation. Their perspectives were shaped by a deep-seated belief that God's promises were exclusive to their own heritage. Yet God's mercy defies human expectations and boundaries.

Today’s Scripture reminds us of the astonishing truth that God’s love and calling are not limited by human assumptions, lineage, or cultural divisions. His grace stretches beyond barriers to embrace those who may seem far removed from His promises.  Regardless of our history or circumstances, God’s invitation into His family is open to everyone.

Paul vividly illustrates this in his writings.  He quotes the Prophet Hosea when he says, “I will call them my people who were not my people" (Hosea 2:23), highlighting the sovereign and unrestrained nature of God’s mercy, showing that His grace transcends the limits imposed by human thinking.

Through His immeasurable love, God extends His salvation to the Gentiles—those once regarded as outsiders.  For many, it was a revolutionary and mind-altering revelation: that Gentiles could be counted among God’s chosen people.

What does this mean for us?  It means that no one is beyond the reach of God’s calling. It means that the labels placed on us by others—or even by ourselves—do not define us in God’s eyes. Those who feel forgotten, unloved, excluded, or unworthy are the very ones He includes in His radical plan of salvation! His grace isn’t confined to a select few; it is a river that flows freely, welcoming all who respond to His call.

So, “who’s in and who’s out?”  Anyone and everyone who turns to God, accepting His love and grace by faith, is joyfully welcomed “in” to His family. And as for “out,” no one is beyond God's welcoming grace.  His heart remains open to all, continually calling everyone to come to Him, no matter how far away they may feel.  It’s not about exclusion—it’s about invitation.

May the boundless grace of God surround you today, reminding you that you are His beloved and cherished. And may His love dismantle every barrier in your heart and inspire you to share His love freely with others.

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.