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.

 

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.