BEFORE YOU READ TODAY’S PASSAGE…
GIVE THANKS: Think about one (or five) things you are thankful for in your life. Like this.
STOP: Lord, where is my heart today?
LOOK: Lord, help me discover new truth from your Word today. Enduring Word Commentary
LISTEN: Lord, what is your thought for me today from your Word?
Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
RESPOND:
Lord, what do I need to talk with You about?
Lord, what are you asking me to do?
Lord, what do I need to talk with You about?
Lord, what are you asking me to do?
CARE FOR OTHERS:
Who specifically can you pray for or reach out to today?
Name someone and how you might offer prayer, encouragement, or support.
Who specifically can you pray for or reach out to today?
Name someone and how you might offer prayer, encouragement, or support.
* STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, RESPOND from Navigator Church Ministry booklet, The Invitation. Read More.
