To read: Romans 4:13-16
New Revised Standard Version Bible,For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us).
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Reading
this passage, I found the need to look deeper before starting to write a devotion. What made me think I could write a devotion to begin with? I read several translations of the passage and even went to a study Bible for help - yet I still found myself lacking in anything to share. Then I gave my task to God and prayed for understanding, and you know what happened? I found that the answer was right there in front of me all the time.
All any of us need to be an heir to the kingdom of God is faith. We cannot be justified before God by our acts; only our faith can bring us justification. In Paul's letter to the Romans, he reminds them and us that salvation, for all humanity, is not based on human effort or human control but on trust and faith in God.
Then, to my amazement, I realized that I had enjoyed going out on the Internet to gain more knowledge of the Word of God and had found some very informative web sites. I found that my ability to grow in knowledge and faith can take place with a limited amount of time spent on my computer or reading my Bible. While I always enjoy the fellowship of a Bible study or other church-based activity, it is not the only way to study God's Word. You somehow already knew that because you are reading this, so keep up the good work, and keep learning and growing in knowledge and understanding.
To pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your grace that you have freely given to all who believe. Continue to help me grow in knowledge and understanding of your Word, and make me ever mindful of the needs of others and my need to serve you. I pray in the name of the crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
First Lutheran Church, Ellicott City, Md.