Daily Devotional
Be Quiet and Plead Guilty
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Romans 3:21-26
January 19, 2024
Ponder This
The law cannot save you. God has given His holy law, but the law is given to show us we’re sinners. What is the wisest thing you could do today? Shut up and plead guilty. That’s what Paul is saying. This phrase has been used a lot in the wrong sense, but here’s what he’s saying: “That every mouth may be stopped” (Romans 3:19b). Essentially God said, “Shut your mouth!” Then Scripture says, “That all the world may become guilty before God.”
We won’t know the mercy and forgiveness of the King until we admit our sin. So many times, we want to strut to Heaven. But here is the verdict of the court: All have sinned. God says, “Be quiet.” Paul says, “Be quiet, every mouth, shut up, plead guilty.” All have sinned, but thankfully all can receive grace.
- Why do we struggle to plead guilty before God?
- When did you admit your guilt before God? How did that change your relationship with Him?
Practice This
Consider anything you may be thinking or doing that does not meet God’s standard. Plead guilty before God; repent and receive His forgiveness.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
