Daily Devotionals for Spiritual Inspiration and Guidance

“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:56). The harder we try to keep the Ten Commandments through our own efforts, without the Holy Spirit’s help, the more we’ll fall short and keep sinning. Our inability to keep the law shows our need for God’s grace.

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:19, 20). The law that God gave the people shows humanity its guilt before Him, silencing any claim to righteousness. It reveals sin but can’t make anyone righteous through works; thankfully, grace makes us righteous in His sight, with no self-effort needed.

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). God’s kindness, patience, and mercy are meant to lead people to repentance, which is a change of heart and mind. His goodness, not His harsh judgment, draws us.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14, 15). As believers, we can approach God with confidence, knowing He always hears prayers aligned with His will. Because of this, we can trust that He’ll grant what we request.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.’ Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, ‘Are you saying we’re blind?’ ‘If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,’ Jesus replied. ‘But you remain guilty because you claim you can see’” (John 9:39-41, NLT). Jesus came to turn the physical, carnal world upside down. Those who are spiritually blind, such as highly religious people, will be offended by His message of grace.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19, 20). Christ commands us to share His Word—and His love—with everyone. As we do, He goes with us to empower us to do His will.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Jesus assures His presence when believers gather in His name. Even a small group can experience His nearness because He wants to be with us.

“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). In the Old Testament, David had to plead for God’s presence to remain with him because he feared losing the Holy Spirit because of sin. Now, we no longer have to beg God not to leave us, because He now lives inside of us and promises to always be with us.

“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5, AMPC). God promises never to fail or abandon His people, no matter the circumstances. He’s emphatic about this because He wants us to be confident and secure, without a doubt, about His unwavering faithfulness.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The world pushes many different philosophies at us, one of which says that there are many ways to get to heaven. These are based in self-effort; the only way to heaven is by accepting Christ and trusting in Him.