Scripture:
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)    


Application:
It’s not hard to grasp the concept that ALL have sinned. There’s sin everywhere, look around…and inside yourself.
But the concept of “justified freely” is harder to understand. In our system of what we consider justice, those words are baffling. Despite all the evil that we’ve done, God intentionally has sacrificed a pure, innocent Being—even Himself—in order to bring us back into a loving relationship with Him.

It’s a head-shaking proposition. It seems we should have to pay something for this act of selfless love. We can’t. We don’t have anything of enough value...except ourselves.

All we have to do is accept that what God has said is true. Jesus Christ is His Son, He died and arose again, and He took away all our sins, no matter how awful.

It’s all free, and it’s available to every one of us.


Prayer:
Dear God, as I meditate on Your grace, I am humbled. I pray that I can live every day as a day of gratitude to You. Thank You so much!

Scripture:

“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” Proverbs 10:8 (NIV)
Application:
Criticism is hard to take. Instead of hearing advice that can make us better people, our ears select individual words of rejection. Our impulse is to over-explain the things we do. That defensive chattering blocks out the pearls of wisdom that might be inspired by God. Eventually, we're stuck only with ourselves, looking in the mirror, chattering away, alone and hardened.
It's all avoidable.
Pray to God for wise instruction, and an open heart to receive it.
Prayer:
Lord, when You send instruction through others who can help me, please inspire me to listen to them, and not to defend myself. Amen.

Scripture:
“I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered.” Psalm 89:14 NIV

Application:
There’s an American saying, “you can take it to the bank,” which means you can rely on someone’s statement without question, without reservation, and with complete assurance that what they tell you is truth 100% of the time.
Unfortunately, that idiom has never been true of people. Even good people sometimes aren’t able to deliver. Only God’s Word is 100% true. You needn’t even take it to the bank, or anywhere else.
God’s Word is with us right now, everywhere we go.   

Prayer:
Dear God, there’s no certainty anywhere I look in the world. Please help me keep my mind centered on You, Whose Word is true all the time. Amen.