Romans Chapter 2 – A changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people

On 2026-08-25 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:25-29 (NLT): ²⁵The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. ²⁶And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? ²⁷In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
²⁸For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. ²⁹No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise^[^d^] from God, not from people.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

How often do we evaluate our own hearts when we hear someone else corrected on a spiritual matter? It is easy to point out where others miss the mark, but in my previous devotional, we were reminded of how vital it is that we practice what we preach. What if we have developed a hardened or questionable attitude of our own? What if our spiritual life isn’t quite as healthy as we think it is?

This was the danger Paul addressed with the Jews. They trusted in the law and in outward signs – especially circumcision – as proof of their righteousness. They believed that checking every box made them worthy of God’s acceptance. But Scripture makes it clear that eternal life is only possible through God’s grace and mercy. Unless we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in His Word, we will never experience the Kingdom of God.

In Paul’s letter, he uses physical circumcision to make his point. Many in that day believed no circumcised Jew could ever be turned away at Heaven’s gate. Today, we can fall into the same trap. We might assume that if we hold a church membership, attend services regularly, give faithfully, or were baptized, God will automatically open wide the gates of Heaven for us.

BUT Paul reminds us in verse 29 that true faith is always a matter of a changed heart.

In Jeremiah 24:7, God promises to give us a heart that hungers after Him. When we place our trust in Jesus Christ and the power of Almighty God—who raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) – God grants us a transformed heart. It is a heart that makes a 180-degree turn away from the selfish and sinful ways of this world and into a life being daily sanctified by the Holy Spirit until He calls us home.

So today, listen carefully to the voice of God speaking through His servant Paul. Has the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin? Have you truly believed in the name of Jesus Christ and turned from the sin and worldly beliefs that shaped your heart since birth? John 3:16 assures us that “whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Is there evidence of that belief in your daily words, actions, and thoughts? If you belong to Christ, then His Spirit lives within you—guiding, correcting, and shaping you into the person God intended.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Forgive me for the times I rely on outward religious habits rather than an inward, Spirit-led relationship with You. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins and for raising Him from the dead so that I might have eternal life. Holy Spirit, transform my heart daily, refine my desires, and align my thoughts and actions with Your Word. Give me a hunger for You that turns away from the world and honors You in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!

Romans Chapter 2 – Practice What You Preach

On 2026-08-24 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Monday, August 24, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:21-24 (NLT): ²¹Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? ²²You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? ²³You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. ²⁴No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a sacred responsibility. When we stand before others and proclaim God’s Word, we are declaring that we have read it, understood it, and submitted ourselves to its authority. But if we teach truth while living in disobedience to that same truth, we place ourselves under serious judgment—both from God and from those who may follow our example. James reminds us of this sober reality: “Not many of you should become teachers… for you know that we who teach will be judged by a higher standard.” (James 3:1 AMP)

In Romans 2, Paul confronts Jewish teachers who took immense pride in knowing the Law while secretly breaking it. Paul reminds them that even the Gentiles—those hungry to learn right from wrong—were watching their example. It’s as if Paul is saying, “They trust you to show them God’s ways. They assume that because you know the truth, you must also live it.”

But Paul’s warning is not only for ancient teachers. It is for every believer today. When we tell others that we are Christians, or that we belong to a particular church, we are essentially saying, “You can trust me—I belong to the King.” Yet if our attitudes are harsh, our integrity questionable, or our words unreliable, we misrepresent the very God we claim to serve. Our inconsistency can cause others to stumble, and Scripture tells us plainly that God’s name is blasphemed when His people live hypocritically.

Think about the magnitude of God’s love—He gave His only Son so that we might be forgiven and welcomed into eternal fellowship with Him. Is it too much for Him to ask that we live as obedient servants, faithfully showing and telling the world about our Savior?

Each of us will stand before God and give an account for how we responded to the Gospel. My prayer is that the opportunities He places before us are met with faithfulness, and that those who follow our example are led closer to Christ—not farther away.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Examine one area of your life where your actions may not fully align with your testimony. Aim to represent Christ so authentically today that others see the real evidence of your faith and are drawn to the Savior.

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for entrusting me with Your Word and calling me to live it out daily. Help me to walk in integrity, humility, and obedience so that my life reflects the truth I profess. Guard my heart from hypocrisy, strengthen my witness, and let those who observe my life be drawn closer to You. May Your name be honored through everything I say and do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – What Are You Doing With God’s Precious Gift?

On 2026-08-20 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, August 20, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:17-20 (NLT): ¹⁷You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. ¹⁸You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. ¹⁹You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. ²⁰You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In Romans 2:17-20, Paul addresses a group of Jews who took great pride in possessing God’s Law. They knew God’s commands, understood right from wrong, and considered themselves qualified to teach others. They saw themselves as guides for the blind and lights for those walking in spiritual darkness.

Yet Paul’s concern was not with what they knew. His concern was with what they were doing with what they knew.

God had entrusted them with a precious gift: His truth. But knowledge alone was never God’s goal. He desired transformed lives that reflected His character and pointed others to Him.

As believers today, we have been given that same precious gift. We have access to God’s Word. We have experienced His grace through Jesus Christ. We know the difference between truth and error. Many of us teach, encourage, and mentor others in the faith.

The question is: Are we living what we know?

It is easy to become comfortable with our Christian knowledge while slowly drifting in our commitment to Christ. Unless we maintain a daily relationship with our Savior through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, we can gradually allow old habits and worldly attitudes to reclaim ground in our lives.

This is not very different from the challenge Paul presented to the Jews. They possessed God’s truth and taught God’s truth, but Paul urged them to faithfully practice God’s truth.

I am reminded of a faithful pastor who often encouraged believers to remain as passionate for Christ as they were in the days immediately following their salvation. Sadly, new believers are sometimes told to “settle down” and restrain their excitement. Yet Scripture never teaches us to become less enthusiastic about Jesus. Instead, we are called to grow deeper in our love and devotion for Him.

I especially love Paul’s imagery in verse 19. As followers of Christ, we are called to be guides for those who are spiritually blind and lights for those walking in darkness. What a privilege and responsibility!

May we never forget that people are watching our lives. Some are searching for hope. Others are looking for evidence that Jesus truly changes lives. As God’s children, we are called to reflect His light faithfully.

Jesus warned of the seriousness of influencing others in the wrong direction:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in Me, to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NIV)

May we never become obstacles to someone’s faith, but rather instruments through which others are drawn closer to Christ.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

God has blessed us with the greatest gift imaginable: the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the privilege of knowing Him through His Word.

Don’t simply possess that gift. Live it.

Don’t merely learn God’s truth. Practice it.

Don’t keep Christ’s light hidden. Share it.

Let us encourage one another to remain faithful, passionate, and obedient servants of Jesus Christ so that those around us may see His love shining through our lives and be drawn to the Savior.

PRAYER
Father, thank You for the precious gift of Your Word and for the salvation You have freely given through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times when I have been content to know Your truth without fully living it. Help me to remain close to You each day so that my life reflects Your love, grace, and holiness. Use me as a light to those who are walking in darkness, and help me encourage others towards knowing Jesus personally. May my words and actions point people to Jesus and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – Decide Today Who Will Rule and Reign over You

On 2026-08-192026-08-19 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:14-16 (NLT): ¹⁴Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. ¹⁵They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. ¹⁶And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

When I first moved to this country, I chose to follow the laws of this country to satisfy the requirements of law enforcement, taxation enforcement and to avoid being a rebel in what was to become my new country of residence. For it mattered not what laws I was raised with, nor should I expect my new law enforcement officers to use the laws of my former country to judge my guilt.

In Romans 2, the Apostle Paul highlights a similar scenario with the Gentiles. Though they did not possess the written Law given to Israel through Moses, their actions demonstrated that their knowledge of the law was written on their hearts. So rewarding to be reminded that God has placed an inner moral compass—a conscience—within our hearts. While human laws across the globe often mirror this divine foundation of what is “good,” yet earthly culture frequently shifts. God’s standard, however, steer us towards that which pleases Him.

There are two truths that we must always remember, especially in our ever changing world:

God’s Character Never Changes: His moral truth remains constant across generations (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
God’s Word Outlasts Popular Culture: Society’s opinions shift, but God’s truth stands forever (Matthew 24:35; Romans 12:2).

So, when you are tempted to live, or do things according to popular belief or practice, please consider the teachings of God from the very beginning of time. God never changes, and His laws were designed to direct our daily walk toward righteousness and holiness. He is our Guide, our Rock, and our Deliverer. Knowing Him and anticipating our eternal home with Him is the greatest gift imaginable. It simply doesn’t get any better than that!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE To be in this world and follow it’s ways and wickedness, reveals a divided heart. While temptation is real, the Holy Spirit living within us acts as our constant guide, pointing us back to divine truth. With Christ, and under the direction of His Word, we can do all things and be led by the Holy Spirit, God being our helper. But, we must decide each day who we will allow to rule and reign over us. I pray that you will join me in submitting ourselves to Jesus Christ every day as His followers. The world will see evidence of that in the way that we speak and act throughout each day.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for writing Your moral truth upon our hearts and giving us Your Word as a lamp to our feet. Forgive us for the times we lean toward popular culture rather than Your unchanging character. Lord Jesus, rule and reign in our hearts today. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that our words, decisions, and actions reflect Your holiness and point a watching world to You. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – Here’s What Makes Us Right with God

On 2026-08-19 By Ed AlgreenIn God’s Word, All have sinned, God Cares For Us, Acknowledge God, Awesome God, Accept Jesus NOWLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:11-13 (NLT) – ¹¹For God does not show favoritism. ¹²When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. ¹³For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Think for a moment about children playing in your backyard. Some are your own, and others are neighbors invited over to play. Your own children know your household rules inside and out because you set those boundaries every day. The neighbor kids might not know every specific rule, but while they are playing under your roof and on your property, you expect the same baseline of good behavior from everyone. When misbehavior happens, discipline applies across the board, regardless of whose name is on the birth certificate!

This gives us a practical glimpse into Paul’s teaching in Romans 2. God has no “privileged” children when it comes to His standards. He shows no favoritism. The Jews had the privilege of God’s written Law, while the Gentiles did not; yet both are accountable to God because He is the Creator and Lord over all.

God’s grace is freely offered through Jesus Christ, but God will not overlook a heart that disregards His commands. But the reality of vs 13 is something that we all can benefit from: attending church, streaming sermons, or nodding along to good teaching does not automatically align our lives with God. His judgment looks at what we actually do with what we hear.

Earthly parents often say in frustration, “did I not tell you repeatedly that I will not stand for that, yet you did it anyway”! And while we might have hidden things from our parents as children, nothing is hidden from God. He sees our actions, hears our words, and knows our innermost thoughts. God pays close attention to the heart—because out of the abundance of the heart, a person thinks, speaks, and acts.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Is your heart so filled with God that His love and truth spill over into everything you think, say, and do each day?

Consider how devoted sports fans watch games. They memorize player stats, track schedules, and invest hours learning every detail of their favorite team, and even their team members. Imagine what would happen if we invested that same passion and time into knowing God’s Word! Surely, He will spill over in everything coming from our heart. Intimacy with God cannot be sustained on a once-a-week church visit. God is omnipresent – He is everywhere. Whether in your kitchen, at your desk, or in your car during your morning commute, God is there. What might be holding you back from connecting with Him throughout the normal rhythm of your day?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us without favoritism and for making Your truth clear to us. Forgive us for the times we have been content with merely listening to Your Word rather than living it out. Transform our hearts by Your Holy Spirit so that our obedience flows naturally from our love for You. Help us to practice Your presence not just on Sunday mornings, but in every conversation, task, and quiet moment of our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – Heaven or Hell? Here’s God’s Standards.

On 2026-08-18 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:6-10 (NLT) – ⁶He will judge everyone according to what they have done. ⁷He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. ⁸But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. ⁹There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹⁰But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

As children, many of us learned that we could occasionally hide our misdeeds from our parents—or so we thought! Much to our surprise, they usually knew far more than we realized.

How much more is this true of Almighty God? Scripture reveals that God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere present). He does not merely observe our outward actions; He hears every word and knows every hidden thought. While we spend only a fraction of our lives under our parents’ roof, God knows us completely from our first breath to our last. Nothing is hidden from His view.

In verses 6 and 7, Paul describes God’s reward for those who seek His glory, honor, and immortality. Scripture makes clear that no one can earn salvation through self-effort, for all have sinned. Instead, these verses describe the fruit of a heart truly transformed by faith. When we stand before God on Judgment Day, those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ will receive eternal life—not because of their perfection, but because of His.

Conversely, verses 8 and 9 remind us of the sobering reality awaiting those who reject God’s truth and live for self. This truth should ignite in us a compassionate urgency to share the gospel with everyone in our circle—our family, friends, and coworkers.

Salvation is a deeply personal decision. A godly lineage or a close friendship with a pastor cannot save us. God looks directly at the personal response of each heart to Jesus Christ.

I pray that everyone we associate with will have heard about Jesus, because of us, if for no other reason. And I pray that because of the joy they have seen evident in our lives, they too will seek to also receive Jesus as Lord.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE Where do you stand today? God knows you even better than you know yourself. If you were to step into His presence moments from now, where would your trust lie – in your own efforts, or in the finished work of Jesus Christ? Take time today to assure your heart is right with God and because of His grace.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing me completely and loving me still. Forgive me for the times I attempt to rely on my own righteousness rather than the grace offered through Your Son. Examine my heart today, Lord. Fill me with the joy of Your salvation, and give me bold, loving opportunities to share Jesus with those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – What if it’s Today?

On 2026-08-15 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Saturday, August 15, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:4-5 (NLT): ⁴ Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? ⁵ But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

When we are truly concerned for the people we love, we choose our words carefully to help open their eyes to the incredible goodness of God. In verse 4, Paul highlights three distinct characteristics of God’s posture toward us. Let’s examine them:

Kindness – God’s active benevolence and continuous goodness toward us,despite the sin we have committed up to this point in our lives.
Tolerance (Forbearance) – God holding back His immediate judgment when we fall short each day, and how tolerant He is in granting us grace rather than striking us down. After all, it seems like past sins, and a growing knowledge of God’s Word should lead us to a stronger commitment to obedience.
Patience (Longsuffering) – God delaying final judgment over time, patiently waiting for us to turn away from sin and surrender to Him. The temptations of this world may seem great, but God doesn’t give up on us.

So why is God so patient with us? The Holy Spirit working through Paul reminds us that God’s patience is never an excuse to remain in sin—it is a gracious invitation to turn away from it. God desires that we see His goodness, repent, and align our daily lives with His Word. Scripture reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Why, then, would we yield to the weaker, defeated power of the enemy?

Having the complete Word of God gives us the full story. We know how history ends: there will be a Judgment Day for all mankind. Verse 5 solemnly warns us that refusing to turn from sin stores up terrible judgment for yourselves rather than heavenly treasure. But for those walking in obedience, that day will be glorious—a day where our earthly faithfulness to Christ is rewarded. Are you living each day with eternity in view? Is your heart set on hearing our Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE This is a new day, with new opportunities to live in obedience to the Word of God. Let His truth be a light unto your feet and a beacon in your heart so that others see the Savior living in you, and desire to know Him as Lord. No man knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return to take His church (body of believers) home to Glory. Live ready today—so that whenever He calls us home, your reward will be great in heaven! Oh, what a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible kindness, forbearance, and patience toward me. Forgive me for the times I have taken Your grace for granted or mistaken Your patience for permission to compromise. Soften my heart today. Help me not to presume upon Your mercy, but to let Your goodness lead me into true, daily repentance. Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom and strength to live with eternity in mind, yielding to Your power within me rather than the temptations of this world. May my life bring You honor, so that when I stand before You, I may hear those sweet words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans Chapter 2 – Careful in Judging Others

On 2026-08-13 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Thursday, August 13, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 2:1-3 (NLT) – ¹ You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. ² And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. ³ Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

To help keep everything in context, remember where we left off in Chapter 1. Paul laid out a heavy description of the blatant wickedness and rebellion running rampant in the world. If a message like that were preached in a local church today, Paul would probably hear a lot of enthusiastic “Amens!” It is always easy for us to nod along when the culture’s sins are put on display.

Sensing that his readers were probably feeling a bit smug, Paul—guided by the Holy Spirit—abruptly turns the mirror around in Chapter 2. He delivers a wake-up call, urging believers to examine their own hearts before pointing a finger at anyone else. It is an unforgettable reminder that applies to us every single day.

This directly echoes what Jesus taught in Matthew 7:1–2 during the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged…”

When we harbor a critical, judgmental attitude toward others, we forget that God evaluates us by the very standards of truth and grace we extend to those around us. This simple truth about how God measures our hearts runs throughout Scripture—whether in how we judge, how we forgive, or how we give. What we measure out to others matters deeply to God.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

It is part of our fallen human nature to be headstrong. We often try so hard to fix our own problems or manage our spiritual lives in our own strength, stubbornly refusing to ask for help!

Gratefully, God knows how He made us. He provided a spiritual “Book of Instruction”—the Holy Bible—so we can align our lives with His perfect will. Our daily challenge is to set aside our self-righteousness, stop pointing fingers at the flaws of others, and humbly open the pages of Scripture.

When we ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us, He faithful supplies a timely Word to guide our steps and shape us into the image of Jesus Christ. Working on our own hearts is a full-time job—so let’s lay down the urge to judge others today and focus on our own walk, trusting God to be our helper.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have been quick to judge others while ignoring the flaws in my own heart. Help me to put down the finger of blame and instead pick up Your Word with a humble, teachable spirit. Search my heart today, Lord. Expose any self-righteousness in me, and give me the grace to love others as You have loved me. Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts, words, and actions so that my life reflects the holiness and mercy of Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.

Romans Chapter 1 – The Result of Human Guilt

On 2026-08-12 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 1:24-32 (NLT) – ²⁴ So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. ²⁵ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ²⁶ That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. ²⁷ And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

If you have ever been in love, you probably know the painful truth implied in verse 24: you cannot force someone to love you. Those who are selfless and emotionally mature may have experienced the sacrifice of stepping back – releasing someone they care for so that person can pursue what they believe will make them happy.

In a solemn parallel, verse 24 shows us what happens when humanity persistently turns away from God. God honors human free choice. When people continually reject Him, He eventually steps back, handing them over to the fruit of their own self-centered desires.

For those who have experienced the goodness and unconditional love of God, there is no place colder or darker than a life lived apart from His presence. We can imagine the profound emptiness a grieving spouse feels after losing their mate; how much heavier is the spiritual void when a person lives completely disconnected from the Creator of the universe? I can hardly imagine having no relationship with the God who created you, no dependence upon Him, no desire to hear from Him, and no concern for what His Word says.

Paul goes on in verses 26 through 32 to describe just how far people can go when they continually reject God and His truth. Their rejection of God affected their thinking, their desires, their relationships, and ultimately their entire way of living. Sin does not remain isolated in one area of our lives. When we continually reject God’s direction, it can gradually influence every part of who we are.

And we should be careful not to read this passage as though Paul is only talking about “those people.” As we continue through Romans, Paul will make it very clear that all of us have sinned and all of us need the grace of God. The issue is not whether we have sinned, but whether we will acknowledge our sin and turn to the One who can save us from it.

Remember, sin occurs whenever we disobey the commands of our Heavenly Father as they are given to us through His precious Word, the Bible. God did not give us His Word to take away our happiness. He gave it to show us how to live – the way He designed us to live.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Let us be reminded that God created every one of us in His image. He loves His creation and has given us His Word to teach us how to live lives that honor Him. From the beginning, mankind has failed to live according to God’s perfect plan. But God did not leave us without hope.

Through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, God has given us forgiveness, guidance, strength, and another opportunity to pursue the holiness and righteousness He desires for our lives.

So, how are you doing with this directive?

Are you allowing God’s Word to guide your decisions, your relationships, your thoughts, and your desires? Or are you sometimes choosing what your heart wants while ignoring what God has already told you is right?

God loves us—His creation—so much that He has opened the door of salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. What an incredible gift!

My prayer is that each of us will choose God rather than the desires of our own hearts, follow His Word rather than the ways of the world, and remain faithful to Him until the day He calls us home. I hope you will be joining me at the throne of God when that glorious day comes, God being our Helper!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating us, loving us, and giving us Your Word to show us how You desire us to live. Forgive us for the times we have allowed our own desires to become more important to us than Your truth.

Lord, help us never to exchange Your truth for a lie. Give us the wisdom to recognize when the ways of this world are drawing us away from You. Help us to guard our hearts and minds and to listen carefully to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You that even though we have all fallen short of Your perfect plan, You have not left us without hope. Thank You for Jesus Christ, through whom we can receive forgiveness and salvation.

Help us today to choose Your ways over our own, Your truth over the world’s lies, and Your will over our desires.

May our lives honor You in all that we think, say, and do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Book of Romans – Who are you Worshiping?

On 2026-08-11 By Ed AlgreenIn Accept Jesus NOW, Acknowledge God, All have sinned, Awesome God, God Cares For Us, God’s WordLeave a comment

DATE POSTED
Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 1:21-23 (NLT)

²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. ²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. ²³ And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

“Until the Whole World Knows” has long been a rallying slogan for global missions. Yet, as Paul reminded us in verse 20, creation itself has already rendered God’s power obvious. Every sunrise displays a miracle of creation. It’s a divine masterpiece and it’s on time every day for our benefit! But considering its size and heat intensity, there is no earthly generator that could power the large light and heat of the sun. But the same God who created the plants that need light for their very existence and mankind who needs light and heat to maintain life here on earth, He created, maintains and provides a daily schedule for the sun each day. There is no other explanation for this masterpiece – the sun, other than a practical tool designed and operated by God!

I believe that Paul was right on target in challenging the whole world to worship this God who created all things. Yes, some may not know about Jesus and the miraculous new life that is offered in knowing Him as Lord, unless they have access to, and can read, the Bible, but if we all know of Him, why would so many choose not to worship and thank Him each new day? When we reject gratitude, our thinking becomes foolish and our spiritual vision dims. Paul shared with the church that mankind chose to place something physical in God’s place, something they could see and possibly worship, carving out physical idols to worship instead.

But since the Bible is for all people, we must use our God-given minds to examine our current day practice of worship and thanksgiving. From a very early age we are all taught to give thanks for every part of our lives where we are blessed to receive physical, emotional or sustaining gifts to aid in our survival. Yet, even in adulthood we allow days, weeks and months to pass while we seem to assume that the world around us simply exists and maintains itself. Paul attributed this missing quality in our lives as a time that our minds become dark, where we just don’t want to see the good things around us, and we allow ourselves to become confused by what the world teaches vs the straight-up goodness of God – the God who provides everything for the benefit of those He created. This is like a time of refusing to see God or believe in His miraculous works and provisions. Satan influences the world to this pattern of life every day, and unfortunately, many accept that over the amazing works of God.

I am reminded of a time I offered my RV to visiting relatives. As we drove toward the resort, a young teenage family member innocently asked how much she and her parents owed me for using it. Perhaps a funny story, but her sweet question reflected a natural heart impulse: when you receive a gift, gratitude and acknowledgment should follow.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

If a child naturally understands the need to express gratitude for a temporary place to stay, what is our excuse before the God who provides our very breath? Gratitude cannot be reserved only for Sunday mornings. When daily worship and thankfulness fill our hearts throughout the week, gathering with our church family becomes an overflowing joy rather than a routine obligation. From the abundance of the heart, you will respond. Do you feel that you are doing your part in thanking God every day? Are you actively thanking God every day, or have His daily miracles simply become something you expect and often goes unnoticed?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the days I walk through Your creation without noticing Your hand. Thank You for the gift of life, for the rising sun, and for the countless blessings I so easily take for granted. Guard my heart against the distraction and spiritual darkness that comes from an unthankful spirit. Help me to worship You as the true Source of all good things, not just on Sunday, but in every moment of my daily life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.