DATE POSTED
Sunday, August 1, 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 1:1 (NLT) This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News.

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.

Before encountering Christ, Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus—a devout pharisee who actively persecuted the early Church. We can read the dramatic story of his life and conversion in the book of Acts (chapters 8–28).

Just as most of us would rather not be defined by our past mistakes, bad attitudes, or former lives before Christ, Paul knew it was vital to establish his new identity in this letter to the Romans right from the start. He was setting forth his “credentials”—not in his own human effort, but in who he had become through Jesus.

This is no different for pastors, evangelists, or any believer today. Through God’s salvation, our past is behind us. When we place our faith in Jesus, we become new creations. God forgives our sins, removes them as far as the east is from the west, and no longer holds them against us. What an amazing reminder of His mercy and grace!

There’s a beautiful song titled “What Sin?” that echoes this truth: when others point to our past, God looks at us through the blood of Jesus and asks, “What sin?” Paul was a brand-new man, fueled by God’s amazing grace and sustained by His tender mercies.

Because Paul was so completely sold out to God, he introduced himself as a slave (or bondservant) of Jesus Christ. By establishing this relationship, Paul made it clear that his teachings were not driven by his past or his own ego, but by his new Master, Jesus Christ.

In today’s world, how would you, being a sold-out believer in Jesus Christ, feel about introducing yourself as a servant of Jesus Christ? We often hope people will simply “see” Christ in our lives, but sometimes people need to hear a clear testimony.

Paul was not ashamed to identify himself as Christ’s servant. What if we were bold enough to say, “I am here representing my Master, Jesus Christ, and I want my words and actions to reflect Him”?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE
When people listen to you, do they hear only your opinions, or do they recognize that your life is guided by Jesus Christ and His Word? Like Paul, let us never be ashamed to identify ourselves as servants of Christ. As we speak words of encouragement, correction, or wisdom, may it always be clear that our desire is not to promote ourselves, but to point others to our Savior.

Our confidence is never found in our own understanding, but in Christ alone. As the old hymn reminds us:
“On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.“

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me and giving me a new life in Christ. Thank You that my past has been forgiven and that You no longer hold my sins against me. Help me, like Paul, to live as Your willing servant and to never be ashamed of the Gospel. May my words, attitudes, and actions always point others to Jesus and be guided by Your Holy Spirit. Keep me humble, faithful, and obedient as I represent You each day. In Jesus’ 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!