DATE POSTED
Friday, August 28, 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 3:9-18 (NLT): ⁹ Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.  ¹⁰ As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous – not even one. ¹¹ No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. ¹² All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” ¹³ “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” ¹⁴ “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” ¹⁵ “They rush to commit murder. ¹⁶ Destruction and misery always follow them. ¹⁷ They don’t know where to find peace.” ¹⁸ “They have no fear of God at all.”

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.

There are times when a message is delivered with great polish and eloquence, yet the heart of the listener remains untouched, if the message is not understood. Paul understood this well. As he wrote to the Jews in Rome, he knew they were steeped in the teachings of Moses and the prophets. So, instead of presenting arguments or reasoning about his new-found faith in Jesus Christ, he spoke to them from the Scriptures they already trusted—Psalms, Isaiah, and the Law itself. Paul wanted them to see that their own Scriptures testified to the universal problem of sin.

To believers today, it is easy to feel as though our faith places us on a pedestal, looking down at the world as “sinners who live without hope.” But Paul, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, quickly levels the ground at the foot of the cross. He gathers multiple Old Testament texts, and in verse 9, he reminds us that We all live in a fallen world, and None of us are righteous on our own merit. Not even one. Pastors, church members, or new believers – none are righteous in ourselves. Even faithful ministers have fallen under the weight of sin’s influence. We must never place ourselves on a pedestal.

There is only One who is righteous. Only One who can cleanse us, forgive us, and make us fit for heaven. Only One whose blood gives us strength to resist the attacks of the enemy. Our hope is not in our goodness, but in Christ alone.

While Paul lists many sobering realities in this chapter, consider the challenge in verse 11: “No one is seeking God.” You might reflect on your calendar and say, “I’m in church every Sunday and Wednesday! How can you say I’m not seeking God?”

Consider this: Imagine visiting your in-laws every Saturday. Over the next six days, you don’t speak to or spend time with your spouse at all. Would that weekly visit to the in-laws make your marriage closer or more intimate? Of course not.

In the same way, closeness with God comes through daily communion – speaking to Him in prayer, listening to Him through His Word, and obeying what He reveals. Seeking God is a posture of the heart, not a calendar event. It is the daily pursuit of the One we love. Love also deepens with our spouses in similar ways.

May we take Paul’s words seriously. May we evaluate our priorities and set our hearts toward the only One who is righteous.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

• Glorify God: Acknowledge Him as the only righteous One and your ultimate standard.
• Examine Your Heart: Confess self-righteousness and ask forgiveness for letting routine replace real relationship.
• Prioritize Daily Intimacy: Set aside intentional, one-on-one time with God today. Read, pray, listen and obey His commands.
• Reflect His Grace: Pray that God fills you with His Spirit, so the world sees Jesus in you, rather than just your own efforts to be good.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we rely on religious routine instead of seeking Your heart. Remind us today that none of us are righteous apart from Christ. Guard us against self-righteousness, and give us a deep hunger to spend quiet, intentional time with You every day. Teach us to pray honest prayers, to listen to Your Word, and to walk in joyful obedience. May our lives reflect the beauty and grace of Jesus to a world in need of hope. In His 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!