DATE POSTED
Saturday, August 29, 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 3:19-23 (NLT): ¹⁹ Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. ²⁰ For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
²¹ But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. ²² We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. ²³ For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

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.

Looking into a mirror shows you if your hair is messy or if dirt is on your face, but the mirror itself has no power to clean you up. In the same way, God’s Law acts as a mirror. It reveals where we fall short, but it cannot wash away our sin.

Trying to earn a right standing with God through self-determination or moral behavior falls completely short. Without Christ, keeping rules—even good, societal ones—is merely self-effort, not a restored relationship with our Creator. Verse 20 makes this plain: no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the Law commands.

Paul reminds us in verse 20 that no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law shows us our sin; it cannot remove it. But praise God—He has revealed a better way. Verse 21 tells us that this way was promised long ago through Moses and the prophets. And verse 22 declares it plainly: we are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for everyone who believes.

This truth echoes throughout Scripture, most famously in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Notice two life-changing reality checks in that promise:

• “Whoever” — Salvation is open to everyone, regardless of background or past mistakes.
• “Believes in Him” — Faith in Jesus is the only way to be made right with the Father.

Ultimately, every person stands at a crossroads:

• Option 1: Believe in Jesus Christ. You are adopted as a son or daughter of the King of kings, forgiven of your sin, and assured of an eternity in God’s presence.
• Option 2: Reject Jesus Christ. You choose to rely on self-effort, remaining without God, and your eternity is equally clear – separation from God in Hell – the domain of Satan, forever.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

My sincere prayer is that you have chosen to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We treasure gifts from loved ones because of the heart behind them. Jesus has given us the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and He commands us to share it. If you are a child of the King, you possess God’s very best. Surely you want the same for your friends.

Go now and share the Good News with everyone you meet (Matthew 28:19).

PRAYER
Father God, thank You for using Your Law to show me my need for a Savior, and thank You for sending Jesus to be that Savior. I acknowledge that no amount of self-effort or good works could ever make me righteous in Your sight. Thank You for declaring me right with You through faith in Christ alone. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today and give me boldness to share this priceless gift of grace with someone who needs to hear it. 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!