DATE POSTED
Thursday, September 3, 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 4:9-12 (NLT): 9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. 10 But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!
11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
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 we’re not careful, we can become so attached to traditions, denominational teachings, or family customs that we lose sight of the simple truths found in God’s Word. While rules and practices may have their place, they should never replace a personal understanding of what God has revealed through Scripture.
This was one of the challenges Paul addressed in Romans 4. Many Jews believed that circumcision was essential for a person to be considered righteous before God. Yet Paul reminded them of a crucial fact from their own history: Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith before he was circumcised.
Circumcision did not make Abraham righteous. It was merely a sign of the righteousness he had already received through faith. This truth dismantled the argument that Gentile believers were excluded from God’s blessing because they had not followed Jewish customs. God’s acceptance of Abraham was based on faith, not ritual.
Jesus taught a similar lesson when He warned His followers about focusing on the faults of others while ignoring their own shortcomings (Matthew 7:3-5). Human nature often causes us to emphasize external practices while overlooking the condition of the heart. It is much easier to evaluate another person’s traditions than it is to examine our own faith.
Although circumcision is not the issue facing most believers today, similar debates still exist. Some insist that their denomination, style of worship, mode of baptism, or particular traditions make them more acceptable to God than others. Yet Romans 4 reminds us that our standing before God has never been based on religious rituals. It has always been based on faith.
When we stand before the Lord one day, the determining question will not be whether we belonged to a certain denomination, practiced a particular tradition, or followed a specific set of religious customs. The question will be whether we placed our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins.
Like Abraham, we are declared righteous by faith. Jesus paid the price for our salvation through His death and resurrection. Our responsibility is to believe in Him, trust Him, and follow Him as Lord.
If you have never accepted Christ as your Savior, today is the day to do so. Tomorrow is promised to no one. And if you already know Him, thank God that your hope of heaven rests not in religious rituals, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Challenge
Abraham was not saved because of circumcision. We cannot be saved by religious activity, good works, charitable giving, or church membership. Salvation is found in Christ alone.
Examine your heart today. Have you placed your faith entirely in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? If so, rejoice in the assurance that comes through God’s grace. If not, don’t delay. Trust Christ today and receive the gift of eternal life that only He can provide.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us through the example of Abraham that righteousness comes through faith and not through religious rituals or human efforts. Help us to place our complete trust in Jesus Christ and never allow traditions or personal preferences to overshadow the truth of Your Word. Search our hearts and reveal anything that keeps us from drawing closer to You. Strengthen our faith, deepen our obedience, and help us share the good news of salvation with those around us. 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!
Nuggets From God's Word 