God Speaks Today
Have you ever asked God to speak to you? It can be tempting to think that we could have more faith if God would simply speak to us. If God would just speak, then we would know that He is real and exists.
While at one time God spoke through prophets, He has spoken to us through His Word. Scripture is God’s means of communicating with His people. Every time we open up God’s Word, we are listening to the words of God Himself.
That’s why Scripture says the word of God is alive and active. It is the primary way that God speaks to His people to guide our thoughts and direct our ways. God’s Word actively refreshes us and provides us with wisdom for living.
The author of Hebrews also tells us that Scripture is like a sword that can cut and divide our innermost places. God’s Word reveals our true heart. It exposes our emotions and thoughts, and then guides us toward what is right.
God’s Word is full of refreshment for our weariness. He speaks encouragement to those who follow Him and listen to His voice. Scripture is also full of God’s truth that guides us into right-living. It shapes our hearts and minds toward loving God and loving those around us.
One of the best things you can do for your life is to engage in Scripture daily. If we rarely read God’s Word, then we will rarely hear His voice speaking to us. The more that we develop regular habits of engaging with God, the easier it will be to hear and follow His guidance.
So take some time to consider how you can create a daily habit of engaging in God’s Word and spending time in prayer. God wants to speak to you, but we must come to Him ready to listen.
Justified by Faith
Paul, the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, covers the details of what is known as “the Gospel message”—a message that was handed down to them. It's packed with deep theological truths that are meant to shape the way Christians live.
One of the central components to the Gospel is that salvation comes through faith alone. That means we are saved by the power of God through believing and trusting in Jesus. Every Christian comes to God through faith—not through good deeds or by trying to earn salvation.
Paul says that we have peace with God by our faith in Jesus. Prior to that, we were considered ungodly and unrighteous—because we would live our lives in our own power, doing our own things. This led to separation from God.
However, by faith in Jesus, we are justified before Him. This means that through Jesus’ own right-living, we are made right before Him. Even though we still make mistakes, we can stand innocent before God because of Jesus.
It’s ...