Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

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Read

Romans 10:5-15 (NRSV)

Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart”

(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

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Reflect

Have you ever been at a loss for words? I have seldom been in that situation, but searching for the right words at the right time is a bigger challenge. The writer of Proverbs compared a “word fitly spoken” to “apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

As Christians, however, we do not have to rely solely education or experience to find the living Word of God. Paul wrote, “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” As children of God and vessels of the Holy Spirit, we have the word of God within us. What a glorious answer to our dilemma!

Christians often refer to verses 9-10 when sharing the gospel of salvation with others, but they are also words for us. Our belief and confession are continual. As we live in this world, we must remember that we believe Jesus is Lord and confess it not only to others but to ourselves. If Jesus is truly our Lord and the living word of God, the “right” words are there any time we choose to seek and use them.

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Pray

Dear Lord, remind me that your word lives in me. Create in me a desire to seek your word in all that I do and say. Give me patience to wait for the right word at the right time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go with God.