Marie’s daily verse: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3: 16-19).

DAILY DEVOTION, July 22, 2024

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17).

Jesus spoke these words. He suggests there are two kinds of people in the world: the righteous and sinners. Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn there are no righteous persons, just people who think they are righteous. The prime biblical example is the Pharisee, who went into the Temple to pray and boasted of his goodness. The question for us is to decide which category we are in. Do you see yourself as righteous, so good that you do not need a Savior? If that is the case, Jesus did not come for you.

The good news is this. When we recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus came for us. If we admit that we are spiritually sick, the Great Physician will heal us. He did that when He went to the cross to atone for our sins. He asks that we trust Him, believing He redeemed us at Calvary. Jesus saves us and gives us a new birth if our faith is genuine. He grants us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live a new life. These beautiful gifts are given to all who admit they have sinned against God, who repent and trust in Jesus. Are you in the correct category?

Father God, I confess to You that I am a sinner who needs redemption. I thank you for Jesus having opened the door of heaven for me. I gladly trust in Him as my beloved Savior. Please keep me in true faith unto everlasting life. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.