MARCH 30: Not Guilty
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Imagine for a moment that you’re sitting in a court room, but not as an active observer. Instead, you’re on trial, and Satan is taking you to court. All day long, you hear arguments from the devil about how you are guilty of sinning against God (see Romans 2:1-3:20). Throughout the trial, you hear what Satan is saying and you try to take down notes to mount a defense, but by the end of the day, you know that he has made a very compelling argument.
Afterward, your defense attorney, Jesus, looks directly at you and says, “There’s nothing you can do on your own. You are guilty of sinning against Me. But I have taken on your punishment. If you will trust in Me and commit to following Me, then you will be cleared of all charges against you. You will not only be free to go, but God will also see you as His son or daughter. You will be invited into Our family and will always have a seat at the table with Me. You will be declared a righteous saint and not a guilty sinner. Now tell Me, would you like to accept My offer?
READING & JOURNALING:
If you have accepted Christ, then God (the Judge) has declared you Not Guilty. Neither Satan, the world, or others can declare you unrighteous or insignificant. Today, write out Romans 3:24 in your translation of choice. In what ways should the truth of this verse impact your everyday life? Be specific.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, sometimes it’s easier for me to accept the truth of Romans 2:1-3:20 – that I have sinned against You — than it is for me to accept the truth of Romans 3:21-26 — that You have willingly offered me freedom by declaring me “Not guilty,” because of Jesus Christ. Today and every day, I simply want to rest in the love You have selflessly lavished upon me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Esther 5, 6, & 7
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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