From: July 26, 2025
“As it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’” (Romans 9:33 ESV).
The apostle Paul quoted from Isaiah to show that Christ, the promised “stone” laid by God in Zion, had become both a stumbling block and a saving foundation. Israel, pursuing righteousness by works of the law, stumbled over Him. But the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained it by faith. The “stone” is Christ Himself. To those who believe, He is the secure foundation. But to those who reject Him, He becomes a scandal, a cause of falling. Paul used this Scripture to show that Israel’s rejection of Christ was not a failure of God’s Word, but a fulfillment of it.
We often think that religious zeal or moral effort is the pathway to God, but Paul reminds us that righteousness comes only through faith in Christ. Many still stumble over Jesus today, offended by grace, preferring to earn their standing. But the gospel leaves no room for boasting—only belief. Christ is the cornerstone God Himself laid. We must build our lives on Him by faith. As believers, we can rest in the promise that we will not be put to shame. Though the world may reject or ridicule our trust in Christ, God has guaranteed that those who believe will be saved. Let us not stumble in unbelief or self-reliance, but continue to trust in the One who will never fail us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for laying a stone in Zion, a sure foundation in Christ. We believe in Him and rest in Your promised salvation. Keep us from stumbling through pride or unbelief. Help us to proclaim Christ boldly, even when others are offended by Him. For His is the only name by which we may be saved. Let our lives be built on the solid rock of Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 26, 2024
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 ESV).
The apostle Paul explained that being made right with God could not be achieved through trying to keep the law. For all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard of righteousness (Rom. 3:23). Yet the righteousness of God has been revealed in Jesus Christ. So although righteousness cannot be achieved through self-effort, it can be received by faith in Jesus, the righteous Son of God.
How is this righteousness received? How can we be made right with God? By faith, by believing in the One whom God has sent (John 6:29). Namely, we must believe in Jesus. So, what does this faith, this believing in Jesus look like?
First, it means to “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.” Confessing means to agree that Jesus is Lord, that He is the Son of God and therefore the King and Master of your life. Confessing with your mouth means to say it aloud, professing Jesus publicly.
Second, it means to “believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.” This means that you believe the facts of the gospel that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. You believe that as a fact.
Finally, this “righteousness based on faith” (Rom. 10:6) promises that “you will be saved.” Saved from what? The wages of sin, which is death. And not only that, but by faith you receive the free gift of God, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have confessed and believed and we have received by faith Your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. You have exchanged our sin for His righteousness and our death for His eternal life. We freely and openly confess and proclaim that Jesus is Lord to everyone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 26, 2023
“They took copies of the Book of the Law of the Lord and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people” (2 Chronicles 17:9 NLT).
In the third year of King Jehoshaphat’s reign, he sent out teachers of God’s Word to teach all the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat took delight in the Lord and led his people to follow Him. And so, the fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding peoples so that they didn’t attack Judah, but instead brought tribute and gifts.
How important it is for a leader (king, president, pastor, or parent) to make sure those under their leadership are taught the Word of God. A family or nation grounded in God’s Word will prosper. One that fails to pass on the knowledge of God’s Word to the next generation, will not prosper.
How many generations must come and go before the knowledge of God’s Word is lost? Only one.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Your Word. For it is light to our path and food for our souls. Even more, we thank You for Your Living Word, Jesus Christ. For we have received salvation through faith in Him. Strengthen us now to teach Your Word and proclaim Your gospel to everyone, everywhere. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 26, 2022
DON’T FACE TROUBLE ALONE
Is anyone in trouble? Cry out to the Lord. You don’t have to face trouble alone. For the Lord will answer those who call on His name.
Yet, we often try to keep our trouble to ourselves. We say, “I got this.” When we know that we don’t. Rather than turning to the Lord, we try to manage things in our own wisdom and strength. And more often than not, we get ourselves even deeper into trouble.
How do we begin to trust the Lord with our troubles? The first step is to admit that we have them. Admitting our trouble to ourselves and to Him is often the most difficult part. But we must admit that we have a problem that we are powerless to overcome.
Next, we call on the Lord. By what name should we call? Call out to Jesus. For as the apostle Peter preached, “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12). And as the apostle Paul wrote, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).
We don’t have to face our trouble alone. We can call on Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we need You today. We call upon the name of Jesus today to help us face the trouble of this day. We know that the future is in Your hands, so we don’t worry about that. The trouble of today is enough. Strengthen us and keep us safe in Your arms today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: July 26, 2017
Is anyone in trouble? Call on the Lord. But by what name should one call? Call out to Jesus. “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Act 4:12). For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).
From: July 26, 2016
Paul continued to express his desire that the Jewish people believe in Christ for their salvation. This was his constant prayer. Do you know someone that needs the Lord for which you are moved in such a way? Have you considered praying for an unreached people group that has never heard the gospel? You can find a list here: https://joshuaproject.net
From: July 26, 2015
King Jehoshaphat began his reign well by sending out teachers of God’s Word to teach all the people of Judah. Jehoshaphat took delight in the Lord and led his people to follow Him. And so, the fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding peoples so that they didn’t attack Judah, but instead brought tribute and gifts. How important it is for a leader (king, president, pastor, or parent) to teach those under their care the Word of God. A nation or family grounded in God’s Word will prosper. One that departs from it will end up like King Ahab who did not heed the Word of the Lord.