September 20

Romans 2

The Jews have no partiality with God because they live for the Law.

INSIGHT

Without God, there is no right and wrong; there is only preference. We can say that we prefer something to be or not to be; but unless we appeal to God, we cannot use the words right and wrong. If one person says something is right and another says it is wrong, their opinions cancel each other out unless they can appeal to a higher authority. Mankind needs God not only for salvation but also for the normal functioning of society. It is sobering to ask, “If everyone were exactly like me, what kind of society would we have?”

PRAYER

Give praise and thanks to the Lord for the matchless gift of eternal life through Christ:
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the Lord is the great God,
And the great King above all gods. . . .
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand. (Psalm 95:1-3, 6-7)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments….
Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments. (Psalm 119:105-106, 108)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater personal discipline
• Christians worldwide who are persecuted for their faith
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)