Daily Devotion: Bible Word – Justified by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Romans 3:28 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
- Romans 3:28 KJV

To be justified means to be declared righteous in the sight of God. It is a legal term, like a judge pronouncing a verdict. In God’s courtroom, justification is not about us becoming instantly perfect, but about God crediting righteousness to us through faith. In short, Justified means being declared righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion: One God And Father by Octavius Winslow

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
- Ephesians 4:6 KJV

All who? -the one Church of God. One covenant God and Father unites the one family in heaven and in earth. They are one in His choice, one in His purpose, one in His covenant, one in His heart. The same will chose them- the same affection loved them- the same decree predestinated them: they are one in Him. Blessed truth! "One God and Father."

Daily Devotion: With Loving-Kindness by Charles Spurgeon

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."
- Jeremiah 31:3 KJV

The thunders of the law and the terrors of judgment—are all used to bring us to Christ; but the final victory is effected by God's loving-kindness. The prodigal set out to his father's house from a sense of need; but his father saw him a great way off, and ran to meet him; so that the last steps he took towards his father's house were with the kiss still warm upon his cheek, and the welcome still musical in his ears.

Daily Devotion: Pass The Time by J.C. Philpot

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:14-21 KJV

Key Verse:  "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:"
- 1 Peter 1:17 KJV

Our life here is but a vapor. We are but pilgrims and strangers on this earthly ball, mere sojourners, without fixed or settled habitation, and passing through this world as not our home or resting-place. The Apostle, therefore, bids us pass this time, whether long or short, of our earthly sojourn, under the influence and in the exercise of godly fear. We are surrounded with enemies, all seeking, as it were, our life, and therefore we are called upon to move with great caution, knowing how soon we may slip and fall, and thus wound our own consciences, grieve our friends, gratify our enemies, and bring upon ourselves a cloud of darkness which may long hover over our souls.

Daily Devotion: Christ's second visit to Nazareth by Favell Lee Mortimer

Bible Reading: Mark 6:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him."
- Mark 6:1-6 KJV

This is the second visit that we read of Jesus making to Nazareth after he had begun his ministry. In his first visit there he had been shamefully treated, for his countrymen had attempted to hurl him headlong from the hill; yet he was so forgiving that he made a second visit to the ungrateful city. Jesus does not hastily give up any sinners whom he once has favored. Even when the first offer of mercy has been rejected, he vouchsafes another, and perhaps another still; for He is the God of patience. While he was preaching, very contemptuous thoughts arose in the people's hearts. None could deny that he had done mighty works, and that he spoke with extraordinary wisdom; but yet, because the people remembered him as the carpenter, and because they knew his relations to be poor people, with whom they were familiar, they would not listen to his words. What an instance their conduct affords of the greatness of human folly!

Daily Devotion: Rain by J. R. Miller

Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:6-13 KJV

Key Verse:  "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:"
- Isaiah 55:10 KJV

Everyone knows the effect of the rain, especially when it falls on a field that has been parched and withered. Its drops go down to the roots of the dying grass, the fading flowers, and the drooping trees—and soon new life appears everywhere. The grass is greener. The flowers revive and pour out fragrance. All vegetation is renewed. So it is when God's Word comes to a fainting, failing human life.

Daily Devotion: Pitying Love by John MacDuff

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:10-17 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."
- Psalm 103:13 KJV

"Abba, Father!" is a Gospel word. A father bending over the sick bed of his weak or dying child; a mother pressing, in tender solitude, an infant sufferer to her bosom. These are the earthly pictures of Almighty God. "As a father pities his children." "As one whom his mother comforts — so will I comfort you!"