Today’s Bible Verse:
Romans 3:23 ESV

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

One truth emerges throughout humanity's history woven with joy and sorrow, triumph and failure: we all fall short. Romans 3:23, a cornerstone of Christian theology, reminds us of this universal reality. We have all sinned, missed the mark, and failed to live up to the perfect standard of God's glory.

This verse isn't meant to condemn us but rather to awaken us. It shines a light on our imperfections, our tendencies toward selfishness, pride, and disobedience. It reveals the gap between our flawed humanity and God's divine perfection.

Yet, in this acknowledgment of our sinfulness, there is also hope. The very next verse in Romans declares, "and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24)

Our shortcomings, though real, do not define us. We are not condemned to a life of guilt and shame. Through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we are offered forgiveness and a new beginning. We are justified and made right with God, not through our efforts but His boundless grace.

This is the heart of the Gospel message: we are loved despite our imperfections. God's love is not contingent on our performance but on His unwavering grace.

As Lutherans, we cling to this truth. We recognize our sinfulness, but we also celebrate the gift of God's forgiveness. We are called to live lives of gratitude, striving to reflect God's love in our words and actions.

Let us not be discouraged by our failings but rather inspired by God's grace. Let us turn away from sin and toward the light of Christ, who offers us hope, healing, and a purposeful life.

PRAYERS

Keep in Your Prayers:

1. All people dealing with cancer

2. Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, I confess I’ve fallen short of your glory. Thank you for your boundless grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Help me to turn away from sin and live a life that reflect your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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A Song for Today