....December 3rd
Today’s Reading: Romans 13–16
Scripture Focus
“Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
— Romans 13:14 (NLT)
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 14:17 (NLT)
“And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
— Romans 16:20 (NLT)
Devotion / Reflection
As Paul closes out Romans, his tone shifts from doctrine to daily life. It’s almost as if he’s saying:
“Now that you know who you are in Christ — live like it.”
Chapter 13 reminds me that following Jesus isn’t just believing Him… it’s surrendering every part of my life to Him. Paul says we are to “clothe” ourselves with the presence of Jesus. That means putting Him on like armor, like identity, like purpose — choosing Him first in the morning and choosing Him again when temptation whispers later in the day.
Chapters 14 and 15 speak right to the heart of church life. Paul is pleading with believers to stop fighting about opinions and make room for one another. Not to compromise truth, but to walk in love. Some believers are strong in certain areas, others are weak — but Christ is the Lord of both. The Kingdom is not built on personal preferences; it is built on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
And then chapter 16 — the greetings. Names, servants, laborers, women, families, leaders, helpers. I’m always struck by this: God sees the faithful.
Every quiet servant.
Every unseen prayer.
Every woman who keeps showing up and giving her yes.
Every “ordinary” believer who lives out the gospel in an unglamorous world.
He writes their names into His story.
And tucked right at the end is a promise for me and for you:
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Not by our strength…
but by His.
Not in our timing…
but in His perfect timing.
That’s why we stay faithful. That’s why we keep walking.
Truths to Live By
• Stay awake spiritually.
Choose Christ daily; refuse to drift back into old habits.
• Walk in love, not arguments.
Let peace and unity matter more than personal preference.
• Build others up.
Use your influence to strengthen, not criticize.
• Be faithful in the hidden places.
God sees the unseen obedience that others overlook.
• Stand firm in battle.
Trust God’s promise — He will crush the enemy under your feet.
Application Questions
Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus, clothe me with Your presence today. Help me walk in love, unity, goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Teach me to honor others, strengthen the weak, and live awake to Your calling. Crush every work of the enemy that tries to pull me back into fear or strife. Make me a woman who knows You deeply and reflects You well. Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Take a few quiet minutes with Jesus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You saying to me today?”
Write down what He shows you — any corrections, encouragements, or steps of obedience He wants you to take. Let Him speak to your heart.
Today’s Reading: Romans 13–16
Scripture Focus
“Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
— Romans 13:14 (NLT)
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 14:17 (NLT)
“And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
— Romans 16:20 (NLT)
Devotion / Reflection
As Paul closes out Romans, his tone shifts from doctrine to daily life. It’s almost as if he’s saying:
“Now that you know who you are in Christ — live like it.”
Chapter 13 reminds me that following Jesus isn’t just believing Him… it’s surrendering every part of my life to Him. Paul says we are to “clothe” ourselves with the presence of Jesus. That means putting Him on like armor, like identity, like purpose — choosing Him first in the morning and choosing Him again when temptation whispers later in the day.
Chapters 14 and 15 speak right to the heart of church life. Paul is pleading with believers to stop fighting about opinions and make room for one another. Not to compromise truth, but to walk in love. Some believers are strong in certain areas, others are weak — but Christ is the Lord of both. The Kingdom is not built on personal preferences; it is built on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
And then chapter 16 — the greetings. Names, servants, laborers, women, families, leaders, helpers. I’m always struck by this: God sees the faithful.
Every quiet servant.
Every unseen prayer.
Every woman who keeps showing up and giving her yes.
Every “ordinary” believer who lives out the gospel in an unglamorous world.
He writes their names into His story.
And tucked right at the end is a promise for me and for you:
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Not by our strength…
but by His.
Not in our timing…
but in His perfect timing.
That’s why we stay faithful. That’s why we keep walking.
Truths to Live By
• Stay awake spiritually.
Choose Christ daily; refuse to drift back into old habits.
• Walk in love, not arguments.
Let peace and unity matter more than personal preference.
• Build others up.
Use your influence to strengthen, not criticize.
• Be faithful in the hidden places.
God sees the unseen obedience that others overlook.
• Stand firm in battle.
Trust God’s promise — He will crush the enemy under your feet.
Application Questions
- What does it mean for me today to “clothe myself with Christ”? What needs to come off so He can be seen?
- Are there any areas where I’ve allowed opinions to overshadow love?
- Who in my life is “weaker in faith” that God is asking me to handle gently?
- Where is God calling me to serve quietly, faithfully, without applause?
- What attack or struggle do I need to surrender to God’s peace, trusting His promise to crush the enemy?
Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus, clothe me with Your presence today. Help me walk in love, unity, goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Teach me to honor others, strengthen the weak, and live awake to Your calling. Crush every work of the enemy that tries to pull me back into fear or strife. Make me a woman who knows You deeply and reflects You well. Amen.
Journaling Reminder
Take a few quiet minutes with Jesus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You saying to me today?”
Write down what He shows you — any corrections, encouragements, or steps of obedience He wants you to take. Let Him speak to your heart.