We live in a judgmental age, and the judgments are accompanied by hypocrisy.  The Bible warns us against trusting in our own righteousness, but in our pride, many who should know better do not heed the warning. This truth should humble us. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice in it – somehow. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
Almighty God, I humbly ask you to make me like a tree planted by the waterside,
that I may bring forth fruits of good living in due season.
Forgive my past offenses, sanctify me now,
and direct all that I should be in the future, for Christ’s sake.
Help me worship you now! Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
A little background: Paul is continuing to make the case that everyone has a sin problem – he started with Gentile Pagans but has now turned to those who believe in God and look down on others. He is making the case that everyone needs a savior, and that savior is Jesus Christ.

Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
Romans 2:1-11

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Lord, help us to acknowledge our sinfulness and help us believer the good news in your word.
“The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” It is clear to me that I am one of them, but “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin, and alive to all that is good.
Believe the good news: in the name of Jesus Christ, you and I are forgiven. Amen!

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
The first advice I would give to those who have been saved from sin by grace is to watch and pray continually against pride. For it is pride not only to ascribe what we have to ourselves (that is to give ourselves credit), but also to think we have what we do not. One man, for instance, ascribed his knowledge to God and was therefore humble. But then he thought he had more than everyone else which is dangerous pride.
Even to imagine that those who are not saved cannot teach you is a very great and serious mistake. Dominion (self-control, the ability not to sin) is not found in grace. Not observing this has led some into many mistakes and certainly into pride. Beware even the appearance of pride! Let there be in you that lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in all your words and actions.
One way to do this is to own any fault we have. If you have at any time thought, spoken, or acted wrong, do not refrain from acknowledging it. Never dream that this will hurt the cause of God – in fact, it will further it. Be open and honest when you are rebuked and do not seek to evade it or disguise it. Rather, let it appear just as it is and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel.

— Let this glorify God today: (4)
God, your word teaches that we will someday judge angels, but we are not ready for that yet. Shape us today to reflect the humility and kindness Jesus showed to sinners. For it is by living into his ways that we will truly live. Through Christ we pray, Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources with additions and edits.
(2) From 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Peter 2:24 as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources with additions and edits.
(3) From Christian Perfection, by John Wesley
(4) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, edited.