Daily Dose of Hope

March 6, 2026

Scripture: Romans 2

Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name. Thank you for who you are and all you do. Thank you for loving us. Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. We are currently journeying through Paul's letters. We are now in our sixth pastoral letter, the book of Romans.

Today's reading is Romans 2. Through the end of chapter one and most of chapter two, Paul points out the sinfulness of humanity and the righteousness of God. Whether Jew or Gentile, each person will have a day of reckoning, in which they will stand before God.

But then, Paul's words take a turn as they are directed specifically at Jewish listeners. He doesn't mince words. The Jewish audience may think they are better than the Gentiles because of circumcision and the law, but truly actions speak louder than words. What good is the law if they don't obey it? Paul accuses the Jews of judging the Gentiles for not doing things "right" but really they should be judging themselves. Their faith was superficial and all about outward appearances, so they look good in front of other human beings, not God.

What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts. What's going on in your heart right now? Unfortunately, it is too easy for us to make faith about a list of things that make us look good to others: attending church regularly, serving and volunteering, being part of a small group or Bible study, making moral choices, being a good person, you get the idea. But if our heart isn't right with God, all those good things are worthless. What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts. And God knows what's there – he can see through us right to the core.

When God looks at your heart, what does he find?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki