Key Bible Verse: We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins (Romans 3:22). Bonus Reading: Romans 3:21-30

Allan Emery relates that after Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Coast Guard. One Friday before guard duty on a Boston wharf, new acquaintance Joseph Olzewski came by his bunk in immaculate dress blues. Emery asked what the big event was. Joe excitedly told how at the USO a girl had invited him to spend the weekend at her apartment on Beacon Hill.

Emery responded that he would pray for him.

"Why?"

"Because Monday morning you'll be back aboard ship not the same person you are tonight. Sin leaves its mark."

Joe swore and went out, but later appeared in the wharf's guard-post floodlights. "How can you have a good time when someone's praying for you?" he said. "You've ruined my weekend. I stood up my date, and I've been waiting until you came on duty. Now tell me how to find God."

That night Olzewski for the first time heard the promises of God—and believed. He joined Park Street Church and spent his free time inviting other servicemen to services. Then in February, 1943, he volunteered for duty on a mine sweeper headed for Iceland. Just a few days out of New York a torpedo found its mark.

—R. Kent Hughes in Romans, Righteousness from Heaven

My Response: How is my life different for having encountered the gospel?

Thought to Apply: God justifies the believer—not because of the worthiness of his belief, but because of His worthiness who is believed.—RICHARD HOOKER (English pastor)

Adapted from Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Crossway, 1991) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

I admit, Lord, that I deserve Your wrath. Thank you for providing a way for me to be made right with You through faith in Your Son.

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