Counting Stars, Trusting Jesus
Looking up at a sky of promises, a quiet reminder that righteousness is credited by faith in Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Romans 4 takes us by the hand and walks us back to Abraham. Paul shows two paths people try for worth. One is performance, where we stack up deeds and hope it adds up. The other is faith, where we take God at His word and receive righteousness as a gift. Ray Stedman helps us see that Abraham’s story is not a museum piece. It is the pattern for a normal day with God.
Abraham had a record anyone would admire, yet the Lord did not credit him because of works. He looked up at a sky full of stars, heard God’s promise, and rested his weight on the Promiser. That trust was credited to him as righteousness. Stedman points out how fragile performance based worth feels. It gives a quick high, then it fades. The righteousness that comes from God holds steady when the moment gets hard.
Here is the relief. The Father is not impressed by clever self advertising. He sees the heart. He gives a right standing that we could never earn, and He does it in Jesus. That settles identity, then it frees us to walk in love without needing the spotlight.
So today is simple. Look up. Receive again what God has provided in His Son. Let the Holy Spirit set the pace. When that happens, boasting goes quiet, and gratitude grows. That is a sweet way to live.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I draw your eyes to Jesus. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. I am the One who convinces your heart that righteousness is a gift from the Father, not a wage from your works. By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is My gift.
I center you in the Son. In Him you are made right, not with a goodness of your own, but with the righteousness that comes from God by faith. He who knew no sin was made sin for you so that you might become the righteousness of God in Him. Being justified by faith, you have peace with God. As you received Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.
I lead you as I led Abraham. He went out not knowing where he was going, and he found Me faithful. I bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Walk by Me. Remain in the Vine. I work in you to will and to act for the Father’s good pleasure. Your boast is in the Lord alone.
Scripture references: Romans 4:1 to 5, Romans 4:18 to 25, Genesis 15:5 to 6, James 2:23, Ephesians 2:8 to 9, Philippians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:1, Colossians 2:6, Hebrews 11:8, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:14 to 16, John 15:5, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 1:30 to 31, Psalm 32:1 to 2, Romans 10:9 to 10, Titus 3:5, Genesis 12:1.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about checking your bank app on payday. When the deposit lands, the balance reads credited. You do not pace the kitchen or try to re earn what already shows in the account. You move forward from what has been credited. Trust in Jesus works like that. The Holy Spirit reminds you that the Father has credited righteousness to you in His Son. From that settled balance, you can give, plan, and move through the day without chasing approval.
Try this today. Before you answer a message that tempts you to prove yourself, pause and say, Lord, I trust You to help me answer from the gift You have already credited to me, not from a need to perform. Then respond with honesty and kindness, expecting the Spirit of Jesus to carry your tone.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that righteousness is Your gift in Jesus. Thank You that You see me in Your Son, accepted and at peace. I receive this day as a place to walk from what You have credited, not to strive for what I already have. I am grateful that Your Spirit leads me in simple faith and quiet love. Lord, I trust You to express Your life through me in each conversation and choice.