FEBRUARY 25, Romans 3:23

Several old albums and loose pictures were scattered over the living room floor, and Sharon and Joanna were helping their mother sort them out. “I’d like to rearrange our albums with captions above them,” said Mother.

“See what you can come up with.” “Lifeguard blows whistle at Joanna,” suggested Sharon, picking up one of the pictures. “ is was the time we were at the beach and the lifeguard yelled at Joanna, remember?”

“Forget that one!” exclaimed Joanna. “But just look at these pictures of Christmas dinner. The food looks yummy!”

“ The caption for that could say, ‘Give thanks first; then eat,’ ” said Sharon promptly. “You were scolded for eating before we prayed.” She picked up another photo. “Look at this one, Joanna. You’re pouting in this snapshot,” she said with a laugh.

“Will you quit bringing up all the bad things I’ve done,” protested Joanna angrily. “After all, you’re not so perfect yourself.”

“None of these pictures remind you of bad things about me,” Sharon said smugly. “Is that right?” challenged Mother. She picked up two photos.

“In these I see not one, but two sinful little girls.”

“Mom! Those are our baby pictures,” objected Sharon. “You can’t find anything bad about a baby.”

Mother smiled. “You look sweet enough,” she agreed, “but you and your sister are the same when it comes to sin. Every single baby is born a sinner – no one is better than anyone else.”

“So there!” exclaimed Joanna. “Be quiet!” snapped Sharon. “ There’s no need to argue,” said Mother. “ THe Bible clearly tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

“Including you, Sharon,” added Joanna. She couldn’t seem to keep from making that final jab but then she blushed as she realised her own sinful nature had shown itself again.

Thought: Thank God that though we are born sinners, God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus to save us from our sins.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I am born a sinner. It is only by Your grace and mercy that I have been saved from my sins. Help me to live a life pleasing before You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.