But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Romans 10:8-13

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Heart and Mouth Condition
By Jennifer Kane

The Word is near,
resting on my lips,
a promise untouched by any storm.
I declare with all I am—
Jesus lives, and in Him,
I am set apart.

I believe in love,
in peace that cannot be broken,
in kindness that frees the soul.
But not these alone can save—
not without trust
that He rose from the grave.

It is in here where there is faith,
I heard His voice,
soft but steady:
“Walk on, rejoice.”
I am never alone,
held secure
through every trial.

There is a peace, a child’s rest,
hope that doesn’t falter,
joy in that confession
in the One who carries
our deepest pain,
speaks life again, again.

There is a place—
where mountains move,
where hearts renew,
where salvation stands bright,
even when the world dims.

To the lost, to the aching,
to every heart that sorrows,
the message whispers deep:
call out, believe, stay near.

For with my words and in my heart
There is faith and I have been made new.
His love holds,
a fortress when all else fades.
In Jesus’ name, so near, so clear—
salvation is for all who hear.

~~~~~

Scripture Passage: Romans 10:8-13

In Romans 10, Paul emphasizes a remarkable truth: salvation is not far from us, nor is it dependent on our efforts. It is near — so near it’s in our mouths and hearts. This “word of faith” isn’t about following complex religious rituals or meeting unattainable standards. Instead, salvation is as accessible as calling on the name of Jesus and believing in His resurrection power.

Paul’s own life testifies to the difference between zeal without knowledge and true faith. He reminds us that righteousness isn’t something we earn but something we receive through Jesus. It’s a reminder that faith requires both belief and confession, as believing without confessing leaves the gift unopened.

Faith means depending entirely on Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly. No ritual or self-made righteousness can substitute for what Jesus has done. Salvation is scandalously simple: confess with your mouth and believe in your heart.

The promise of salvation doesn’t discriminate; it’s available to all who call on Jesus. There’s no distinction based on nationality, ethnicity, or background. In Jesus, we are invited into one family, rich in His grace.

Believing in Jesus isn’t only intellectual but requires trust and surrender. It means staking our lives on His promises and sharing openly that He is Lord. Confession with our mouths and hearts shows that our faith is real and living.

Reflect on the simplicity of the gospel. Are there areas where you might be complicating your relationship with God by trying to earn His favor? Consider your daily life: does your confession of Jesus as Lord overflow into your actions and words? Think about how you share your faith. Is there a sense of openness, knowing the message of salvation is for “whoever calls on the name of the Lord”?

This week, share the simplicity of the gospel with someone who may not fully understand it. Remember, God’s righteousness is a gift we receive by faith, not something we can earn. Be bold in sharing that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

~~~~~

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for making salvation so near, so accessible, that even in my heart and on my lips I can find the assurance of Your love. Thank You that I don’t have to strive or prove myself worthy—You meet me with grace when I simply call out to You and believe.

Lord, help me to embrace the simplicity of Your promise: that in confessing Jesus as Lord, I am held by You, forgiven, and made new. Give me a heart that trusts deeply in the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and a voice that boldly proclaims it. Strengthen my faith, that it would move mountains within me and radiate outward to touch those around me.

Father, remind me of Your love that knows no boundaries or distinctions. May I carry this message of hope to all who need to hear it, with the same love and compassion You have shown me. Help me to rest in the security of Your salvation, living each day as a testament to Your faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

November 11 2024