Remembering What We’ve Learned

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 2 Tim.3:14

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
In the last days Satan is going to come, and there are going to be more miracles than you have ever seen. Most of them will not be done by God but will be done by the power of darkness—the power of Satan. The Bible says that you can look for an explosion of the occult.

Thank God we don’t have to face these days without hope. God tells us what we must do in His Word. We are to remember what we’ve learned and to take His promises to heart. This will not be a time to doubt Him but to trust Him with all that we are.

ACTION POINT:
How is your personal study time in God’s Word going? Start this week to incorporate at least one hour of personal time in God’s Word to study its promises, prophecies, and applications.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Where is Your Focus Today?

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:14
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
When a runner is in a race, he puts his eyes on the goal. He doesn’t look at the grandstand or the other runners. Neither does he examine himself. He has his eyes on the goal. He looks away from everything else. The finish line is all he sees.

That’s exactly what we’re to do. The reason many Christians fail in the race is that they have not learned to look away from other things. They’re trying to look in both directions at the same time, and James 1:8 says, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” And Matthew 6:22 says, “If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.”

ACTION POINT:
Where is your focus today? Has the world drawn you back into itself, luring you away from the command of our Lord? Read Matthew 28:19-20. That’s your goal.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Looking Unto Jesus

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
What does it mean to “look to Jesus” to have all of our needs met? Well, let’s say I borrow ten thousand dollars from Dan, a friend of mine, but then I discover that I can’t pay it back. Dan is on to me and says, “If you don’t pay it back, I’m going to foreclose on you.”

So I go over to another friend, Tom, and tell him about my dire situation and ask for his help. Tom says, “That’s alright, Adrian, look to me.”

Notice that he didn’t say, “Look at me.” He said, “Look to me.” In other words, “I’ll handle it.” That’s what the Bible means when it says “look unto Jesus.” It means look to Him for whatever you need.

ACTION POINT:
Who is looking to you to have their needs met today? Are you then looking to God or are you trying to do it on your own?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Like a Thief in the Night

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There was a man who went shopping and left his car and house keys in the ignition. When he returned, his car was gone. The next morning he discovered his car in the driveway with a note that said, “I was in an emergency. I’m very sorry. I needed your car. Here are two tickets for the Dallas Cowboys game.”

The man went in and told his wife, “You won’t believe this! There’s our car, and look! We’ve got tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game!” They went to the game, and when they came home, their house had been cleaned out!

Friend, they never expected it, and that’s the point. That’s how the Lord Jesus Christ is going to come as a thief in the night.

ACTION POINT:
How would you live your life differently today if you knew that Jesus was coming back in 24 hours?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

A Merciful Delay

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you ever wondered why Jesus has not yet returned? I’ll tell you why. Because our Lord is waiting on people to be saved. He’s waiting on your family member, your neighbor, your co-worker, or maybe you, but one of these days soon, and very soon perhaps, Jesus will come.

You see, it is the mercy of God that holds back the Second Coming of Jesus, but the justice of God and the judgment of God require that one day He will come.

Even now, the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy. And one of these days, the dam of God’s mercy will give way to God’s judgment, and the day of the Lord will come. Our Lord is coming!

ACTION POINT:
Does the Lord’s return make your heart beat faster because you anticipate His coming or dread His coming? 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

No One Knows the Day or the Hour

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Anybody who sets a date for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ may be crossing the line of blasphemy. The Bible teaches very clearly and plainly, and our Lord taught, that no one knows the time—no one.

Just before our Lord was taken up into glory the disciples asked Him, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power” (Acts 1:6-7). No one knows the day when Jesus Christ is coming again, but what a glorious day that will be!

ACTION POINT:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What encouragement do you need to share with someone today?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Embracing God’s Light by Faith

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”Matthew 4:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There are two witnesses for the existence of God to all people:

One is the objective witness of creation.
The other is the subjective witness of conscience.

God speaks to a man and the man responds, “God, I want to know You and I need to know You. I do believe that You exist.”

That’s faith, and he goes from faith to faith as he steps in the light until he comes to the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe with all my heart there’s never been a man or woman who ever lived on the face of this earth who died without some opportunity to have received Christ, had they lived up to the light God gave them.

ACTION POINT:
Is there someone in your life that claims to be an agnostic or an atheist? Try to engage them in a conversation about creation this week.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

The Just Shall Live by Faith

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Is God righteous? Yes. And how is the righteousness of God revealed? It is revealed from faith to faith. God gives you truth. You believe that truth; God gives you more truth. 

The more you obey the light, the more light you get. 

The reason some of us don’t understand the Bible any more than we do is that we haven’t been living up to the light God has already given us. It’s time we began taking God at His Word and obeying it. If we begin obeying the small things we understand, God will enlighten our path to help us understand the things we don’t understand.

ACTION POINT:

Ask God today to give you understanding into the depths of His Word so that you can begin to share His truth in greater ways with the lost around you.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Born Again, Saved for All Time

Born Again, Saved for All Time

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Have you ever known anyone who was physically born twice? 

Have you ever known someone who was spiritually born twice?

Nowhere in the Bible will you find a passage that describes anyone being saved twice. Once you come into the family, you’re in the family. 

Now there were times when I disappointed my parents. There were times when my father had to chastise me, but I am a Rogers. I will be a Rogers for all eternity. It’s the same way with your spiritual life. When you are born into the family of God, your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. It is fixed. It is done.

ACTION POINT:

Do you know a brother or sister in Christ who is doubting his/her salvation? Encourage him/her with this Good News today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Faith in Our Great God

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

How do you have faith? You look to Jesus, and faith is produced in your heart. 

You don’t have to work up faith. 

Suppose I needed to cross the Mississippi River and I wasn’t sure whether the bridge could hold me up or not. I could do one of two things. I could stand on the banks of the Mississippi and try to work up enough courage to make myself believe in that bridge, then timorously walk over that bridge. Or I could look at the semi-trucks traveling across the mighty steel and concrete of that bridge, believe, and boldly walk across in faith! In this case, faith is the by-product of seeing the strength of the bridge itself. In the same way, it’s not great faith in God that you need; it is faith in a great God!

ACTION POINT:

Attempt something so great in your life today that it is doomed to failure unless God is in it.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Clean Before the Lord

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I heard of a missionary whose wife was very fastidious. They moved into a small hut, and soon she noticed that the floor was filthy. The first thing the wife wanted to do was to scrub that floor, so she scrubbed and scrubbed but to no avail. She began to wonder if she would ever get the floor clean. Finally, somebody told her the problem. It was a dirt floor! The more she scrubbed the more dirt she scrubbed up. 

In the same way, we can never scrub off our sinful nature. All we do is reveal more of what is there. 

I hate to tell you this, but we’re rotten to the core. 

Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

ACTION POINT:

How dirty are you this morning? How clean must you be before you can talk with your heavenly Father? Claim the blood of Jesus and commune freely with your Father who loves you.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Fears From Within

Ebola, tornados, hurricanes, car wrecks, murder, cancer and disease, I could go on and on naming things that can take your life. These things strike fear and rightly so but what about your eternity? There is death, the end of your life but what about eternity? God has created both your body and your soul! One is but a vapor while the other is eternal! We spend a lot of time thinking on life and our human body that is wasting away day by day. But, what about the thing that really matters? Our soul, the part of us that God has created to live on in the eternity of Heaven or Hell, this is what should strike fear in the heart of man! Who will save man from eternal Hell? Christ Jesus by the command of God the Father! There are false gods, there are non believers, there are those who have never heard the name of Jesus and there are those who are still searching! Can we speak the gospel? Can we let the gospel do what God designed it to do? He gave the law to make us aware of our sin leading us to repent, obey and trust Christ for salvation! Theses fears from within can only be calmed by the Spirit of God Almighty! As we stand in faith that God is working, not understanding because His ways are not our ways but determined to be still and wait! Sin is man's downfall! It is much worse than any other life taking disaster. Repent while you have breath! Be assured that Christ has done what no other could. He paid the price you should have paid! Mercy He gave, taking your sin, nailing it to the cross, giving you eternal life through His blood! How will you respond?

Acts 10:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,

40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,

41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Is.66:4

I also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring their fears upon them, because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my eyes and chose that in which I did not delight." 

John 5:

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 9:26

for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Col.2:

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Acts 4:

11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

1 Tim.2:5

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Made White as Snow

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . .” Is.1:18a

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
I heard of a man giving his testimony at a Salvation Army meeting. There was a heckler in the crowd shouting, “Would you shut up? You’re just dreaming!”

The heckler felt a tug at his coattail and a little girl said, “That’s my daddy up there. He used to be a drunkard and beat up my mommy. We didn’t have enough food to eat. But then he got saved, and my daddy’s life is changed. See that woman over there? See how happy she is? That’s my mommy. Mister, if my daddy’s dreaming, don’t wake him up!”

What a Savior who can take a poor lost sinner and wash him, save him, and make him new. Hallelujah!

ACTION POINT:
When was the last time you shared Christ with a homeless person? Avail yourself and allow God to use you to shine His light in that direction.

LWF Dr, Adrian Rogers 

Obedience in Tithing

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt.25:21

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
A man spoke to his pastor one day and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong, but God is not real to me anymore.” The wise pastor asked, “Is there any sin in your life?” In a moment of honesty the man responded, “Years ago I was tithing regularly to God, but one day I thought, 'God doesn’t need the money as much as I do,' so I stopped.”

The pastor said, “Will God say, ‘My child has disobeyed Me. He cannot trust Me with his resources, so I think I’ll bless him with even more financial resources.’ Will God do this?”

Absolutely not. If you’re not faithful with little, He won’t bless you with any more.

ACTION POINT:
Are you faithfully tithing your income to the work of the Lord? If not, it’s time to.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

The Miracle of the New Birth

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Nicodemus was so impressed with the miracles Jesus had done that he wanted to find out more. He asked Jesus about miracles, and Jesus began to talk to him about births. It’s as if Jesus were saying, “Nicodemus, if you want to understand miracles, you’re going to have to become a miracle.”

Now Nicodemus was an intelligent man. He was a ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedrin. Yet with all of his learning, he heard Jesus say to him, “Except you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.” People simply can’t understand spiritual things until the Holy Spirit of God turns the light on in their souls.

ACTION POINT:
Do you know someone who has a lot of education but no salvation? I challenge you to share this same Good News with him or her today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Making Your Own Idol

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3

What is an idol? A man takes his own ideas and puts them into the work of his hands, and then he begins to worship it. What he is really worshiping is himself. 

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

You may say, “Well, I’m not guilty of idolatry.” Let’s just see...is there anything that you love more than God? Anything you fear more than God? Anything you serve more than God? Anything you trust more than God? Am I getting hot? 

You say, “Well, I give God a place in my life.” God doesn’t want a place in your life. Then, you say, “Well, I give God prominence in my life.” God despises prominence in your life. God demands preeminence in your life. He will take nothing less.

ACTION POINT:

Is there anyone or anything in your life that takes precedence over God? Confess it and repent of it. Now, put on the throne the rightful Master—the Lord Jesus!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

The Sun of Righteousness

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings. . .” Malachi 4:2a

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Since Jesus is the S-O-N of God, He is also the S-U-N of righteousness. Let me tell you something about the sunrise. The sunrise never comes ahead of time, and it is never late. Isn’t that right? The sunrise operates according to the power of God and the authority of God. You can’t hurry it up, and you can’t stop it! 

It is the same with the Second Coming of Jesus. He is coming at a time known only to God. You can’t hurry it up and you can’t stop it. 

One day the Lord Jesus Christ shall come with trumpet sound. He will pull back the shade of the night and pin it with a star. Then He’ll open the door of the glorious morning of His millennial reign and flood the world with light.

ACTION POINT:

Tomorrow morning, get up with the sunrise and praise God that His timing is perfect—and that He is coming again!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Honoring Our Parents Always

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Whether you are young or old, you can honor your parents. How? By showing respect. Leviticus 19:3 says, “Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.” Now that word “fear” doesn’t mean to quake in the presence of your parents. That is, you are to have a holy respect for your father and your mother. 

You may say, “But my parents are not worthy of respect.” With all due respect, you aren’t either. None of us are worthy. Only perfect children can demand perfect parents, and no children are perfect. Our parents are imperfect. We are imperfect. But God is holy, and He says that we are to respect our parents.

ACTION POINT:

What’s your relationship like with your parents? If you’ve been showing less than the type of biblical respect God requires, then begin today to turn that around for His glory!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Don’t Be a Flabby Christian

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I’m amazed at the little bit it takes to stop some Christians from accomplishing the tasks the Father has given them to do. This thing of being a Christian is not a Sunday afternoon stroll! Shining God’s light in a dark world is a full time job. 

We must pray over it, weep over it, and study over it to show ourselves approved. Most of us in America get up on Sunday mornings and sit in an air-conditioned church with beautiful stained glass windows in streamlined comfort. The truth is…we’re flabby, undisciplined, and exhibit no determination. 

Friend, God does business with those who mean business.

ACTION POINT:

Do you mean business in this Christian life? Then begin something today for the building up of God’s Kingdom to the glory of God.

LWF Dr.Adrian Rogers

OUR REAL SPIRITUAL BATTLE

What's at stake?

The advancement of the gospel 

(Ephesians 6:10-20)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

• Through the unity of the Christian church (Eph. 4:1-16)

• Through the testimony of the Christian life (Eph. 4:17-5:21)
• Through the health of the Christian family (Eph. 5:22-6:9)

Can we win?
• The Lord’s strength (10) 
• The Lord’s armor (11a)

Who are we fighting?
• A scheming devil (11b) 
• A swarm of demons (12)

How do we fight?
• Embrace the truth (14)
• Live righteously (14)
• Be ready to share the gospel (15)
• Exercise your faith (16)
• Be conscious of your salvation (17) 
• Know and apply your Bible (17)
• Pray with abandon (18-19)
Thanks Pastor Jim!

One Plus One Equals One

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matthew 19:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Do you know what’s wrong with many marriages? Husbands treat their wives like a new car. When it’s new, he shows it off; and then when it gets old and the paint fades a little bit, he trades her in for a new model.

Are you a married man? Then you are to satisfy her needs and share your life with her. That means all that you are and all that you have is for her! God’s arithmetic is one plus one equals one! There’s no part of our lives that we do not share. 

Are you the strong, independent type? Then you’re not like Jesus, who shared unconditionally and sacrificially with you.

ACTION POINT:

This week, make it a priority to give something sacrificially to your wife. It may be your time. It may be a possession. It may be a word of encouragement that she needs.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Thankful in Trials

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If you are a child of God, you ought to be able to thank God every moment of every day no matter what happens to you. 

Have you ever stopped to thank God for the water that you drink? Did you know that in some countries in the world, the majority of the population doesn’t have reasonably pure drinking water? Millions of people die annually just from water-related diseases. 

If you wear a hearing aid, do you ever thank God for that? Some people wish they had a hearing aid.

If you are a student in the midst of final exams, do you thank God that you have an exam to take? There are many who wish they could afford college. 

Do you thank God for your next breath?

ACTION POINT:

Take whatever it is that looks like a trial in your life today and thank God for it! Thank Him every time the thought enters your mind to grumble or complain.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

A "Know-So" or a "Hope-So" Salvation?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If you think you’re going to get to heaven by your good works, I guarantee you will always wonder if you’ve done enough. You will not have a “know-so” salvation. You will have a “hope-so” salvation. Rather than standing up straight in confidence like an exclamation point, you will be bent over and wondering like a question mark. That is, until you understand that it’s all by grace. 

Suppose everybody who wanted to be saved had to run around the block. Some can’t run. What if you had to read a chapter in the Bible to be saved? Some can’t read. But there is one thing that can make the promise sure, and that is grace.

ACTION POINT:

Who can you share this Good News with today? Think of at least one person, and ask God to give you a bold love and a divine opportunity to do just that. We also invite you to read “You Can Be Sure” for more insights on the eternal security of the believer. Just visit us at: You Can Be Sure

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Inclining Our Ears to Hear

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Several years ago, the investment firm of E. F. Hutton had a slogan: “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” If only people had this respect and reverence for God and His Word! That is the kind of ear we ought to have for the matchless Word of the living God.

If you do not incline your ear, you might miss something! It has been said that God will not only hold us accountable for what we hear but also for what we would have heard if we had listened.

ACTION POINT:
Do you take notes when your pastor teaches? Maybe it’s time you started. It’s a great tool for those teachable moments during the week with your friends and family. 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Taming the Tongue

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Your tongue can get you into a lot of trouble. There is nothing that can do more damage to your relationships than your words.

Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words.” That is, if you’re smart, you won’t talk so much. When you do talk, keep your words warm and sweet because you may have to eat them later.

There’s an old saying I heard a Rabbi use once that reminds us:
“The ears are open and out. They’re unguarded, but the tongue is behind ivory bars.”

When you’re talking, you’re not learning.
When you’re not learning, you’re not communicating.
When you’re not communicating, there will be no intimacy in your relationships.

ACTION POINT:
In what ways has your mouth gotten you into trouble this week? Confess those times before the Lord and ask for strength and wisdom to be a better communicator. 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Strangers To Me But Not to God

Why should we care about the eternity of people we don't know? 

Matt.12:12 Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

Luke 12:7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Ps.139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 

Ps.139:15-16 

15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

Rev. 7:9

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

Acts 17:

30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Malachi 1:

For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.

That You May Know

Eph. 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Christ is the Head and we are His Body!

Our hope in Christ is certain! 

Not maybe but infallible!!

Definition of infallible: never failing

We are God's resources for God's purpose!

We are instruments of God!

FIRST TEAM DISCIPLESHIP”

Ephesians 1:15-23

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Key Truth:

Spiritual illumination leads to our realization of God’s restoration.

• This is why this text is in the Bible.

• This is God’s will for you.

• This is God’s way of accomplishing his will.

Understanding who you are and why you’re here...

• Spiritual Illumination. (Ephesians 1:15-18)

God gives you intimate knowledge of Him. 

God gives you spiritual insight into

His plan.

• Our Realization (Ephesians 1:18-20) 

God includes you intentionally.

God treasures you immensely.

God resources you immeasurably.

• God’s Restoration (Ephesians 1:20-23)

God raised Jesus from the dead.

God put Jesus in charge of everything forever. 

God gave Jesus to us to make

everything right.

Applying God’s truth to your life...

1. Pray for God’s Spirit to help you get this.

2. Stop believing lies about your inadequacy.

3. Give this mission everything you’ve got.

Thanks Pastor Jim!

God’s Plan for the Man

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

God gave women a nurturing instinct, but God gave men a different gift and task—to dress the garden. God equipped men with a hard exterior to be the providers and protectors, and because of this, men want to be admired by women. I want to be admired by my wife. I get more blessing when she admires me and says, “You are wonderful,” and she gets a blessing when I am romantic, loving, and tender toward her. 

1 Peter 3:7 says, “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [your wives] according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

ACTION POINT:

How can you show your wife a little tender loving care today? Now that you’ve thought of something, go do it!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

True Beauty

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“. . . even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4b

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Are you a woman struggling with the way you look? We all know that women want to be beautiful, especially to their husbands and boyfriends, but so often women think that beauty is found at a cosmetics counter, on a dress rack, or in a jewelry box. Those things are corruptible, and what’s in vogue today is out of fashion when next year’s supermodels hit the runway. 

The only thing that will make you more beautiful, day after day, is what you nurture within yourself - serenity. 

The ornament of a meek and a quiet spirit is worth far more than even the most expensive jewel you can wear around your neck.

ACTION POINT:

Stand in front of the mirror today. Imagine Jesus by your side, and ask Him to create in you a gentle and quiet spirit of love.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Patience Worketh Perfection

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

“Patience worketh perfection.” When was the last time you asked God to make you perfect? Maybe you should have asked for patience as well, because it is only through patient, abiding faith and trust in the Lord that we become “perfect.” 

A lot of people confuse this word “perfect” with “sinless.” The Greek word for perfect in James 1:4 is teleios, and it refers to a maturing growth. For example, an oak tree is the teleios of an acorn. It is the perfection of an acorn. 

So when you are discouraged and feeling a little blue, 

Take a look at a mighty oak and see what a nut can do.

ACTION POINT:

Take a walk this week enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and ask Him to give you the patience and faith that can turn a little acorn into a mighty oak.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

The Greatest Event of All Ages

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“. . . and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”Revelation 17:14

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The Second Coming of Jesus is going to be the greatest event of all of the ages. It is one of the grand theological truths taught in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. 

The New Birth is vitally important, but it is mentioned only nine times in the New Testament. 

Baptism is vitally important, but it is mentioned only 20 times in the New Testament. 

Repentance is mentioned only 70 times in the Bible, as important and needful as that is. 

But the return of the Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned in God’s Word at least 380 times. 

One out of every 25 verses points with an eager finger to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

ACTION POINT:

How are you getting ready for His Second Coming? What if He came this very hour? 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

CHECKING THE CHURCH’S VITALS

Galatians 1:1-5

1 Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-

2 and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Checkup #1: Where’s Your Authority? (1:1, 6-9, 11-12)

• The gospel is God’s message. Therefore, it carries God’s authority.

• What truth claims rest at the bottom of your life, words, and actions?

• What do Christians do with words that come from the mouth of God? We believe them. We live on them.

Checkup #2: What Makes You Acceptable to God?

(1:3-4; 2:15-16, 21; 3:10-14)

• The Galatian problem: they flattered themselves. • Where we place obedience in the salvation

formula makes all the difference in the world.

m Trust in Christ’s Death + My Obedience => Salvation

(Galatian False Gospel)

m Trust in Christ’s Death => Salvation + My Obedience (Biblical Christianity)

• The moment we think, “Once I do X, God will accept me,” we’re no longer talking about grace.

• Legalism actually stems from a low view of the law.

• Gospel: We need heaven to come all the way down to pick us all the way up and bring us all the

way home.

Checkup #3: How Do You Grow? (1:4; 5:16-26)

• Just as Christ’s death on our behalf really reconciles us to God, so the Holy Spirit really brings hope, help, and power.

• Christians cannot grow unless we are leaning fully on two realities: the righteousness of Christ and the power of the

Holy Spirit. (resource: Bookends of the Christian Life, Bridges/Bevington)

• Christ-followers, indwelt by the Spirit, are to increasingly manifest evidence of the Spirit’s control of our lives,

minds, hands, feet, and words.

• No one and nothing is more relevant to your health

and growth as a Christian than the third Person of the Trinity.

Thanks Matt!

Humbly Grateful, Not Grumbly Hateful

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” James 1:2

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Sometimes we have to admit that it’s hard to “count it all joy.” Sometimes we complain and rather than being humbly grateful, we become grumbly hateful. 

Oh, how I wish that, beginning today, we would emulate the faith of the saints that have gone before us—saints like Fannie Crosby, the great hymn writer. 

For most of her life Fannie Crosby was blind, and yet, at the tender age of eight, Fannie wrote: 

“Oh! What a happy soul am I, although I cannot see, 

I am resolved that, in this world, contented I will be. 

How many blessings I enjoy, that other people don’t. 

To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.”

And do you know what? .... She didn’t.

ACTION POINT:

How can you apply this truth to your life today? 

How can you share this truth with someone else?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers