Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Goodness and mercy will pursue you all the days of your life. That’s what the word “follow” literally means in Psalm 23:6—to pursue. Jesus pursued you with His call of salvation, and He will continue to pursue you. His goodness and mercy are like two sheep dogs that follow the flock to assure that there is safe journey to the Shepherd’s final destination. How many times have you questioned God’s provision in your life and wondered if He really cared for you? Well, there's no question here. It says surely, not hopefully. Yes, you and I will stumble, but He will pick us up.

ACTION POINT:

How would you live differently today if you knew that grace and mercy were going to follow your every step? How would you treat others?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Evil Is A Spiritual Term In The Physical World

Evil definition, extreme moral wickedness, corrupt, depraved

The bible says: And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. - 2 Chronicles 12:14

By the mere definition of evil, I would say that it most definitely correlates to sin.

Why? What is sin? Rebellion against God. So if evil is corruption or wickedness, wouldn't that be sin?

Sin drives you to corruption. 

Man had sin from his very beginning.

But where did evil and sin come from?

I think we first heard of evil and sin when Lucifer, in Heaven, wanted to be God.

God cast him out for his sin.

He continues to battle on Earth for souls.

Satan is already defeated by Christ!!!

12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 

13 You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' 

15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.  - Isaiah 14:12-15

12 "Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 

13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. 

14 You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. 

15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. 

16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 

17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. 

18 By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you.  - Ezekiel 28:12-18

4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 

5 Who determined its measurements-surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 

6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 

7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?  - Job 38:4-7

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" 

2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden,

3 but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'"

4 But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.

5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

9 But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"

10 And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."

11 He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?"

12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."

13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

14 The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.  - Genesis 3:1-14

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. - Ephesians 6:12

7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison

8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.

9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them,

10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. - Revelation 20:7-10

God’s Providence

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land.” Psalm 37:34

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

We talk about providence, but what is providence? 

Providence means to see ahead of time and to make provision. This is what God does. He sees events before they ever get here and moves everything toward the goal that He has in mind. 

Now there is a lot of evil in the world, so don’t get the idea that everything that happens is God’s will. Rape is not God’s will. Murder is not God’s will. Racial hatred is not God’s will. Adultery is not God’s will. Sodomy is not God’s will. 

Man has a will and man has an evil heart. And in God’s grand design, He gave man a free will. Even when man does evil, where God does not rule, God overrules. 

ACTION POINT:

Read Psalm 37. Find a brother or sister in the Lord and discuss the presence of evil in this world and the providence of God in the lives of His children. Read Psalm 37:4. What is God calling you to do?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Seed

The word, by the power of God and through the death and the raising of Christ from the dead, brings life to all who believe and are obedient to God.

There are no other ways for our justification, salvation and forgiveness!!



10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.

14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. - Luke 8:10-15

14 The sower sows the word.

15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.

16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.

17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word,

19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." - Mark 4:14-20

21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.

24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. - James 1:21-25

The Lord Will Sustain You

"Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.  - Job 14:1

It starts almost the day we’re born. We’re born crying, and from there it just goes on and on. We have burdens. If you don’t have burdens, the problem is you’re probably not a thinking person. But I want to tell you today what to do with your burdens.

David wrote, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” David was a king; he was wealthy. What do we learn from this? That burdens come to the high as well as to the low. They come to saints as well as sinners. They come to the old as well as the young. What do we do with our burdens? We have to cast them upon the Lord,

Do you have a broken heart?  Has one of your children ripped your heart out? Is there a husband who has forsaken you? A physical malady gnawing away at your body? Is there a problem perplexing you? The Bible says you are to cast your burden upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22). He will sustain you.

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.  - Psalm 55:22

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Emptiness Found In Greed

For many, money has become their God!

Their every waking moment is spent on how to "close the deal"!

Money gets them things!

But, do things really make you happy?

I'm not speaking of food, clothes, and shelter!

These are necessities!

Big difference between a want and a need, have you learned it?

When life is almost done and you are about to face God, will it be things you think of?

Will you want to go on one last shopping trip?

Will you want to close the last deal?

Will you want to drive your sporty car one more time?

The things we so often strive for simply will not matter!!!

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah  - Psalm 49:15

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. 

18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed -and though you get praise when you do well for yourself- 

19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. 

20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.  - Psalm 49:17-20

10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 

11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. 

12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 

13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 

14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.  - Psalm 49:10-14

What Is Success?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

You’ve heard it said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” Is that success? Having your dreams come true? Getting all you want? Earning enough money so that you never have to work again? 

May I tell you what success is? And I say this without equivocation. Success is the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. That’s what it is. 

It’s not how much money you have. It’s not how famous you are. It’s not how healthy you are. It’s not how many friends you have or how many toys you have acquired. Success is nothing more, nothing less, than the progressive realization of the will of God for your life. 

ACTION POINT:

Do you want to know God’s will? Do you want your heart’s desire to come true?

Read Micah 6:8. What does God require of you? 

Read Psalm 37:4. What is God calling you to do?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Living by Promises Not Explanations

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” Matthew 6:8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

According to an article, Henry Ford asked some engineers to box the transmissions for his Model-T Fords in certain sized boxes. He gave meticulous dimensions and material instructions for these boxes. The builders were confused, but they did as they were told. 

When the transmissions were delivered, the factory workers took apart the boxes and used them for the floorboards! Mr. Ford was thinking ahead! 

That’s what God does. He knows what we need even before we ask Him. We may not understand all of His ways, just like those workers who were boxing up the transmissions did not understand. 

We do not live by our understanding; we live by His promises. 

ACTION POINT:

Is there something happening in your life right now that you don’t understand? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and trust in the promise that He will direct your path.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Who Do We Think We Are?

It really only matters that we know we were created by a holy God who has great mercy toward us. 

We really need to know that apart from God, we can do nothing!

He alone gives us our knowledge.

We really need to know that we are doomed to Hell without the salvation offered to man by God through Christ!!

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:6-8

God's Sorrow

5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. - Genesis 6:5-6

Merciful God

20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"

21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory-

24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? - Romans 9:20-24

God's will

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!

15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. - Romans 9:14-18

Ungrateful Man

7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,

8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. - James 3:7-10

The Right Additude

13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." - Luke 18:13-14

The Master’s Feet

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7

I read about a man whose dog was swimming. The man called the dog to go home. The dog was having such a great time, he wouldn’t come. So the man picked up a stick and threw it in the water. When the dog saw the stick, he instinctively swam to the stick, put it in his mouth, came back, and laid it at his master’s feet.

I wonder if the burden you have has been given to you by God to cause you to come to His feet. Maybe He’s called you other ways, but you wouldn’t come. Maybe the burden is what God is using to bring you to your Master’s feet. But thank God we can cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.

What burden weighs upon your heart today? Did you know that we have a high priest, the Lord Jesus, who, the Bible says, is not high and mighty and aloof, but one who can relate to our sufferings and understand them, for He Himself knew the greatest pain, suffering—and loss. Read Hebrews 4:15, then cast your cares upon Him today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

What Is Justification?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“…and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What does it mean to be justified? It means to be declared righteous. 

Justification is not being good, though being good gives God glory. When you put your faith where God put your sins—on the Lord Jesus Christ—then God stamps “righteous” over your name in His “Book of Life.” 

It’s not because of what you have done or ever can do, but because of His justification. 

No court on earth can justify anybody. But what God does is take a guilty person and not only give that guilty person a pardon, but He makes that guilty person just as if he had never sinned. That’s justification. 

ACTION POINT:

If you lived every moment believing in the justification that God has given you, how would your faith be strengthened? Would you be more vocal about the gift of God’s love?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Day of Reckoning

We live in the days of free will. 

God has given man this gift where with, either you will follow Christ, God's Son or deny Him!

One group, the sheep, being blessed to everlasting peace and the other group, the goats, cursed to everlasting fire.

There is no, in between place, only heaven or hell!!!

Because of mercy, God has made a way for man to be reconciled to Him.

Jesus, in complete obedience, came to fulfill God's plan, knowing that it meant death on a cross.

He counted himself as worth nothing, but was truly worth everything to those who believe on Him!!!

For us, it is a living gift of mercy!!!

Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world-to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." - John 18:37

23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.

24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,

25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,

27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

28 for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.' 

29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

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." - Acts 17:23-31

31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.'

44 Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?'

45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'

46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." - Matthew 25:31-46

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. - Colossians 2:8-10

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. - Colossians 2:12

by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. - Colossians 2:14

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:5-11

Your worth:

7 Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, 

8 for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, 

9 that he should live on forever and never see the pit.  - Psalm 49:7-9

To Be “in Christ Jesus”

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What does it mean to be “in Christ Jesus?” First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, “put pitch on the inside and on the outside” (Genesis 6:14). The word “pitch” in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God’s wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God’s wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.

ACTION POINT:

Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God’s love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Christians Are We Shooting The Wounded

Why is it that we run from the ones who are the deepest in sin?

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." - Mark 2:17

You are a witness!!

Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind." - John 9:39

Wicked people can be saved!!

Look at Paul!!

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,

14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Timothy 1:12-17

How can we share Christ without being present?

We have to be a community!

God has commanded it!!!

Invest in others!!

Pick your brother up when he falls and he will return the blessing to you when you fall!!

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  - Proverbs 17:17

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

5 For each will have to bear his own load. - Galatians 6:1-5

We are many members!!!

4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,

5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. - Romans 12:4-5

God sees your potential!!!

But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? - Romans 8:31-32

Jesus invested time!

Encourage your brother!

Have fellowship!

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. - John 3:22

Be accountable!!

Support each other!!!

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25

Thanks Pastor Kevin!!!

Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Matthew 6:5

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation. 

Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, “What may I do for you?” 

The man standing before him replied, “I’m from the telephone company. I’ve come to hook up your phone.” 

Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior’s attention comes from the heart and not from the head, “to be heard by men.” Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations. 

ACTION POINT:

Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with Him. He is waiting for you there.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Why Is There Suffering in the World?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

“If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?” 

“What kind of a God is it that has created evil?” 

Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself? 

You’re not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that’s not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is. 

God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man’s freedom meant he could make a wrong choice. 

ACTION POINT:

Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, “I love you” or “I have to love you”?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Dead To Sin, Alive To Christ

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A woman woke up one morning and noticed that she felt like she had just gone to sleep. She said, “It can’t be six o’clock in the morning!” 

But the radio said it was six. The clock said it was six. The sunrise said it was six. Now, I submit to you: it really didn’t matter how she felt, did it? 

Sometimes we respond the same way when it comes to our salvation. We need to get our salvation out of the realm of fickle emotions and begin to “reckon” (count on) God’s facts. 

Each morning when you wake up, begin by saying, “I am dead to sin. I am alive in Christ. I know it’s a fact. He died for me. Now I reckon it!” 

ACTION POINT:

Look up the word “reckon” in the dictionary. Are you “reckoning” yourself dead to sin and alive to Christ? If not, begin to do so today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Be Still and Know that He Is God

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I read in the newspaper about a fighter plane that fired off a weapon and was moving so fast that it overtook the bullet and shot itself down. Literally! There are a lot of folks I know doing the same thing. They are shooting themselves down. 

They don’t take time to slow down and to be still and know that God is God. They don’t take time to experience His serenity and inner quietness. Isaiah 30:15 says, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” 

How much time do we take to be quiet before the Lord? If you don’t have time to do this, you are too busy! You are going to miss life looking for it. 

ACTION POINT:

I have a question for you. Are you spending time alone with the Lord every day? If not, let this be your wake-up call.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Value of a Soul

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I was talking to a man who sold real estate and asked him, “What determines the worth of a piece of property?” 

He said, “What a person is willing to pay for it.” 

In other words, it doesn’t matter how much you paid for it yourself. It’s what another person is willing to pay to have it for himself or herself. 

That makes me want to shout! You and I must be worth something if Jesus would pay His life to have us for His own. Jesus is the proof of how much we’re worth. 

ACTION POINT:

Do you know how much you weigh? Call a jeweler or a bank today and ask how much your weight is worth in gold. Then realize there’s no comparison to your worth in blood…the blood of Jesus Christ.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

When in Doubt, Let Jesus Be Your Peace

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:31-32

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A man was in the back bedroom of his home getting dressed while his wife was in the living room talking to a friend. He called out to his wife, “Darling, is this shirt clean enough for me to wear?” 

Without hesitation she said, “No.” 

He said, “How did you know it wasn’t clean enough to wear? You didn’t even come back to look at it.” 

She answered, “If you had to ask, it wasn’t clean enough!” 

When it comes to the question of whether you should do something or not, if it’s doubtful, it’s dirty. Don’t. Unfortunately, most of us don’t give God the benefit of the doubt. We just go ahead and do it. 

ACTION POINT:

Are you in doubt about something today? If you have even the smallest doubt in your heart that it might be sin or lead to sin, be strong and choose to say “No.” He will be your peace.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Saints in God’s Sight through Christ

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Galatians 4:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Are you saved? If you are, then you are a saint. 

Now you’re probably saying, “But I can’t say that. Christ wants me to be humble.” 

But let me tell you what real humility is. It is accepting what God says about you, and God says you’re a saint. Now, that doesn’t make you sinless; it makes you blameless. In God’s sight (and that’s the only sight that counts) you are a saint. God sees you as perfect because He sees you draped in the righteousness of His Son. Glory to God for His indescribable love to us! 

ACTION POINT:

Stand in front of the mirror and say out loud, “I am a saint.” Spread the Good News to your family and friends who are saved—that they are saints, too!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Truth Shall Make You Free

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Have you ever been to a circus and seen an elephant chained to a stake in the ground? Why doesn’t he break free? Because as a young elephant he was tied to a tree. And try as he might, he couldn’t break free. Now the thought that he cannot break free is ingrained. 

How true that is of you and me who have ingrained thought patterns in our lives. We say, “I am chained to this habit and I can’t break free.” Or we say, “I’m not good enough.” All kinds of lies keep us in bondage, but real truth is what God says, not what we think. 

ACTION POINT:

Are there any strongholds in your life that keep you chained to the past? Write down these verses and memorize them. 

2 Corinthians 10:4 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;” 

Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” 

Now break free from the lies of the past as you tell yourself the truth!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

You Are Loved!

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers. Did you know that Jesus is the lover of your soul? He is. You, as part of the church, are His bride…His chosen one. 

Our Lord loves us with an infinite love, an everlasting love, and an indescribable love. 

Are you without a valentine today? Take heart…His heart. He has set His affection on you. Jesus has purchased you, not with silver or gold as a bridegroom would have in Jesus’ day, but our Lord has purchased you with the silver of His tears and with the gold of His blood.

You are loved! 

ACTION POINT:

Every time you get a Valentine or see an advertisement for Valentine’s Day or hear someone say, “Happy Valentine’s Day,” remember that Jesus is the Lover of your Soul.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Be Angry And Sin Not

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

God’s Word tells us to be “slow to wrath” (Proverbs 14:29, James 1:19). There’s nothing that will do more damage to your relationships than unwanted, unwarranted anger. If you are given to anger, let me tell you a couple of things the Bible says, and it won’t be flattering. 

First, the Bible says you are foolish. Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, “For anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” 

Second, you have a weak character. Proverbs 16:32 says, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Uncontrolled anger is like throwing a rock into a wasp nest. 

ACTION POINT:

Do you have a short fuse? If so, confess it to the Lord. Don’t let Satan get a stronghold in your life. If you get angry today, ask yourself, “What need is not being met?” Give that need to the Lord.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Praying At All Times

There is a war going on. 

This war is against everything righteous! 

This revolt is led by evil spirits which indwell wicked man.

The perpetrator is Satan along with his demons.

They are real!

They entice men to commit evil deeds. 

They whisper deceit to pastors to mislead the people.

They will try to change your beliefs.

They will twist the very word of God.

They will destroy your family and your marriage.

They will prey upon you and bring you to do things you never imagined.

If you do not believe me, just look around and see the path of destruction.

Civil unrest, murders, missing people, disasters, terror threats, rapes and all other manner of disrespect and unrighteousness. 

Satan is out to claim the world one unrepentant sinner at a time.

But, you see there is hope! 

You must trust Christ for salvation!

You must study the word of God!!!

Keep it in your mind and heart.

Share it with others!!!

Test what comes from the mouth of teachers.

Christ has conquered Satan!

The battle has been won!!

God is on His throne!!

Christ holds the keys to death and Hell.

He is coming again to claim His people.

Are you ready?

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. - Ephesians 6:11-20

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-

27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. - Romans 16:25-27

2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. - 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last,

18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. - Revelation 1:17-18

9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. - Romans 6:9-10

8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. - Romans 14:8-9

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 2:14-18

Our Living Hope

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by him this man is standing before you well.

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." - Acts 4:10-12

To Tell The Truth

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

When I was in college, I pastored a little church 130 miles away. One night as I was driving back home, I realized one of my headlights was out. I was hoping I wouldn’t get stopped when a highway patrolman pulled me over. 

He said, “Son, did you know one of your headlights is out?” 

I replied, “One of my headlights is out?” 

He said, “Son, you’d better get that fixed.” 

I said, “Yes, sir.” 

When I got back in the car, the Holy Spirit said, “Adrian, you lied.” 

I said, “No, I didn’t lie. I told the truth.” 

He said, “You lied.” 

If there is any area in your heart that is not based on truth, you’ve made the devil a home. 

ACTION POINT:

I want you to play a game of catch today, but this will only involve one person – you! When temptation urges you to lie, catch yourself and tell the truth.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

What Is Your Top Priority?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” Psalm 35:9.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Do your children believe that the most important thing to you is God? We must celebrate God in front of our children. 

Let me tell you what my children think and what they know. 

They know that their Daddy’s imperfect. They know that I love God. I wouldn’t be ashamed for you to ask them that. You can ask any one of them, “What’s the most important thing to your Dad and Mom?” They would say, “The most important thing to our parents is their relationship with God.” 

ACTION POINT:

Are you a parent? Then ask your children what they think the most important thing is to you. If they say anything other than your relationship with the Lord, make some changes in your life to reflect your top priority.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

A Legacy Of Love

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” Psalm 112:2.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A woman came to her pastor and said, “When should I start the religious training of my child? When will he be old enough? Is it too early to start at six years of age?” 

The pastor said, “No, that’s too late.” 

She said, “Well how about six months?” 

He said, “That’s too late.” 

She said, “Then when should I start?” 

He said, “With his grandparents.” 

We can live for our grandchildren; we can live for our great-grandchildren. The greatest gift you can give your children is to teach them to worship the Lord, to love the Lord, and to serve the Lord at any age. 

ACTION POINT:

If you are a grandparent, share what God has taught you about His grace and faithfulness in your life. And share what God has taught you about worshipping Him and serving others.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Pain Of Living Life

Pain! 

Our mortal bodies and minds feel it!!

It's something that is not pleasant! 

It is something that God uses to mold you to His will.

It builds our faith!

During your times of crisis, people will wonder what you have that they don't and it will lead to an opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ.

It allows us to minister to others!

It builds our trust in God who see all things!

Pain brings you closer to God.

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;  - Job 42:5

We can comfort others.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Pain shows you just what is important.

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.  - Isaiah 48:10

You grow in Grace.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4

All manner of suffering will make you more like Jesus.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Romans 8:28-29

Thanks Mary for the verse references!

Who You Are In Christ

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The key to living a victorious Christian life is to discover who you are in Christ. Many Christians have never discovered this. They remind me of the man who had an identity problem and an energy crisis at the same time. He didn’t know who he was and he was too tired to find out. 

God doesn’t work from the outside in. He works from the inside out. God doesn’t modify our behavior in order to change us. He changes us in order to modify our behavior. 

You’re never going to purify the water by painting the pump. That’s legalism, and that’s a dead end to discovering who you are in Christ. 

ACTION POINT:

As you study God’s Word, start a list: begin to write down those phrases that apply to you, like the phrase “in Christ.” Now that you are “in Christ,” the phrase “no condemnation” is one you should write down!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Ministers Of Deception

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” 2 Timothy 4:3.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Did you know Satan has put his ministers all across America? On Sunday, people will come down and sit in a service, and the man in the pulpit will look like a minister, but he will be a minister of Satan. Isn’t that frightening? You need to understand that Satan is not against religion. He’s always wanted to be like God. His temptation to you is not to be ungodly, but to try to be like God, but in Satan’s way. Satan is the master of deception. 

Matthew 24:24 says, if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect. That’s the reason we have to be discerners of truth. 

ACTION POINT:

This Sunday, don’t just sit and soak in the service. Test the message against the Word of God and apply it to your life.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Misunderstood Principle of Submission

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Submission is a term that has been grievously distorted because there are men who have used the word as a weapon to club their wives rather than as a hammer to build their homes. 

When God tells a wife to submit to her husband, He also tells the husband to love his wife “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it” (Ephesians 5:22-25). 

When God tells children to obey their parents, He also instructs the fathers to “provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). 

When God tells you to submit to Him, it is for your good (James 4:7). Jesus is the head of the church, and He leads by love. The same should be true in the home. 

ACTION POINT:

Discuss the principle of submission with your family and friends this week. Contrast what the world would say it means to submit with what God desires for us.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Just As I Am

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:6.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Do you have a “know-so” salvation? What I mean is, do you know that you are saved and have the assurance that if you died tonight, you’d spend eternity with the Lord in heaven? 

Many folks don’t have that assurance, and in some cases it is not a spiritual problem. It is a psychological problem. They cannot accept the fact that God has accepted them. 

Charlotte Elliott penned these words to a timeless hymn of assurance:

“Just as I am, without one plea, 

But that Thy blood was shed for me, 

And that Thou biddest me come to Thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!”

You are accepted just as you are. It is all grace. 

ACTION POINT:

Find the hymn “Just As I Am” and sing it to the Lord. Make it your song throughout the day when Satan tries to make you doubt God’s love and eternal gift of salvation.

Defining Your Personal Value

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Do you try to be the best or do you simply try to do your best? The perfectionist has to be the best. He has to be #1. He can’t accept himself. 

The grace of God exalts a man without inflating him, and it humbles a man without debasing him. The person who strives for excellence says, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” 

Do you value yourself by what you do or by what you are? You have a choice. You can either choose to see yourself as God sees you, or you can choose to see yourself as the world sees you. Whose opinion will you listen to today? 

ACTION POINT:

Is there someone in your life whose opinion matters deeply to you? Instead of defining who you are by their opinions, measure yourself by God’s standard in His Word.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Perfection Found In Jesus Alone

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A perfectionist in the church is a miserable person. And not only that, but he makes everybody else miserable, too. The fellowship is never sweet enough. The teacher is never prepared enough. The music is never spiritual enough, and on and on it goes. 

Jesus supplies the only perfection that we will ever attain until we get to heaven. 

It is not perfection that God is looking for in His children; it is excellence. 

God is working in you to achieve His purpose for His glory. 

ACTION POINT:

Memorize this statement, “I am worthy apart from my performance because Christ died for me and gave His life to me. My life is hidden in Him. Jesus loves me.”

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Perfectionism Is A Thief

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Did you know that your performance doesn’t make you any more or less acceptable in God’s eyes? 

If you think that God is going to accept you on the basis of your quiet time, your Bible study, or your service, you will fall into a trap of never knowing if you’ve done enough. You’ll never truly feel accepted. 

Perfectionism is a thief. It promises rewards, but it steals both joy and satisfaction. Why? Because perfection is an unattainable goal! If you are a perfectionist, you’ve set an impossible goal for yourself, and therefore you will constantly be faced with frustration and failure. 

Two things about you are true, without your “performance”—

• You are forgiven in Christ. 

• You are righteous in Christ.

ACTION POINT:

Are you a perfectionist? Ask the Holy Spirit to free you from the fear of failure. Now make a conscious decision that you can be less than perfect and still be loved by God.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

With Fear and Trembling

Christ alone is the hope for man!!

Do not listen to anyone who speaks a different gospel!!!

Obedience and will!!!

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. - Philippians 2:12-13

Salvation through Christ alone!!!

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, - Hebrews 5:9

Jesus is our gift!!

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience,

31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.

32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. - Romans 11:29-32

Seek God and repent!!

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,

10 as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; 

11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 

12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."  - Romans 3:9-12

Fear God!!

"There is no fear of God before their eyes."  - Romans 3:18

Conviction!!

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20

By mercy alone!!!

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:21-26

15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?"

20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" - Romans 9:15-20

Faith in Christ!!!

to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' - Acts 26:18

Justice, Mercy and Grace

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“...the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

There are three words that came together at Calvary:

• justice 

• mercy 

• grace

Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. 

But wait a minute; grace is more than that! It is grace that gives at great cost to the giver. It is not cheap. Grace cost the life of God’s Son. Jesus gave freely of Himself in agony and blood. 

Did you know that grace has to chase us down? If God didn’t run faster than us, we would never be saved! Grace seeks to give to vile and wicked people that which they don’t deserve and can never deserve. 

ACTION POINT:

Are you a grace-giver? Find someone today and do a favor for them – something for which they couldn’t possibly repay you. Perhaps it will even be for a stranger you will never see again.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

God’s Grace Takes the Initiative

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

When I was in the sixth grade, I wrote a love note to Joyce Louise Gentry. Then she became my bride and my beloved. Do you know, she still has that note? From that time on she began to take an interest in me. Do you know why? Because I first loved her. 

Do you know what the Bible is? It is God’s love letter to you. It is God saying to you, “I have set my eye upon you. I love you!” 

You’re not saved by doing good works. You’re not saved by joining a church. You are saved by the grace of God that said, “I love you” first. 

ACTION POINT:

• When was the last time you wrote a love letter?

• When was the last time you received one? 

• Spend some time today and write a love letter to the Lord.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers