Moving Forward Into the New Year

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” Hosea 6:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

On this New Year’s Eve, you may be wondering what is going to happen. Years ago, some men were on a leaky old ship in the middle of a rough and stormy sea. One of them asked the captain, “Are we safe?”  He said, “Well, the boilers are weak and may explode at any moment. The ship is taking on water. To be very honest with you, we may go up, or we may go down, but at any rate, we are going on.”

And that’s the way we are as we face this new year. Jesus may come; we may go up. We may die, and go down and then up, but at any rate, we are going on.

ACTION POINT:

Reflecting on this past year, allow the Holy Spirit to invade your heart, convicting and drawing you to Himself. Ask for wisdom, courage, and faith to continue on, whatever happens this next year!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Eternity . . .

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Your soul, made in the image of God, will exist forever. I think Billy Sunday, the evangelist, said it this way: “Imagine a little bird taking a grain of sand and flying to a distant planet. It would take him a million years to fly to that distant planet. Then he would drop that grain of sand. Then the little bird would fly back to the earth taking another million years. He gets another grain of sand and flies back to the distant planet.

“Back and forth, back and forth it goes. When he will have transplanted every speck of earth to that distant planet, it will only be breakfast time in eternity.”

Your soul will go on, and on, and on.

ACTION POINT:

Where do you plan on spending eternity? Where do your loved ones plan on spending it? If you don’t know, ask them today and get their salvation on the right side of eternity.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Speak A Blessing-Change A Life

22 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

23 "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 

25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 

26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 

27 "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." - Numbers 6:22-27

You are blessed, so bless others!

This is a wonderful time of the year for most but for some it's the loneliest time of the year.

The season evokes pangs of agony for those who have lost loved ones.

For those who deal with loneliness, this time of year seems to increase that feeling to such a level they just can't cope.

Pray for God to open our eyes to really see those who suffer.

The greatest blessing is to love one another!!

The Lake of Fire

And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:15

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." - Revelation 21:8

31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. - Matthew 12:31-32

28 "Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter,

29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"- - Mark 3:28-29

"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. - Acts 7:51

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? - Hebrews 10:29

Definition of blasphemy:

Defiant irreverence 

There are those who believe Christ alone saves man's soul from an eternity in Hell!

There are those who do not believe!

Salvation is open to all but the one whom commits blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the One who prompts you to fall on your knees and beg for forgiveness.

He is the One who is gently convicting you that you are in sin.

It's not your heart or mind that leads to repentance but that sweet small voice.

It might come from the depths of despair.

It might come from your searching for what's right and wrong in your life.

When Christ died, He told of the coming Helper, the Holy Spirit. 

We know of the term the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

We know that these refer to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. 

God is merciful, He sent Christ who brings grace and forgiveness!

Christ is obedient to His Father, even unto death which brought salvation for all who believe in the power of His Resurrection!

Christ died, He sent the Holy Spirit as our helper and our hope!!

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved-

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:4-10

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

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. - John 14:16-17

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. - John 14:26

"But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. - John 15:26

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;

10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. - John 16:7-15

Be an Encourager

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Someone has well said that discouragement is a darkroom where the negatives of fear and failure are developed.

Some people are encouragers and others are discouragers. Have you ever met a discourager? They’re like a drink of water to a drowning man. They can brighten up a room by leaving it. They leave you drained and depressed.

But an encourager leaves you full and refreshed. God has cornered the market on encouragement. All encouragement comes from God. You’re never more like God than when you’re encouraging people and never more like the devil than when you are discouraging people.

ACTION POINT:

Find a needy person and enrich him; a lonely person and include him; a misunderstood person and affirm him; an undiscovered person and develop him; a failing person and restore him.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Random Acts of Christian Kindness

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great.” Luke 6:35

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I’ve seen bumper stickers that exhort us to “show random acts of kindness.”  I think that’s a good thing. And what is kindness?  It’s love in the little things.

A woman came down the aisle of a church to give her heart to Christ, and the preacher wanted to know what had impacted her life for Christ.

She said, “You did.”

The pastor said, “Well, I’d be interested to know what it was that I said that brought you to Christ.”

She said, “It was nothing you said. It was something you did. I was standing nearby when somebody criticized you very unfairly. I saw the kindness with which you responded, and I knew that your faith was real.”

ACTION POINT:

What random act of kindness can you do today that will demonstrate that your faith is real?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Investing in Others for God’s Glory

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord.” Isaiah 63:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

One time a man came into a village and asked an old man living there, “Any great men born here?” The old man said, “No, just babies.”

Great men are not born; great men are made, investing in the lives of others, sharing God’s love, and showing His mercies.

There is not a magic formula that instantly makes us sanctified. Sanctification is a process. Our calling is to be poured out into the lives of others for His glory.

ACTION POINT:

How can you show His mercies to a lost co-worker or neighbor today? Pray about it and then watch for how God provides!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

A Child Is Born

This is the mercy of God!

To send His Son, as a tiny babe, born through a miracle, to save sinful man!

Giving Christ all power to defeat Satan, death and Hell!

Jesus is the only way, there is no other!!

He took the wrath due you!

When Christ died on the cross, He called all to repentance!

Are you answering that call?

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.  - Isaiah 9:6-7

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"  - Luke 2:11-14

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, 

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high 

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." 

80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. - Luke 1:76-80

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. - Matthew 28:18

25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

27 For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. - 1 Corinthians 15:25-27

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. - Deuteronomy 10:17

"Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day. - Nehemiah 9:32

'Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. - Jeremiah 32:17

17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! 

18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.  - Psalm 72:17-18

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. - John 14:16-19

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13

Anticipation of an Even Greater Day

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

It’s the day after Christmas. The glow on the tree is just a little dimmer because the anticipation of the day is now past. Ever feel that way about your walk with the Lord? Well, let me give you some good news, my friend. The best is yet to be!

That’s right. Christmas Day is past, but Resurrection Day is coming soon, and I don’t mean Easter. I mean the Second Coming of Our Lord is imminently on the horizon.

He is coming again. And that’s not just “a nice thing;” that’s a rock-ribbed truth! Jesus is coming again!

ACTION POINT:

Write down John 14:3 on a little note, and as you say goodbye to family and friends, give them this note of encouragement.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Greatest Gift of Love

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Christmas is spelled L-O-V-E.  What is the Christmas message?  John 3:16. God gave us the gift of love on Christmas Day.

It is truly said, “What the world needs now is love.” I need it. You need it. Your spouse needs it. Your child needs it. An elderly man or woman sitting alone in a nursing home today needs it. A child abandoned and alone in a children’s home needs it, too.

God sent His one and only Son as the Savior. He knew we couldn’t save ourselves. So He sent His Son to be born in a manger, to die on a cross, to rise again into glory, and to come again to redeem His church.

ACTION POINT:

Where are you spending your Christmas day? Maybe you can spare a few minutes with your family and friends to share His gift of love with someone who is all alone today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Boldly Proclaiming Good Tidings of Great Joy

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The angel said that we have received “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” God wants this message known around the world.

Now I know that you may not be a preacher, but you can be a “reach-er”! What would happen if every believer went out into their neighborhood and said, “Jesus is Lord!” How will the world know if we don’t tell them? Oh, we need to be bold for Jesus.

The skies are going to split open, and the trumpet is going to sound. The dead in Christ will rise, and the angels will once again be heard! “He’s returned!” The Savior born in a manger will return as a Monarch to rule and to reign!

ACTION POINT:

Are you joyfully sharing the Good News of Christ this Christmas? Will you be bold and share His Good News with someone today?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Held in His Hand

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” 1 John 3:1

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

You are rich! Jesus became the Son of Man that we might become sons of God. We are saved because of the grace of Christmas. That is not rhetoric—that is reality!

A little boy was talking about eternal security and said, “I am held in His hand.”

A cynic responded, “What if you slip through His hands?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” the boy replied, “I’m one of His fingers.”

You are rich, my friend.

ACTION POINT:

Amidst all the materialism that sometimes chokes out the true meaning of Christmas, take some time to share this Good News with someone today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

But He Made Himself of No Reputation

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Jesus came in a manger for you and for me. He willingly left the glories and riches of heaven to be born in a stable.

Jesus became poor so that we might become rich. He lived a life of such abject poverty that when He had to pay taxes, He had to look for a coin in a fish’s mouth. When He sent out His disciples, He told them to take nothing but a staff and the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 6:7-9). He was put to death like a common criminal so that we could wear a royal robe!

Child of God, you are rich! I am rich! Praise God!

ACTION POINT:

Read Philippians 2:6-11 with your family or friends today as a Christmas devotional. Spend time praising God for His Son, Jesus.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Loneliness During The Holidays

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” Psalm 116:8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

I believe that the holidays are the loneliest time of the year. Everywhere you look, people are told they’re supposed to be happy and they realize they’re not. They see everybody else acting happy, and they feel so lonely. Just walking down the mall can make you feel lonely.

But Jesus has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). When I’m discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I’m lonely His presence cheers me up.  When I’m worried, His presence calms me down. And when I am tempted, His presence will help me out.

ACTION POINT:

Write down the last portion of this devotional thought and personalize it. Now use it as a prayer of faith and trust.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Every Step You Take

I just heard the most beautiful song about comforting those who suffer the death of loved ones.

We all will face it.

There is no escape.

The song said "the greatest gift was knowing that you are with the Prince of Peace, the Son of God."

Our God is able!!

To those who do not have that assurance, listen to these words of hope.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:8

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  - Psalm 23:4

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  - Isaiah 43:1-2

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  - Isaiah 41:10

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. - Colossians 2:13-14

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. - Acts 3:19-21

God has put His majesty right in front of your face by His marvelous creation!

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. - Romans 1:18-20

Satan Is No Joke

If you think you will not be persecuted, think again.

We are in a spiritual battle!

The prize is your eternal soul!!

Satan is an adversary who will use any means to hinder your walk!!!

The weapons you have are prayer, faith, hope and the power of God's holy word!

Many righteous have died holding onto their faith in the promises of God.

What is faith, hope in things unseen!

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. - Hebrews 11:1-3

Worthy adversary!

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 5:7-11

Flee!

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:7-8

Persecution!

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. - Acts 14:22

3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. - 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 3:12-15

The question for you!!

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." - Matthew 16:26-28

The word of God stands eternally!!

7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. 

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.  - Isaiah 40:7-8

11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:11-12

God’s Provision, A Living Testimony

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

What is it about your life that you cannot explain apart from God? Do you know that’s the only part of you that is believable? Let me illustrate. If your neighbor can explain you, then you are just like him—only you’re religious.

Friend, your life as a religious person is not going to convince him of the power of God. But when he sees God supernaturally meeting your needs, then, you’re going to be believable.

ACTION POINT:

How is your life radiating the light of our Lord in your neighborhood? Invite your neighbors over for a night of fellowship and share with them the Good News of the divine birth of Jesus.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

It is the unbelievable, supernatural replenishment that awakens the world to see the mighty power of God. Jesus demonstrated, once with a crowd of 5,000 and again with a crowd of 4,000, that He is the God who provides (see Matthew 14:14-21, 15:32-38).

When the most “responsible” thing to do, in human terms, was to ask the multitudes to find their own food, Jesus turned to the supernatural power of God. Moved with compassion, He confidently told the disciples to begin feeding the multitudes.

Jesus never wavered in His complete and utter trust in Jehovah Jireh.

ACTION POINT:

Read the accounts of these miracles in Matthew with your family today, then ask God to fill your family with an utter and complete trust in Jehovah Jireh.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Rejoicing at the Lord's Table

BIBLE MEDITATION:

Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.” John 21:12a

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Is Satan whispering that God is not for you in your daily battles? Is he whispering lies that God is going to erase your name from the book of life for something you’ve done, yet repented over?

Satan never had it so wrong! And Jesus never had it so right!

Salvation in Christ is not a funeral, but a feast! The Bible is a continual feast from Genesis right through to Revelation. Covenant meals and meals of fellowship are frequent occurrences in Scripture. Our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, has given many examples of His open invitation to be replenished and restored, to remember, and to rejoice at His table.

ACTION POINT:

Call your family or Bible Study group together this week and celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Take time to remember the powerful promise of His resurrection, replenishment, and restoration.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Recognize the Devil’s Lies and Claim the Promises of God

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The devil wants you to live your life from an empty cup. He wants you to think that God’s cup of grace has dried up for you. He wants you to be disenchanted with God. Most especially, he wants you to feel that God is a cosmic killjoy…that God is always thinking of ways to rob you of joy and peace. Satan knows that if you start to feel negatively about God, then he can have his way with you in other areas.

Take courage. Be strong. Jesus has won the victory for you! Send those lies back to the pit where they came from and claim the promises of God.

ACTION POINT:

Wish someone the peace and joy of the Lord today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

For Thou Art With Me

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

There’s nothing, my friend, that will bring you more face-to-face with God than going through the dark valleys of life. When you are there, you are going to cling to His garments and hold onto His hand. You won’t stray far from the fold in the dark.

Do you believe that He is with you? The ultimate Sovereign is your loving Savior. You will not have to cross Jordan alone. You will not appear before the judgment of the Holy God alone. You are not going to die alone.

           

ACTION POINT:

What a joyful promise! You are not alone! Write these words on a card and post it in a place where you can see it all the time:

“I am not alone. God is with me.”

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

The Lord Ever-Present

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The One who created the valley is there with you! He has prepared the way through the valley. It is not a place of permanence, but a place of passage. He knows every twist and turn, every changing shadow, every den where danger lurks—that One is with you!

Focus on the light and not the darkness. God has made you to walk through shadows. When the shadow approaches, you must walk through. The One greater than death is in you! He is your Jehovah-Shammah—the Lord ever-present. His grace is greater. His peace is purer. His devotion is dearer. Where Satan casts a shadow, our Sovereign Lord reigns supreme.

ACTION POINT:

This is a day of hope. Meditate on 1 John 4:4 throughout the day and ask God to give you a divine appointment to share this beloved truth with someone today.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Light Of Hope In A Dark World

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”  Isaiah 9:2

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Imagine being in a cave without a flashlight. Can you see any shadows? You cannot even see your hand! Shadows are only visible in the presence of light.

Regardless of how dark, how large, how absolutely ominous a shadow appears, it is only there because there is light. David says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Why? Because “Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

Jesus has taken the sting out of sin and the fear out of the grave. He has empowered us with the Holy Spirit to give us confidence that He will always be with us and watch over us.

ACTION POINT:

There are many today who are grieving because of a loss—the loss of a loved one, a job, a wayward child.  Pray for them. Send them a note of hope and include 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Worthy Are You Our Lord and God

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."  - Revelation 4:11

It's too wonderful!

It's too deep for the human to grasp!!

We don't have a clue who this great and awesome being is that we serve!!!

1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."

2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.

3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.

5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,

6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 

7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.

8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" 

9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."  - Revelation 4

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  - Isaiah 43:1-2

10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 

11 I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. 

12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and I am God.  - Isaiah 43:10-12

Burdens And Trials A Necessity?

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

A man had a grandfather clock. One day he felt sorry for the grandfather clock because it had a weight on it. And that weight was always pulling on the clock.

The man said, “Oh, Mr. Clock, you’ve held this weight so long, I’m going to remove it and let you rest.”

The clock protested, saying, “Don’t take that weight from me. That’s what keeps me going.”

In the same way, the trials and tests of life are there for your endurance. They’re to keep you going, keep you trusting, keep you praying, and keep you depending upon God.

ACTION POINT:

When was the last time you shared with someone that they needed to be thankful for their trials? When was the last time you told yourself? 

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Off the Defense and Onto the Offense

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If I had to identify the major misconception about believers today, it would be that they spend too much time getting out of trouble with God, instead of getting into righteousness!

We are living on the defensive instead of the offensive. We need to move beyond the defensive line of Christianity, and move on to the offense—advancing the Kingdom, fulfilling the Great Commission, and telling others about Jesus. Our Shepherd will never lead us where His strength cannot keep us. He will never lead us down a path that He hasn’t first walked down Himself.

ACTION POINT:

Are you sharing His love and words of salvation with someone who’s lost? If not, begin today to move beyond your comfort zone and see the hand of God move.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Listening for His Voice

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Hearken unto Me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of My mouth.” Proverbs 7:24

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The United States Government doesn’t teach Treasury agents to detect counterfeit bills by having them study fakes. They show these agents real dollars over and over and over until they have the pattern memorized. Then when a counterfeit is put in front of them, they recognize it instantly because it doesn’t fit the pattern their eyes are looking for.

Do you know the voice of the Lord? The only way you can be sure that it is His voice you are hearing is to hear it so often that a stranger’s voice is instantly recognizable. It is far wiser to spend time learning the One True Voice than it is trying to learn to detect a multitude of false voices.

ACTION POINT:

Spend at least 15 minutes today being silent before God and listening for His voice.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Hurting You To Heal You

Discipline:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?

10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. - Hebrews 12:1-13

The Goal:

14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. - Hebrews 12:14-17

The reward:

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest

19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.

20 For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."

21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,

23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.

26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."

27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken-that is, things that have been made-in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

29 for our God is a consuming fire. - Hebrews 12:18-29

Follow Someone with a Limp

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Someone has said, “If you are looking for a leader to follow, find someone with a limp.” The wounded in life are those who have learned difficult lessons through suffering. Do not resist the Shepherd’s rod of correction.

Is the wounding painful? Indeed. Does it seem that you will not be able to bear it? Most certainly. Then why would He subject us to such pain? Because you have a Father who loves you so much that He is willing to hurt you to heal you. What you need to focus on is not your pain, but your Savior. God didn’t save you to take you to heaven. That’s a fringe benefit. God saved you to make you holy—as He is holy.

ACTION POINT:

Read Hebrews 12:1-13. What application can you make from this passage for your life today?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Free to Choose

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.” Psalm 25:12

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

You are free to choose. You are not free, however, not to choose. After you make a choice, your choice chooses for you.

There are consequences for your choices—always. If you choose to step off the roof of a ten-story building, you are not then free to choose the consequence of your choice. Your choice has chosen for you.

What if you make a bad choice? What is God’s reaction? First, He is in control. Your choices will not take Him by surprise. Thanks to God, He can prevail over our bad choices to restore us into fellowship with Himself!

ACTION POINT:

Have you made a choice in your past that has brought you consequences reverberating even today? Share this insight with someone who is younger in the faith than you.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Burn The House Down

6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. KJV Gen.6:6

Definition of repent

To change, to go in another direction

You live in a house of sin.

You were born into it.

It was your heritage from first man Adam who sinned in the garden.

That house must be destroyed!

Burn it to the ground!

What awaits is a new life in Christ and His forgiveness!

The old house is just a charred shell, just ruins that are not worthy for living in.

Let your new creation be filled with the Lord.

When God saw man was evil, he had regret.

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

You can become a new creation in Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Let Jesus Lead the Way

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Who knows you better than the One who created you? Who cares more for you than the One Who died for you? Who leads you more carefully than the One Who knows the end from the beginning? There is no greater picture of courage than the picture of Jesus Christ—the Savior Who lays down His life. You can know security because the One Who loves you is compassionate, caring, and courageous. Jesus knows you. He cares for you. He wants to lead you into the abundant life.

ACTION POINT:

Are you willing to lay down your life for the sake of the Lord?

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Dependence on God—A Witness of His Power

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

If you’re like most people, you don’t realize your dependency on God until you’re burned out from stress—either self-induced or caused by circumstances beyond your control.

Why is that?

Paul says it’s because we are fragile. But he doesn’t stop there. He says that God made us this way so that His power may be known through us!

Maybe someone told you, “Oh, just tie a knot and hang on!” Sometimes God wants us to let go of the rope because it is keeping us tied down to our destructive habits. We are totally dependent on God so that the love of His Son may be made known to the world.

ACTION POINT:

Get a piece of rope and tie a knot in it. Let it sit on your desk this week as a reminder that God is more than just a knot at the end of the rope. He is the Savior of the World!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Omnipotent God—Held by His Love and Grace

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 24

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Have you fussed and fumed through life’s challenges, wondering if the Sovereign Creator of the Universe was on vacation? I have a message for you: The God who hung the stars, the God who poured the oceans, the God who raised the mountains, the God who knew you before you were knit together in your mother’s womb, this sovereign God is your Savior. He is your King, and He is in control.

When you are plucked from the depths of sin, you are placed in the very hand of God! You can’t climb up into the hand of God; you are placed into the hand of God. Hallelujah! Our efforts didn’t get us there. His grace placed us there. And His love will keep us there forever.

ACTION POINT:

Read Psalm 139 and rejoice in the truth that God has created you and will make a way for you!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Jesus Is Victorious Over All

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“For He hath put all things under His feet. . .” 1 Corinthians 15:27

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

Praise God! The story has a happy ending! He is risen! Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God at this very moment, interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:34). And His prayers are always answered. When the problems of your life are over your head, remember they are under His feet. Where is His head? It is in the heavenlies, interceding for you. Where are your problems? Under His feet. Jesus is alive and waiting in the wings to return for you!

ACTION POINT:

Is there someone in your life who is struggling? Write them a note of encouragement and use Romans 8:34 as a closing verse of hope.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Jesus Wept

Jesus wept. - John 11:35

When Jesus arrived and saw Mary weeping over Lazarus, he was overcome with sorrow. 

Jesus loved that family.

They were His friends.

This Savior of all believers, wholly man and wholly God, wept.

He saw that the end result of sin was death. 

He knew all people were condemned to death.

He knew the people were in need of a Savior.

He knew that people must obey and repent.

He knew the sorrow that death would cause.

Never forget that Christ offers you eternal life through His death on the cross.

On that cross, He took your sin and mine, receiving all Gods wrath that rightly belonged to us.

We think we know compassion, but we don't.

God has shown compassion to the lost.

God has shown mercy to those who are so undeserving.

God sent a perfect spotless lamb, serving as a sacrifice, for sinful man.

How can you turn your back on such a gift?

The True Depth of the Savior’s Love

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father.” John 10:18

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The true depth of the Savior’s love becomes apparent when you consider an important truth—Jesus Christ is the only person who ever chose to die.

“But, what about kamikaze pilots in World War II? What about soldiers who, having heard the ominous ‘click’ of a land mine, stood still until their buddies could scurry to safety?”

They didn’t choose to die in the final sense of the word; they only chose when to die. You and I, and everyone yet to be, will die eventually. But there was only One who did not have to die. Nails didn’t hold our Savior to the tree. Silver cords of love and golden bonds of redemption held Him there.

ACTION POINT:

Read Psalm 22, 23, and 24 and rejoice in the provision, protection, and providence of the Good Shepherd!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

Working All Things Together and Toward His Return

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

God has not promised you smooth sailing, but He has promised you a safe landing. He has a purpose in allowing every circumstance into your life. You can bank on this: He’ll see you to the shore in every storm of life.

Andrew Murray said, “God is willing to assume the full responsibility for the life totally yielded to Him.” One of these days your destiny will be fulfilled. And soon and very soon, He is going to step down from the mountain of His glory, and the trumpet will sound. Our little ship will leave the sea of time, and immediately we’ll be on the shores of eternity.

When He comes, He’s coming for you! He’s coming for me!

First Thessalonians 4:16-18 tells us to comfort one another with these words of Christ’s return:

 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

ACTION POINT:

Do you have a Christian friend who is troubled today? Comfort him or her with this hope.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

No One Knows Your Needs Better...

BIBLE MEDITATION:

 “. . . for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.” Matthew 6:32

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

St. Augustine once said that we were created with a “God-shaped” void.

I agree.

Only God can meet the deepest longings of our hearts. There is nothing that can satisfy apart from your relationship with Him. 

But it's not because He is a heavy-handed dictator forcing you to accept life the way He dishes it out!  Who knows what will satisfy your deepest needs better than the One who made you? As your Creator, He can see what your needs are going to be tomorrow and ten years from tomorrow. Don’t you think He knows what you need today?

ACTION POINT:

What do you need today? Notice I’m not asking, "What do you want?” but "What do you need?" Does your Father know what that is? Then trust that He will provide.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers

True Satisfaction Is Found in the Lord

BIBLE MEDITATION:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

The Scottish-born naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, John Muir, once had a conversation with railroad magnate and industrialist E. H. Harriman.

“I’m richer than you are,” declared Muir to the railroad baron.

“And how is that true?” responded Harriman.

“Because you don’t have all you want — and I do. Therefore I am richer than you,” answered Muir.

Well, perhaps these two men were playing word games with one another. We don’t know if either man was truly satisfied with his life, but there's one thing of which I’m certain. Our search for satisfaction will not be found at the end of the rainbow in a pot of gold. It can only be found in Jesus.

ACTION POINT:

What satisfies you today? Is it the things you own? Your relationships? Your job? Ask the Lord to fill you with the source of lasting satisfaction—Himself!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers