October 18, 2024

Rewards for Believers

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”  2 Corinthians 5:10

Believers will stand before Christ for the rewards that He will graciously give according to the life lived for Him. This is the promised crowns, the promised recognition, the moment when you and I are thankful for standing firm for the name of Jesus and the rejection of self for the glory of God’s Kingdom. We live today in the constant light of our future rewards.

It is easier to be faithful to God and to stand firm for the truths of Scripture in opposition, threats, and persecution when we keep in mind that we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Let’s pray today that we may be faithful giving honor and glory to our Lord in all we say and do.

October 17, 2024

Trials No More

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

There is no comparing our earthly trials with the heavenly reward awaiting those who long for Christ’s return. The burden of affliction is not easy for you, but it will not last forever. The scars of sorrow may weigh heavy on your heart, but it will soon be forgotten. Jesus is coming for His church, for you who believe, and until then you can find comfort in longing for the glories of Heaven.

Sometimes it is good to pause and remind ourselves that our trials are only temporary and they can not subdue us forever. Each day we age, and each day we are drawing closer to the time when Jesus returns and trials will be no more.

Let’s pray today for those struggling with trials, that they may find comfort in their coming Lord.

October 16, 2024

Victory by Christ

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

The greatest enemy we all face is death, but even in that we who die in Christ will victoriously live again. What can possibly defeat the believer who trusts in Jesus Christ? Nothing can have victory over the simple faith of the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ because His victory over all sin, even death, is our victory.

We fall, we fail, we sin, but the victory that saves us is not by us, it’s by Christ. When we know that our righteousness is unacceptable but the righteousness of our Savior is a free gift of faith, it’s easier to rise from our failures for forgiveness.

Let’s pray today for those who are discouraged by their own shortcomings that they will find hope in Christ’s victories.

October 15, 2024

Glorified Body

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Enoch walked so close with God that he strolled into Heaven without dying, and some of us may too, soon! When our Lord returns for His church we who have not died will be as Enoch and Elijah and bypass the experience of death. Above ground or not, we who believe will be translated from mortal to immortality and then we’ll have our glorified body.

At the resurrection of the saved our earthly bodies will be left behind as we rise to eternity with our Lord and our saved loved-ones. It’s a mystery until we know what it fully means on the day of that change, but we can look forward to it.

Let’s pray today for those distraught with the difficulties of life in mortal body to look toward the glorious day!

October 14, 2024

Salvation in Eden

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22

If it weren’t for Adam you wouldn’t have to die, but if it weren’t for Jesus you wouldn’t have life, now and forever. So don’t lament that Adam and Eve sinned, but rejoice that Jesus stepped into human history as our Savior!  When Adam yielded to Satan’s temptation and brought the separation of sin into our world, you and I were not without hope because of Jesus Christ.

The signs of these times are not meant to tell us that things are falling apart, but they are telling us that things are falling into place. Take comfort in knowing that the plan of redemption from the creation of the world is in full forward motion.

Let’s pray today that unbelievers will consider that God planned for their salvation back in Eden.

October 13, 2024

Overcoming Trials

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

My trials are not yours and yours are not mine, but neither of us can be overwhelmed beyond Christ’s overcoming grace. Satan can not and will not single you out with any type of newly devised trial or super temptation that is unmatched by the thoroughness of the Savior’s grace. Whatever circumstances you face, Jesus is always your Way to cope and to escape.

The Lord Jesus Christ is not unfamiliar with the trials and temptations that assail our humanity by the Enemy of our souls. Thankfully, our very Savior has victoriously withstood the same kinds of sins we face and His grace is freely ours.

Let’s pray today for those bearing overwhelming burdens to turn to the Savior.

October 12, 2024

Calvary’s Grace

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

The message of Calvary is scoffed at by those who know they can’t refute its power in a believer’s lives. The transformation that the gospel brings to a sinner seeking forgiveness is too often an affront to those seeking affirmation for their own sinful choices. Seeing changes in another is undeniable evidence that the message of Calvary’s cross is true and its grace is able to save.

If we are free with communicating our praise of the Lord’s mercy and blessings in our lives, those who hunger for Christ will be attracted to our testimony. Those who are uninterested in things of God will turn from us just as they have turned from Christ.

Let’s pray today that our testimony for our Lord will bring conviction that Calvary’s grace is true.