Promise for Today - A Never-ending Story

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . we know that God raised the Lord Jesus to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 (CEV)

When the future is uncertain and there is a lot of fear, it might seem like your story is coming to an end. When life seems uncertain, remember this truth: You can’t lose! You’ll win in the end, no matter what happens. Even when you lose your life, you’re going straight into the presence of God if you believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. 

And when you arrive in heaven, your story is only just beginning.

Have you ever watched a TV show where every single episode ended in a cliffhanger and left you thinking the hero might not survive? Even though it’s just a story, the tension can feel enormous. But when all the episodes from the entire series are available to stream, you don’t feel as much tension because you know the hero survives for another six seasons. When you know the series will continue, then you know each episode is not the end of the story. The hero will make it out of a tight spot and on to the next season.

That’s how your life is. Even when you’re in a difficult circumstance, you know that the tough spot isn’t the end of your story. You can live with hope in the middle of a crisis because you have an eternal perspective.

One day, when you meet Jesus in heaven, all your pain, sickness, sorrow, sadness, stress, and grief will end. Here's what you can look forward to in heaven: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4 NIV).

This life is not the end of the story. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future.

Talk It Over

In what specific areas of your life do you need to change your focus from fear to hope?

What tools do you have to remind you of the hope of Jesus when you feel discouraged or fearful?

Why is it important for the world to see that Christians have hope and confidence, even in the midst of a crisis?

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Are you certain of where you will go when you die?
One day your life on earth will end—but your story won’t end. If Jesus is your Savior, you’ll spend eternity with him in heaven. How can you have confidence that your story will continue after you die?

The Bible says that every one of us sins and that the penalty of sin is death. But God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of your sins, to bring you into the family of God, and to save you from the fear of death.

PRAYER:

If you’re ready to enter God’s family, here’s a prayer you can pray: “Dear God, I know that when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I ask you to save me. Please save me from my sins and from my fear of death. I believe in you, Jesus, and your promise to save me instantly and bring me to heaven one day to continue my story with you in eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.

Forgetting Those Things that are Behind

Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.
Philippians 3:13 ERV

Have you chosen a New Year's resolution or motto for 2021? I am always in awe that the turn of a single calendar page can bring such an expectation of hope for the future. I think Thomas Jefferson perfectly captured the essence of a new year when he said, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

Oftentimes, we allow past mistakes or misfortunes to hold us captive. I don't know why we do that. Do you? God Himself tells us through His prophet, Isaiah - Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing... (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV). If we can be SO hopeful for God's blessings and change with the turn of a single calendar page, does it matter the actual date on it? Remember God's mercies are new EVERY morning. Each day is a new beginning.

That's my resolution for the year - forgetting those things that are behind. I choose joy. I choose life. I choose Jesus.

What are your dreams for the future? Keep reaching for what is ahead - one beautiful NEW day at a time!

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for new days and new years, new beginnings, and Your mercies that are new every morning. Thank You for encouraging us with Your Word. Help us to stay focused to accomplish Your plan and purpose in our lives. Open our eyes to see You, our ears to hear You and our hearts to follow You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Beginning and the End

The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Ecclesiastes 7:8a NIV

I've been thinking a lot about beginnings and ends - in many different realms. How we perceive the value or benefit of either depends on how we look at it.

Several friends are pregnant or have just given birth - their whole focus is about the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of life spent with their newborn.  One friend is days away from retirement. He's on Cloud Nine, but not sure what the future holds.  And another was just promoted. He's excited about the beginning of the new global position, but is torn at leaving the people and position he had. 

Several friends were recently laid off from their jobs. One was elated. One was concerned. One was "okay as long as it didn't last more than two months." The jury is still out on the other. 

And one more precious friend who at the end of his life's journey was surrounded by his family and loved ones - closing his eyes on this side and opening them to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses to how he made it to the other side.

Jesus. Only Jesus.

As mere human beings, we are conflicted with beginnings and ends. We don't always see that the end of something means the beginning of something else. And yet, oftentimes, the end of something is vitally important so that we may get to the new beginning... 

This one thing I know. If we follow the Lord and walk in His righteousness, then our steps are ordered by His design, and just like the Blood He shed for our every sin, He's got it all covered. Revelation 22:12-13 NLT assures us of this, Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You that our confidence is in You since You know the end from the beginning. Your Word in Psalm 139 teaches us that You have numbered all our days, and know the days and minutes in each. Keep us holy and righteous before You, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Shining Out of the Darkness

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
Isaiah 58:10 NLT

It's back to school season. Everywhere you look, it's all that's advertised. Lots of charities looking for donations of school supplies, clothes, non-perishables for school lunches, etc. You may have your own family to outfit for school. So what do you do? Some people will skip lunches or give up sodas and use the money to donate to help others. Skip lunch? You mean, like fasting? Yes, if and only if, that's what God is speaking to your heart. So let's read what He has to say about fasting in Isaiah 58 (New Living Translation).

What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting?
Do you really think this will please the Lord?

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

When you strengthen and encourage and provide for someone who has less than you, you are rebuilding. When you help a single parent (mom or dad or grandparent) by providing for their child or children, you are restoring a home. Matthew 5 tells us, Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. James 1:27 reads, Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. 

It's the season to shine...

Prayer:

Father,
           Open our eyes and our hearts and our wallets to see the opportunities around us that will allow us to shine out of the darkness for Your glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Beginnings and Endings +

The end of a matter is better than its beginning...

Ecclesiastes 7:8a NIV

I've been thinking a lot about beginnings and ends - in many different realms. How we perceive the value or benefit of either depends on how we look at it.

Several friends are pregnant or have just given birth - their whole focus is about the end of the pregnancy and the beginning of life spent with their newborn.  One friend recently retired. He's still floating on Cloud Nine, but not sure what the future holds.  And another was just promoted. He's excited about the beginning of the new global position, but is torn at leaving the people and position he had. 

Several friends were recently laid off from their jobs. One was elated. One was concerned. One was "okay as long as it didn't last more than two months." The jury is still out on the other. 

And still one more precious friend who is at the end of her life's journey. She's excited beyond measure at the thought of Heaven and being with her beloved Jesus, yet sad beyond words at leaving her husband and children and grandchildren.

As mere human beings, we are conflicted with beginnings and ends. We don't always see that the end of something means the beginning of something else. And yet, oftentimes, the end of something is vitally important so that we may get to the new beginning... 

This one thing I know. If we follow the Lord and walk in His righteousness, then our steps are ordered by His design, and just like the Blood He shed for our every sin, He's got it all covered. Revelation 22:12-13 NLT assures us of this, Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You that our confidence is in You since You know the end from the beginning. Your Word in Psalm 139 teaches us that You have numbered all our days, and know the days and minutes in each. Keep us holy and righteous before You, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen