DAILY DEVOTION, January 5, 2022

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20).

The early church anticipated the return of Jesus. However, they did not know when that event would take place. Jesus had told them that no one knows that date. When Jesus said, “I am coming quickly” (“soon” in some translations) He was speaking on God’s time clock. The point is that we must always be ready for the return of our Lord. We are even encouraged to pray, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Have you ever prayed that prayer?  Are you eager for Jesus to return?

When He returns, those whom He has redeemed will enter into eternal glory. Evil will be judged and removed from the universe. That should excite us. Nothing on earth compares to the thought of seeing Jesus face to face.  Did you realize we pray for His return whenever we pray the Lord’s prayer? “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” That is a prayer for His return.

Father, I pray for the return of Jesus. I long to see that day when the redeemed shall enter into eternal blessedness. Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Come and establish Your eternal kingdom. Amen

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DEVOTION, January 2, 2022

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

Do you have a low self-image? If you believe in Jesus, you should realize who you are! You are chosen. You are a royal priest. You are part of a holy nation. Israel was once God’s holy nation, but the new covenant changed that. Now all who believe in Jesus, Jews and Gentiles, make up God’s holy nation. God sees us as His special people. So how can we ever have a low self-image? If God sees you as special, it doesn’t get any better than that!

We once were in darkness, but Jesus has brought us into the light, and it is marvelous. Now we live to praise Him for what He has done for us. Low self-image? Not for those who belong to Jesus.

Father, there are no words to thank You for what You have done for me. I praise Your Holy name and the name of Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray, Amen.

 I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.  (Revelation 21:1)

In 1950 I was 14 years old. For some reason, I wondered if I would be alive in the year 2000. I would be an old man, 64 years old! Well, I made it to the year 2000 and am still kicking in the year 2022. God is good.

John anticipates something better than a new year. He sees a new heaven and a new earth. He catches a glimpse of what God has planned for the future. This old world as we know it is marked for destruction. A new earth is coming. I guess that is what we call “heaven” Part of the newness will be in the fact that sin, evil, disease and death will be banished forever. It will be what Milton called “Paradise Restored” in his 1671 poem.

This present life is good, especially for those who trust in Jesus and know an even better day is coming. It will not be a new year but a new world. I can’t imagine the details of what this new world will be like, but I hope to find out. The admission price is simple. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). But is it true? If you have a better plan, let me know!

Thank You, Father, for Your goodness. We pray that this new year will be a year of blessing for Your people. In Jesus name, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, December 31, 2021

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Happy New Year’s Eve to all! Stay safe. When I thought of New Year’s Eve, the verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17 came to mind. Paul speaks of a wonderful kind of newness that belongs to those who are trusting in Jesus. We become new persons. Our sins are forgiven. Christ abides with us. Yes, in one sense, we are the same person we have always been. I am still me! What is new is our relationship with God. 

I used to be a confused sinner who had little understanding of God. When Jesus entered the picture, everything changed. I used the make fun of some of the great Christian truths. Now I love Jesus, I love the Bible, I love the church and I love the future God has planned for me. I am the same person who is also a different person, a new creation. Praise God, who creates not a new year but a new life for all who trust in His Son.

Father in heaven, I thank You so much for the new life You have given me. I pray that my daily life will reflect the newness with which You have blessed me. May Your name and the name of Jesus be praised forever and forever. Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, December 29, 2021

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:20).

Life in this world can be challenging at times. Unfortunately, we all go through some tough times. But, no matter how difficult life can be, we have a tremendous promise. At the close of the Great Commission, Jesus promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age.

Every day, good or bad, Jesus is with His people. Amid trying times, we need to remind ourselves, “Jesus is with me.” If He is with us, He will either carry us through the difficult days or grant us the strength to endure. We ought to get up every morning and, before we do anything else, remind ourselves, “He is with me.” That same reminder should be repeated throughout the day. We do not see Him, but by faith, we know He is with us. That is His promise, and Jesus never breaks a promise. As we live each day walking hand in hand with Jesus, we have nothing to fear. We can rely on His presence always.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your promise to be with me always. We sing in church, “I need thee every hour…” Thank You for Your promise to be with me no matter what each hour brings. “Every hour I need Thee…” I know I cannot be victorious in life in my strength. Thank You for promising to be with me. Amen.