Challenges in ministry

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Challenges in Ministry.

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
— Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

When we step out to share the Word of Jesus or serve Him in ministry, we often expect everything to go smoothly. But Jesus never painted a rose-colored picture of discipleship. In fact, He gave His followers a very clear, sober warning: He is sending us out like sheep among wolves.

Whenever you choose to proclaim the truth of God’s grace, you can expect resistance. The devil detests the truth of the gospel, and he will actively try to discourage, distract, or resist your efforts. We should never consider it a strange thing when our message is rejected or even attacked. We are stepping onto a spiritual battlefield, and conflict is part of the war zone.

So, what should we do when the enemy strikes back?

First, we stay faithful. We don't retreat; we stand firm, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Second, we ask for overcoming faith. We don't fight this spiritual battle in our own strength or with human arguments. We fight our battles in prayer, asking our Heavenly Father for the endurance we need to keep standing.

And finally, we seek Jesus continually. When the pressure rises, we run straight to our Savior for refuge. He is our Commander, our shield, and our constant source of peace.

If you are facing resistance in your family, your workplace, or your ministry today, do not lose heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus, put on His armor, and walk forward in His authority.

And remember, if you lose a battle, you will not lose the war. Jesus has assured victory.

That's it for this podcast. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.

Morning Prayer

This is Follow Jesus Radio, encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Morning Prayer.

 "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

----Luke 9:23

Father,

Thank You for this new day and for the grace You have given me in Jesus. Thank You that He is my Savior, my Lord, and the One I want to follow.

Lord Jesus, help me deny myself today, take up my cross, and follow You. Keep me from living for my own comfort, pride, or selfish desires. Teach me to love what is right, obey Your Word, and walk in humility.

When I am tempted, strengthen me. When I am weak, sustain me. When I am distracted, turn my heart back to You. Help me live today in a way that honors You.

Thank You for dying for my sin and rising again. Help me remember that I belong to You.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Evening Prayer

This is Follow Jesus Radio, encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Evening Prayer

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

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 8:38–39

Lord Jesus Christ,

As this day comes to a close, I come into Your presence with gratitude and humble dependence. You are my Savior, my Shepherd, my Defender, and my King. Thank You for Your cross, where You conquered sin, death, and every power of darkness, and for Your resurrection, which secured my eternal victory. Tonight, I rest not in my own strength, but in Your finished work.

Your Word declares that I can be fully persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities nor powers, neither things present nor things to come, nor anything else in all creation, can separate me from the love of God that is in You, Christ Jesus my Lord. What an unshakable promise! When spiritual battles surround me, remind me that Your love is not fragile, and Your hold on me is never weakened.

Lord Jesus, when the enemy whispers lies, You speak truth. When fear tries to overwhelm me, You are my peace. When accusations are hurled against me, You stand as my Advocate. When I feel weak, You are my strength. I refuse to give fear, doubt, discouragement, or temptation the final word, because You have already overcome the world.

I put on the armor You have provided. Gird me with Your truth. Guard my heart with Your righteousness. Let my feet stand firm in the gospel of peace. Strengthen my faith to extinguish every flaming arrow of the evil one. Protect my mind with the assurance of Your salvation, and place Your Word in my heart as the sword of the Spirit. Teach me to stand firm—not because I am strong, but because You are victorious.

Lord, I renounce every lie that tells me I am abandoned, defeated, or alone. Your cross declares that I am forgiven. Your empty tomb declares that I have hope. Your throne declares that You reign over every authority and power. No force of darkness can undo what Your love has accomplished.

As I lay down to sleep, I place my mind, my heart, my home, and my loved ones into Your faithful hands. Let Your holy angels watch over us according to Your will, and let Your Holy Spirit fill this place with Your peace. Silence every voice that opposes Your truth, and let my heart rest securely in the knowledge that I belong to You.

Jesus, keep me steadfast until morning. Let me awaken with fresh confidence that You go before me, walk beside me, and dwell within me. Whatever tomorrow holds, I know this: nothing can separate me from Your love, because You have already won the victory.

I rest in You alone, my crucified, risen, and reigning Savior.

In the mighty and victorious name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

He Binds Up Our Wounds

This is Follow Jesus Radio, encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: He Binds Up Our Wounds.

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

There are wounds that no one else can see—grief that lingers, disappointments that ache, and burdens that weigh heavily on the heart. Yet the beautiful promise of Psalm 147:3 reminds us that God does not overlook our pain. He draws near to the brokenhearted and gently binds up their wounds.

The Father revealed the fullness of His healing love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus did not merely come to heal broken bodies; He came to restore broken hearts, forgive broken lives, and reconcile us to God through His death and resurrection. Every wound caused by sin, shame, fear, or loss finds hope at the foot of the cross. While some healing comes instantly and some unfolds over time, every believer can rest in the certainty that Christ is making all things new.

Today, let us thank our Heavenly Father for the priceless gift of healing found in Jesus. His grace reaches the deepest places of our hearts, His mercy never fails, and His love restores what the world cannot. Whatever pain we carry, we can place it into the nail-scarred hands of our Savior, trusting that the Great Physician is still at work.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and compassion. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to bring healing to broken hearts and hope to weary souls. We praise You that through His sacrifice we have forgiveness, peace, and the promise of complete restoration. Continue Your healing work within us, teaching us to trust Your perfect timing and rest in Your faithful care. May our lives reflect the comfort we have received from Christ, so that we may encourage others who are hurting. We give You all the glory for the healing that is found in Jesus alone. In His precious name we pray, Amen.

That's it for this podcast. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.