Christian - forgiven - grateful

Welcome. My name is Richard Templin Hancock and I’m here to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. I'm glad you're here—let's walk this path together.

God's love for you

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: God's love for you.

Romans 5:8 states, "But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." This verse powerfully expresses the essence of God's love for humanity.

God's love is not based on our performance or our worthiness. In fact, it shines brightest in our moments of weakness and failure. While we were still sinners—lost and separated from Him—God demonstrated His incredible love by sending Christ to die for us. This act of love is unconditional and sacrificial.

In 1 John 4:9-10, we read, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 

As we meditate on this truth, let’s remember that we are deeply loved, not because of what we do or who we are, but simply because of who God is. His love is a gift, freely given, and it transforms us from the inside out. 

Understanding this profound love should inspire us to respond with gratitude and to share that love with others. As we go about our day, let’s reflect on how we can embody this love in our interactions, showing kindness and grace to those around us, just as Christ has shown to us.

Remember, no matter where you are in your journey, God’s love is always available, reaching out to you, inviting you to experience the fullness of life through Him. Let this truth fill your heart and guide your actions today.

That's it for this podcast. Follow Jesus Radio is here 24 hours a day to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.

Jesus Came For Sinners

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Jesus came for sinners. 

Mark 2:17 says, "When Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’" This verse beautifully illustrates the heart of Jesus and His mission on Earth.

Jesus came for those who recognize their need for Him. Just as a doctor is needed for the sick, Jesus offers healing and hope to those who are spiritually broken. He didn’t come for the self-righteous, but for those who understand their shortcomings and seek forgiveness.

In Romans 3:23, we are reminded, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This means that we all need Jesus, regardless of how we may perceive our own righteousness. His call to repentance is an invitation to turn away from our sins and embrace the grace He offers.

As we reflect on this, let’s remember that no one is beyond the reach of His love. Jesus welcomes us with open arms, ready to heal and restore. Today, let’s respond to His call, acknowledging our need for Him and sharing this message of hope with others.

That's it for this podcast. Follow Jesus Radio is here 24 hours a day to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.

Handling the Greatest Matter

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Handling the Greatest Matter.

"He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he."
— Proverbs 16:20 (KJV)

Every single day, we handle a constant stream of "matters." We manage our finances, handle responsibilities at work, deal with chores at home, and navigate daily schedules. We work hard to manage these things with care, hoping for a good outcome.

But the Bible points us to a much deeper wisdom. The most important "matter" you will ever handle in your life is your personal relationship with God.

Handling this relationship wisely doesn't mean trying to earn God's favor through empty rituals. It means making Him the absolute priority of your life. It means taking time to sit at His feet, talk to Him in prayer, and let His Spirit shape your heart. When you handle this relationship wisely, you will find the ultimate "good."

And how do we trust the Lord today? We do it by trusting in His perfect, ultimate revelation: Jesus Christ.

God did not leave us to guess who He is or how much He loves us. He revealed His heart to us by sending Jesus. When we trust in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, follow His teachings, and surrender our lives to Him, we find the true, lasting happiness promised in this verse. It is a deep, unshakable joy that the world can't give and can never take away.

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father's love and truth to me. Help me to handle the matter of my relationship with You wisely today, putting You first in all things. I place my trust in You, knowing that true joy and peace are found only in Your presence. Amen.

That's it for this podcast. Follow Jesus Radio is here 24 hours a day to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.

In Whom We Have Redemption

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: In Whom We Have Redemption.

Colossians 1:14 states, "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." This powerful verse reminds us of the central role of Jesus in our lives. Through Him, we find not only redemption but also the profound gift of forgiveness.

Redemption means being bought back from the bondage of sin. Jesus paid the ultimate price with His life, offering us freedom and a new beginning. In Ephesians 1:7, we read, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This grace is abundant and available to all who believe.

As we reflect on this truth, let’s remember that our past does not define us. In Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). The weight of our sins is lifted, and we are invited into a relationship with our Savior.

This redemption is available right now, this hour. Do you need this? Then seek out Jesus in prayer and ask for His forgiveness.

For those reading this devotional who have experienced the joy of redemption in Jesus Christ, I would like to share some of the most powerful, majestic anthems of praise in the entire Bible from the book of Revelation. These are wonderful for praising the Lord for His redemption. While much of the book deals with intense prophecy, it is frequently interrupted by the "heavenly choir" erupting into worship. You may want to read these to the Lord as praise from your heart to His.

1. The Song of Worthiness (Revelation 5:9–10)

In this vision, only Jesus is found worthy to open the scrolls of destiny because of His sacrificial death.

"And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.'"

2. The Sevenfold Praise of the Lamb (Revelation 5:12)

Immediately following, countless angels encircle the throne to shout a massive crescendo of praise, listing seven attributes that belong to Jesus.

"In a loud voice they were saying: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'"

3. Universal Praise to the Father and the Son (Revelation 5:13)

The worship expands until every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth joins in a  declaration of praise to both God the Father and Jesus.

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'"

4. Praise for Salvation and Victory (Revelation 7:9–10)

John sees a vast multitude from every nation standing before the throne and before Jesus, wearing white robes and holding palm branches (a symbol of victory).

"And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"

5. The Kingdom Has Come (Revelation 11:15)

When the seventh angel sounds his trumpet, loud voices in heaven celebrate the ultimate triumph of God and Jesus over the world's kingdoms.

"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'"

6. The Song of the Bride (Revelation 19:6–7)

Near the end of the book, a roar like a rushing waterfall celebrates the final, joyous union between Jesus and His people (the Church), framed as a wedding feast.

"Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.'"

A Key Theme: Notice how consistently Jesus is praised as "the Lamb." In Revelation, His supreme authority and majesty aren't separated from His humility and sacrifice; His greatest glory is that He gave His life to redeem humanity.

That's it for this podcast. Follow Jesus Radio is here 24 hours a day to encourage you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow Him daily. Remember, Jesus loves you and is just a prayer away.