Christian - forgiven - grateful

Welcome! My name is Richard Templin Hancock and I am a senior citizen who has found great peace in his old age in the forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers to sinners. I enjoy reading my Bible and recording short Devotional podcasts with the aim to encourage us all to have faith in God and follow His Son Jesus Christ every day.
I hope the following blog posts will be an encouragement to you:

Many False Prophets

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

Matthew 24:11  Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray.

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter twenty-four, verse eleven, Jesus gives us a sobering warning about the days we live in. He tells us that many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray. It can be overwhelming to navigate a world filled with loud opinions, conflicting messages, and voices claiming to have the latest "spiritual secret." However, even in the midst of this confusion, God has provided a fail-safe way for us to avoid being led into a ditch. That way is remarkably uncomplicated: we listen only to Jesus.

The best way to protect your heart from a lie is to be intimately familiar with the truth. We can examine everything we hear by asking a few simple questions: Is this message honoring to Christ? Does it point me toward the cross? Does this teaching encourage me to seek the actual words of Jesus found in the Scriptures, or does it sound like the voice of a stranger trying to pull me away from the fold? Jesus said that His sheep know His voice and they will not follow a stranger. When we stay close to the Shepherd, the noise of the world begins to fade.

Following Jesus was never meant to be a complex web of theological confusion. It can be simple and truly fantastic when we strip away the distractions. The enemy loves to make faith feel heavy and complicated, but the Holy Spirit leads us into a peace that surpasses understanding. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find that the "Jesus highway" is well-lit and clearly marked. We don't have to fear the rising tide of false voices if we have trained our ears to hear the one Voice that matters most.

Today, I encourage you to keep it simple. If a path feels confusing or leads you away from the humble teachings of Christ, turn back to the source. Spend time in the Gospels, listen to His promises, and let His love be the compass for your soul. Keep it simple, and keep it Jesus. He is the truth that sets us free and the light that never flickers.

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. Until next time, stay blessed and keep your ears tuned to the voice of the King. Amen.

Crown of glory - Crown of life

This is Follow Jesus Radio encouraging you to have faith in Jesus Christ and follow him daily. The title of this devotional thought is: Crown of glory - Crown of life.

In 1 Peter 5:4, we read, "And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away." This verse reminds us of the hope and reward that awaits us as faithful followers of Christ. The "crown of glory" symbolizes the honor and recognition we will receive from Jesus for our service and dedication to Him. It is a reminder that our efforts in this life, especially in serving others and leading them to Christ, are not in vain.

The "crown of life," mentioned in James 1:12, is another beautiful promise for those who persevere under trials. It signifies eternal life and the ultimate reward for enduring hardships for the sake of faith. Both crowns represent God's grace and the eternal rewards that come from living a life devoted to Him.

As we reflect on these promises, let us strive to serve faithfully, knowing that our labor will be rewarded. Let us keep our eyes on the Chief Shepherd, who will one day reveal His glory and bestow upon us these crowns that will never fade away. Remember, our true treasure is found in Him!

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.

The Secret Place

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

Matthew 6:6:
"But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Jesus is not merely giving advice about location. He is exposing the heart.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ confronts hypocritical religion—the kind that performs righteousness to be seen by others. Prayer is not theater. It is communion. The Pharisees loved public applause; true believers love private fellowship with the Father.

Notice the command: “Enter into your inner room… shut your door.” This is deliberate separation. Biblical prayer requires intentional withdrawal from distraction. It is not accidental. It is not rushed. It is not squeezed into leftover moments. It is purposeful communion with God.

And notice the relationship: “Pray to your Father.” Through Christ alone, believers have been adopted (Romans 8:15). Prayer is not ritual—it is access purchased by the blood of Jesus. Only those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ can truly call God “Father.”

Then comes the promise: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” God is not indifferent to hidden obedience. He sees every whispered confession, every tear of repentance, every intercession for others. The reward is not worldly applause—it is deeper fellowship, spiritual strength, and eternal blessing.

Prayer is necessary because we are dependent. It humbles our pride. It aligns our will with God’s will. It strengthens us against sin. 

So shut the door. Turn off the noise. Open the Word. Bow the heart. Seek your Father.

And if you have never known God as Father, repent and believe the gospel. Christ died for sinners and rose again. Through Him, the door to the true inner room is opened—not just a place of prayer, but eternal communion with God.

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.

Our daily blessing in Jesus

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

Psalm 16:11 tells us, "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of our daily walk with Jesus.

Every day, we are invited to experience the joy that comes from being in His presence. Just as a close friend brings comfort and happiness, so does our relationship with Christ. When we start our day with prayer and Scripture, we open our hearts to His guidance. He shows us the way to live, not just through rules, but through a loving relationship.

Think about the moments when you feel overwhelmed or lost. In those times, remember that Jesus is right there, ready to lead you. He offers us not just direction, but joy and fulfillment. The pleasures of living with Him are not just for the future; they are available to us today. 

As you go about your day, take a moment to pause and invite Jesus into your activities. Whether you’re at work, home, or with friends, acknowledge His presence. Let His joy fill your heart and guide your actions. 

In every step, remember that living with Jesus is a journey filled with joy, peace, and the assurance of His love. Embrace it, and let it transform your daily life.

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.