Richard Templin Hancock

The Right Time

Romans 5:6 (BSB) For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

I was thinking that God always has the right time for us. Recently, I had a very bad reaction to some new medication from the doctor, and it really hit me hard. I ended up in the hospital emergency room on an IV. It is taking time to bounce back, but the end of the week is better than the beginning. I rarely have an instant physical healing, but I do have one in God's time, or I have the grace to endure. I'm not saying it is easy, but I get through it with God's help. I guess I am sharing this because you might be facing some problems in your life. Have you prayed and asked for God's help? I wanted to assure you He has a perfect time for all of us. Know that you are loved and cared for. If I have to go through a problem in life, I would much rather prefer to go through it with Jesus than on my own. Here are some Bible verses I came across that I hope will be a blessing to you:

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 (BSB) To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.

Psalm 31:15 (BSB) My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Lamentations 3:25-26 (BSB) The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

I hope these Bible verses will be helpful to you.

A Life Of Watchfulness

Matthew 26:41 (BSB) “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

As I read this this morning, I thought about how I am called to a life of watchfulness, living as an alert soldier of Christ—on guard against anything that would draw me away from living in obedience to the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Let's face it: all believers in Jesus want to live for Him, but our flesh is so weak. We desperately need the power and help of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live this life. So, I thought this would be a good time to remind each other to seek Jesus out in prayer, ask for the Holy Spirit's help for the day's activities, and be joyful that we have the help of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Let's pray right now: Father in heaven, as we face this busy day, we look up to you and ask for your help. Thank you for the provisions you have given us to serve you. Equip us in every way for every situation to watch and pray that we will not enter into temptation. Give us direction in our jobs, ministries, school activities, and all that you have given us to live this day. And Father, thank you for Jesus. We love you. Amen.

Our God Rules Today

Our God Rules TodayThe God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God who sent Messiah Jesus; the I AM; the One who was, who is, and who is to come; the Almighty rules over all today.

Here are some Bible verses on the subject that I hope will be an encouragement to you:

Psalm 139:16 BSB
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.

Isaiah 46:9-10
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Deuteronomy 32:39
See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.”

Fellow follower of Jesus, I hope these Bible verses are an encouragement to you in your walk today. And if you do not know Christ, then come to Him now. He says in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Remember, salvation is not earned by works. Christ calls weary, guilty sinners to come to Him in repentant faith, trusting Him alone for forgiveness and righteousness.

God's Love Has A Hold On You

Romans 8:35–39 (BSB)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

As it is written: ‘For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God's love has a hold on you!

Fellow follower of Jesus, thank God today and every day for His wonderful love for us in Jesus Christ.

As we follow Jesus, God's love guides us through temptations, helping us turn away from sin and remain faithful to Him.

When we have problems with family members, coworkers, or people at school, we can look to Jesus for wisdom, patience, and the strength to respond in a way that pleases Him as He guides us step by step.

When sickness comes, God's love is still there as He guides us through. And when we enjoy good health, we can thank Him for that blessing, too.

Remember, our circumstances may change, but God's love for us in Jesus Christ remains faithful.

And what a wonderful hope we have! Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus our Lord. As we trust and follow Jesus, we look forward to the day we will be with our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in paradise.

So, whatever you face today, keep your eyes on Jesus. God's love has a hold on you, and He will see you through!

If you do not know the forgiveness and saving love of God, turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ alone. He lived righteously, died for sinners, and rose again in victory. Do not trust in your own goodness or works; trust wholly in Christ, who freely saves all who repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15; Ephesians 2:8–9).

The Radiance of God's Glory

The Radiance of God’s Glory

In Hebrews chapter 1, verse 3, scripture tells us:

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."

As we step into our daily activities, let’s pause and remember whom we serve: Jesus, the very radiance of God's glory and the image of the invisible God.

Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 1:15–16:

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him."

What an encouraging truth! But as we rejoice in who Jesus is, let’s also keep our hearts open to those around us who don't yet know Him. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul reminds us that "the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Let’s lift up our friends, family, and neighbors in prayer today—asking God to open their eyes so they too can see the beauty and light of Jesus.

Be blessed today as you walk with and follow Jesus, the true radiance of God’s glory.