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.

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.

The Chief End of Man

 The Chief End of Man

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “What is my purpose in life? What did God create me to do?” The historic biblical answer is this: to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

Think about that for a moment. God didn't create us simply to make a name for ourselves, accumulate possessions, enjoy the comforts of life, or win the approval of others. He created us to know Him, live for Him, and bring glory to His name.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (BSB):

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”

I love how practical this verse is. Glorifying God isn't just something we do at church or when we're praying. It's something we can do throughout our day. In our work, in how we treat others, in how we care for our families, and even in how we respond when life gets difficult, all of life is to be lived before God and for God.

And here's something wonderful: God doesn't just call us to glorify Him. He invites us to find our deepest joy in Him. The world promises happiness through things that cannot truly satisfy us. But through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, brought into a relationship with God, and experience the joy of knowing Him.

Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we could belong to Him and live for Him.

Let's ask ourselves: What are we living for today? What has first place in our hearts? Let's turn away from living for ourselves and put our faith in Jesus Christ alone. As we follow Him, let's seek to honor God in the everyday things we do and enjoy the wonderful privilege of knowing Him.

That's what we were created for—to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

God's Will for Us

God's Will for Us

Matthew 6:9:

"So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’"

As I read this Bible verse this morning, I was reminded that God's will for all people, young and old alike, is to believe in Jesus. John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Matthew 6:11 reads, "Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus is our bread from heaven. Our Heavenly Father has given us clear instructions:

Mark 9:7: Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”

Also, God's will for us is to forgive others as Jesus has forgiven us.

Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Fellow followers of Jesus, let's encourage each other to seek our Lord Jesus in all things today and every day.

Have Faith In God

Have Faith in God

Mark 11:22 (BSB)

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them.

When the storm clouds of life appear, these words from Jesus are so timely. Sometimes the trials of life can startle us so much that we take our eyes off Jesus and become overwhelmed by our circumstances.

But thank God, Jesus reminds us to have faith in God! And as we see the day of the Lord's return drawing near, let's encourage one another to stand firm in our faith.

Jesus went on to say in Mark 11:23–24 that if we believe and do not doubt, we can ask God in prayer with faith.

Faith speaks with confidence—not because we know how every situation will turn out, but because we know the One in whom we have placed our trust.

So, fellow follower of Jesus, let's trust Him as we navigate the roads of life. Let's bring our troubles to Him in prayer, keep our eyes on Him, and have fresh faith to face whatever comes our way.

Remember these encouraging words from 1 Corinthians 15:57–58:

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Let's keep trusting Jesus, remain steadfast in our faith, and continue serving Him. Our victory comes through our Lord Jesus Christ!