He Brought Us Forth

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 Brought Us Forth.

James 1:18 says that “of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth.” That is such a comforting reminder for every follower of Jesus: our new life in Christ did not begin with our effort, our goodness, or our ability to get everything right. It began with God.

He brought us forth.
He is the initiator. He is the giver of life. He is the One who causes dead hearts to live. That means if you belong to Jesus, your salvation is not a self-improvement project—it is a miracle of grace.

And how did He do it? James says it was “by the word of truth.” God used the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—to awaken us. Through the truth of Christ’s sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, God gave us new birth. We were not merely nudged in a better direction; we were made new.

That changes how we live. A follower of Jesus does not wake up each day trying to earn life from God. We wake up because we have life from God. We live from grace, not for grace. We obey not to become loved, but because in Christ we already are.

So when you feel weak, discouraged, or painfully aware of your failures, remember this: He brought you forth. The same Savior who gave you life is the One who will sustain you. Your story begins with God’s will, God’s word, and God’s Son.

Rest in that today—and live like someone made alive by Jesus.

Standing in the Gap

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

"After Jesus had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf."
— Luke 4:38 (BSB)

When someone we care about is hurting, struggling, or facing a difficult choice, it is incredibly easy to feel completely helpless. We desperately want to fix their problems, but we quickly run up against our own human limitations. We cannot force a stressful situation to change, and we cannot heal a sick body or a broken heart on our own strength.

But this beautiful scene in Simon Peter's home reminds us of the most powerful thing we can ever do for another person.

Luke tells us that Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, trapped in her bed and unable to help herself. Her family didn't panic, and they didn't give up hope. Instead, the Bible says "they appealed to Jesus on her behalf." They stood in the gap for her, bringing her need directly to the feet of the Savior.

Today, through faith, you have that exact same privilege. You can appeal to Jesus on behalf of the people in your life.

When a friend is facing a health crisis, you can appeal for His healing. When a family member is going through a confusing transition or a sudden storm, you can appeal for His guidance and wisdom. When you see someone carrying a heavy emotional burden, you can appeal for His blessing and peace.

Intercessory prayer is a beautiful act of love. It is taking the hands of those who are weak and placing them into the strong, capable hands of Jesus. You don't have to fix everyone's problems today. Instead, bring their names to Jesus, appeal to Him on their behalf, and trust His loving heart to answer.

Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, thank You that I can come to You with the needs of others. Today, I lift up the people in my life who are hurting, sick, or searching for direction. I appeal to You on their behalf, asking for Your healing, Your guidance, and Your perfect peace to comfort them. 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.

Our Rock and Refuge.

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 Rock and Refuge.

Psalm 71:3 (BSB):
"Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress."

The psalmist is not hoping in shifting circumstances or human strength—he is crying out to God as his rock. A rock does not move. A fortress does not fail. This is the language of absolute security.

Notice the confidence: “where I can always go.” Not sometimes. Not when we feel worthy. Always. This is grounded in who God is—unchanging, faithful, and sovereign.

But the psalm also says, “Give the command to save me.” Salvation belongs to the Lord alone. It is not earned, not achieved—God speaks, and He saves. This points us directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), who secures salvation by His finished work on the cross.

In a world of instability, there is only one true refuge. Everything else will fail—health, wealth, people, even our own strength. But God remains.

So run to Him. Not occasionally, but continually. Trust not in yourself, but in the One who is your rock and your fortress.

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

The Power Of The Words Of 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: The Power Of The Words Of Jesus.

In Luke 4:32, we read, "They were astonished at his teaching because his message had authority." This verse reminds us of the profound impact of Jesus' words. His teachings were not just mere opinions; they carried divine authority and power that transformed lives.

When we engage with the message of Jesus, we are not just reading a historical text; we are encountering the living Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword." This means that His teachings can penetrate our hearts, challenge our thoughts, and inspire us to live in accordance with His will.

The benefit of reading and applying His teachings is immense. In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." His authority brings freedom from sin, guidance in our decisions, and peace in our hearts.

As we meditate on His words, let us remember that they are not just for knowledge but for transformation. Let us commit to not only hearing His teachings but also putting them into practice, allowing His authority to shape our lives. 

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