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.

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God Is Watching You

God Is Watching You

Psalm 121:8 (BSB)

“The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

What a comfort this is for those who have faith in Jesus Christ! We can be assured of our Heavenly Father's watchful and caring eye over us.

Consider these wonderful words from Psalm 121:3–4:

“He will not let your foot slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.”

Our God is never distracted, never weary, and never unaware of what we are facing.

And consider this promise from God:

Psalm 91:11:

“For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”

With all these wonderful promises, let us find comfort in Proverbs 3:5–6:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Whatever you face today or tonight, remember that your God goes before you.

Deuteronomy 31:8:

“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

God is present, protecting, and guiding His people in every circumstance. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can rest in the assurance that we are never alone.

So today, let us trust our Heavenly Father, keep our eyes on Jesus, and walk forward in faith.

Repentance

Repentance

Luke 5:32 (KJV)

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

What is repentance? Biblically, repentance is a change of heart and mind that leads us to turn away from sin and turn toward God. It is more than feeling sorry for our sins. It is a turning to the Lord in faith, trusting in Jesus Christ.

There is a blessing in repentant faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:19:

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”

What a wonderful promise! Our sins can be blotted out, and we can experience the refreshing presence of the Lord.

That is why it is so important that we seek the Lord.

Isaiah 55:6-7:

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

What a gracious invitation from our Heavenly Father! He calls us to turn from our sinful ways and return to Him. And notice the promise: He will have mercy, and He will abundantly pardon.

Thank God that those of us who have repented and placed our faith in Jesus Christ have experienced His mercy and forgiveness. What a blessing to know the Lord and walk in His grace!

If you know the Lord Jesus, then rejoice and give thanks for His wonderful mercy. But perhaps you have not yet turned to Him. I encourage you to come to Jesus. Turn from your sin, place your faith in Him alone, and follow Him. He is a gracious Savior, ready to forgive all who come to Him in faith. 

Proclaim the Virtues of Jesus

Proclaim the Virtues of Jesus

1 Peter 2:9 (BSB):

"‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Fellow follower of Jesus, there are days when the world’s labels press heavily upon us. We may feel overlooked, ashamed of past sin, weak in suffering, or uncertain of where we belong. But God speaks a better and final word over every true believer in Christ.

In Jesus, you are chosen—not because you were more worthy than anyone else, but because of God’s sovereign mercy. You belong to a royal priesthood, granted access to God through the one perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. You are part of a holy nation and God’s own possession. Christian, you are not abandoned, and you are not your own. You have been purchased by the precious blood of Christ.

And Peter tells us why God has given this identity: that we may proclaim the virtues—the excellencies—of the One who saved us. Jesus called us out of the darkness of sin, guilt, and death and brought us into His marvelous light.

So when God has forgiven you, speak of His mercy. When He sustains you through hardship, speak of His faithfulness. When you are tempted to fear, remember His power and love. Your testimony does not need to be impressive; it needs to be centered on Christ.

Today, let's live as one who belongs to Jesus. Let our words, our conduct, and our hope proclaim this: Christ is a mighty Savior, and His light is greater than the darkness.

The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker

Matthew 5:9 ESV

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

As I was reading this word from Jesus this morning I thought of how we as believers in Jesus can be peacemakers by introducing people to the one who brings peace to their hearts, our Jesus. 

Jesus said in John 14:27 ESV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

This peace comes from a heart transformed by Christ Jesus. Why, even the very supernatural presence of Jesus in our lives brings great peace. 

Let's encourage each other to be a Peacemaker for Jesus today. And if you don't know Christ, then turn to Him now and trust Him alone to forgive you and restore you to your Heavenly Father.