Pastor Stephen Dedman

Question #1 – Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭15

Some people think that because they are a good person or because they have done good things for other people they are going to heaven. Jesus said in Mark 10:18, “No one is good but God.”

Today’s verse simply states if your name is not written in the Book of Life, you will be cast into the everlasting lake of fire. Those who do not believe that Jesus died for their sins will be forever tormented.

If you are reading this today, you probably believe your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Book of Life is a reminder that salvation is not about good works, religious observance, or personal merit but about being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The only way to be certain your name is written in the Book of Life is to know without any doubt that you have placed your faith and belief in Jesus Christ and have repented from your sins.

As believers, this passage should fill us with both gratitude and urgency. Gratitude for the assurance we have that our names are written in the book of life if we trust in Christ, and urgency because so many around us have yet to hear or respond to the Gospel. The final judgment is a reminder of the eternal stakes at hand—there is no neutral ground.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. I am humbled and grateful that my name is written in the Book of Life, not because of anything I have done, but because of Your grace and mercy. Help me to live with a sense of urgency, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those who do not know You. Give me boldness and compassion to point others toward the eternal life that is found in Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬

In a world that often rushes for immediate results, the idea of waiting patiently might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the Bible encourages us to find rest in the Lord and teaches us the beauty in being patient.

Often we may be tempted to become anxious, to fret, or to question why it seems that the unrighteous are succeeding. But God’s word offers a different perspective.

To “rest in the Lord” means to surrender all of our anxieties and to find peace within His presence. It means acknowledging that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own desires or expectations.

“Wait patiently for Him” is an act of faith and humility. It means recognizing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time, and our role is to just trust His plan. Waiting patiently allows us to grow in faith and to learn valuable lessons along the way.

When we see others around us prospering through wicked schemes, we must not be discouraged. God’s justice prevails and the rewards of the righteous endure. Our duty is to remain faithful and obedient to God.

Are there any anxieties that you need to surrender to the Lord? Take a moment to rest in the Lord. Let go of your anxieties and concerns, and wait patiently for Him. And while you wait for the Lord, just enjoy being in His presence. 

Pray

Lord, I surrender my deepest concerns and anxieties to You. I know You are in control of all things and everything fits within your perfect plan. Thank You for taking care of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭26:27‬

Solomon, in all his wisdom, shares in this verse about the truth of God. God will not allow a wicked and evil act to go unpunished. There are many examples in the Bible where people tried to do wicked things to God’s people but they didn’t get away with it. 

Pharaoh wouldn’t let the Israelites out of slavery, but God did. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, but God used him in a powerful way to save the nation. The Jews crucified Jesus, but He is alive!

The lesson of this proverb is to trust God to protect you and let Him punish your enemies. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) 

Even if your enemies strategically try to attack you, God knows what they are doing and He will take care of you. 

Pray

Lord, keep me safe from my enemies. Thank you for putting a hedge of protection around me. Fight my battles and give me peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.