DAILY HOPE WITH RICK WARREN 23RD DECEMBER 2023.
Daily Hope Devotional by Pastor Rick Warren for today is here to give you the encouragement to live the life God has called you to. Please read, pray and share this devotional with someone today.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (TLB)
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!”
Click here for yesterday’s message by Pastor Rick Warren.
RICK WARREN DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY 23RD DECEMBER 2023
For three summers in my youth, I was a lifeguard. And like every lifeguard understands, I knew that you can’t save somebody as long as they’re trying to save themselves. When someone’s drowning, they’re typically panicked. They’re flailing around, trying to stay afloat. If a lifeguard tries to help them while they’re still trying to save themselves, then they’re going to take the lifeguard down with them. So a good lifeguard will often swim out and wait until that person is exhausted and gives up. When they stop trying and they start trusting, the lifeguard’s job is easier. You just put an arm over their shoulder and swim back to shore.
You can’t save somebody when they’re trying to save themselves.
Some people are trying to save themselves spiritually. They may think they’re going to get into heaven because of their good works. But God doesn’t grade on a curve. Heaven is perfect, and we’re not. We need someone who is perfect to get us in on his ticket, and that someone is Jesus Christ. If there were any way we could get into heaven without trusting Jesus as our Savior, then God would have done it. If we could go to heaven by just trying to be a genuinely nice person, then Jesus’ death and resurrection were pointless.
There’s no way we’re getting into heaven on our own effort. That’s why God came up with the plan for Jesus Christ to come to earth and die for our sins. But he can’t save you until you stop trying to save yourself. Stop trying, and start trusting.
The fastest thing in the universe is the speed of light: 186,000 miles a second. If you don’t believe it, try opening your refrigerator door before the light comes on. You can’t beat it!
But there’s one thing faster, and that’s God’s answer to you when you ask him to save you. It is instant. There’s no delay. There’s no waiting period. The moment you say, “God, help! I need you to save me,” God’s response is instant. Your salvation is secure. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “a new life has begun!” (TLB).
It will be the most life-changing prayer you’ll ever pray.
This devotional is written by Pastor Rick Warren. Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer. The various ministries Pastor Rick has created are a multi-faceted expression of his heart to bring the whole Gospel to the whole world. Read more about Rick Warren Devotional.
Thank you for reading. This Devotional was shared via www.TheDevotionals.com.ng