Moody Media Latest Blog Entries

Every Knee Bows

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0500

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

D.L. MOODY
Sometimes it looks as if God’s servants fail. When Herod beheaded John the Baptist, it looked as if John’s mission was a failure. But was it? The voice that rang through the valley of the Jordan rings through the whole world today. You can hear its echo upon the mountains and the valleys yet, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). He held up Jesus Christ and introduced Him to the world, and Herod had no power to behead Him until His lifework had been accomplished.
Stephen never preached but one sermon that we know of, and that was before the Sanhedrin; but how that sermon has been preached again and again all over the world! Out of his death probably came Paul, the greatest preacher the world has seen since Christ left this Earth. If a man is sent by Jehovah, there is no such thing as failure.

ERWIN LUTZER
God never allows us to see all the good we have done in the world. John the Baptist, Stephen, and thousands of other believers died not knowing their future impact. That also is true of us; we too will die, oblivious to the impact we have had. That is why I frequently quote Revelation 14:13, which speaks of the blessedness of the departed saints and says, “Their deeds follow them!”
Yes, God is able to take what appears to be failure and turn it into good; and most of the time in this life, we do not know what the good actually is or how evil will be turned into good.
Don’t underestimate the eternal effect of an ordinary life lived for the glory of God.

PRAYER
Father, today, I trust you to use me in ways that might seem insignificant to me, but bring you glory and bless others.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read 1 Corinthians 1:27. In light of this verse how does God show His power in bringing about His plans through us?

How does Revelation 14:13 shape my understanding of a life well lived?

In Heaven For You

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

And I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29–30

D.L. MOODY
Think of the Lord stooping down and taking a poor drunkard right up and out of the gutter and putting his feet on the rock, and a new song in his mouth, and lifting him up above powers and principalities, above angels and archangels, seraphim and cherubim, up, up, up, onto the throne with Himself! Do you suppose that an angel flying over the nations of the Earth would look at any throne? What a great time they had a few years ago putting the Czar on to the throne of Russia! Nation after nation sent representatives to assist at the ceremonies. But Christ’s is more than that. His is an everlasting kingdom. His is a throne that is going to endure forever, and He says, “Ye shall sit with me on my throne” (see Matthew 19:28). Man, look up! Look at the stars tonight! Our inheritance is above.

ERWIN LUTZER
Moody is the best example of someone who was motivated by eternity, not just the events that transpire here on Earth. He was busy, a man in a hurry, going from one place to another, encouraging believers, and winning souls.
He was driven by promises such as 1 Peter 1:4 that says our inheritance is “kept in heaven.” He knew it was guarded in heaven for him and for all believers. Some think Jesus is still preparing it since He told His disciples that He would prepare a place for them. But that preparation was completed in just a moment of time.
Do you realize there’s a room in heaven only you can enter and a crown only you can wear? A believer’s place in heaven is assured and guarded for us. So, look at the stars and know that our inheritance is beyond it.

PRAYER
Father, thank for redeeming me through Christ, making me one of your children who inherits your promises.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What is does it mean that we will eat and drink at Christ’s table? What does this make you think of?

Why is it important that our inheritance is kept in heaven?

Our Daily Grace

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:15–16

D.L. MOODY
A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at once to sustain life for a week to come. We must draw upon God’s boundless stores of grace from day to day, as we need it.

ERWIN LUTZER
The moment we are born, we are born to die. We are born and our bodies begin to disintegrate. Death, in this life, is not only continuous, it’s also visible and irreversible. In the end, death gets us. Death always wins.
That’s the outer body. But the inner soul is being renewed day by day. Your soul is being perfected for eternity. Your soul is under construction because you are going to live forever. Eventually, your body will live forever too, but that will be a little later (2 Corinthians 5:1–4). Your soul is going to eternity when you die, but in the meanwhile, it’s being renewed day by day in strength, in faith, in purity, and in holiness. In all these different ways, the inner person is being renewed, as we are responding to God.
As for old age, “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day” (Proverbs 4:18).

PRAYER
Father, may I daily find the grace I need in you. By your power, sustain me to glorify you.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What does it mean to draw on God’s grace day to day?

Why must believers be renewed by the Lord day by day?

More Precious Than Birds

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

D.L. MOODY
If God could set a table for His people in the wilderness, and feed three million Israelites for forty years, can He not give us our daily bread? I do not mean only the bread that perisheth, but also the Bread that cometh from above. If He feeds the birds of the air, surely He will feed His children made in His own image! If He numbers the very hairs of our head, He will take care to supply all our temporal wants.

ERWIN LUTZER
Jesus gave us three reasons why we should not worry. First, He says we should not worry because of who we are. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26). If He takes care of the birds, will He not take care of us? Don’t miss Jesus’ point: When we worry, we diminish our value!
Second, we should not worry because it’s useless; it cannot add to our stature. Worry is like putting on the brakes and stepping on the gas simultaneously. It would be worth it if it added to the length of our life, but in fact, it might diminish it.
Third, we should not worry because of our testimony. When we worry, we act like the pagans who don’t know the Heavenly Father. Two people get cancer, one is a Christian, the other is not. How tragic if the Christian accepts it no better than the pagan!
Yes, we need to look daily to the Lord to receive what He has promised.

PRAYER
Father, I know you love me and desire what is best for me. Help me to not carry tomorrow’s burdens today; tomorrow will take care of itself. Thank you for caring for me.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does God's faithful provision in the past encourage you to trust Him for today's needs?

Why do you think this sentence is a part of the Lord’s prayer?

Hold Nothing Back

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. Mark 14:8

D.L. MOODY
I imagine when Mary died, if God had sent an angel to write her epitaph, he couldn’t have done better than to put over her grave what Christ said: “She hath done what she could.”
I would rather have that said over my grave, if it could honestly be said, than to have all the wealth of the Rothschilds. Christ raised a monument to Mary that is more lasting than the monuments raised to Caesar or Napoleon. Their monuments crumble away, but hers endures. Her name never appeared in print while she was on Earth, but today it is famous in three hundred and fifty languages.
We may never be great; we may never be known outside our circle of friends; but we may, like Mary, do what we can. May God help each one of us to do what we can! Life will soon be over; it is short at the longest. Let us rise and follow in the footsteps of Mary of Bethany.

ERWIN LUTZER
Isn’t it wonderful that God doesn’t expect us to achieve beyond our abilities? We should, however, hone our skills and develop our gifts, but in the end, our epitaph should read that we have done what we could. Having done that, we are still “unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10).
That being said, we should not be satisfied with mediocrity or laziness. The apostle Paul uses the illustration of the athlete in a race to remind us we need discipline, dedication, and determination if we are to succeed (1 Corinthians 9:24–27).
Mary gave her finest treasure, the expensive oil, to Jesus. But cost didn’t matter. She gave all she had to Jesus, holding nothing back. Pouring it on His feet was not a waste; it was an unimaginable investment.
Let it be said of us: “We have done what we could.” Nothing less and nothing more.

PRAYER
Father, I stumble, and sometimes I cause others to stumble. Enable me, Lord, to run well and to hear your, “Well done.”

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What can you learn from Mary's willingness to give her most valuable possession to Jesus without holding anything back?

It requires discipline, direction, and determination to run the Christian race. Which of these do you struggle with the most?

A Dim Light Is Better Than None

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

D.L. MOODY
If every one of us was illuminated by the Spirit of God, how we could light up the churches! But to have a lantern without any light, would be a nuisance. Many Christians carry along lanterns and say, “I wouldn’t give up my religion for yours.” They talk about religion. The religion that has no fire is like painted fire. These are artificial Christians.
Do you belong to that class? You can tell. If you can’t, your friends can.

ERWIN LUTZER
I heard about a man charged with negligence for not using his lantern to warn a train conductor approaching a critical crossing. In court, he testified he did wave his lantern, and was acquitted. Later, he told a friend, “It’s true, I did wave my lantern; I’m just glad they didn’t ask me if it was lit.”
I sympathize with people who work in an environment surrounded by attitudes and words exuding the irreverent and foul deeds of the world. Some believers have to change jobs. But we should also thank God for believers who choose to stay—who not only wave their lantern, but keep it lit. “Artificial Christians” have form but no substance, the cloak of religion but no heart change. What Jesus said to His disciples applies to us: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
Even if you don’t think you’re a very good light, you’re probably the best light these people will ever meet. Be faithful, represent Jesus. If you fall back into the darkness, confess your sins and begin walking in the light anew, praying and seeking God. You might be surprised about the impact you have. Right where you are, right where God has planted you, you represent Him in an evil time. In the darkest night, keep your lamp burning.

PRAYER
Father, help me to represent your Son well; may those who are in darkness see the Son’s light reflected in my life.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What areas of darkness has God placed you in where you can show the light of Christ?

What can you do to make sure that you shine brightly for Christ?

Heaven Is Just A Bonus

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his! Numbers 23:10

D.L. MOODY
The sanctified man and the unsanctified one look at heaven very differently. The unsanctified man simply chooses heaven in preference to hell. He thinks that if he must go to either one, he would rather try heaven. It is like a man with a farm who has a place offered him in another country where there is said to be a gold mine; he hates to give up all he has and take any risk. But if he is going to be banished and must leave, and has his choice of living in a wilderness or digging in a coal pit, or else take the gold mine, then there is no hesitation. The unregenerate man likes heaven better than hell, but he likes this world the best of all. The true believer prizes heaven above everything else, and is always willing to give up the world. Everybody wants to enjoy heaven after they die, but they don’t want to be heavenly-minded while they live.

ERWIN LUTZER
I had not seen Moody’s point clearly before: If the unregenerate person must choose, he’d prefer heaven over hell, but loves the world most of all. After all, humans are driven by our fallen desires, which are most easily satisfied by the world; we prefer our natural state. The unconverted love the world, thinking they are in charge when, in fact, they are slaves to it.
But blessed are those whose desires have been transformed into a love for God and His gift of salvation. We desire heaven over the world, and shun hell’s suffering because we would miss God’s presence for eternity. No matter how beautiful heaven might be, without the presence of God, it could never satisfy us. Eternal fellowship with God makes heaven a place of uninterrupted bliss and fulfillment.
Do we prefer this world to heaven? Do we love God as much as Paul, who preferred to die and be with Christ than to live in this world? (Philippians 1:21–23).

PRAYER
Father, shift my desires to prepare for the life to come, living with thanksgiving and worship.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Are you more excited about heaven itself, or about being with God forever? What does your answer reveal about your heart?

How have you noticed your desires changing since becoming a believer?

The One Who Loved Enough To Die

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

D.L. MOODY
I have never been able to preach from that text. I have often thought I would, but it is so high that I can never climb to its height, I have just quoted it and passed on. Who can fathom the depth of those words: “God so loved the world”? We can never scale the heights of His love or fathom its depths. Paul prayed that he might know the height, the depth, the length, and the breadth of the love of God, but it was past his finding out.

ERWIN LUTZER
Yes, God loves the world, but what is even more remarkable is the special love He has for those who are His—the Father’s very gift to the Son. Jesus prayed, “The glory that you [the Father] have given me I have given to them…I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:22, 24). Loved from before creation, loved from the eons of eternity! Believers are loved unconditionally; both in eternity past and eternity future.
Not so the rest of the world. We must also remember the last verse of John 3, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (3:36). If we say God loves the unconverted unconditionally, we would negate the wrath of God.
Where do we see the clearest display of the love of God? At the cross. Where do we see the clearest display of the wrath of God? At the cross. There Jesus sacrificially bore the wrath of God for all who would believe on Him. This should motivate us to share the gospel, urging people to come to Christ.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for your boundless love through Jesus. May I share the gospel so others find refuge in Him.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does the gift of God's only Son demonstrate the cost and magnitude of His love?

How is God’s love for those in Christ different from His love for creation in general?

God: Our Shield And Reward

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1

D.L. MOODY
Abram might have thought that the kings he had defeated might get other kings and other armies to come; and he might have thought of himself as a solitary man, with only three hundred and eighteen men, so that he might have feared lest he be swept from the face of the Earth. But the Lord came and said: “Abram, fear not.”
That is the first time those oft-repeated words “Fear not” occur in the Bible.
“Fear not, for I will be your shield and your reward.”
I would rather have that promise than all the armies and all the navies of the world to protect me—to have the God of heaven for my Protector! God was teaching Abram that He was to be his Friend and his Shield if he would surrender himself wholly to His keeping and trust in His goodness. That is what we need—to surrender ourselves up to God, fully and wholly.

ERWIN LUTZER
If we remember the context of this promise, we can understand why it was so important and such a comfort for Abram (later, Abraham). The king of Sodom was so grateful to Abraham for bravely rescuing the people from his city, he said Abraham could keep the plunder. To his everlasting credit, Abraham refused this offer saying he didn’t want the king of Sodom to be able to say that he made Abraham rich.
So, God made these promises: the Lord would make Abraham rich and He would protect Abraham from the rogue nations that wanted to steal Abraham’s wealth. God would be both Abraham’s shield and his reward.
Let’s take that promise for ourselves. Let our wealth be honestly acquired, and let us trust God to protect us.

PRAYER
Father, shield me from harm and keep me from greed as you did with Abraham.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What can you learn from Abraham's willingness to trust God rather than depend on material gain and human protection?

What fears are you currently facing that you need to entrust to God?

Power Unto Life

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

D.L. MOODY
I remember some meetings being held in a locality where the tide did not rise very quickly, and bitter and reproachful things were being said about the work. But one day, one of the most prominent men in the place rose and said: “I want it to be known that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if there is any odium to be cast on His cause, I am prepared to take my share of it.”
It went through the meeting like an electric current, and a blessing came at once to his own soul and to the souls of others.

ERWIN LUTZER
Moody lived long before the internet gave people the ability to say hurtful and harmful things about one another in a public forum. In Moody’s day, if “harmful and reproachful” things were said about God’s servants, it would have stayed within the local community. In our day, needless dirt is often thrown on the bride of Christ and spread globally. Of course, skeptics use the same outlets to heap scorn on Christianity.
Even in today’s culture, Paul’s words cut like a knife to the heart of our Christian witness. We should not be ashamed of the gospel; we dare not pull back, hide, or be silent in the midst of our confused world. We must stand for Christ and consider criticism as a badge of honor.
As for shame, we can be glad that Christ “shamed shame” on our behalf. We should be “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
How can we possibly be ashamed to be identified with Jesus? Though we risk criticism, let us stand with our Savior and, as best we can, represent Him in a confused world.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for saving me. May I never be ashamed of your gospel.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why might someone be ashamed of the Gospel?

What is the heart of the Gospel message?

Trouble Clarifies

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

I will be with him in trouble. Psalm 91:15

D.L. MOODY
We are apt to think young people do not have any trouble, but if they haven’t, there is one thing they can make sure of: they are going to have trouble later. “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Trouble is coming. No one is exempt. God has had one Son without sin, but He has never had one without sorrow. Jesus Christ, our Master, suffered as few men ever suffered, and He died very young. Ours is a path of sorrow and suffering, and it is so sweet to hear the Master say: “I will be with you in trouble.”
Don’t think for a moment that you can get on without Him. You may say now, “I can get on; I am in good health and prosperity,” but the hour is coming when you will need Him.

ERWIN LUTZER
“Cancer clarifies.”
That was the crisp message spoken by my friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer. When you hear that word, you no longer care about who wins the big game. Cancer brings us to grips with our mortality; we are not meant to live eternally in this world. At that moment, we desperately need God’s promise, “I will be with him in trouble.”
When times are good, with good health, plenty of money, and everything falling your way, it is easy to believe in any god that suits your fancy. We hear people say, “I am into spirituality, but I don’t believe any specific doctrines.” That sounds good until you are in deep trouble or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Yes, cancer clarifies.
Yet, it is a mistake to wait for a death sentence before we focus on pursuing God. Eternity awaits us all, whether we suffer from cancer, die of a heart attack, or have an accident. Let us not wait for the day of trouble before we get our priorities in the right order.

PRAYER
Father, teach me to walk with you so that I will be ready when trouble knocks on my door.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How do seasons of suffering and trouble reveal what you truly believe about God?

Read John 14:26-27. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort in times of trouble?

Fading Into The Background

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

D.L. MOODY
Doctor Bonar, once remarked that he could tell when a Christian was growing. In proportion to his growth in grace he would elevate his Master, talk less of what he was doing, and become smaller and smaller in his own esteem until, like the morning star, he faded away before the rising sun. Jonathan was willing to decrease that David might increase; and John the Baptist showed the same spirit of humility.

ERWIN LUTZER
Many sought John the Baptist’s baptism for blessings but not with a heart of repentance. Over time, John’s crowds dwindled as people flocked to Jesus, whose disciples were baptizing nearby (John 4:1–2). As Jesus’s popularity grew, John’s disciples said in effect, “Jesus is taking away your converts and your ministry appears to be over.” But John made two powerful statements, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (John 3:27). We’re called to stop comparing ourselves with one another and to be content with the gifts and talents (or lack of them) God has given us. This one remark should forever cure us of all envy.
But then comes John’s refreshing confession of humility, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Ministry of any kind is never about us, it is always about Christ. We must step back from any glory or praise; all praise directed toward us should immediately be passed along to Christ.
In summary: Our gifts or possessions are gifts deserving no credit from us, so we gladly pass the thanks to Jesus. We must fade into the background and exalt Christ in every way possible.

PRAYER
Father, I refuse to take the credit for any success I have had, and I give you all the praise!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
According to this verse, what do you think it means for Christ to increase and John to decrease?

How should we view our skills and resources, knowing every gift comes from heaven?

Restoration

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61–62

D.L. MOODY
The Master might have turned and said to Peter, “Is it true, Peter, that you have forgotten me so soon? Do you not remember when your wife’s mother lay sick of a fever that I rebuked the disease and it left her? Do you not call to mind your astonishment at the draught of fishes so that you exclaimed, ‘Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord’? Do you remember when in answer to your cry, ‘Lord, save me, or I perish,’ I stretched out my hand and kept you from drowning in the water? Have you forgotten when, on the Mount of Transfiguration, with James and John, you said to me, ‘Lord, it is good to be here: let us make three tabernacles.’ Have you forgotten being with me at the supper table, and in Gethsemane? Is it true that you have forgotten me so soon?” The Lord might have upbraided him with questions such as these, but He did nothing of the kind. He cast one look on Peter, and there was so much love in it that it broke that bold disciple’s heart, and he went out and wept bitterly.

ERWIN LUTZER
After Jesus was raised, He appeared first to Peter, then the other apostles (see 1 Corinthians 15:5). Why Peter? Jesus was saying in effect, “You sinned, but you are forgiven; you denied me, but I have not left you.”
Later, Jesus will give Peter three opportunities to confess his love to His Savior and Lord (John 21). The same lips that denied Christ are now the same lips by which Peter confessed his love. The failure is past, the restoration is complete, and it is time to serve the sheep.
Let us be encouraged by Jesus’ restoring work. When we sin, if we are willing to confess, He is willing to forgive. Christ’s forgiveness increases our love for Him and proves His love for us.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for restoring me to you.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
When you sin, are you more likely to hide in shame or run to Christ for forgiveness and restoration?

What does the story of Peter’s betrayal and restoration tell us about our relationship with God?

Sitting On Christ's Throne

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

I will set him on high. Psalm 91:14, KJV

D.L. MOODY
God is able to do it. Up above the angels, up above the archangels, up above the cherubim and seraphim, on the throne with His own Son.
We are called to be sons and daughters of the eternal God. Do you know, the Prince of Wales cannot sit on the throne with Queen Victoria? But it is not so yonder. Christ has gone up and taken His seat at the right hand of the Father, and every son and daughter of God is to be lifted up to the throne. Think of the promise. Isn’t it rich, isn’t it sweet? “I will set him on high.”

ERWIN LUTZER
The truth that every son and daughter of God is seated with Christ is mind-boggling. Just take time to ponder: Right now, our position spiritually in Christ is “seated…with him in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 2:6). Jesus promises, one day, “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
That’s one reason we need not fear death. We already have residence in heaven. Yet Christ doesn’t just save us; the purpose of salvation is not just to keep you from hell, though, praise God, it does! The purpose of salvation is to prove what He is able to do through sinners and for sinners who don’t deserve anything at all. God raises us up and, someday, we will reign with Jesus Christ forever.
How big is the throne of Christ? I don’t know, but it must be big enough to seat all His overcomers! Figuratively speaking, God picks us up from our muck and enables us to sit with Him on marble; He takes us up from the grave and makes us sit with Him on a golden throne. Never before have created beings come from so low and been exalted so high.

PRAYER
Father, I thank you for making me one of your children—an heir—rough Christ’s sacrifice. Thank you for the privilege of reigning with you forever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What does it mean to reign with Christ?

How should God’s purpose for raising us to life in Him affect how we live?

God: Batting A Thousand

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Numbers 23:19

D.L. MOODY
Suppose a man, directing me to the post office, gives me ten landmarks, and that in my progress, there I find nine of them to be as he told me. I should have good reason to believe that I was coming to the post office.
And if, by believing, I get a new life and a hope, a peace, a joy, and a rest to my soul that I never had before; if I get self-control, and find that I have a power to resist evil and to do good, I have pretty good proof that I am on the right road to the “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). And if things have taken place, and are now taking place as recorded in God’s Word, I have good reason to conclude that what yet remains will be fulfilled. And yet people talk of doubting! Faith is to take God at His word, unconditionally.

ERWIN LUTZER
While there are many good reasons to believe the Word of God, Moody noted one compelling reason: the Holy Spirit’s transforming work in our lives. If we discover a hatred for sin and a desire to love God within ourselves, then we know those desires have come to us from God.
I have counseled many who doubt their salvation. I try to be very careful for I fear giving false assurance to someone who is actually not converted. On the other hand, I know Christians who show fruit of the Spirit and a love for God and give a clear testimony of when they trusted Christ as Savior, yet they doubt if their conversion is genuine.
The very desire we have for assurance is a good sign we are converted. The unconverted may speak of their conversion as an intellectual curiosity but have no holy desire to make certain they are among the redeemed. The truly saved are those who pursue God, grow in their faith, and eventually come to “the full assurance of faith” (see Hebrews 10:22). God’s Word accomplishes all of His purposes, even in you.

PRAYER
Father, help me to trust you to finish all you said you would do.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Do you struggle to trust in God’s promises?

What do you root your faith—or lack thereof—in?