Daily Devotional For Friday, April 25, 2025
Good morning Southside! One of the dangers I see in some Christian circles is the worship of a pastor, or a church or denomination. That is a very weak and unstable foundation to put your faith. No one is perfect and no institution is perfect. Such misplaced faith can be devastating to people as we saw with Jim & Tammy Faye Baker in PTL, Jimmy Swaggart, Johnny Hunt, Tony Evans, Robert Morris, Bill Hybels, James MacDonald, Bruxy Cavey, Carl Lentz, Brian Houston, and Mike Bickle, just to name a few. Such scandals ruin the pastors, their ministries, Christians in the church and our witness and testimony. I would like to remind all of us of the lines from that great hymn:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand.”
I hope your faith is not built upon any pastor, preacher, church, or denomination. As thankful as I am for God’s servants and buildings to worship in, preachers will live and die. We come and go just like everyone else does. Church buildings will rise and crumble and some churches will die as well. My hometown church was a vibrant church and now it is gone and the property up for sale.
Denominations will expand and decline. But Jesus, the Son of God, our High Priest, is not like that. He is more alive today than when He was teaching, feeding the multitudes, or giving new life to people who had no hope. He is even more alive today than when He walked out of the tomb on Easter morning because He has been glorified by His Father.
Even as you read this, Jesus is advocating for us with His Father. The challenges to our faith are real, and they are growing. But let’s remember Jesus and everything He has done—and continues to do—for us. Let’s keep that so fresh in our minds that we will never hesitate to stand up and claim Him as our Lord and King.
As I write this I think of Hebrews 7:23-25, “The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, (24) but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. (25) Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (NASB).
Assignment: To have a solid foundation, build it with these: Get to know Christ more personally and intimately through a daily quiet time (James 2:19). Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind (Matt. 22:37) and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39). Be willing to serve in your local church (Col. 3:17). Trust the Lord (Pr. 3:5-6, Heb. 11:1, 6). Nurture your craving for spiritual milk (1 Pet. 2:2-3). Acknowledge your sin (1 John.1:9). Filter your tongue (2 Cor. 10:4-5; Phil. 4:8); Share your faith (Matt. 28:19-20).
Scripture To Meditate On: Colossians 3:1, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (NASB).
Prayer To Pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the great hope I have knowing that my Lord and Savior is alive, involved, and engaged with His Church. Jesus is my greatest reality, and I know He is at work within me, helping me live in the abundance He has paid the price to provide. May my life on Earth bring Him continual glory. Lord, help me keep my eyes on You, not a pastor, my church, or my denomination. Help me to lay the right foundation so that when a storm comes, I am able to keep standing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly