NOVEMBER 11, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

NOVEMBER 11 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: ISAIAH 61:10-11

One of the saddest verses in the Scripture is Matthew 7:23..."I will say to them depart from Me, you workers of iniquity, for I never knew you!" Jesus is speaking to a group of supposed believers, who were not His followers at all. In the previous verse these bragged about all that they had done for Him...they boasted of casting our demons, healing the sick and many miracles...but Jesus said, "I never knew you!" Religious activity, even if it borders on the miraculous...is not salvation. And that which is done in our own strength and in the flesh is not a ticket into heaven. Just knowing about the Lord won't get you there...going to church won't get you there. Certainly our righteousness does not qualify us for eternal life. The question is have you put your faith and trust in Jesus for who He is and for what He has done for you? The question is do you know Him...and even more important, does He know you?

Paul's says that we who are genuinely born again have been clothed in the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. When we stand before God in that great day, if we are clothed in our righteousness...we are doomed to eternity without Him! For our righteousness will not suffice! It is only as we are clothed in His righteousness that we are accepted of God and given the gift of eternal life...Jesus' righteousness is accepted of the Father. Sadly there are a lot of religious people who believe that their religion, their good works; their goodness will get them to heaven. It is not about anything in us, but it is about Jesus...we must stand in His righteousness alone! Today it's time to make sure of our standing before God...we need to humble ourselves....put self aside ...and fully trust in Christ and only Christ. For Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...and there is no way to the Father, except by Him!

Please share your thoughts.