Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (September 1, 2025) Leading Your Family Toward Heaven.
“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
In Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man begged for a drop of water to ease his torment. When he realized there was no escape, he pleaded for someone to warn his brothers. Abraham’s reply was clear. If they would not listen to God’s word, they would not believe even if someone rose from the dead.
That is the tragedy of rebellion. Some people know the truth; they know eternity is real, yet they harden their hearts until the very end. Whatever you do, you do not want to go to hell. But Jesus warns that there is something even worse than going to hell yourself. It is taking your family there with you by the way you live. Imagine standing in eternity and realizing your choices led your children or loved ones into the same torment. That is a weight beyond words.
Revelation describes a final day when all will stand before the great white throne. Books will be opened. Every life will be judged. Those not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire. But there is good news. You do not have to stand there in fear. You can settle your case now by trusting Jesus as your Savior.
You can make the choice to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
And when you do, the promise of heaven becomes yours. Revelation 21 tells you that God will wipe every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death, no more pain, no more sorrow. Everything broken will be made new. Heaven is real, and it is waiting for those who love Him.
So today you stand at a crossroad. The way you live not only shapes your eternity but also influences the ones who follow after you. Choose wisely. Lead your family to heaven, not to hell. You really do not want to go to hell. But even more, you really do want to go to heaven.
Prayer: Lord, I choose You today. I do not want to live in rebellion or pride. I want to walk in Your ways and lead my family toward You. Give me strength to be an example of faith. Thank You for the hope of heaven, where every tear will be wiped away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
