Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Passover Observed

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Read Ezra 6:19–22

Many churches observe Communion weekly; you may call it the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. Others observe it monthly or quarterly. Jesus commanded that His followers do this regularly in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19). The wine (or grape juice) represents the blood of the new covenant, and the bread represents His body, broken for us. The Lord’s Supper was patterned after the Passover meal, which Jesus shared with His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him (Luke 22:14–23).

In Ezra 6, the returnees were celebrating Passover and the ensuing seven-day Festival of Unleavened Bread. This festival commemorated that harrowing night when “the destroyer” (Exod. 12:23) went through Egypt killing the firstborn of all families who did not have the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. The meal celebrated God’s incredible rescue of His people from slavery, His great kindness in passing over them, and His utter faithfulness to Abraham’s children.

The priest and Levites took care to be “ceremonially clean” (Ezra 6:20), just as the Lord commanded. “The Israelites who had returned from exile” ate the meal. Joining them were “all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the Lord, the God of Israel” (v. 21). Note the emphasis on following God completely. Both religious leaders and the everyday people were seeking the Lord with obedience.

The people “celebrated with joy” because “the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria” (v. 22). In contrast to Pharaoh, who stubbornly refused to let God’s people go and whose heart God hardened, God softened the heart of the foreign ruler. Either way, the Lord receives the glory for His faithful care.

Go Deeper

How does your church observe the Lord’s Supper? As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, why is it also a time to celebrate with joy?

Pray with Us

God, may we never take Communion lightly. May it remind us of Your sacrifice and love for us. Help us each day to be mindful and grateful of this life-changing gift: that Jesus bore our punishment for sin!

The LORD had filled them with joy.Ezra 6:22

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Children of God

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If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Today’s Scripture

1 John 3:18-24

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

One of my favorite books of optical illusions always astounds me as the pictures deceive my eyes—like one with two lines of the same length appearing to be different sizes, or the famous “impossible staircase” in which four flights of stairs seem to link in a continuous loop. It can also be a little disconcerting to realize we don’t always see things as they truly are.

But it’s not only our eyes that deceive us. We can sometimes believe illusions about our identity as God’s children when we’re bombarded daily with the world’s deceptive claims. Author Henri Nouwen wrote, “Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity and power is a false identity—an illusion!”

Our true identity, possible because of God’s lavish love, is that when we receive Jesus as our Savior we become “children of God” (1 John 3:1). As the apostle John recognized, sometimes “our hearts condemn us” (v. 20), and we begin to doubt God’s love or even question if we truly belong to Him. However, “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (v. 20). Instead of being deceived by damaging illusions, we can believe the truth that we are God’s beloved children.

Whatever illusions you may encounter about your identity today, hold fast to the truth that you’re God’s beloved child.

Reflect & Pray

What illusions about your identity have you encountered? How does the truth that you are God’s child encourage you?

Heavenly Father, even when I can’t see or feel it, please help me remember the truth of Your love for me.

Today’s Insights

When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we become “children of God” (John 1:12). The Holy Spirit “testifies [confirms] with our spirit” that this is true (Romans 8:16; see 1 John 3:24). Our sonship is a gift of God “through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). We can’t earn it. As God’s beloved children, He “has lavished” love on us (1 John 3:1), which includes a personal relationship with Him, eternal life, and guidance by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)—and we’re considered “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (v. 17). He provides all we need in this life—comfort, hope, joy, strength—to live for and serve Him. As God’s children, nothing—“neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future” (v. 38)—can separate us from His great love (v. 39).

For further study, listen to the Discover the Word Podcast : Who Am I?

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Is Warren Buffett your God?

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The Wall Street Journal is reporting that “Warren Buffett is stepping down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the $1 trillion conglomerate that he led for more than six decades.” He announced the news to investors on Friday, stating that he will remain on the board and become chairman emeritus. His son Howard will succeed him as chairman per a previous arrangement.

Buffett stepped down as CEO at the end of last year. He explained his latest move to shareholders:

Serving as your Chairman has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I have never taken your trust for granted. Father Time always wins. He has, however, been generous with me. The company is in excellent hands, and I look forward to remaining a shareholder alongside you.

It’s easy to understand the esteem in which many hold him: his company’s shares have appreciated by 3,999,494 percent since he took over the company. If you had invested $1,000 with him in 1970, it would be worth roughly $19.6 million today.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Is Warren Buffett your God? →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Confidence in Christ Alone

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:7–8)

During the three verses prior to the text for today, Paul listed some of the rather spectacular credits he had obtained “in the flesh” (v. 4). His family lineage and achievements were both professionally stellar and legally blameless. He had every right to be proud of himself.

Yet, in strong language, Paul values these personal achievements as the excrement of animals when he compares them to the gain of being given “the righteousness which is of God by faith” (v. 9). A vivid contrast indeed!

Jesus taught that if anyone would become His disciple, then he must “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Further, such a disciple must “lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s” (v. 35). Owning the whole world was worthless if it meant that the price would cause one to “lose his own soul” (v. 36). Hard bargains indeed!

Paul sought, as each of us should also, “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (out text). Invoking all of the triune Godhead, Paul begged for comprehension of the “love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,” so that he could be “filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:18–19). Such knowledge brings “full assurance of understanding” (Colossians 2:2). That is a good return indeed!

“Wherefore beloved,” Peter said, “be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). HMM III

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Love People in Your Thoughts

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By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:35 (AMPC)

One of the most valuable and beautiful things you can do is love others. We can purpose to think about the good things we find in all the people we know, and as we do, our attitudes toward them will improve.

Often we think about what is wrong with people and what we don’t like about them. Focusing on people’s faults is not showing love to them. We can choose to pray for them concerning any weaknesses they may have, and at the same time pray for ourselves that God will help us in our weaknesses also.

Focus on positive, loving thoughts about people. Then when they do something you don’t like, you are already so full of good thoughts about them, it is easy to just let it go.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me focus on the good in others instead of their faults. Fill my thoughts with love and help me pray for others’ weaknesses and my own, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Great Reunions: The Prodigal Son

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And [the prodigal son] arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Luke 15:20

Recommended Reading: Luke 15:3-7

John Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace” contains these familiar words: “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” The reference to seeing is taken from the story of the blind man Jesus healed (John 9:25), whereas the reference to being found is taken from the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:24).

Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son is one of the most poignant in the four Gospels. It is a story of mercy, a story of an undeserving son who received the compassion of his father after abusing his privileges as a son. Though the son deserved the father’s judgment, he received the opposite: love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and reunion. Whenever judgment is replaced by mercy, there is a price to be paid if reunion is to be realized.

If there has been a break in one of your relationships with a friend or family member, consider paying the price of extending mercy. Such a reunion demonstrates what God has done for us.

Peace of conscience is nothing but the echo of pardoning mercy. 
William Gurnall

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Rescue Plan

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He will crush your head and you will strike his heel. Genesis 3:15

Today’s Scripture

Genesis 3:8-15

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

When a father learned his five-year-old daughter had fallen overboard from the fourth deck of the cruise ship they were on, he plunged into the ocean forty feet below to rescue her. He held on to his daughter while treading water for more than ten minutes before the ship’s rescue team brought them safely back on board. As soon as the father heard his daughter was in trouble, he risked everything to save her.

All throughout the Bible, we read how our heavenly Father’s love compelled Him to give His all to rescue us from drowning in our sin. God first declared His divine rescue plan in the garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent and sinned, God cursed the serpent and said, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This verse refers to the spiritual battle between Satan and God’s children and how at His appointed time God would send His Son, Jesus, to redeem the world through His Son’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

God has been ready to save us long before we realized we needed His help. Whenever we feel like we’re sinking in an ocean of sin, we can be encouraged that Jesus is our divine lifeline. We can cry out to Him. He will rescue and restore us.

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced God’s forgiveness? How does it feel knowing He loves you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving and rescuing me.

Today’s Insights

When Adam and Eve sinned, the consequences were both immediate and future. Immediately, they lost access to the garden and the presence of the Creator (Genesis 3:23-24), and eventually, they’d physically die. In between, the life that they’d enjoyed in a paradise created specifically for them would now be tainted with pain, loss, frustration, and failure (vv. 16-19). This is what makes Jesus’ death and resurrection so vital. Only by what Christ did on our behalf can we be rescued and restored to the heavenly Father and have a hope of life after death (Romans 8:1-4). Life continues to be difficult in this world that’s been broken by sin. But when we cry out to Jesus, He’ll rescue us. And one day, God “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

For further study, read: The Forgiveness of God

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – “They preached God to us”

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How the West became the world’s newest mission field

For most of Christian history, missionaries have gone from the West to share the gospel with other parts of the world. But what happens when the West begins to turn its back on that same faith? As I discussed in the “God is good” section of this week’s Focus, the thousands of missionaries being sent from Africa, Asia, and other parts of the developing world to Europe, Canada, and the United States are providing the answer.

In 1900, over 80 percent of the world’s Christians lived in Europe and North America. That number is now down to 25 percent. The rest reside in the Global South, namely, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania.

Continue reading Denison Forum – “They preached God to us” →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Faithful to the End

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 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. 

—Hebrews 3:12–14

Scripture:

Hebrews 3:12–14 

The apostle Paul wrote, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). As believers, we must take his warning to heart. The reality is that we don’t always stand firm against the devil’s strategies. In fact, there are times when we play into them. We put ourselves in vulnerable positions. We make it easy for the devil to tempt us.

Paul’s warning resonates especially powerfully today because we’re living in what I believe to be the last days. And one of the prophetic signs we sometimes forget about is that in the last days, there will be a great apostasy, meaning that people will fall away from the Lord. According to 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons” (NLT).

This means that in these critical days in which we’re living, the devil is walking around like a roaring lion, looking for people that he can drag down (see 1 Peter 5:8). He’s looking for people who are content to run only half the race that’s been set before them. He’s looking for people who have taken their eyes off Christ and become distracted by the things of this world. He’s looking for people who are tired, frustrated, and struggling with doubts. He’s looking for people who are trying to “go it alone” instead of relying on the fellowship and accountability of other believers.

The book of Hebrews warns about the perils of spiritually turning away. Hebrews 3:12 tells us, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God” (NLT). Notice this verse doesn’t address unbelievers. Rather, it’s a warning specifically for Christians. The passage continues, “You must warn each other every day, while it is still ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ” (verses 13–14 NLT).

Did you catch that? You will “share in all that belongs to Christ”—if you are faithful to the end. In other words, you need to cross the finish line.

 

Reflection question: How can you be faithful to the end in your walk with Christ? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Save Who?

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by Brian Thomas, Ph.D.

“I will also save you from all your uncleannesses.” (Ezekiel 36:29)

Who is “you?” We know from verse 22 that the Lord is promising deliverance to the nation of Israel. But deliverance from what? What made Israel unclean? God promised to transform opinions of His “great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them” (v. 23). Apparently, Israel had dragged God’s name through moral mud, likely in both behavior and word, breaking the third commandment: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

What’s the big deal about God’s “great name?” It represents who He is! Lips reveal the uncleanness of the heart when they misuse the Lord’s name and treat it and Him without reverence. “And though they say, The LORD liveth, surely they swear falsely” when they behave as though the Lord is dead (Jeremiah 5:2).

However, His great name “was profaned among the heathen” as well (Ezekiel 36:23). So, not just Israel disdained their Maker’s name. All nations needed and still need to be saved, or they will be judged. How will the Lord keep His promise of salvation given in today’s verse?

Jesus is “the way” (John 14:6). Only His blood can cover “all your uncleannesses.” “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). When will Israel be sanctified? Only the Lord knows. But we do know that “it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel . . . shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth” (Isaiah 10:20). What about the salvation of other nations? Whoever will “believe on him” (John 6:29) who “rose from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:12) will be saved. BDT

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Freedom

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In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].

Galatians 5:1 (AMPC)

Jesus died so we could be free from the slavery of sin and overcome the attacks of the enemy, who “comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). The devil will often try to steal or destroy our faith in God through fear.

It is important to realize that our fears not only affect us, but they can also affect the people around us. Nothing is more uncomfortable to me than having to tiptoe around a person because they have fears that make them touchy, nervous, and uptight. I feel sorry for them, and I pray for them, but ultimately, fear cannot be conquered unless we recognize it and confront it.

You may be the way I was—afraid other people will not approve of you or afraid of an authority figure in your life. Whether you struggle with this fear or other fears, the path to freedom is the same: Study God’s Word and apply it to your life; pray and ask God to help you face the fear and conquer it.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for the freedom Jesus died to give me. Help me face my fears honestly and help me stand fast in the freedom You have for me, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Temple Dedicated

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Read Ezra 6:13–18

Have you ever been part of a church moving into a new building? If so, you understand the significance of the celebration described in Ezra 6: God’s people were rejoicing at the completion of the temple!

Verse 13 reports that Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, and his associates received Darius’s letter to support the completion of the temple. They “carried it out with diligence.” Because of this, “the Jews continued to build and prosper under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah” (v. 14). Finally, two decades after their return from exile, God’s people “finished building the temple” (approx. 515 BC).

An enormous celebration ensued! A rough, low-end estimate of the value of the animals they sacrificed in today’s market? A quarter of a million dollars! Significantly, the people offered “a sin offering for all Israel” that included “twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel” (v. 17). The northern kingdom of Israel had all but ceased to exist when the Assyrian forces overran the nation in 722 BC and scattered its people. This return from exile symbolically encompassed all of Israel’s tribes, not just the southern kingdom of Judah that had been exiled to Babylon and was now returning to the promised land. These returnees were a remnant, a small portion who represented all of Israel’s tribes, not just the southern kingdom of Judah, which comprised two tribes, Benjamin and Judah.

Today, we ourselves are God’s temple, with His Spirit living within us. But in the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelled specially in the temple, where His people worshiped Him and offered sacrifices. All that to say, these few verses depict a significant moment for God’s people.

Go Deeper

What does the extravagance of the sacrifices offered tell us about God and our relationship with Him? What are a few ways you can worship God with the same joyful, over-the-top sacrifice?

Pray with Us

As we celebrate the good moments and accomplishments in our lives, help us remember to thank You, Father. Every good thing in our life comes from You.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.Psalm 84:10

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Circle of Influence

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Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh.
Jonah 3:6-7

Recommended Reading: Esther 4:12-14

The Bible has numerous examples of people who had great influence upon kings and those in authority. Joseph served in the courts of Egypt. Daniel influenced the king of Babylon. Esther saved the Jews in Persia by her request to the king. The apostle Paul influenced King Agrippa with his personal testimony. And Jonah brought a prophetic message to Nineveh that caused the king to repent before God.

It is easy for us to discount the influence we may have for Christ with those in our circle of influence. We may not have the opportunity to speak before kings and rulers, but God can still use us to bring a godly influence into the lives of others. That was Jesus’ point when He said that we are to be salt and light in the world—that others may see our good works and ultimately give glory to God (Matthew 5:13-16).

Pray that God would give you the opportunity to be salt and light wherever you go.

The most serious thing in all the world…is this matter of personal influence.
George Truett

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Seeking God’s Kingdom

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Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Today’s Scripture

Matthew 6:25-34

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Today’s Devotion

My young grandson was spending the night in our new home, in a bed unfamiliar to him. He giggled with excitement as we read books under the dinosaur tent I’d pitched atop his cozy comforter, but when it was time to sleep, his eyes widened with worry. “How will I find you if I need you?” he asked. An idea emerged, and I grabbed a roll of ribbon from the gift wrap stash in the closet. Together we unspooled it from his bed, onto the floor, down the hall, and into my bedroom. “Don’t worry,” I said. “If you need me in the night, follow the string and you’ll find me!” He beamed in response.

In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks straight to our struggle with worry about what we’ll eat and drink, about our body and what we’ll wear (v. 25). The Greek root of the word translated “worry” means to be torn in two directions—the direction of faith versus self-reliance. In verse 33, Jesus offers the solution to worry: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It’s a challenge to us to choose and follow the one direction that leads straight to His heart.

When we struggle with worries, we can follow the “string” that directs us to God’s kingdom, His ways, and His presence, knowing that He will provide all we need.

Reflect & Pray

How does knowing that God has given His presence in your days and nights help you resolve your worries? How might you follow the “string” to find God’s presence today?

Dear God, please help me seek Your kingdom each day, knowing that You long to meet my needs.

Today’s Insights

In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus used a principle for logic and interpretation sometimes called qal wahomer, Hebrew for “light and heavy.” It argues that if something is true for something less important (“light”), it’s also true for something more important (“heavy”). Christ used this principle to emphasize that if God cares for the birds and clothes the fields, how much more must He care for His beloved children (Matthew 6:26-30). When we trust God, we exchange our preoccupation on what’s less important for a devotion to what’s most important. Today, when we struggle with worry, God can help us focus on Him, knowing that He’ll take care of all our needs (v. 33).

For further study, read: Our Help, His Presence

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – The controversy over Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, and Israel

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The English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is one of the most popular performers of our day, with more than two hundred million records sold worldwide. As of September 2026, he is the fourth-most-followed artist on Spotify. In 2025, Time listed him as one of the world’s one hundred most influential people.

He has been in the news recently, however, for less positive reasons.

The American rapper Macklemore opened for Sheeran at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4. He said, “A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: ‘Free Palestine.’” He then performed his song “Hind’s Hall” about student protests at Columbia University. The song was named for Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in 2024.

He said the next day that he was not criticizing all Jewish people: “Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace, love, for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.” Ten days later, the promoters behind Sheeran’s tour announced that Macklemore would no longer be a part of it. This after they were notified by venues on the tour that they would not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore in the lineup.

Continue reading Denison Forum – The controversy over Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, and Israel →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Eyes on Him

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 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 

—Hebrews 12:2

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:2 

When I was in high school, I went out for track and field. I was a fairly decent short-distance runner, but I was horrible at long-distance runs. Maybe this had to do with the fact that I hated to practice. My motivation might have been called into question as well. Some people are motivated by the spirit of competition or team spirit or achieving personal bests. I wanted to impress the pretty girls in the stands.

When it comes to the race of life, we need a better motivation than I had. Hebrews 12:2 spells it out: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (NLT).

Ultimately, we run for an audience of one: Jesus Christ. He is watching us. He is praying for us. In fact, according to Hebrews 7:25, “He lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf” (NLT).

The presence and work of Jesus is what gave Stephen courage when he stood before his accusers who were ready to put him to death. Full of the Holy Spirit, he was given a glimpse of Jesus in Heaven and said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” (Acts 7:56). Seeing Jesus gave Stephen the ability to run the race and finish it.

Seeing Jesus also gave Simon Peter the ability to walk on water. One night the disciples were making their way across the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. According to Matthew 14:25–29, “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’ Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus” (NLT). As long as Peter kept the Lord in sight, he was able to do the seemingly impossible.

As believers, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Circumstances will disappoint and, at times, devastate us. People will let us down and fall short of our expectations. Feelings will come and go. But Jesus will always be there to cheer us on.

He has run before us, He is the ultimate winner, and He will show us how to run. But we must keep looking to Him.

 

Reflection question: What would keeping your eyes on Jesus look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Our God Is Everywhere

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

The God who created and made all things is not only omnipotent, He is omnipresent. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

David’s insightful Psalm 139 is certainly one of the most striking affirmations of God’s omnipresence. “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee” (Psalm 139:8–12).

God’s omnipresence, however, should not be understood in a pantheistic sense. Although He sees everyone and everything, that does not mean He is in everyone and everything. The creation did not create itself!

But since God is everywhere, He Himself cannot be seen anywhere. Jesus said concerning the Father, “Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape” (John 5:37). But He also said, “I am come in my Father’s name” (v. 43). “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (14:9).

It is also a wonderful revelation that the Holy Spirit of God now indwells every Christian believer, so this is another way in which God is everywhere—that is, wherever there are true Christians, God is there. “Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). HMM

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Think About Something Good

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For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Philippians 4:8 (AMPC)

One day I remember praying, “God, I can’t go on fighting my thoughts all day, every day. As soon as I capture these wrong thoughts, they come back. What am I supposed to do?” As you fight the battle in your mind, you may find yourself praying the same prayer, so I want to share with you the simple answer God gave me. He said all I needed to do was to think about something else!

When you think about something good, there is no room for wrong thoughts to get into your mind. Concentrating on trying to not think wrong thoughts can actually increase them, but simply filling your mind with good things leaves no room for bad things to get in.

The Bible says that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:16), and this simply means that if we concentrate on the things God desires, then we will not have room in our lives for what the devil desires.

This was a life-changing revelation for me. I realized I couldn’t wait for something good to just fall into my mind. I had to choose my thoughts on purpose. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 30:19 that God sets before us life and death, blessings and curses. If you and I do not choose thoughts that lead to life, the enemy will make the choice for us—and he will choose thoughts that lead to death. But when we choose thoughts that lead to life, our lives will be blessed. Take time to roll good thoughts over and over in your mind, and this will help you form the habit of thinking good things. You must believe you can do something or you won’t even try. So, I repeat: “You can choose your own thoughts!” You can overcome (master) evil with good (Rom. 12:21 AMPC).

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me choose good thoughts on purpose today. Fill my mind with what is true and lovely, so there’s no room for the enemy’s lies.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Lord Gives A Word 

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For six long weeks Elijah had walked across the wilderness of Sinai. Finally he reached and began to ascend Mt. Horeb. Elijah was in search of God.

And, according to 1 Kings 19:9 (NKJV), “the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” Elijah answered with a complaint. I did everything you told me to do, but your people have rejected your covenants and killed your prophets. I’m the only one left in the country, and now they want to kill me too.

Well, the Lord gave Elijah a word. According to verse 12, our Creator spoke to the prophet with a still, small voice. He will speak a word to you as well. Let his Word, living and active, speak to you. Open your Bible and listen.

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Heart of Kings

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Read Ezra 6:1–12

Have you ever experienced waiting for some bureaucratic decision over which you had no real power? You fill out the forms, state your case, pray like crazy, and then just wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. Ezra 6 gives us an inside look on what was happening on the government side of things, at least in ancient Persia.

King Darius had received Tattenai’s letter (Ezra 5:7–17) and took to heart its request to search the archives for Cyrus’s decree. Ezra 6:1–2 tells us that a search was made and in fact such a decree was found. Of course, we already know about the decree from Ezra’s first chapter and the last chapter of 2 Chronicles.

The second half of Darius’s letter to Tattenai and his associates goes into great detail about how they were not to simply allow the work to continue but support it (vv. 6–12). Remarkably, the king even allotted tax revenue to rebuild God’s temple: “Their expenses are to be fully paid out of the royal treasury, from the revenues of Trans-Euphrates” (v. 8). The returnees were to be given “whatever is needed,” including “young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil.” In short anything the priests requested “must be given them daily without fail” (v. 9). Darius then, with typical flair, adds a stark punishment for whoever might oppose the rebuilding of God’s temple: “I decree that if anyone defies this edict, a beam is to be pulled from their house and they are to be impaled on it. And for this crime their house is to be made a pile of rubble” (v. 11). The Lord had moved Cyrus’s heart to favor the exiles, and here He moves Darius’s heart to do the same. The Lord is indeed the true King over the entire earth!

Go Deeper

How does Darius’s response encourage you? Have you seen God similarly move the hearts of people to support kingdom work?

Pray with Us

King Jesus, You reign supreme above all earthly authorities. The hearts of kings, presidents, governors, and all other leaders are in Your hands. You are wise and good, and we trust You.

[God] changes the times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.Daniel 2:21

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

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