Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Moving Apology

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Read Acts 6:8–7:60

Usually, we think of an apology as saying we are sorry, admitting we have done something wrong. However, there is another definition. The word “apology,” or apologetic, can also mean a reasoned defense of what you believe. This is exactly what Stephen gave before the Sanhedrin.

After naming him as one of the seven to oversee the distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish widows, Luke focuses on Stephen as a man of the Spirit and wisdom. In fact, the Scripture tells us, “Stephen, a man of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people” (6:8). Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin because he was persistently sharing his faith. The men from the Synagogue of the Freedmen made up false charges against him. They claimed he spoke blasphemy against Moses and God. “They produced false witnesses, who testified, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us’” (6:13–14).

In turn, Stephen gave a defense (an apology) before the Sanhedrin, reciting a history of the Jewish nation beginning with Abraham through the building of the temple. He began his conclusion asserting, “the Most High does not live in houses made by men” (7:48). By the time Stephen finished, the religious leaders were furious (7:54). They responded by stoning him. Stephen saw the Lord standing in heaven to receive him and prayed, “‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.‘” He fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (7:59–60). “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Ps. 116:15).

Go Deeper

Why did the religious leaders attack Stephen? What was remarkable about Stephen’s speech? About his death?

Pray with Us

Give us faith like Stephen, God. When others question us because of You, help us stand strong. When others persecute us because we believe in You, help us forgive them.

I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.Acts 7:56

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Rich in Good Deeds

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Command them to . . . be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

Today’s Scripture

1 Timothy 6:17-19

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Today’s Devotion

Ross-on-Wye is a scenic town in Herefordshire, England. Marked by its high church spire and old market house, a hilltop park provides a stunning view of the nearby River Wye. As you wander Ross’ streets, one name stands out: John Kyrle.

Born in 1637 to a wealthy family, John put his inheritance to good use. He built that hilltop park not for himself but for the community—an uncommon act at the time. He made a promenade along the river for public enjoyment, brought running water to the town, funded schools, sponsored apprenticeships for the unemployed, opened his home to the poor, and distributed bread from the market house.

As a longtime worshiper at Ross’ church, I wonder if today’s Scripture passage had anything to do with Kyrle’s philanthropy so many years ago. In those verses, Paul counsels the well-off in Timothy’s church to avoid taking pride in their wealth but instead to use it to do good (1 Timothy 6:17-18). While other lords built grand manors full of exotic possessions, Kyrle amassed heavenly treasure by investing in others (v. 19).

Each of us has a certain amount of time, talent, and resources at our disposal, which we are called to use well. Whether a little or a lot, John Kyrle can be an example to us as we glorify God by investing in others’ lives.

Reflect & Pray

What amount of time, talent, and resources do you have right now? Where could you “invest” them in your community to God’s glory?

Dear God, please show me how to steward what I have to bless others.

Today’s Insights

The command to “be rich in good deeds” (1 Timothy 6:18) isn’t just for those who are “rich in this present world” (v. 17). The first reference to good deeds in the New Testament appears in the teaching of Jesus: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). While our standing with God isn’t based on what we do (Ephesians 2:8-9), we’ve been “created . . . to do good works” (v. 10) because God has graciously saved us. The apostle Paul also spoke about “good deeds” (things that benefit people and honor God) when writing to Titus. Believers are to be “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14), to be “ready to do . . . good” (3:1), and to “devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8). We honor God when we use our God-given resources to invest in the lives of others.

For further study, read: The Community of Christ

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Should a Christian Get Angry?

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)

There are a number of Scriptures that, taken alone, would indicate that a Christian should never get angry about anything. For example, note Ephesians 4:31: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger . . . be put away from you.”

Yet, Jesus indicated only that anger “without a cause” was wrong and invited judgment. Many modern translations omit the phrase “without a cause” in this verse, but the phrase does occur in over 99.5% of all the Greek manuscripts and thus clearly should be retained.

If anger were never permitted for a believer, it would contradict even the occasional example of Jesus Himself. “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts” (Mark 3:5). He was angered here by certain hypocrites among the Pharisees who were ready to condemn Him for healing a disabled man on the Sabbath.

We are directed to resist anger over some personal injury or insult to ourselves. This is implied in context in such verses as cited above (Colossians 3:8, etc.). “Recompense to no man evil for evil . . . avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath” (Romans 12:17, 19). But if we do get angry in spite of ourselves, we are commanded, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).

There may be some situations involving injury or insult to the name or work of Christ where anger is indeed “with cause.” Even then, however, God would warn us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19), remembering that “vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – How to Receive Help from God

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Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)

Today’s scripture shows God’s people coming to Him and admitting that they are helpless. Because of this, they received direction and help from God and experienced a great victory.

Paul reminded Timothy that we bring nothing into the world and that we will take nothing out of it (1 Timothy 6:7). We need to ponder this truth. We come into the world with nothing—not even clothes. Everything we have is a gift of God’s goodness. We make a huge mistake when we start thinking our blessings are the results of something good that we have done.

Every good gift comes from above (James 1:17), and we can never earn God’s grace and favor. He gives them as a gift, and we should receive them with humble hearts, knowing that we don’t deserve them. Several times a day, it is good to remind yourself that you are nothing and can do nothing without God (John 15:5).

Prayer of the Day: Father, I admit that I need Your help because I am helpless without You. Keep me humble and help me to never forget that every good thing I have is a gift from You, not the result of anything I have done. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – A Life of Gratitude: For the Present

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NEW!Listen Now

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Philippians 4:11

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-8

In a materialistic world one of the hardest character traits to acquire is contentment—being satisfied and patient with the way things are while trusting God for changes to be made. We can take some comfort from the fact that the apostle Paul said that he had to learn contentment, that it didn’t come naturally or easily to him. In fact, when he wrote about learning contentment, he was in jail!

Being discontent often manifests as an insistence on change. We are not happy with our possessions or our position in life, and we attempt to change our status by our own efforts. But rather than being achieved through change, contentment is frequently learned by waiting on the Lord: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it is the active pursuit of God and His will through prayerful, patient seeking.

Gratitude is a sign of contentment and can be learned while waiting on the Lord.

Contentment with what we have is absolutely vital to our spiritual health.
Jerry Bridges

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – What God Requires

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What does the Lord require of you? Micah 6:8

Today’s Scripture

Micah 6:6-9

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Today’s Devotion

You’ve probably seen the signs: No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service. Or if expressed in the positive: Shirt and Shoes Required. Such signs came to widespread prominence in the West in opposition to the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Business owners were looking for ways to keep long-haired and often shoeless hippies out of their establishments. They were (usually) willing to serve anyone, but there were two absolutes to get in the door: shirt and shoes—required attire.

The words from Micah 6 are well-known: “Act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (v. 8). Much has been written and preached on these points. Yet there’s a tendency to skip past a crucial word that precedes those phrases, a word that sets the tone for all that follows: “What does the Lord require of you?” (v. 8). If you’re serious about living a Christ-honoring life, this is what is essential. Sacrifices may seem impressive, but that’s not what God requires. If there’s no justice, no mercy, and no humility, then God says, “That’s no good.”

This doesn’t mean that the reason God accepts us is based on what we do. He accepts us out of His great love. But it has everything to do with how we live if we’re serious about pleasing Him. We serve and honor Him when we do what He requires.

Reflect & Pray

When you hear the word required, what thoughts or emotions come to mind? How have you read Micah 6:8—as suggestions for better living or as required?

Dear Father, I know what’s required. Please give me the courage to do it.

Today’s Insights

Micah, whose name means “Who is like Yahweh?” was a contemporary of prophets Isaiah and Hosea. He prophesied to the nations of Israel and Judah, who were guilty of covenantal unfaithfulness—idolatry, corruption, injustice, exploitation, and oppression of the poor. Micah prophesied judgment and punishment (1:6; 3:12) but also promised redemption and restoration (2:12-13; 4:1-8; 5:2-15; 7:7-20). To encourage repentance with the hope of averting impending judgment, Micah asked “the Lord” on behalf of His people how they might do what was right and honor Him (6:6-8). The prophet warned that God isn’t pleased with our external piety and lavish sacrifices while we, at the same, time neglect the weightier issues of justice, mercy, compassion, and humility (v. 8). Other prophets dispensed the same exhortation: “Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:16-17 nlt; see Zechariah 7:9-10). We honor God when we “act justly . . . love mercy and . . . walk humbly” (Micah 6:8).

For further study, read: God’s Expectations

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – How tech is reshaping Christian media

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When my father began his career in Christian radio in 1970, the media world was relatively simple: There were radio stations, television stations, newspapers, and magazines. If you wanted to reach a large audience, you needed access to one of them.

For Christian ministries, radio and television became extraordinarily effective ways to extend their reach beyond the walls of a church. The catch was, broadcast time was finite, so someone at the radio station decided what was aired. The Christian Radio and Christian Television industries emerged, assets accumulated, and established players thrived.

Then, technology came along to upend it all—as if someone knocked over the Monopoly board at 2 a.m., sending all the little hotels and houses flying across the living room (just because I refused to sell him Park Place). The game changed.

Continue reading Denison Forum – How tech is reshaping Christian media →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Myth of an Absent God

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 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 

—Psalm 37:23

Scripture:

Psalm 37:23 

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, national or local tragedy, or personal dark night of the soul, these questions often arise: Where was God when this happened? Why does He seem absent?

The problem lies not with God Himself. He is, after all, omnipresent—He exists everywhere, all the time. Nothing will ever change that. The problem lies with our perception of Him—or, more specifically, our expectations of Him. When the Lord isn’t as predictable or as obvious as we want Him to be, we assume the worst.

The Gospel of Luke gives us a snapshot of this phenomenon. After Jesus’ crucifixion, two of His followers were walking the road to Emmaus. Both were devastated because the One to whom they had given their lives was gone, from all earthly appearances. God in human form was absent.

Until He joined them on their journey.

The two followers didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Here’s a loose paraphrase of the encounter.

Jesus asked, “Guys, why the long faces? What’s the problem?”

The two men were stunned by the question. “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days,” they replied.

“What things?”

They explained, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:19–21 NKJV).

Jesus said, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” (Luke 24:25–26 NLT). He led the followers “through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27 NLT).

Shortly thereafter, the two followers recognized Jesus (see Luke 24:30–31).

The reality for believers is that there are times when we sense the presence of the Lord. Then there are times when we don’t feel God’s presence and don’t see Him at work. We wonder whether God has abandoned us. The answer is: Absolutely not. He never has and never will. He said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT).

The Bible says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23 NLT).

There are times in life when God seems absent, but He never is. God is always at work in the life of the believer, every hour of every day.

Reflection question: What can you do when God feels absent in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – God Does Not Author Evil

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1:13–14)

One of the often-used excuses for rejecting the God of the Bible is if God is omnipotent (as the Bible teaches), and since evil exists in the world (as everyone can see), then God must be the author of evil or incapable of preventing it. Either way, such reasoning insists, that kind of God is not worthy of worship.

If that logic were accurate, then most of the foundational truths of Scripture should be rejected. The Bible insists that the whole of reality was initially “very good” (Genesis 1:31) but was quickly marred by Lucifer’s lie and Adam’s rebellion (Genesis 3:14–17). The thrice-holy God (Isaiah 6:3) has no pleasure in wickedness (Psalm 5:4), does not tempt any man with evil (James 1:13), and loves righteousness and hates wickedness (Psalm 45:7).

God does not cause evil. The archenemy, Satan, is the father of untruth (John 8:44) and was the source of the deception of Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3) and the rebellion of Adam that brought sin and death into the creation (Romans 5:12).

The most precise description of the all-consuming character of the Creator God is that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). There can be no impurity or inconsistency within the nature of the Godhead. The holy separateness of the Creator is such that no thing, no concept, no act, no thought can ever cause a break within the absolute light of our eternal God. HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Character in an Age of Image

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Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Romans 13:14 (NIV)

We would be wise to learn to be more concerned with what God thinks of us than what people think of us. We live in times when people are obsessed with their image, but God’s Word tells us we are to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

God sees our heart, but people merely see the outer man. No matter how attractive we try to make ourselves look, or what our level of success is in this world, the only thing that really matters is for us to develop godly character so we may glorify Him.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me always know what is really important! Help me strive to develop good character more than I strive for an image that will impress people.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Growing Pains

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Read Acts 6:1–7

The church of Jesus Christ was growing. People were being saved. The gospel was spreading. People were sharing. The Spirit of God was moving. But in Acts 6, we read that the Hellenistic Jews were complaining.

The early church was experiencing growth pains (v. 1). While this was no doubt an exciting time to be a part of the community of faith, it was not without its problems. Acts 6 gives an example of one problem facing that group of believers. During the daily distribution of food one group had been overlooked. The widows of the Greek-speaking Jews were being neglected. This issue had the potential to disturb the unity of the newly formed church. Fortunately, the apostles were wise enough to address the controversy head-on.

First, they established their role in the church. As apostles they were to minister the word of God and spend time in prayer. Second, they challenged the Hellenistic Jews to find seven men full of the Spirit and wisdom to oversee the distribution of food to the widows. The wisdom in this decision was that Hellenistic Jews chose Hellenistic (i.e., not Hebraic) Jewish men to oversee the distribution of food to the Hellenistic Jewish widows. All seven men in the list have Greek names. In fact, one of the men, Nicolas, is described as “from Antioch, a convert to Judaism” (v. 6:5b).

Wisely resolving this issue opened the door for more outreach and ministry (v. 7). The trouble was eradicated and unity was restored. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Go Deeper

What problems can threaten to derail the purpose of the church? Have you seen your church body address problems directly? Why is that approach important to the growth and health of the community?

Pray with Us

Lord, sometimes we let our own opinions and desires get in the way of unity with other believers. Please help us remember what is truly important: seeking You with those around us.

The word of God spread.Acts 6:7

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Orders of Angels

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NEW!Listen Now

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

Recommended Reading: Colossians 2:9-10

Look at the way any organization is structured, whether a business, a church, the military, or an athletic team. The organization can always be structured according to a chart of hierarchy and function. Organizations are not just random collections of individuals or groups. Rather, they are organized and structured according to purpose.

Why do human beings structure organizations that way? Because we are made in the image of God and that is the way God orders His own creation. God has even applied structure and organization to His ranks of angels. While the Bible does not give us an organizational “chart” of angelic beings, we do have descriptive terms that reflect angelic orders of both good and evil angels. On the evil side, there are principalities, powers, rulers, and hosts of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). On the good side, there are thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers (Colossians 1:16).

Thank God today that He has structured His creation and your place in it for His own glory and purposes—even angelic beings.

Angels are the ministers of God’s wrath, as well as of His grace. 
John Calvin

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Partners in Christ

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[Jesus] began to send them out two by two and gave them authority. Mark 6:7

Today’s Scripture

Mark 6:6-7, 12-13

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Today’s Devotion

My husband’s serious illness left him weak. But when a physical therapist prescribed exercises to grow strong again, Dan showed little interest. Then one day I did the exercises with him. “We’re growing strong!” I told him, lifting my arms and laughing. Soon, he was laughing too as we did three sets of the strength-building routines—surprised we both enjoyed working together to do what had at first seemed hard.

Jesus modeled best the profound power of working together on a difficult job. While going around teaching “from village to village,” He summoned His twelve disciples and “began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits” (Mark 6:6-7).

Going alone, the Twelve might’ve traveled faster or farther. But while engaging in their tough assignment, they were far more effective working in pairs. They could see and correct each other’s mistakes, counter any idleness or indifference, and encourage each other to action.

Then as they went, preaching that “people should repent. . . . they drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them” (vv. 12-13). Together, their power was multiplied, and not just by two. Empowered in Christ by the Holy Spirit, they drove out afflictions, healing all manner of ills in Jesus’ name. As my husband and I learned, two are better than one, especially in Christ.

Reflect & Pray

With whom can you partner in Christ? How does pairing in Him bless you too?

Please show me partners today, dear Jesus, so I may do good work for You.

Today’s Insights

Theologian John D. Barry notes that the disciples were sent out in pairs to fulfill the legal requirement of Deuteronomy 19:15, which says, “One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense.” But what “crime” would the disciples be witnessing? Christ told the disciples they were to rely on the hospitality of those they’d visit. He also told them, “If any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11). Anyone who rejected the disciples and their message was rejecting Christ Himself (Luke 10:16)—a greater offense than the crimes alluded to in Mosaic law. Commissioned by Christ and with the support of each other, the disciples had everything they needed to spread the good news. Today, we can ask God to show us whom we can partner with as we serve Him.

For further study, read: A United Mindset

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – The dark realities of witchcraft

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Lessons from Uganda about taking spiritual evil seriously

Recently, Allison Johnson wrote about the “Etsy witch” phenomenon, which began last year when a TikTok influencer commissioned a witch on the craft-selling platform to “provide a form of insurance for the weather on her wedding day.” Her experience led many of her followers to try Etsy spellcasters’ services for themselves, seeking assistance with “jobs, relationships, finding love, or removing obstacles.” Some clients sought perfect weather for birthday parties and weddings; others asked for assistance with “court cases and legal proceedings,” with varied results.

I experienced a profound sense of deja vu while reading Johnson’s article. Many of the services offered by Etsy witches are the same ones my husband and I see advertised by witch doctors on our walks through Uganda’s capital city, Kampala. Like their Etsy counterparts, witch doctors in this East African nation offer assistance with lost love, business success, infertility, court cases, catching thieves, and “removing obstacles.”

But while partakers in the Etsy witch trend view the practice as either harmless fun or a low-cost way to “put positive energy into the universe” and reap material success, those who consult Ugandan witch doctors fully believe in their power to influence the future.

Continue reading Denison Forum – The dark realities of witchcraft →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Confront, Motivate, and Encourage

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 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

—Hebrews 10:24–25

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:24-25 

In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about the hot-button issue of confronting, motivating, and encouraging our fellow believers.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NLT). And while his words carry practical implications for our daily interactions with people, we need to keep in mind that peace—that is, the absence of conflict—isn’t necessarily the goal for believers. Our goal is to obey God and accomplish His will in this world. And sometimes that goal will take us not only out of our comfort zone but also out of our peaceful zone.

As believers, we’re part of God’s church. We’re part of the body of believers. As with the human body, the spiritual body of Christ works best when the parts work together. But with so many moving pieces, that’s not always the case.

Conflict—believers getting out of sync with one another—is inevitable. But the need for fellowship never changes. When you’re walking with God, you’ll want to be with God’s people. And often, when you find yourself out of fellowship with God, you’ll also find yourself out of fellowship with other believers. You’ll find yourself saying things like, “I don’t really know if I want to go to church today. Besides, there are so many hypocrites. When I go, I feel judged.”

People often quote Matthew 7:1, which says, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (NKJV). However, the passage also could be translated as, “Condemn not, that you be not condemned.” We are not to condemn other people. But evaluation is something we should do for one another, helping one another, encouraging one another, and, if necessary, correcting one another.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (NLT). Sparks may fly occasionally, but the result is two people with keen spiritual edges.

That’s why I reserve the right to confront, if necessary, a fellow Christian who is on the wrong track. As Hebrews 10 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (verses 24–25 NLT).

God wants us to be holy people—not holier-than-thou in the way someone looks down at another with condescension. Rather, being a holy person means living a life that is honoring to God and wanting to become more like Jesus every day.

The people who are willing to risk confrontation to help fellow believers accomplish that should be welcomed and celebrated. They are doing a mighty work for God’s kingdom.

Reflection question: What would it look like in your life to motivate and encourage a fellow believer in their walk with Christ? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Night and Day

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by Michael J. Stamp

“[Nicodemus] came to Jesus by night.” (John 3:2)

The Pharisee Nicodemus, a highly respected teacher in Israel, privately visited Jesus in the dark of night in Jerusalem. Shortly thereafter, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman, who had been scorned by her own village, at a well in broad daylight. These two encounters were as different as night and day.

Before seeking out Jesus, Nicodemus had already heard Jesus preach in the busy temple, knew of the revealing signs He performed, and perhaps witnessed His miracles. Nicodemus already knew Jesus was “a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). But Jesus went out of His way to meet the Samaritan woman in her small town. She was a stranger to Jesus, unclean to the Jews, and an outcast to her people. She was shocked when Jesus asked her for a simple drink of water since Jews didn’t speak to Samaritans. But Jesus did. And He revealed His divine identity to her. She shared that she knew “that Messias [Messiah] cometh, which is called Christ” (4:25). Jesus responded, “I that speak unto thee am He.” (4:26).

Through these conversations, Jesus worked in the hearts of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. Nicodemus later demonstrated his faith by boldly defending Jesus before the Sanhedrin and assisting in His burial (7:50–51; 19:39). The Samaritan woman ran and told the townspeople about Jesus, saying, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (4:29).

Jesus meets and seeks us where we are. Young, old, wealthy, poor, respected, or outcast. All are sinners in need of Jesus. His salvation and forgiveness are for everyone. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). MJS

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Be Slow to Anger

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Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger dwells in the heart of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (AMP)

Have you ever known someone of quick temper, whose default response to many situations was anger? I believe people who rush to anger lack the discipline of self-control. We can’t develop into emotionally stable, mature, victorious Christians if we don’t learn to exercise self-control by managing our emotions, especially the emotion of anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 is only one of many Bible verses about anger. Another is James 1:19–20: Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us] (AMP).

Notice that the “anger of man does not produce” righteousness. Part of righteousness (being what God wants us to be) is fulfilling His purpose and plan for our lives and living up to our potential. We cannot do this without learning to restrain our anger.

We all want to fulfill our potential and do all God calls us to do, but we don’t always want to operate within the boundaries of self-control. If we really want to grow spiritually, we must discipline our passions. This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect or can never make mistakes. Although the Holy Spirit will give us power to control our emotions, we may still lose our temper at times. But as soon as we do, we should immediately confess it, repent, receive God’s forgiveness, and move forward.

Prayer of the Day: When I feel angry, Lord, help me slow down and remember to ask You to help me control my emotions.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Jesus Healed People 

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Would you like Jesus to heal you?  Then, ask Him.

The four Gospels detail approximately 36 miracles and reference even more.  Jesus changed water into wine, calmed more than one storm, restored sight to more than one blind man.  Yet Jesus never grandstanded his miraculous powers. He performed miracles for two reasons: to prove his identity and to help his people.

Can you imagine the testimonies? Imagine if you were a part of the crowd he fed, one of the dead he raised, or one of the sick he healed. The church exploded like a fire on a West Texas prairie. Why? Because Jesus healed people.

Why not let him heal you?  You can be sure that, in the right time and in the right way, Jesus will respond.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Holding Back

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Read Acts 4:32—5:11

When I was growing up, my favorite sport to play was American football. I still enjoy watching it. Recently ESPN added an additional channel to cover Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli Manning as commentators. I will often switch to this channel during the game to hear what the Manning brothers are discussing.

Today’s reading at the end of Acts 4 appears to switch channels, revealing two different viewpoints on the early church. First, we see a beautiful picture of harmony. Due to new Jewish believers moving into Jerusalem, the believers were working together in unity. Everyone was helping one another financially. From time to time, people were selling their property so there wasn’t any need among members. They would bring the proceeds to the apostles to distribute as necessary. They were genuinely living in community with one another.

An example of this generosity was Barnabas. “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (vv. 36–37). Then the text switches channels and we get a different perspective. Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, also owned a piece of property. They too decided to sell their property and they brought a portion of the sales to the apostles (5:2). But both Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead. Why?

Because of their deception. Peter asked Sapphira as he had earlier questioned her husband, “Is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said. Peter said, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?” (vv. 8–9). Both Ananias and his wife had falsely claimed they had brought all the proceeds of the sale to the apostles. Their deception was met with punishment from God.

Go Deeper

This story prompts us to examine ourselves. Have you been completely honest before the Lord? We are only fooling ourselves when we aren’t.

Pray with Us

Show us where we haven’t been completely honest with You, God. We don’t want our selfishness to interfere with our testimony about You. Give us clean hands and pure hearts.

All the believers were one in heart and mind.Acts 4:32

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Curiosity

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NEW!Listen Now

[The prophets] spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
1 Peter 1:12, NIV

Recommended Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-12

There is an odd vehicle bouncing over the landscape of Mars. Its name was chosen from a nationwide student contest that attracted more than nine-thousand ideas. NASA’s rover is called Curiosity. The Kansas student who suggested the name said, “Curiosity is an everlasting flame that burns in everyone’s mind.”1

Curiosity even burns in the minds of angels. Peter told us the angels long to “look into” the things we experience in salvation. The original Greek word means “to stoop down, bend over, and peer intently into something.” It was also used for peering out a window to catch a glimpse of the sight below. How remarkable to ponder! We are privileged to experience something that intrigues the angels. According to Luke 15:7, they rejoice when any human being repents and turns to the Savior.

Knowing this should make us appreciate all the more the inheritance we have in Christ. What a privilege to enjoy blessings that make the curious angels sing!

Angels now are hovering round us… wondering at the love that crowned us.
Thomas Olivers

  1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “NASA Selects Student’s Entry as New Mars Rover Name,” May 27, 2009.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

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