Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Stroke of a Pen

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Read Matthew 5:17–20

What did Jesus mean when He said that “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen” will disappear from the Law (Matt. 5:18)? The King James Version translates this phrase as “one jot or one tittle.” A “jot” is literally the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, while a “tittle” is a tiny mark or stroke that distinguishes between similar letters.

Today, we might say that “not even one apostrophe” will disappear from the Law until all is fulfilled. The question Jesus addresses is the relationship between His teachings and the Mosaic Law. Were they in conflict? No. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (v. 17). That is, He would not delete it but accomplish it (v. 18). How? As the only human being who never sinned, Jesus was the only person ever to obey the Law—including the Prophets, meaning all of Scripture—perfectly.

Therefore, the Old Testament should not be “set aside” (v. 19), or as other translations have it, “relaxed,” “ignored,” “broken,” or “trivialized.” Some advocate this position, claiming that the Old Testament is no longer relevant. According to Jesus, however, there is an ongoing responsibility to teach and practice Scripture’s moral and spiritual principles.

God’s standards for holiness did not change in the new covenant. Perfect righteousness is needed to enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 20; Deut. 26:16). Jesus’ listeners would have known this was humanly impossible. Knowing we are sinners is the first step in understanding and receiving the gospel. We can have eternal life only when Christ’s righteousness is credited to us (Rom. 4:24; Gal. 3:23–24). While the Law (from God) is good, legalism and hypocrisy (from people) are bad (Matt. 23:23–24). In the rest of chapter 5 Jesus contrasts “You have heard” with “But I tell you.”

Go Deeper

The Old Testament was Jesus’ Bible. Why is the entire Bible important to us today?

Pray with Us

Father, You are perfect and holy in every way. Our sin separates us from You, but Jesus’ death on the cross gave us access to Your perfect righteousness. Praise God!

Not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.Matthew 5:18

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Lavish Love

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If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty . . . allow him to live with you. Leviticus 25:35 nlt

Today’s Scripture

1 John 3:1-3, 16-18

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

It was my grandson’s eleventh birthday, and a group of family members gathered at a Mediterranean restaurant to celebrate. Before ordering, my son asked the birthday boy what he wanted. He reluctantly told his dad he’d like the salmon but knew it was too expensive. My son told him, “It’s your birthday. If that’s what you’d like, you can have it.” My grandson was thrilled, and his broad smile showed it.

My son’s love for his son reminds me in small part of God’s lavish love. First John 3 describes the “great love” God showers on us: He calls all who believe in Him His children (v. 1), the benefactors of His lavish love. This love is exemplified in Christ’s sacrifice, the greatest gift of all. Jesus “laid down his life for us” on the cross (v. 16). “We’re saved ‘by grace through faith’ in Christ” (Ephesians 2:8). This is God’s gracious gift to everyone who believes.

In response to God’s lavish love, let’s “lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16). We’re called to put our faith into action: to love and obey Him and to spread that love to others. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to extend lavish love to our family and beyond.

Reflect & Pray

When have you been the recipient of lavish love? How can you extend God’s lavish love to another?

Dear loving Savior, none of my gifts or sacrifices could ever compare to Your lavish love for me. Please help me find ways to live out that love to others.

Today’s Insights

In his first letter, John carries forward many of the same themes that frequently appear in his gospel account. These include love (1 John 3:1-3, 11-18; 4:7-12; see John 3:16; 15:9-13) and light (1 John 1:5-7; 2:8-11; see John 1:9-13; 8:12; 9:5), both of which have been perfectly represented in the person of the Savior, Jesus Christ. John also mirrors his gospel by opening his letter with a statement of the incarnation of Jesus—the Son of God, who has come in the flesh (1 John 1:1-4; see John 1:1-5). While John’s writings contain many eternally important ideas, the concepts of love and light continually bubble to the surface as he seeks to describe both who Christ is and what He came to bring. He’s the Son of God, who came to penetrate the world’s darkness with His perfect light and to heal the brokenhearted with His perfect love. As we experience this lavish love, He helps us extend it to others.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Word of Life

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:16)

The Bible is always the best commentary on itself—especially when the word or phrase is not frequent. In this case, “the word of life” is only used twice and might be interpreted in various ways without this qualifier: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).

In the context of Philippians 2, the emphasis is obviously on the person and work of our Lord Jesus. We who bear His name are His “sons” and are charged with the responsibility of being “lights” to a world that is steeped in darkness (Philippians 2:15). The light that we shine is the word of life—and that is, according to the Scriptures, the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Thus, the word of life must certainly involve who Christ is (Creator, Lord, incarnate Word, King) as well as the “glorious gospel” of salvation by grace (2 Corinthians 4:4). Charged with the responsibility of “holding forth the word of life,” we are to be “the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). Thus, we should be well-versed in the written Word, since Jesus specifically said, “Search the scriptures . . . they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

Ultimately, of course, our “light” comes from “the Light.” Since we have been delivered “from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13) by our Lord’s substitutionary atonement, we who “were sometimes darkness” are now “light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Accepted by God Through Christ

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Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:18 (NIV)

If you are like most people, you want to be accepted. When people hear that they have been accepted to a certain school or organization, they often become very excited. Something about being accepted makes us feel confident and good about ourselves.

Today’s scripture reminds us that when we believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him as our Savior, we are not condemned. In other words, we are accepted. We don’t have to work to be accepted. In fact, we can’t earn God’s favor or acceptance through good works or through any human effort.

People who believe that God’s acceptance is based on good works or on doing everything perfectly struggle and feel condemned because they try to behave perfectly and cannot do it. Everyone makes mistakes. But no matter how many mistakes we make, if our hearts are pure toward God and we sincerely repent, He forgives us.

When we believe in God’s Son and acknowledge Him as our Savior, we can be sure of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. Love and acceptance are not based on anything we do or don’t do. They are based on what Jesus has already done by dying for our sins.

Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Because I believe in Him as my Savior, I know that You love and accept me completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Solid Rock

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He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
Psalm 62:2

Recommended Reading: Psalm 89:26

“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.”1

It is no wonder that the Prudential Insurance Company of America chose the famous Rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. This massive limestone mountain, standing guard over the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, is part of the British territory of Gibraltar. As a fortress it presents an image of permanence and unassailability. Nor is it any wonder that the psalmist David pictured God as his “rock”—an impenetrable fortress of protection and security against any attack, physical or spiritual: “I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2, NIV). As Moses said, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Just as massive rocks don’t change, so God’s ways and works don’t change: “His work is perfect.”

Take shelter in the protection of the God who is a solid Rock rather than on the sinking sands of this world.

The sea ebbs and flows, but the rock remains unmoved.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne

  1. Edward Mote, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” 1834.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – A Shepherd’s Heart

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I myself will tend my sheep. Ezekiel 34:15

Today’s Scripture

Ezekiel 34:1-2, 11-16

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

“A baby deer is caught in our fence!” Heather called to her husband, Tim. He gently set it free, but its mother was nowhere to be seen.

That afternoon Tim saw a herd of deer emerge from the woods and graze nearby. One doe seemed especially alert. Wondering if she was the fawn’s mother, Tim looked up a recording of a fawn’s distress cry on his mobile phone and played it loudly over the speaker. The doe began to follow him, and he led her to where the fawn was nestled away. The fawn immediately began to nurse; freedom had been obtained, mother and baby were reunited—all thanks to Tim’s gentle shepherding.

God is even more intentional in caring for His people and providing the freedom we need. The people of Israel had stumbled in their sin and were trapped in exile in Babylon. Yet God promised, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezekiel 34:11). Because Israel’s leaders had allowed them to be “scattered” (v. 12), God said, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays” (v. 16).

Believers in Jesus see God’s ultimate care in His search and rescue mission for us. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” Jesus said (John 10:11). When we were lost in our sins and captive to them, He chose to rescue us at great cost. On this day and all days, freedom is precious. Let’s celebrate the Good Shepherd, who has set us free!

Reflect & Pray

What does God’s shepherding heart mean to you? How might you thank Him for His care today?

Good Shepherd, thank You for loving me and setting me free.

Today’s Insights

Like the prophet Ezekiel, Isaiah also depicts God as a shepherd: “He tends his flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11). In Jesus, God appeared in the flesh as both a shepherd and a lamb. John says, He’s “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) and “the good shepherd” (10:14) who laid down His life for us. Revelation 7:17 beautifully pictures Him as both a lamb and a shepherd: “The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ” Today, Jesus, as our Great Shepherd, offers us salvation and living water that will last.

Visit go.odb.org/070426 to learn more about the Good Shepherd.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Iran targets Christians as fear of US fades

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Did our Founding Fathers sin by rebelling against the king?

Iran has ranked among the top ten on the Open Doors “World Watch List” every year since the list began in 1993. Their ranking has fluctuated over that time, peaking at number two as recently as 2011, but they’ve been toward the back half of the top ten in recent years. While that could be seen as a sign of progress, it’s important to note that their fall in the rankings has more to do with the destabilization and increase in persecution among many of their neighbors than anything actually improving in Iran.

And, if the latest news is any indication, their position on that list could rise soon.

You see, much of Iran’s persecution over the last decade has focused on the underground church and attempts to limit the freedom of Muslims to convert to Christianity. In 2009, the government began pressuring churches in Tehran to cancel their Persian-language services, with the largest of those churches—St. Peter Evangelical Church—forced to ban Persian-speaking Christians in 2014.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Iran targets Christians as fear of US fades →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – It Only Takes a Spark

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Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – It Only Takes a Spark

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 

—Acts 1:8

Scripture:

Years ago, I was staying at a friend’s cabin in Virginia. He informed me that the cabin was heated by a fireplace and a stove. That meant I had to build a fire in each one using kindling and wood, and then keep the fires stoked. I asked him where I could buy kindling.

In the very nicest way possible, he asked, “What’s wrong with you? You don’t buy kindling. You just pick it up off the ground.” (I should point out that I’m from California and he’s from North Carolina.)

After he showed me how to find kindling, he explained that I would need to empty the ashes from the stove and fireplace using a metal bucket that he kept on a concrete surface. When the embers cooled, I would need to throw them out so I could reuse the bucket. I told him I understood.

Hours later, after he was gone, I got up in the middle of the night to put more wood on the fire. I needed to clean out some of the ashes, but the bucket was full. I assumed that the embers had cooled because they’d been sitting in the bucket for a long time.

So, I went outside where it was very dark and very cold and threw the ashes off the porch into the yard. But along with the ashes came some still-burning embers. And each one started a small fire when it hit the grass and leaves. I almost had a heart attack. I ran out into the yard and started picking up the embers and throwing them up onto the gravel driveway. Then I found a bucket—an extremely small bucket—and started filling it with water to put out the little fires. I was terrified that I’d started a wildfire that was going to burn down the entire area. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. But that’s the nature of fire. A single spark can ignite something massive.

It’s only fitting that on this momentous day we point out that this is the nature of revolution as well. The “shot heard ’round the world” that began the Battles of Lexington and Concord started a revolution that changed the world as we know it.

And it’s also the nature of revival. As Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 make clear, spiritual revival starts local and spreads, like a fire. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NLT).

So, start local. Feed the flames of revival in yourself. Ask God to intervene in your life in a powerful way. Ask Him to reboot your spiritual system, to refresh and reenergize you. And then let that spiritual fire spread to those around you. You’ll be amazed at what God can do with a single spark.

 

Reflection question: In what area of your spiritual life do you most need a spark? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – When the Boughs Break

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favor.” (Isaiah 27:11)

Like a mighty tree towering over the forest, God raises up a mighty nation from time to time with a great leader to accomplish some purpose in the divine plan. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26).

But when that nation and its leaders become proud, and its people become lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, it becomes like a tree whose branches wither and whose core becomes riddled with decay. Finally, the boughs break, the kingdom will fall, and down will come that nation, its leaders and all!

That happened even to God’s chosen nation, Israel, though only for a time, since God’s promises cannot fail. One after another, the mighty nations that God used to chastise His wayward people—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, etc.—have in turn been judged for their own rebellion against the God who “made them” and “formed them.” God has warned that “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

Is that about to happen to our beloved U.S.A. as well? The signs of self-seeking power and pride among our leaders and moral decay and spiritual rebellion among our people are widespread and growing worse. Our prayer should be that of the ancient prophet. “O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years . . . in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Generosity Changes Your Heart

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. . . . Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith . . .

Galatians 6:10 (AMPC)

Our old nature is greedy, but our new nature as children of God craves to be generous. Each day we must decide which desire we will pursue and follow. Greed steals our lives, according to Proverbs 1:19, so we need to actively resist it. We can never defeat any sin by fighting with it or merely using self-will to resist, but we can overcome it by turning away from it and to something else.

I believe that generosity is the antidote for greed. If we purpose to be generous and live each day looking for ways to be a blessing to others, then we won’t be greedy because there will be no place for it in our lives. Start each day by asking God to show you what you can do for Him that day. Ask Him whom you can bless. The world is filled with sad and needy people who crave a kind word or some encouragement, or who have a need that we could easily meet.

The more we do for others, the happier we will be. Instead of being greedy and going through the day trying to get more and more for ourselves, we have another option. We can be generous, and our generosity will give hope and send up cries of thanksgiving to God from those who are blessed.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I want to learn more about the beauty and power of generosity. Show me people who are needy today and grant me the grace to help them.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Salt and Light

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Read Matthew 5:13–16

Salt adds flavor to our food, but it is such a flavorful additive that we tend to overindulge. A high percentage of Americans consume more than the recommended daily amount of sodium. If we could cut salt intake by even 10 percent, we could prevent hundreds of thousands of heart attacks and strokes over time. But salt doesn’t just add flavor, it acts as a preservative. Jesus may have had both these meanings in mind when He called His followers “the salt of the earth” (v. 13).

A second metaphor Jesus used for His followers was “the light of the world” (vv. 14–16). This image emphasizes the need for light to see by; we help others “see” by doing good deeds and bringing glory to God (see Eph. 2:10). This makes sense since Christ is the original Light of the World (John 8:12). Our light depends on His light.

Both salt and light are transformative by nature. Adding salt to a dish changes the taste of the food. When we light a lamp, the look and feel of a room are changed. Both metaphors also highlight qualities that can be lost, or purposes that can fail to be fulfilled. Good deeds, for example, can be done for our own glory (Matt. 6:1). Salt can lose its flavor; light can be hidden. Moral and spiritual uselessness is tragic.

We don’t need to try to become salt or light. Jesus simply said that we are salt and light. One implication is that we became salt and light when we trusted Christ for salvation. Another is that we have a responsibility to remain salt and light and not become useless. How can we do so? By faithfully following Christ. In a dark and sinful world, such a person will stand out!

Go Deeper

What are practical ways we can be salt and light? How can we “let our light shine” and at the same time give God glory and remain humble?

Pray with Us

King Jesus, when You walked the earth, You were salt and light in the darkness. Thank You for being our example. Please show us ways we can transform our surroundings with Your light.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.Matthew 5:13–14

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Read Matthew 5:13–16

Salt adds flavor to our food, but it is such a flavorful additive that we tend to overindulge. A high percentage of Americans consume more than the recommended daily amount of sodium. If we could cut salt intake by even 10 percent, we could prevent hundreds of thousands of heart attacks and strokes over time. But salt doesn’t just add flavor, it acts as a preservative. Jesus may have had both these meanings in mind when He called His followers “the salt of the earth” (v. 13).

A second metaphor Jesus used for His followers was “the light of the world” (vv. 14–16). This image emphasizes the need for light to see by; we help others “see” by doing good deeds and bringing glory to God (see Eph. 2:10). This makes sense since Christ is the original Light of the World (John 8:12). Our light depends on His light.

Both salt and light are transformative by nature. Adding salt to a dish changes the taste of the food. When we light a lamp, the look and feel of a room are changed. Both metaphors also highlight qualities that can be lost, or purposes that can fail to be fulfilled. Good deeds, for example, can be done for our own glory (Matt. 6:1). Salt can lose its flavor; light can be hidden. Moral and spiritual uselessness is tragic.

We don’t need to try to become salt or light. Jesus simply said that we are salt and light. One implication is that we became salt and light when we trusted Christ for salvation. Another is that we have a responsibility to remain salt and light and not become useless. How can we do so? By faithfully following Christ. In a dark and sinful world, such a person will stand out!

Go Deeper

What are practical ways we can be salt and light? How can we “let our light shine” and at the same time give God glory and remain humble?

Pray with Us

King Jesus, when You walked the earth, You were salt and light in the darkness. Thank You for being our example. Please show us ways we can transform our surroundings with Your light.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.Matthew 5:13–14

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Newness of the Spirit

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NEW!Listen Now

But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
Romans 7:6

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:5-11

In Romans 6 and 7, the apostle Paul explains that in coming to Christ we die to the law. That is, we die to the idea that we can be saved by keeping the law. We die to the law as a binding covenant authority over us. The law is no longer the governing framework of our relationship with God. Having trusted in Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to enable us to live a life that fulfills the undergirding principle of the law—love. We now serve in the newness of the Spirit.

We simply cannot live in a Christlike way on our own or in our own abilities. Jesus wants to live His life through us by means of the Holy Spirit. He wants to do His work through us by the Holy Spirit. A Christlike attitude is one that isn’t focused on us but on doing the will of God. We can only do that through the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Each day ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in knowing and doing God’s will. Ask the Spirit to fill you today and to have His complete way in your words, deeds, and actions.

All of Christ in all of you. You can never have more. You need never have less.
Major Ian Thomas

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Walk by Faith

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Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 40:25-31

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Today’s Devotion

The woman walked gingerly up each step to the church’s sanctuary for that night’s prayer service. As she paused because of her pain or breathlessness, a man passing by said, “One step at a time. That’s the only way you’re going to make it. Take it easy.” His words were meant to encourage the woman and may have given her the boost she needed to reach the top. They certainly encouraged my weary soul during my visit that evening.

In our faith journey, we may feel tempted to quit when the path seems too long or difficult. Yet in these moments, we can find solace in the words the prophet Isaiah spoke to comfort the Israelites. He told them God would eventually redeem them from their decades of captivity in Babylon, and He reminded them that God wasn’t like powerless idols (Isaiah 40:18-20).  Almighty God, who created the heavens and earth, “will not grow tired or weary,” and He strengthens the weak (vv. 28-29). “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (v. 31).

Isaiah’s words encouraged the Israelites, and we can receive strength from the same “everlasting God” (vv. 28-29) they were trusting. Let’s walk by faith day by day and one step at a time. As we continue to hope in the one true God, He will help us walk, run, and soar for His glory.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it sometimes hard to take things one step at a time? How can you rely on God’s strength each day?

Dear God, thank You for strengthening me step by step.

Today’s Insights

Isaiah warned the unrepentant people of Judah that God would exile them to Babylon because of their covenantal unfaithfulness (Isaiah 1-39). But after disciplining them, God would bring them back to the promised land and bless them (chs. 40-66). Comforting a discouraged Judah (40:1-2), Isaiah assured them that God wouldn’t abandon them and that He had the power to bless them. He reminded them that Yahweh alone, “the Holy One” (v. 25), is their everlasting, omnipotent, sovereign “Creator” (v. 28). Speaking tenderly of God as a loving and caring shepherd, Isaiah said that God “gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (v. 11) to bring them home. The tired, weary, and weak would find new strength (vv. 28-31) as they journeyed back to the promised land with God. In our journey of faith, God will provide strength as well. We affirm with the psalmist, “Blessed are those whose hope . . . is in the Lord their God” (Psalm 146:5).

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Why John Adams thought July 2 was Independence Day

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On July 4, our nation’s capital will be the site of the largest fireworks display in history, an Independence Day Parade, and the Freedom250 celebration. An America250 benefit show will take place in Los Angeles as well. There will also be an IndyCar race in Washington, DC, a flotilla of tall ships in New York City, and a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg, among other events.

But unlike the birth of a person, the birthday of our country is a more complex story, one that illustrates our past and informs our future.

On July 3, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.” He added that July 2 “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

The reason for his enthusiasm was simple: Congress actually declared independence from Great Britain on July 2. The vote followed more than a year of debates and Richard Henry Lee’s resolution, introduced in early June, that the American colonies “are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – Why John Adams thought July 2 was Independence Day →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Source of Hope

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 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

—Romans 15:13

Scripture:

Hope is a precious commodity in today’s world. Our 24-hour news cycle feeds us story after story of events and tragedies that are far beyond our control. Many people spend hours online “doomscrolling,” obsessively searching for content that reinforces their negativity or triggers their anxiety.

As a nation, we’ve certainly faced our share of dark times before. For many, there was little hope to be found during the years of the Civil War or in the struggle for civil rights. But our current culture feels different. The algorithms that drive social media seem to reinforce a sense of hopelessness. And the occasional piece of content that momentarily offers hope often turns out to be AI-generated.

So when people encounter genuine hope, the results are often profound. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NLT).

Believers understand that with God, there is no such thing as hopelessness. Andrew Jackson understood that. In a letter to his wife he wrote, “I trust that the god of Isaac and of Jacob will protect you, and give you health in my absence, in him alone we ought to trust, he alone can preserve, and guide us through this troublesome world, and I am sure he will hear your prayers. We are told that the prayers of the righteous prevaileth much, and I add mine for your health and preservation untill we again meet.”

The overflowing hope that Paul spoke of springs from a spiritual passion. That’s why revival is essential to the lifeblood of believers and to the lifeblood of our nation. For believers, revival involves recapturing the first bloom of a love relationship with Jesus Christ. Sometimes when we’ve been walking with the Lord for a while, our spiritual passion begins to fade. Our zeal begins to erode. We lose some of our initial excitement about our relationship with Him. Revival is how we get it back.

When we as Christians restore the passion and fervor to our relationship with Christ, good things happen—in and around us. That renewed passion and fervor feeds on itself. Hope fills and then overflows our lives and then splashes all over the people around us. That’s how revival spreads.

I was speaking once with Chuck Smith, who is regarded as the father of the last great spiritual awakening in our country—an event known as the Jesus Movement. I asked him, “Chuck, do you think we’ll ever see another Jesus Movement?”

His answer was this: “I don’t know, Greg. I don’t know if we’re desperate enough.”

It’s time for God’s people to rediscover our passion, our hope, and our desperation.

 

Reflection question: What would renewed spiritual passion, hope, and desperation look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Lights in the World

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“The sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)

The Hebrew and Greek terms for “sons of God” are essentially the same, but the Old Testament always uses the phrase in reference to angels, whereas the New Testament always references the twice-born saints of God.

Our text for this day emphasizes the precise reason that our Lord Jesus prayed, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world . . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:15–16). We who share this marvelous relationship bear both the “love the Father hath bestowed upon us” and the unique rejection that “the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and we who are His disciples are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We, unlike the angels, are to remain in this unfair and distorted world as lights. Consider this! We are the light that the Lord Jesus left in this world to represent Him and His message after He returned to heaven (John 9:5).

That is why the Scriptures refer to us as saints (holy ones) and disciples (followers); even the pejorative “Christians” identify us as representing the King (Acts 11:26)! We must therefore shine with the truth (John 3:19) and shed the “light of the glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4), attempting to “lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9).

Finally, we are surely commanded to “walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7). Our light should never be covered in a “bushel” (Matthew 5:15) but set on a “hill” for all to see (v. 14). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – How to Handle Disappointment

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. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Psalm 119:116 (NIV)

Disappointment often occurs when our hopes or plans are thwarted by something we cannot help or situations we cannot control. We can be disappointed by unpleasant circumstances or by people who let us down. We may feel disappointment with God when we’ve been expecting Him to do something and He doesn’t. There are even times when we’re disappointed in ourselves. No one gets everything they want all the time, so we need to learn how to deal with disappointment.

When we’re disappointed, our emotions initially sink. Then they sometimes flare up in anger or a sense of injustice as we think, This isn’t fair! As time goes by, and after we’ve thoroughly expressed our anger, our emotions may spiral downward again. We feel negative, discouraged, and depressed. The next time you’re disappointed, pay attention to the activity of your emotions.

But instead of letting them take the lead, decide that you will manage them. There’s nothing unusual or wrong about initial feelings of disappointment. But what we do from that point forward makes all the difference in the world.

I learned long ago that with God on our side, even though we will experience disappointments in life, we can always get “reappointed.” If we have a doctor’s appointment and the doctor has to cancel because of an emergency, we simply make another appointment. Life can be that way too. Trusting that God has a good plan for us and that He orders our steps is the key to preventing disappointment from turning into despair.

Prayer of the Day: When I am disappointed, Lord, I choose to trust You, knowing that You have a good plan for my life and that You direct my steps.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Overseer of Your World 

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Play

It is not God’s will that you face every day with dread and trepidation.

I have a childhood memory that I cherish. My father loved corn bread and buttermilk. About ten o’clock each night he would meander into the kitchen and crumble a piece of corn bread into a glass of buttermilk, stand at the counter and drink it. Then he’d make the rounds to the front and back doors, checking the locks. Once everything was secure, he would step into the bedroom I shared with my brother and say something like, “Everything is secure, boys. You can go to sleep now.”

I have no inclination to believe that God loves corn bread and buttermilk, but I do believe he loves his children. He keeps everything secure. He oversees your world. And by his power you will “be anxious for nothing” and discover the “peace…that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:4-8 RSV).

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Peacemakers and Persecuted

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Read Matthew 5:9–12

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most highly esteemed honors in the world, given to an organization or a person who has worked tirelessly for peace, reconciliation, human rights, or justice. In 2014, Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for championing the rights of all children to receive an education.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus taught that blessed are the peacemakers (v. 9). This is the seventh group highlighted by Jesus as blessed or happy. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, doesn’t just mean the absence of war or conflict. It signifies overall well-being and can be applied to any set of social relationships, from nations to families and friendships. Those who contribute to peace in this sense “will be called children of God,” a result that focuses on redemption and the gospel (Rom. 5:1,10).

The eighth group of people who are blessed or happy are “those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (v. 10). This is further defined as those who are insulted or mocked, lied about, and persecuted for the sake of Christ (v. 11). Satan and the world have always persecuted worshipers of God and will continue to do so until Christ returns. Like the “poor in spirit” (v. 3), this group will receive the kingdom of heaven.

Followers of Christ should rejoice when they’re being persecuted (v. 12)! Why? One reason is because it shows we’re on the right track. The world will treat us as it treated our Master, and we should follow His example while enduring such treatment (1 Peter 2:21–24). Another reason is we will receive a “reward in heaven.” We stand in a long historical line of faithful worshipers of God who have been persecuted, including the Old Testament prophets (Matt. 23:29–31).

Go Deeper

What does it mean to be “blessed” or “happy” from our cultural point of view? How and why are these different from a biblical perspective?

Pray with Us

What a mighty God we serve! As we pursue peace, fill us with gratitude for Your redemption through Jesus. As we pursue righteousness in persecution, give us joy in serving You.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.Matthew 5:12

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Pulling Others Up

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NEW!Listen Now

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.
Matthew 14:31

Recommended Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Logan Hayes was stuck in traffic on Interstate 95 when he noticed a vehicle sinking in a nearby pond. He leaped from his car and jumped in the water. A panicked woman was stuck in the front seat. Logan pulled her out and swam her fifty feet to shore. The woman was pregnant, and hours after the rescue she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. One unselfish act, two lives saved!1

It’s important to keep our eyes open for drowning people. They may be drowning in debt, drowning in sorrow, or drowning in sin. When Peter was sinking beneath the waves, Jesus reached down and pulled him up. Later Peter stretched out his hand to a lame man, pulled him to his feet, and the man began walking and leaping and praising God (Acts 3:7-8).

The same Jesus who knew how to pull Peter from the overwhelming waves can empower us to pull people from their bad places in life. As we attempt to live our lives as Christ did, we have the responsibility of looking out for the interests of others. Ask Him to show you ways to pull others up.

The Bible teaches that we have a Christian duty to help our neighbors in their time of need. We are called by God to bring the water of life for both soul and body.
Billy Graham

  1. “Good Samaritan Rescues Pregnant Woman From Sinking Car in Florida,” 6ABC Action News, February 10, 2026.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

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