Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Spiritual Infusions

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I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Ephesians 3:16, NIV

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Infusions have become a popular way to replenish fluids or nutrients in your body. At your home or at an infusion clinic, you’re hooked to an IV that delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream.

Are infusions available for us spiritually? If so, where can we find an infusion of strength for our souls? For that we turn to the clinic of God’s Word. In Ephesians 3:16, we learn a vital prayer to offer for ourselves: Lord, I ask You to grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in my inner being. 

The Holy Spirit was sent to us as a Helper. He comes to strengthen us. When you feel weak, ask the Lord to impart His strength.

If you’d like another prayer along these lines, use these words from hymnist Edwin Hatch: “Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.”

Breathe on me, breath of God until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.
Edwin Hatch

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Generous Giving

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Bring all the tithes . . . so that . . . the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows . . . may come and eat and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 14:28-29

Today’s Scripture

Deuteronomy 14:23-29

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Today’s Devotion

When Oswald and Biddy Chambers ran a Bible college in London from 1911 to 1915, they continued with their life principle of not turning away those in need. Astute Londoners were aghast at this practice, thinking the college would be taken advantage of. In response, Oswald observed, without inviting others to follow in the practice, “My responsibility is to give. God will look after who asks.”

The couple followed the example of our generous Creator. Through His instructions to Moses, God laid out gracious ways for His people to live and serve others, including the giving of their food and possessions. Moses told the Israelites at the end of every three years to “bring all the tithes” so the Levites, “foreigners, the fatherless and the widows,” could come and “eat and be satisfied” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Through the generosity of His people, God cares for the vulnerable.

The Chambers’ trust in God was so strong that they gave willingly and without question. They’d learned to “revere . . . God always” (v. 23) and receive His blessing “in all the work of [their] hands” (v. 29).

We may also feel inspired to give freely while we lean on God for wisdom and discernment. We know that God will generously lead and guide as He provides for the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows.

Reflect & Pray

What’s your view and practice of giving? How has God provided for your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?

Generous God, I look to You for all I need. I know that You’re the source of all good things. I worship You.

Today’s Insights

Scripture reveals that God has been generous to us and calls us to be generous to others (Deuteronomy 14:29). The ultimate way that He’s demonstrated His generosity is in the giving of His Son. In Philippians 2, Paul says that Jesus “gave up his divine privileges; . . . he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (v. 7 nlt). Then “he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (v. 8 nlt). All that we have comes from God, our generous creator. In response, He’ll help us give freely to others.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – How literally should Christians read the Bible?

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Approaching Scripture in its context

It is common for Christians to debate how to read Scripture. Some argue to read it purely literally, and some argue to read it mostly figuratively; so, where should believers draw the line? The truth in this instance is in the middle, as both are required to read Scripture accurately.

Often, this is by no means a simple task, as it demands reading and seeing different biblical passages in their original contexts. Some of these contexts are being heavily debated in the current culture, such as women in ministry, eschatology (the end times), Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Philippians 4:13, and how to interpret Romans 7.

If one reads Scripture with preconceived notions or bias, it can greatly hinder or harm the interpretation of the passage. It is important to remember that the Bible was not written to us; it was written for us.

For example, the author of this article—and, I suspect, most of its readers—are modern Western thinkers attempting to read and interpret an ancient Eastern text from thousands of years ago. The way we view history, events, language, and communication is worlds different from how they did. Thus, to be responsible readers of Scripture, we must seek out how the authors of Scripture intended their Spirit-inspired writings to be read and understood.

Continue reading Denison Forum – How literally should Christians read the Bible? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Reactions to the Gospel

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 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” 

—1 Corinthians 1:18–21

Scripture:

In my travels, I’ve found that certain people are more open to the gospel than others. But identifying who will be receptive isn’t always easy. Because I never know how things are going to play out, I just share the Word of God as often as possible and invite everyone to come to Christ.

The apostle Paul used a similar strategy. The book of Acts tells us that he received three reactions to the gospel when he preached it: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ . . . However, some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17:32, 34 NKJV).

Two thousand years later, those three reactions to the gospel are still pretty common. Some people mock. The word mocked used in Acts 17 also could be translated as “sneered” or “burst out laughing.” In other words, “Are you serious? You actually believe that?”

To these educated fools, the Good News of Christ seemed silly and unbelievable. But this very mockery was an indication that they were going to perish. As Paul wrote, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT).

Some will mock, while others will delay: “We will hear you again on this matter” (Acts 17:32 NKJV). This is a very common reaction. What it means is, “I really don’t want to decide right now.” The devil uses this tactic to great effect: “Don’t worry about it now. Deal with it later.”

The good news is that some people believed. They repented and changed their minds. Among them was Dionysius the Areopagite, who was a judge, an intellectual, and a ruler of the city.

After his words in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul wrote,

“As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (verses 19–21 NLT)

I’ve come to realize that conversion is God’s job, not mine. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an unbeliever. God holds us responsible for proclaiming the truth, even if it seems like “foolish preaching” to others. The rest is up to Him.

 

Reflection question: What are the most common responses you get when you share the gospel? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Secret Things

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

This portion of Scripture follows a lengthy restatement of the covenant of God with His people, Israel. In this chapter, Moses reminds the people of the works that God wrought on their behalf in their deliverance from Pharaoh, in His provision for them in the wilderness, and in His protection on the battlefield (vv. 2–8).

In this final address, he encouraged them to “keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do” (v. 9), and he stated the various blessings that would be theirs if they would do so. Lastly, he described in graphic and burning words the results of breaking the covenant and incurring the judgment of God (vv. 18–27). “And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day” (v. 28).

Recognizing the limitations of humankind, Moses wrote in our text that there are certain things known only to God—things that cannot be understood by the human mind and things that He simply chooses to keep to Himself. But he goes on to say that He has revealed certain things to us, and these things we must obey. Consequently, our text consists of a great principle of life: we must do what we know to do. We don’t know everything, but we must act responsibly and properly on what He has told us, leaving the “secret things” and their consequences to God. Elsewhere, He promises that even the secret things will “work together for good to them that love God” in His sovereign plan (Romans 8:28). We must obey, doing what we know to do, and leave the results with Him. JDM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – A Life of Adventure

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Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23 (AMPC)

We were never created to live a boring life. God put a craving for adventure in us, and adventure means trying something we have never done before. If you are going to be adventurous, you may need to step out into something new. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life and watch the brave people live exciting lives—join them. Step out of your “boat of safety” and see if you can walk on water as Peter did (Matthew 14:26–31).

I assure you, if you are stepping out into God’s will for you, He will make you able to succeed. You do not have to feel able, and you do not have to have experience. All you need is the desire to be obedient to God, a thankful attitude, and a heart full of faith. God is not looking for ability; He is looking for availability. He is looking for somebody to say, “Here I am, God, send me. Here I am, use me. I want to serve You, God. I want to do all that You want me to do.”

Prayer of the Day: Father, I am thankful that You want me to enjoy an amazing, adventure-filled life. Whatever You have for me to do, I pray that You will make it clear. Thank You for the opportunities You are sending my way and the boldness You are giving me to make the most of them.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Prayer Life Reboot 

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Play

I’m a recovering prayer wimp. For years my prayers seemed to zig, then zag, then zig again. Maybe you can relate. Perhaps your prayer life could use a tune up, a reboot? If that sounds overwhelming, I’m inviting you to a simpler plan. Four minutes, plus four weeks, equals forever change! Every day for four weeks, pray for four minutes, focusing on these core elements of prayer:

Father, You are good.

I need help.

They need help.

Thank you.

It’s that simple. Really! Talking with God doesn’t have to be complicated or complex. The power isn’t in the words we pray, but in the One who hears them. Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Elect Exiles

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Read 1 Peter 1:1–2

Peter is one of the most memorable apostles. In the Gospels, he is often the first to speak and act. He jumped out of boats (Matt. 14:22–33) and cut off ears (John 18:10–11). He denied the Lord Jesus three times (Matt. 26:69–75). In a remarkable act of grace, Jesus forgave Peter and reinstalled him as a church leader (John 21:15–19). This month we will study two letters written by Peter. They were not written by the young, impetuous Peter, but by a then mature Christian leader who had given his life to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus.

Peter called his audience by two different descriptions. First, they were addressed as “God’s elect” (v. 1). To be elect means to be chosen. Followers of Jesus are recipients of God’s grace, and it is God who took initiative to make our salvation possible. Peter’s readers were also exiles “scattered” all over Asia Minor (v. 1). An exile is someone displaced from their home country to live elsewhere without legal rights as citizens. Peter’s readers, mostly comprising Jewish Christians, lived outside of Israel. So Peter likely used this term with a double meaning. On one hand, they were literally exiles. But they are also exiles in a spiritual sense—awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus, their true King and Lord.

Peter continues by reminding his readers that their identity is most firmly grounded in the triune God. The Father chose them, and the Spirit is sanctifying them for the goal of obedience to Jesus Christ, who cleansed them with His blood (v. 2). We also need a regular reminder that our most important identity is not found in our career, nation, or family. Rather, we belong to God who chose us. In Him, we can have grace and peace “in abundance” (v. 2).

Go Deeper

Do you realize that you are an exile? In what do you place your identity? How is “exile” a part of that?

Pray with Us

Lord, as we study 1 and 2 Peter, help us see the truths You have for us. Thank You that though we are spiritual exiles on earth, our identity is in You and heaven is our eternal home.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect.1 Peter 1:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – For Every Generation

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Read Numbers 36

Have you ever wrestled with how to balance personal freedom with responsibility to your family or community? Our culture champions individual choice—but God calls us to consider the impact our decisions have on others.

Numbers 36 concludes with a follow-up to an earlier story. The five daughters of Zelophehad had bravely asked for their father’s inheritance because he died with no sons (Num. 27). God honored their request and granted them land rights. Now the leaders worried: Suppose they marry men from other Israelite tribes; then their inheritance will be taken from our ancestral inheritance and added to that of the tribe they marry into. And so part of the inheritance allotted to us will be taken away” (v. 3). If the daughters married outside their tribe, their land would eventually belong to their husbands’ tribes, disrupting God’s carefully planned distribution.

So, God gave guidance: “They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within their father’s tribal clan” (v. 6). This command preserved the daughters’ rights and the unity of the tribal inheritance. The daughters obeyed (v. 10–12): “Zelophehad’s daughters did as the LORD commanded Moses. Zelophehad’s daughters…married their cousins on their father’s side” (vv. 10–11). They found fulfillment within God’s loving limits.

This story reminds us that God cares about the details of our lives—our personal choices impact His larger purposes. The New Testament reminds us to “not [look] to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil. 2:4). Faithfulness means honoring God not only with our personal lives but also how we live within the body of Christ.

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Pray with Us

God, only in You are we truly free. Forgive us for the time when we prioritized our personal “freedom” over Your will. Keep us mindful of how we might serve others and, thus, serve You.

This is what the LORD commands.Numbers 36:6

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Extending God’s Care

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If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! 2 Kings 5:3

Today’s Scripture

2 Kings 5:1-3, 9-11, 13-14

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Today’s Devotion

As a teenager, I had a strained relationship with my churchmate Lisa, so I was dismayed to learn we’d be roommates at our youth summer camp. The week at camp passed smoothly, though, with both of us being civil.

The most anticipated event was a bonfire gathering at the end of the week. On that evening, however, I had a fever. I went to bed early, but I could hear the laughter and music outside. An hour later, I was startled by Lisa, who was taking my temperature. “I’m not joining them at the bonfire,” she said. “You’re sick. I need to stay with you.” Lisa could’ve stayed uninvolved, but she chose to care for me, which lifted my spirits.

We see another example of someone who cared in the story of Naaman. The commander of the Syrian army, Naaman had an Israelite servant girl who’d been taken captive and now “served Naaman’s wife” (2 Kings 5:2). Separated from family and forced to servitude, the girl could’ve chosen to not help her master, who had leprosy. But her faith moved her to help: “She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him’ ” (v. 3). And God did, in fact, use the prophet Elisha to heal Naaman (vv. 8-14).

Lisa and the Israelite girl chose to help, and God worked through them. Let’s ask God to show us who we can extend His care to and give us the wisdom how.

Reflect & Pray

Why might you resist helping others? How can helping others allow them to see God’s care for them?

Dear God, I’ve experienced so much help from You. Please use me to help others.

Today’s Insights

At the time of Elisha, Naaman was the only leper who’d been healed (2 Kings 5:1-14; see Luke 4:27). A young girl from Israel had been forcefully taken to a foreign country and was enslaved to serve Naaman’s household (2 Kings 5:2). It would’ve been understandable for her to rejoice that her enemy had leprosy. Yet, she told him that the God of Israel—through the prophet Elisha—had the power to heal him (v. 3). This is an example of “[overcoming] evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Galatians reminds us to “do good to all people” (6:10). Today, we can ask God to show us how we can show His love to others.

Learn why we should help our neighbors. 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Learning to depend on God’s word

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As we discussed last week, Scripture lists several reasons why God judges nations that are of particular relevance to America. However, each is also tied closely with a reason why the Lord might bless our nation as well. Today, we’re going to look at the first of those reasons: Our response to God’s word.

Disobedience to God’s word is a “blanket” sin that covers all that follows. Those who are disobedient to his word must face his judgment, since he cannot be a holy God while rewarding sin or a loving Father while blessing that which harms his children.

For example, God upbraided Israel prior to the death of Joshua: “You have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done?” (Judges 2:2). Accordingly, he warned that he would not “drive out” the nations before them, but “they shall become thorns in your sides” (v. 3).

The Lord similarly revealed to Zechariah:

They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the Lord of hosts . . . “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate.” (Zechariah 7:12, 14)

Continue reading Denison Forum – Learning to depend on God’s word →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Instruction Contrary to Knowledge

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:27)

One of the saddest realities in the modern world is that many of the leaders of evolutionary and humanistic thought were raised in Christian homes, where from an early age they were exposed to the truths of Scripture. Testimonies without number have been chronicled of Christian students going to universities where they were taught to doubt and then to disbelieve the faith of their parents. Perhaps all these students ever knew of Christianity was a set of rules; maybe they never understood the reasons their parents held certain views or the basis for these beliefs. Certainly the foundational teaching of creation has been missing in many Christian homes and churches.

Our primary goal as parents should be to establish a godly heritage—to teach the truths of God in such a way as will be believed and cherished by our children so that they will “keep that which is committed to [their] trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20).

Certainly a more effective way of teaching is to continually point the child or student back to foundational principles rather than to list a set of dos and don’ts. We must teach those under our influence to be grounded in the Word so that they can make sound judgments when away from our watchful eyes. No greater aid to serious study, no better primer in careful reasoning exists than in Scripture. Using it and other supportive materials, a child can learn to think carefully and critically. Not only will they learn information, but here they can learn wisdom and knowledge and understanding. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). JDM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Follow the Leader

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My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8 (AMPC)

The psalmist David says in today’s scripture that his “whole being follows hard after” God and “clings closely” to Him. We can sense the intensity of David’s heart as he follows God, the only worthy leader we could have.

You may remember, as I do, playing a childhood game called Follow the Leader. If the leader was creative and fun and kept everyone moving at a good pace, the game was enjoyable.

If the leader was bossy, moved too fast, or was inclined to lead other children to do things that were too hard or dangerous, the game fell apart quickly. As we go through life, we get to choose which leader we will follow. We all reach a point where we must decide whether we will follow God or trust ourselves to lead our lives.

People who go through life with their own agendas—trying to set their own course, make their own plans, and run their own lives—often end up frustrated and unhappy. It’s not that their plans aren’t good; it’s that God’s plans are so much better.

When we follow God, we have a leader who moves at exactly the right pace and keeps life interesting for us. He also makes sure we miraculously end up just where we’re supposed to be, when we’re supposed to be there. Following God is a great adventure, and I hope you will embrace it today.

Prayer of the Day: God, I choose You as the leader of my life. Help me to follow hard after You with my whole being.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – May Mothers: The Submission of Mary

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Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:51

Perhaps the most important thing we know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes from her own words to the angel Gabriel when she was told of God’s plan for her.

First, she referred to herself as a “maidservant of the Lord.” This word could be translated as “servant,” “bondservant,” or “slave.” It carried with it the idea of compulsion or obligation—that is, a role that Mary wasn’t free to reject. How did Mary come to view herself as a young woman obligated to serve God with her life? We don’t know. But we do know that her commitment to God resulted in Gabriel referring to her as “highly favored” in God’s sight (Luke 1:28). Second was her response to Gabriel’s announcement: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Once she received the amazing explanation of how she, a virgin, could give birth to a baby (Luke 1:35), there was no hesitation, questioning, or debate. Mary simply said “Yes” to God.

When it comes to submitting to God, the fewer words the better. Only one word is truly necessary: Yes.

The essence of sin is arrogance; the essence of salvation is submission.
Alan Redpath

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Imitating God’s Forgiveness

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 4:25-32

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Today’s Devotion

I used to work with a woman named Madge, who was an amazing cook. “You should taste my pea and ham soup!” she said one day. After replying that I really didn’t like peas, Madge smiled and said, “You will after you try my soup.” The next day she handed me a container of her soup, made especially for me.

“Did you try my soup?” Madge asked me a couple of days later. “I will—soon!” I said, hoping she wouldn’t ask me again. But she did—the next day, and the next. “Don’t leave it too long or it’ll spoil,” she added on the fourth day.

A week later, Madge’s uneaten soup had spoiled, and I threw it away. I felt dread as she approached me. “You did try my soup, didn’t you?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “It was . . .  delicious.”

In Ephesians 4, Paul calls us to deal with speech-related sins like angry words (v. 26), unwholesome talk (v. 29), and slander (v. 31). But before these comes a more basic call to “speak truthfully to your neighbor” (v. 25). I had looked at Madge and told her a lie. I knew what I needed to do.

I walked into Madge’s office, confessed my lie, and sheepishly asked for her forgiveness. Madge walked to me and gave me a hug. “Of course I forgive you,” she said. “How could I not, when I know how much God’s forgiven me?”

Reflect & Pray

How many sinful words or actions has God forgiven you for? How can that reminder help you forgive someone today, with the Holy Spirit’s strength?

Forgiving God, please enable me to forgive others.

For further study, read The Risk of Forgiveness.

Today’s Insights

Paul sets up these instructions in Ephesians 4:25-32 by reminding his readers what life was like without Christ: “You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (vv. 17-18). Then he implicitly acknowledges how every believer in Jesus once lived that way: “You must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (v. 25). As we shed our old way of living, exchanging it for the new life in Christ, we’ll find it natural—even fulfilling—to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32).

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – The new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AI

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Earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV presented his first encyclical: a letter from the pope to the Catholic Church and its leaders. The 42,300-word document, titled Magnifica Humanitas, or “Magnificent Humanity,” outlined his thoughts on technology—with a specific focus on artificial intelligence—and called for remembering the importance of people as we integrate it into our lives.

While the document was presented on Monday, it was actually signed on May 15 to mark the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, an encyclical written by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, in 1891 to provide Catholics with guidance amid the Industrial Revolution. The current pope sees AI as potentially having a similarly revolutionary impact on our world.

At the same time, his letter encourages Catholics and all “people of good will” to be wary of the potential impact artificial intelligence could have on our culture, without being fearful of the technology itself. In his view, the chief danger is far less dystopian than many of the books and movies featuring a future dominated by AI might suggest.

Rather than artificial intelligence conquering humanity on its way to taking over the world, Leo suggests a far greater risk is humanity giving up our position in God’s created order and elevating our own creation instead.

Continue reading Denison Forum – The new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AI →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Spiritual Badge of Honor

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 I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 

—2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:23–27 

Sometimes as believers we tend to be spiritual lightweights. At the first indication of a hardship or difficulty, we fall like a house of cards. We say, “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t want difficulty; I just want to get along with everyone.”

But if you’re a true follower of Christ, there will be suffering in your life. The apostle Paul was certainly a true follower. And here’s how he described his experience: “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT).

You’ll find no trace of self-pity or resentment in his words. Paul understood the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers.

The harsh reality is this: If you’re going to be used of God, then you’re going to be attacked. If you live as a real Christian, you will find yourself at odds with the world around you. You’ll face opposition, some of it intense. Think of suffering as a spiritual badge of honor. In fact, if you don’t experience at least occasional suffering or hardship in your life, you might want to examine your Christian walk.

And keep this in mind: The life that Christ offers is well worth any hardship.

Reflection question: How can you develop a proper perspective toward suffering? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Man Must Repent

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3:10–11)

From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator in the Garden, humanity has attempted to deflect conscious acceptance of guilt. Adam blamed God because “the woman” was given to him by the Creator. Eve blamed the serpent—and you and I have continued that reaction ever since.

That is precisely why repentance is a requirement for salvation. When Adam rebelled, the relationship between man and God was destroyed: “By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation,” and “by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” (Romans 5:18–19). All men have “no hope, and [are] without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

The death that entered the world because of Adam (Romans 5:12) not only introduced physical death into the entire creation (Romans 8:22) but a spiritual separation from the life of God, as well. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). For millennia God bore man’s ignorance of what God was going to do through Christ Jesus at Calvary by faith in the promise of the coming “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Each of us must change our mind and admit we are sinful and desperately need God’s gracious forgiveness, praying, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Worship Before You Ask

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And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

Matthew 8:2 (ESV)

Sometimes, people read today’s scripture and skip over its most important part. They first focus on the fact that the man had leprosy, a terrible disease that would have taken a miracle to cure. Then they turn their attention to his question and wonder if Jesus will be willing to heal him. We also need to pay attention to the fact that the man “knelt before him.”

The fact that he knelt before Jesus reveals the condition of his heart. He was humble in the presence of the Lord, and he worshipped and honored Him before he asked Him for a miracle.

When we need something from God, we can easily become so focused on our situation that we completely overlook the importance of worshipping and honoring God. We jump straight into talking about what we need from Him and forget to thank Him for who He is.

No matter what you need today—whether it’s something minor or something major—God can help you. But before you ask Him to do anything for you, take time to praise, worship, and honor Him for who He is.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to worship You before I ever ask You to do anything for me. In Jesus’ name amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Place to Run

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Read Numbers 34–35

A sanctuary is often defined as a sacred place. Some church members will refer to the worship building or the area around the altar as the sanctuary. But the word has also been defined as a place of safety, a refuge for someone seeking protection.

One of those original meanings for the word sanctuary appears in Numbers 34–35, where God establishes both territorial boundaries and cities of refuge for His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 34 meticulously outlines Israel’s borders. These were divine borders, defining where God’s people belonged. The detailed tribal allotments ensured every family had their place in the covenant community. But God’s justice system required more than territorial boundaries—it needed places where mercy could operate alongside justice. God commanded Moses: “Select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee” (35:11). This wasn’t about protecting criminals but ensuring justice for those who unintentionally caused death.

The cities of refuge provided crucial protection: “They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly” (35:12). Six cities—three on each side of the Jordan—offered sanctuary until proper investigation could determine guilt or innocence.

These cities represented God’s heart for both justice and mercy. The guilty faced consequences, but the innocent received protection. The high priest’s death would eventually free even those guilty of accidental killing (35:25), pointing toward ultimate redemption. In Jesus, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this idea. He becomes our refuge, not just from earthly consequences but from the judgment our sins deserve.

Go Deeper

What purpose did the cities of refuge serve in Numbers? How has God provided a refuge for us in Jesus?

Pray with Us

What a blessing it is, Lord, to take refuge in You! You are our sanctuary, our safe place. You not only provided salvation but know us and protect us and guide us each day. Thank you.

In the LORD I take refuge.Psalm 11:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

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