Daily Archives: November 11, 2026

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Two Camps

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So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
Genesis 32:1-2

Recommended Reading: Genesis 32:1-12

We all face moments when we dread what lies ahead—a difficult conversation, an uncertain future, or a problem we cannot solve. Jacob knew exactly how that felt. As he journeyed home with his sizable family, he expected to meet the brother he had wronged years before, a man who now commanded a force of seasoned warriors.

That’s when we find this strange verse in Genesis 32—the angels of God met Jacob. We don’t know anything more about the encounter, but Jacob named the spot Mahanaim, which means “two camps.” He had his frightened clan of earthly pilgrims, but around him was God’s host of angelic helpers. Two camps—one visible and one invisible—were traveling together.

The angels of God are camping around you too. They are God’s messengers who stand ready to direct, strengthen, assist, protect, and encourage you. No matter what you’re facing, ask God to send His host to help you face your trouble.

No human effort can be sufficient…. The source of defense and the means of victory come from God’s ministering angels.
Allen P. Ross

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Inspired by Bible Stories

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Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. John 20:1

Today’s Scripture

John 20:11-18

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

While reading a book about World War II, I found the story of the Battle for Hill 609 in Northern Africa, in which my dad was severely wounded. I already knew of the event, but as I read a graphic account of what he had gone through that day, I gained a new understanding of him.

Is this also what can happen when we read about people in the Bible? For instance, we could hear someone say that Mary Magdalene was an example of loyalty to Jesus. But our understanding of her faith grows as we read the story of her dedication to Him on resurrection morning: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb” (John 20:1). Next, we sense her pain and sadness as we read of her bewilderment that the stone had been “removed from the entrance.” Finally, we sense the absolute wonder felt when He called her by name: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary’ ” (v. 16).

Reading true biblical accounts awakens us to the realities of God’s faithfulness. We sense Deborah’s courage (Judges 4-5), Gideon’s bravery (ch. 6), and Paul’s fearlessness (Acts 22) as we immerse ourselves in their stories.

God has provided heroic Bible stories as beacons of hope for us—helping us become people called and equipped by Him and standing for Him.

Reflect & Pray

How has a Bible story inspired you to trust in God’s faithfulness? Why is it vital for us to share stories of His faithfulness with others?

Heavenly Father, the Scriptures are amazing. Please help me read the stories contained within them and learn more about You.

Today’s Insights

In addition to Mary the mother of Jesus, the New Testament mentions several other women named Mary. One of them is Mary Magdalene (from the Galilean town of Magdala). Luke records that she was among those who followed Christ: “The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out” (Luke 8:1-2). Her personal experience with Jesus, along with witnessing His words and works, undoubtedly fueled her devotion, a devotion that didn’t end after she stood near the cross during Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25). The last time she’s mentioned in the Bible is when Jesus appears to her at the tomb (John 20:11-18). Mary’s story is a reminder to us of God’s faithfulness and can help us also become people who stand for Him.

For additional reflection, read: Shephelah – Why the Stories of the Bible Need to be Shared.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Russell Brand’s conviction and a Christian response

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Why God’s forgiveness doesn’t remove earthly consequences

Russell Brand, a famous celebrity, podcaster, ex-husband of Katy Perry, and recent Christian convert, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison on Monday. He was found guilty on one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four different women. All of the charges against Brand were between the years 2004 and 2009, with the women involved testifying that he had committed grievous sexual crimes against them.

The trial of Brand has faced multiple competing viewpoints, with some people claiming that his previous lifestyle of sexual promiscuity makes the claims against him credible, with the sentence against him deserved and justified. Yet some find the charges against Russell Brand to be a consequence of exposing the evils of the system he was previously aligned with, coupled with his conversion to Christianity in 2024.

Some argue that oral testimony and corroborating witness testimony are not sufficient to convict him without physical evidence, while others disagree, saying they should be more than enough. While public opinion remains divided, navigating such a sensitive and traumatic topic is best done under the guidance of Christian principles as described in Scripture.

How to navigate Brand’s sentencing

In recent years, sexual crimes, such as rape, sex trafficking, and sexual abuse of minors, have been constantly spotlighted in our world. Whether it’s the Epstein Files, Andrew Tate, or Robert Morris, sexual immorality has rampantly dominated the news media and social media.

Few issues should unify us more in our world than to despise, revile, and eradicate sexual crimes of all kinds. They violate basic human dignity and defile the very design that God created humanity for—we are made in his image and are made to be holy as he is holy. With that said, how should we navigate this situation with Russell Brand?

First, we must recognize that Brand acknowledged that he had committed various kinds of sexual promiscuity in his past. 

Bottom of Form

It’s important to note that he claims never to have done anything non-consensual. But while we are allowed to draw our own conclusions, it’s an example of how dangerous sin is, regardless of when or where it is committed.

Brand’s past serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of sin, while the crimes for which he was convicted demonstrate the devastating consequences of violating another person’s dignity. This should be a message to all people, particularly Christians, that we must always live above reproach and never put ourselves in situations where we could be accused of such things (Titus 2:7-8). Granted, accusations may occur, but believers should strive to be proactive in this area. Unfortunately, Brand did not live according to this scriptural truth in his earlier years, and that is now coming full circle.

Second, we can hold Brand accountable for his sins while still recognizing the possibility of genuine transformation through his professed conversion to Christianity. His present relationship with Christ does not absolve him of the consequences of the law, nor does it mean he should receive any leniency. Crimes such as these should not be minimized or excused. But it does mean that, should his conversion be genuine, we can find joy in the fact that the Russell Brand who once committed these crimes is now dead, and the new Russell Brand, the one bought with the blood of Jesus Christ, is now alive (2 Cor. 5:17).

Only God knows someone’s heart, but we should be hopeful of His saving grace and transformation.

Finally, we can pray for healing and restoration for the victims, and for Brand himself. 

It is acceptable and even reasonable to be angry, but do not let it consume you. Christians are called to love like Christ in thought, word, and deed. It is possible to pray for the victims with the desire for legitimate justice while still praying that Brand is no longer the man who committed such terrible crimes.

Justice also demands that we take the victims’ suffering seriously. We must recognize that their dignity, healing, and restoration must not be overshadowed by the public’s fascination with the offender.

Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (NIV). This, brothers and sisters, is how we are to live.

 

 

Denison Forum

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Lifeblood of the Church

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 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 

—1 Thessalonians 5:11

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about the importance of befriending and encouraging new Christians.

It’s always exciting to see children discover something adults take for granted, like the first time they taste ice cream, or the first time they see snow, or the first time they walk on the sand. In their excitement, we rediscover it ourselves.

The same is true spiritually. If a Christian has a life that isn’t welcoming to new believers, then something is wrong. They need us. But we also need them. Why? We will rediscover things that we take for granted. New believers need mature believers to stabilize them. And mature believers need new believers to revitalize them. In the Christian life, we can begin to take things for granted. We perhaps don’t enjoy certain things as much as we ought to.

New believers are the lifeblood of the church, but they are also the lifeblood of older Christians. Some churches grow by church transfer, in which most of their congregants come from other churches. Harvest Christian Fellowship grows primarily through new converts. We are an evangelistic church, without apology.

I believe that Christ died for the whole world, and whoever will believe in Him can be forgiven of their sins. My job is to preach the gospel and invite people to Jesus Christ, and I will keep doing this.

When someone accepts that invitation, their Christian journey begins. The first few legs of that journey are often powered by the excitement of their newfound faith. The joy of having a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. The realization of how deeply He loves us. The certainty of eternal life.

When the newness wears off, however, uncertainty rears its head. Longtime believers sometimes forget just how disorienting it can be to experience such a profound life change. We assume that disciplines such as prayer and Bible study will just come naturally to new believers. But that’s not necessarily the case.

We need to keep in mind, too, that our enemy preys on the vulnerable. There’s nothing he likes more than squashing faith before it has a chance to grow.

What new believers need more than anything else is a friend. They don’t need a Bible scholar. (If you are a Bible scholar, all the better. But new believers don’t need that.) They simply need someone to show them what a real, living, breathing Christian looks like. They need to see fellow believers in different seasons of life. They need a practical example of what it means to live as a follower of Christ.

All believers are called to do this—to come alongside new believers. Yet many of us would admit that we just don’t. If you take a new believer under your wing, not only will you help someone else, but you will also help yourself.

Reflection question: What would befriending and encouraging new believers look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – To End All Wars

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

It has been over 100 years since “The War to End All Wars” ended in victory for those who had “fought to make the world safe for democracy” (Woodrow Wilson). A celebration of thanksgiving followed, and a holiday was established to commemorate that great Armistice Day (now Veterans Day).

However, an even greater war soon followed, only to be repeated by innumerable local wars and revolutions. Instead of a world of liberty and democracy, many of the world’s nations are now under the brutal heel of totalitarian dictatorships. With the threat of potential nuclear obliteration hanging over the world, the prophecy of Christ is being literally fulfilled: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26).

In the 25 centuries since our text was first uttered, there has been a war going on somewhere in the world at least 11 out of every 12 years, and it certainly seems unlikely that such a promise will ever be fulfilled.

Yet it is God who has promised, and only He can accomplish it. “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people” (our text). “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end . . . . The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7). When the Lord Jesus Christ comes again, “he shall speak peace unto the [nations]: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10). Finally, world peace will come, and Christ “shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – You Are God’s Friend

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Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Hebrews 4:16 (AMPC)

When you take God as your partner in life and you’re not interested in doing anything without Him, then you are a true friend of God. Some people are not getting their needs met because they are insecure about their relationship with God and won’t pray boldly and with confidence.

But when you know that you are God’s friend, it gives you the boldness to approach Him at any time, for anything. This friendship causes you to press in to receive things that you know are yours according to God’s Word. Possessing the knowledge that you are a friend of God causes you to be shamelessly persistent until you feel victory in your spirit. When that happens, you will feel a release that allows you to go ahead and enjoy your life, knowing that God is answering your prayer. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to expect anything from God.

But there is nothing wrong with asking God for big things and being expectant. Friendship with the Lord involves prayer, and prayer is all about moving in faith and getting situations changed. It is intimate conversation between you and Father God. It is in our prayer lives— those private conversational times alone with Him—that we develop our friendship.

If you try to wait until you are perfect to develop this divine friendship, it will never happen because we will always be growing spiritually; we will never be perfect. All God is asking is that we do our best every day to follow Him. The apostle James said, You have not because you ask not (James 4:2 KJV). Start asking!

Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for calling me Your friend. Give me boldness to approach You freely, ask for big things, and trust Your perfect timing.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Blessings in Obedience 

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Obedience leads to blessing. Disobedience leads to trouble. Remember Jesus’ parable about the two builders who each built a house? One built on cheap, easy-to-access sand. The other built on costly, difficult-to-reach rock. The second construction project demanded more time and expense. But when the spring rains turned the creek into a gully washer, guess which builder enjoyed a blessing and which experienced trouble?

According to Jesus, the wise builder is whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them. The difference between the two was not knowledge and ignorance, but obedience and disobedience. Security comes when we put God’s precepts into practice, we’re only as strong as our obedience.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Dramatic Conversion

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Read Acts 9:1–31

Saul was a religious young man determined to destroy the movement of Christ followers known as the Way. Saul had not only watched the stoning of Stephen, he had given his approval. In Acts chapter 9, Saul requested letters from the high priest giving permission to track down Christians in the synagogues in Damascus and imprison them in Jerusalem. Saul was willing to travel approximately 135 miles (one way!) to destroy this movement.

As Saul approached Damascus, he saw a bright light that caused him to fall to the ground. A voice said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). After Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” (v. 5), the Lord stated, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (v. 5). When Saul rose from the ground, he was blind (v. 8).

Saul’s blindness was symbolic of his life before encountering Jesus. Despite Saul’s religious fervor, he was blind to the truth of the gospel. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Rom. 10:1–2).

In Damascus, a disciple of the Way named Ananias had a vision from the Lord. He was to meet Saul and lay hands on him to restore his sight. Ananias was concerned because of all he had heard about Saul. However, he obeyed God and after laying hands on Saul, the scale-like material fell off Saul’s eyes.

The first man Saul saw after his conversion was a faithful believer who referred to Saul as his brother (Acts 9:17–18). God can change the hardest hearts and may use you to open the spiritual ears and eyes of those you least expect to come to Christ.

Go Deeper

Do you know someone who seems hardened to the gospel? How does Saul’s story encourage you in your prayers for this person?

Pray with Us

We know there is no heart too far gone for You to rescue, Jesus. Please remind us of this when we feel someone is beyond saving. Thank You for letting us be part of Your redemptive plan.

This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.Acts 9:15

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/