All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

—2 Timothy 3:16

Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16 

Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. It is God’s message to us. Technically speaking, the Bible is not a single book; it’s a compilation of sixty-six individual books. Those books were written over a span of 1,500 years. Among the Bible’s forty-some authors were kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, and statesmen. Each was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to record what was revealed to him in his own words.

The apostle Peter wrote, “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20–21 NLT).

The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT). A better translation of “inspired by God” would be “breathed by God.”

In the pages of Scripture, we find the greatest stories ever told. I don’t mean the once-upon-a-time variety. I’m not talking about fairy tales, fables, or myths. The stories in Scripture are documented historical events. However, the Bible is not merely a historical book, although it is that. The Bible is not just history; it is His story—that is, the story of God’s interaction with His human creation.

In that sense, the Bible is your story, too. Because as you look at many of the Bible’s stories, you will find yourself in them. You will see people encounter situations that echo your own experiences. You will see them respond in ways that seem familiar, for better or worse. You will see them suffer consequences similar to ones you’ve suffered. You will see God act in ways that give you hope for your own life. You will find promises you can cling to. You will find forgiveness that heals. You will find wisdom that resonates. You will find paths that take you where you’re meant to be.

I’m only scratching the surface here when it comes to explaining what makes the Bible so special. But I’ll leave you with two truths to explore further. First, you read the Bible to know God, the Creator of the universe, who desires to have a personal and eternal relationship with you. Second, you read the Bible to discover His plan for your life.

What other book can make such claims?

Reflection question: How can you make the Bible a more integral part of your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. 

—Galatians 4:4–5

Scripture:

Galatians 4:4-5 

Some people are keenly interested in researching their family tree. Perhaps they’re hoping to discover that they’re related to someone important, famous, or rich. Sometimes they find out things they wish they hadn’t. They discover some pretty notorious characters in their family tree.

You may be surprised to learn that the lineage of Jesus Christ was one of the most messed-up family trees of all time. Recorded for us in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, it included a prostitute, deceivers, adultery, liars, and even murder. Yet we must remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and that includes genealogies. And in the genealogy of Jesus, the grace of God is on display.

Normally, Jewish genealogies did not include women. But in Matthew’s genealogy, we find five: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and of course, Mary. What’s fascinating about these women in the most exclusive genealogy in history is that several of them were immoral. This reminds us that Jesus came to heal broken lives and to restore shattered hopes.

The apostle Paul wrote, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT). The word buy used here means to purchase out of a slave market. This term would have been readily understood by people living in the first century, because slavery was still in practice. Jesus has redeemed us, which means He has given us our freedom.

He has given us freedom from the power of sin. The apostle Paul wrote, “Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin” (Romans 6:5–7 NLT). That doesn’t mean our potential to sin is gone. Temptation is still very much a part of the Christian’s life. In fact, it’s evidence of the Christian life. The devil attacks those who can do him harm. But through Christ, we have the power to resist.

Jesus has also given us freedom from the shame of sin. Paul also wrote, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1–2 NLT). As Christians, we are no longer defined by who we used to be or what we once did. Instead, we’re defined by what the Lord has done for us.

God gives second chances. He offers a path forward, a joyous and fulfilling life—one that can make a profound difference in the world—no matter what we’ve done.

Reflection question: When has God given you a second chance? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war. 

—2 Chronicles 16:9

Scripture:

2 Chronicles 16:9 

Before he became a great evangelist, D. L. Moody found himself in a conversation with another evangelist named Henry Varley. Varley said to Moody, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”

Those words burrowed deep into Moody’s heart. He replied with something along the lines of, “I will try my utmost to be that man.” He came very close to finding out. God accomplished immeasurable things in and through D. L. Moody. Countless lives were transformed because of his ministry. You might say D. L. Moody was a “book of Acts” type of guy.

The book of Acts tells the story of ordinary men and women who accomplished extraordinary things because they allowed God to have His way in their lives. When some troublemakers in Thessalonica tried to stir up a vigilante mob against Paul and Silas, they said, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). God used Paul, Silas, and countless others to turn their world upside down. He wants to use you for the same purpose.

Are you willing? The process starts with your saying, “Lord, I want to make a difference. I don’t want this world to turn me around. I want to turn it around. Use me.”

The world has yet to see what God can do with and through the person who is totally committed to Him. Will God find such a person today? I wonder if you, like D. L. Moody, would say, “I want to be that person.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (NLT). This isn’t a BYOS—Bring Your Own Strength—calling. You don’t need to be naturally strong to turn your world upside down. Or naturally gifted. Or naturally charismatic. You just need to commit yourself to God and His purposes. The Lord will do the rest.

If you will commit to the Lord, there’s no telling what kind of difference you can make in the world. There’s no telling how far the ripples of your ministry will extend—throughout the world and throughout the years. It will be exciting in the days ahead to see what God will do through and with you. But He wants you to be available to Him.

One of these days, your life will come to an end. What will you say about it? What will others say about it?

How great it would be to say, like the world-up-ender Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).

Reflection question: What would a total commitment to God look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.’ 

—Luke 9:23–24

Scripture:

Luke 9:23-24 

One of the most common misconceptions about the Christian life is that it’s restrictive—that it keeps people from the things that make life fun and interesting. But that’s not the case at all. In fact, the opposite is true. Following Christ allows believers to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of making foolish choices.

People who follow Christ experience life to the fullest. Following Christ allows us to experience the blessings our Creator built into this earthly experience for our joy and fulfillment. Yes, there are boundaries and parameters, but they are for our own protection.

Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NLT).

Most people today probably don’t fully grasp the idea of taking up a cross. But people living in the first century did. In Jesus’ time, someone carrying a cross through the streets of Jerusalem was about to die. So, when Jesus said, “Give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me,” people got it. He was saying that, to follow Him, we must die to our own desires and put God’s will above our own.

Jesus also said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:24 NLT). We must lose our life to find it.

Many people today like to say, “I need to find myself.” In other words, “I need to find the life that will satisfy me, bring me joy, and fulfill me.” But that perspective assumes a great deal. It assumes that we know where to look for such a life. It assumes that we will recognize it when we see it. It assumes that we are the final experts on what’s best for us.

But Jesus said that if you want to find life, purpose, and happiness, then you need to lose yourself. You come to God and say, “Here is my life. Here are my plans. Here are my dreams. Here are my hopes. Here are my aspirations. I present them to You. I want Your will more than my own.”

That’s not just a demonstration of faith, but also a matter of common wisdom. It’s like entrusting an operation to the world’s most highly skilled surgeon instead of trying to do it yourself. It just makes sense.

If you really want to find life, then lose your life. If you want to get a life, then present it to the Lord, and watch what He will do.

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

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ‘Where have you come from?’ the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.’ Then the Lord asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.’ 

—Job 1:6–8

Scripture:

Job 1:6–8 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to tackle some difficult questions that believers have for God. And we’re going to start with one of the most frequently asked: Why does God allow the devil to do evil against us? This question comes into sharp focus in the Old Testament story of Job.

“One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ‘Where have you come from?’ the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on’” (Job 1:6–7 NLT).

What a perfect description of Satan—just roaming about like a lion, checking things out, looking for prey.

“Then the Lord asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil’” (verse 8 NLT).

The devil is less than impressed with God’s paragon of righteousness. Loosely paraphrased, the devil replies, “Give me a break! Does Job fear You for nothing? He fears You because You are protecting him.”

The devil wanted to attack Job, but he recognized that God had placed His divine protection around Job. God has placed His divine protection around us as well. When the devil comes after us, he first must get permission from God. He cannot just wreak maximum destruction in our lives at will. He is restrained by God. He must stay within certain parameters. As believers, we need to understand that whatever God allows in our lives, He allows for a reason.

He doesn’t always reveal to us the reason, but we can trust that there is one. We can trust that He ultimately will be glorified by what He allows. We can trust that we will grow from it or be refined by it—that our faith will become stronger or purer as a result. And we can trust that God will never allow a temptation to be more than we can handle. He will show us a way out so that we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

If we stay faithful to God when the devil attacks, as Job did, He will reward us. Sometimes those rewards will be tangible. Sometimes they will be spiritual, such as a deeper relationship with the Lord or an opportunity to share our faith with someone who wasn’t receptive before.

God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free existence. He doesn’t promise that we will understand everything He does—or allows. But He does promise to stay with us every step of the way.

Reflection question: When have you felt as though Satan was attacking you? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’ 

—Genesis 3:1

Scripture:

Genesis 3:1 

Shortly before he died, the comedian W. C. Fields was spotted flipping through the pages of a Bible. When someone asked what he was doing, Fields replied, “Looking for loopholes.”

In the same way, I think the devil has been acquainting himself with the Bible for a long time, looking for loopholes. In the Garden of Eden, he misrepresented what God had said to fit his agenda. The devil took God’s words to Adam, which invited Adam to eat from every tree in the Garden—with one exception—and twisted them into a prohibition designed to cast doubt on God’s goodness.

The devil said to Eve, in effect, “If God really loved you, He would let you eat from any tree you want. But because He said that you can’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He clearly doesn’t love you.”

The actual verse goes like this: “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1 NLT).

You’ll notice that the devil’s first recorded words to Eve—indeed, his first recorded words in the entire Bible—end with a question mark: “Did God really say . . . ?” They are designed to cast doubt on God’s love. The devil was quoting God, but he completely twisted what God said.

He did the same thing when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. “Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone”’” (Matthew 4:5–6 NLT). The devil was quoting Psalm 91:11–12, though he left out not just part of the original text, but also the context of the passage.

Notice that with Eve, he questioned God’s Word. He didn’t deny that God had spoken. He simply questioned whether God had really said what Eve thought He had said. That’s what the devil will do with God’s Word. He will misquote it. He will mischaracterize it. He will distort it. And he will plant seeds of doubt in our minds so that we question it.

The way to counter his strategies is found in Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (NLT). The better we know God’s Word, the more deeply we embed it in our lives, the harder it is for our enemy to use it against us.

Reflection question: What would hiding God’s Word in your heart look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 

—2 Corinthians 11:14

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:14 

When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I’m not sure why, but I used to be fascinated by them. I had all kinds. I would read books about snakes. I would go out looking for snakes and bring them home. I was bitten many times. I discovered that you never really know what a snake is thinking. Snakes aren’t expressive creatures; they’re cold-blooded reptiles.

Snakes are nothing like dogs. You know where you are with a dog at any given moment. When a dog looks at you with his tongue hanging out and his tail wagging, you know he’s friendly. But if a dog bares his teeth and the hair on his back starts to stand up, then you know he isn’t happy. You always know where you stand with a dog.

But you never know with a snake. A snake maintains the same expression all the time. A snake will suddenly bite you, and you won’t even see it coming.

In Genesis 3:1, we’re told, “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made” (NLT). He was shrewd because he didn’t make his intentions obvious. His approach concealed his true purpose. He didn’t show up and say, “Hi, I’m the devil. Maybe you’ve heard of me. I hate God, I hate you, and I want to destroy you. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out. I have some ideas.”

The Bible tells us that the devil was a serpent, but it doesn’t say that he slithered. He slithered after he was cursed (see Genesis 3:14). We don’t know what he looked like before the curse, but there seems to be something fascinating, interesting, and appealing about him. Perhaps he was attractive, and that made his temptation attractive.

The apostle Paul wrote, “But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NLT). What could be less threatening than an angel of light?

Pop culture plays into the devil’s hands by depicting him as a red, cloven-footed, pitchfork-wielding monster. If that were the case, he would be an obvious threat. He wouldn’t be able to get close to us because our first instinct would be to run from him. We would have no trouble following James’ instruction, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT).

The devil is able to get close to us because he is shrewd. He can hide his true nature. He can disguise his purposes and strategies. He can convince us to lower our guard and ignore our conscience. In short, he makes himself as irresistible as possible.

The devil may be wicked, but he isn’t stupid. He approaches us with a practiced subtlety. To resist him, we must stay close to God and His Word. He is helpless against them.

Reflection question: What subtle means might the devil use to tempt you? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 

—1 Peter 5:8

Scripture:

1 Peter 5:8 

The Bible doesn’t tell us how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden before temptation reared its head. The devil certainly had heard God’s warning to Adam: “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die” (Genesis 2:16–17 NLT). In narrative of Genesis, the tempter appears almost immediately with his wily pitch.

His immediate appearance reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. As the farmer scatters seed, some of it falls on the footpath. Birds quickly swoop in and devour it before it has a chance to grow.

If you’ve ever dropped a French fry outside a McDonald’s in a heavily birded area, you can probably picture the scene. Birds suddenly seem to appear out of nowhere. If you live near a beach, you know there are seagulls that will swoop in and fly off with your lunch, your small dog, or your children.

Jesus said, “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts” (Matthew 13:19 NLT). This is one of the many reasons we need to pray for people who have just come to Christ. The devil will be at their door with temptation, doubt, and an onslaught of other things.

Remember that wherever God is blessing, the devil will be opposing—immediately. He isn’t going to wait a year. He isn’t going to wait a month. He may not even wait an hour.

You can be walking out of church when temptation suddenly strikes. You think, “What’s going on? Why here? Why now?” The fact is that Satan wants to undermine what just happened in your life. He opposes immediately. He always will.

The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

The devil knows all too well the power of God’s Word. According to Matthew 4:1–11, after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him to the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days. The devil appeared to Him there in His weakened state. Three times the devil tempted Jesus to deviate from God’s plan. Three times Jesus responded by quoting Scripture. Finally, Jesus commanded the devil to leave, and the devil went away.

The devil knows what will happen if the seeds of Scripture start to take root in a believer’s life. He knows that a heart in which the words of the Bible are hidden is hard to access. He knows that a life guided by the Word of God is hard to disrupt.

Reflection question: How can you keep the devil from snatching away a nugget of wisdom from God’s Word in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 

—Hebrews 4:16

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:16 

One of the most jaw-dropping passages in all of Scripture is found in Hebrews 4:16: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (NLT).

If you’ve spent any time in the book of Revelation, you know that God’s throne is a place of holiness and magnificence. The idea of being able to approach it boldly is hard for a lot of less-than-perfect people to wrap their heads around.

Our enemy, the devil, is aware of that. He uses our struggles with “imposter syndrome” to his advantage. He tries to put distance between us and our heavenly Father by making us feel unworthy to approach Him. He wants to rob us of the boldness that the author of Hebrews talked about. Those who already struggle with feelings of unworthiness are easy marks for him.

So, how do we overcome the devil and his tactics? In the book of Revelation, we are introduced to a group of believers who are able to do just that: “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die” (Revelation 12:11 NLT).

They have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb. The next time the devil tempts you to think that you’re not worthy to approach God, here’s what I advise: Agree with him wholeheartedly. Say, “You’re right. I’m not worthy to approach God. I never was worthy to approach God. I never will be worthy to approach God. My access to God’s presence is not based on my worthiness; it is based on what Christ did for me on the cross. He is worthy—and because of Him I am accepted and can come boldly to God.”

Sometimes we get into the mentality as Christians that if we are doing well spiritually, then we can approach God in prayer. If, say, we get up in the morning, read four chapters from the Bible, give thanks for our meals, and share our faith with someone, then we think we can approach God. But if the next day we sleep in and don’t read the Bible, if we forget to say grace over our meals and don’t share our faith, then we think we’re not worthy to approach Him.

But that’s not the case. Those things are certainly important. But your access to God is based on Christ, not on your spiritual performance. If you’ve done well, then great. Approach God. But if you’ve sinned, then approach God and say, “Lord, I have sinned. This is why I need the blood of the Lamb.”

The devil will always try to keep you away from the cross. But the Holy Spirit will always bring you to it.

Reflection question: What might make you feel unworthy to approach God? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.’ 

—Revelation 12:10

Scripture:

Revelation 12:10 

Victor Hugo, the author of Les Misérables, observed, “A good general must penetrate the brain of his enemy.”

Understanding how an enemy thinks is the first step in defeating him. As believers, we face a formidable enemy in the devil. Yet, thanks to God’s Word, we have a pretty good sense of how the devil thinks and works. The apostle Paul urged believers in Corinth to forgive “so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT).

One of the devil’s favorite evil schemes is to accuse believers. And he is relentless in this pursuit. Revelation 12:10 says, “Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, ‘It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night’” (NLT).

Here’s how he works. First, he comes at you with a temptation, usually one that’s carefully crafted to hit you where you’re most vulnerable. Suddenly, an ungodly, objectionable, dishonorable image or idea appears in your brain and tries to make a lasting impression. The effect can be jarring. You think, “Whoa, where did that come from?” as you try to scrub it from your consciousness.

But the devil is quick to pounce. He goes into full prosecutor mode, preying on your conscience and self-image. He might say something like, “You are so twisted! What’s your problem? Why would you think such a horrible thought? And you call yourself a Christian! What kind of representative of Christ are you?”

Left unchecked, his accusations can cause spiritual damage. But his accusations don’t go unchecked. Jesus serves as your defense attorney. He intercedes on your behalf. Jesus once said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat” (Luke 22:31 NLT). But then He went on to say, “But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail” (verse 32 NLT). Jesus counters the devil’s accusations with prayerful intercession.

That’s what Paul was talking about when he wrote, “Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (Romans 8:34 NLT). The devil’s accusations are no match for Jesus’ defense.

Don’t believe the lies of your enemy. See yourself as God sees you: forgiven and righteous because of the sacrifice of His Son.

Reflection question: When are you most vulnerable to believing the devil’s accusations against you? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time. 

—Revelation 12:12

Scripture:

Revelation 12:12 

Imagine a life with no opposition—where everyone wants what’s best for you, where people celebrate your strengths instead of looking for your weaknesses, where no one feels threatened by your success, where no one takes an instant disliking to you based on what you look like, where you come from, or who you associate with, where no one wants to bring you down.

For Christians, an opposition-free life awaits us just beyond this one. In the meantime, however, we must prepare ourselves for relentless opposition. The moment we accept Christ into our lives, we receive a Savior and Lord. But we also receive an enemy—the devil—who will stop at nothing to keep us from growing and thriving in our relationship with Christ.

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to get to know this enemy so that we can better resist him. And the first thing we need to understand about him is that he’s doomed. His war against God and His people was lost forever when Jesus offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice and then rose from the dead. Satan’s fate is sealed. He will spend eternity in the lake of fire. He has a season of freedom before his judgment, but his time is limited.

Bible commentator John Phillips wrote, “Satan is now like a caged lion, enraged beyond words by the limitations now placed upon his freedom. He picks himself up from the dust of the earth, shakes his fist at the sky, and glares around, choking with fury for ways to vent his hatred and spite upon humankind.”

The devil does not want people to know that he is doomed. Revelation 12:12 says, “Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time” (NLT). The phrase translated as great anger refers to a violent outburst of rage. It depicts a turbulent emotional fury rather than rational anger.

The devil directs his fury at God’s people. He is helpless to dislodge believers from God’s hand. He cannot alter the amazing eternity that awaits us. But he can and does wreak as much havoc as possible in our lives here on earth. The devil’s time is short, so he’s determined to make the most of it.

He will tempt us with things that put distance between us and God. He will send us down wrong paths. He will try to rob us of our joy. But we have the advantage because we know how his story ends. We know his doom is certain. And we are protected and strengthened by the One who will put the devil in his place.

Reflection question: Why is it dangerous to underestimate the devil, even though his ultimate defeat is certain? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. 

—Psalm 90:12

Scripture:

Psalm 90:12 

When you’ve had an encounter with death—a near-death experience of your own or the sudden passing of a loved one—it inevitably leads to a few essential questions: “What is life all about, anyway? Why am I alive, and what am I really living for?”

In other words, what gets you out of bed in the morning? What gets your blood pumping? Is it an alarm clock or a calling that gets you up each day? Every one of us needs some motivating passion, some ideal, something that gives our lives purpose and drives us on.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know what they’re living for. They’re merely marking time instead of making the most of their lives. Their favorite day of the week is “someday”: “Someday my ship will come in. Someday my prince (or princess) will come. Someday it’s all going to get better. Someday my life will change.”

But while they’re simply enduring the present and waiting for something better to happen, there’s something they don’t plan on: death. They don’t expect it to rear its head until they or their loved ones are quite old. They file it under “Worries to Think About in Fifty or Sixty Years.” And for some of them, that may be the case. But eventually death knocks at every door. The Bible says that each of us has an appointment with death: “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NIV).

So, as we wrap up this week of talking about facing the future, I want to point out that our appointment with death may come much sooner than we expect. Statisticians tell us that 2 people die every second, 120 die every minute, and 7,000 people die every hour. This means that every day, on average, 174,000 people enter eternity.

The New Testament author James wrote, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14 NLT).

I say this not to alarm you but to motivate you. The psalmist wrote, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NLT). As we grow in wisdom, we recognize that every day is a chance to serve the Lord. To make a difference for His eternal kingdom. To seize the opportunities He sets before us. To stretch and grow beyond our comfort zone. To discover what we’re capable of. To embrace and enjoy every blessing.

Here is the bottom line: Live every day as though you may never have another one. Live in such a way that you’re ready to step into God’s presence at any moment.

Reflection question: What would it look like for you to live every day as though you may never have another one? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.’ 

—2 Peter 3:3–4

Scripture:

2 Peter 3:3-4 

No mini-set of devotions about facing the future would be complete without a discussion of the Lord’s return. Nothing looms larger in the future of believers than Jesus’ coming.

It also looms large for many unbelievers, although for different reasons. In the contentious arena of social media, many opponents of Christianity point to Christ’s return, or the lack of one so far, to suggest that the Bible can’t be trusted. They conclude that if He hasn’t come back in over two thousand years, He’s not going to.

In doing so, they completely miss the mercy and patience that lie at the heart of His delay. The apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

But you don’t have to deny or even question the truth of Christ’s return to miss the point of it. Many believers acknowledge that Christ will come back someday but refuse to allow His impending return to influence their daily actions and decisions.

So, instead of preparing for His return and making sure their lives align with His will, they choose to do things that are wrong. They know what the Bible says but choose to ignore it. They play around with sin. They try to have their cake and eat it, too, by living as they please in the present, reasoning that they can repent in the future.

But that’s a dangerous game. Not only are they missing the immediate blessings of obedience and discipleship, but they also have no way of knowing when Christ will return.

What we do know is this: The Lord’s coming draws closer every day. Paul wrote, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living” (Romans 13:12 NLT). It’s time for us to wake up.

One thing that always amazes me when I get up really early in the morning is that it’s pitch-dark outside. Sometimes I have to double-check the clock. I think to myself, “It can’t be 5:30; it’s got to be 1:30. It’s so dark.” But sure enough, every morning the sun slowly begins to rise. What was only darkness a few moments earlier begins to lighten up. And the next thing you know, the sun is out and everything’s lit up.

This is how our world is right now. It’s dark. And it’s been dark for a long time. We start to think that it will always be this way. But it won’t. The darkness will not last forever. Christ is going to come back again. Be ready for His return.

Reflection question: What impact does the realization that Christ will return have on your daily actions and decisions? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

—Philippians 4:6–7

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7 

Worry is an obstruction that keeps us from seeing the bright future on the horizon. Yet it’s an obstacle that we put in our own way, for no good reason. Of all the things we worry about, how many are within our control? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer is probably very few.

Martin Luther had the right idea when he wrote in a letter to his wife, “Pray, and let God worry.” God isn’t going to worry, of course. But we still need to pray, because worry is persistent. It keeps popping up unless we bring it to God.

Some people try to elevate worry to a virtue. They say things like, “I worry because I care.” But is worry actually a virtue? I don’t think so. In fact, I think worry can be a sin. I’m not saying that all worry is sin, but I am saying that it can be. And I would readily admit that worry is a sin I’ve committed.

I have unnecessarily worried about things. I have fretted and been filled with anxiety. So why is it potentially a sin? Because it’s evidence of a lack of trust in God. When we worry, we’re essentially saying, “God isn’t in control. He isn’t taking care of me in this situation. I’m not trusting in the providence of God.”

But if you’re a Christian and believe the Bible, then you know God is in control of all the circumstances that surround you. There are no so-called accidents in the life of a believer. Nothing that touches the life of a believer is outside God’s knowledge, care, or control. This is an important truth to remember because worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it instead empties today of its strength.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).

Turn your worries into prayers. The next time you’re gripped by fear and worry, turn it into a prayer like this one: “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but I trust You. You are in control, and I commit this to You right now.” Look to the Lord and let Him give you His peace.

Your future is secure in Him. Don’t let worry convince you otherwise. Jesus asked, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27 NLT). Worry can’t change anything. Prayer can move mountains, transform lives, produce soul-deep comfort, and reveal God’s wisdom. Choose prayer.

Reflection question: What worry do you need to turn into prayer? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions. 

—1 Samuel 2:3

Scripture:

1 Samuel 2:3 

Long ago, when prognosticators and science fiction writers envisioned life in the twenty-first century, few anticipated the outsize role that a culture-wide sense of entitlement would play. And by “a sense of entitlement,” I mean the idea that you don’t have to work hard and that everything should be given to you because you’re so wonderful.

I was born in the generation known as the Baby Boomers. My generation thought the problem with the world was low self-esteem. As a result, a lot of emphasis was given to, and a lot of money was spent on, the self-esteem movement. That started the snowball effect.

The downhill slope has led to our current influencer culture, where self-esteem has curdled into narcissism. Millions of people now believe that even their most trivial thoughts and actions are worthy of being documented on video and shared with the world.

Exposure, fame, and social media clout have become currency. People who have those things celebrate their “wealth” with jaw-dropping displays of entitlement. Because their social reach is so enormous, this sense of entitlement has become normalized in younger generations—and among older generations as well. People expect to be rewarded, celebrated, and admired regardless of their performance.

This trend doesn’t bode well for the future. God’s Word makes it clear that a sense of entitlement has no place in our relationship with the Lord. First Samuel 2:3 says, “Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the Lord is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions” (NLT).

The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3–4 NLT).

He also wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

And therein lies the key to “disentitling” ourselves. Our number one goal must be to know God and then to find His plan and purpose for our lives. This is the only foundation strong enough for our future.

Fame is fleeting. The public’s attitude is fickle. Entitlement is an illusion. Only God’s plan and purpose will last. They must be our priority.

The good news is that God will work His plan and purpose in the life of anyone who asks Him to. All we have to do is humbly approach Him, admit that our efforts aren’t enough, and ask Him to guide us.

He offers a 24/7 helpline through prayer and His Word. We have nothing to lose but our uncertainty and entitlement by aligning our goals with God and entrusting our future to Him.

Reflection question: How can you avoid a sense of entitlement in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 ‘I have made no trouble for Israel,’ Elijah replied. ‘You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead.’ 

—1 Kings 18:18

Scripture:

1 Kings 18:18 

In yesterday’s devotion, we talked about the impossibility of knowing what lies ahead and the importance of trusting an unknown future to a known God. But there’s an important exception to the Bible’s warnings about not knowing what the future holds. In fact, in a general sense, some things are quite predictable.

The apostle Paul explained it this way: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7–8 NKJV).

This message of reaping what you sow was at the heart of the prophet Elijah’s warning to the evil King Ahab. Elijah had declared, “As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!” (1 Kings 17:1 NLT).

When Elijah encountered Ahab again, the king asked, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?” (1 Kings 18:17 NLT). But Elijah answered, “I have made no trouble for Israel . . . You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead” (verse 18 NLT). In other words, Elijah was saying, “You brought this on yourself, King Ahab, because you turned to false gods.”

It’s always amazing to me how people will break God’s commands over and over again, resist His loving warnings, and then blame Him when hardship hits, often because of their own actions. They demand to know, “Why did God let this happen to me? Why did God do this?”

I’m not suggesting that this is always the case when bad things happen. But often there is cause and effect. When we do wrong things, we reap the consequences. There’s no need to scratch our heads and wonder why. And there’s certainly no need to blame God when we reap the bad things we’ve sown.

A better option is to embrace the notion of reaping what we sow by sowing good things. Paul put it this way: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:9–10 NLT).

What kind of spiritual crop will you harvest?

Reflection question: What are you sowing now that you will one day reap? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ 

—Jeremiah 29:11

Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to be talking about the future. We’re not necessarily going to focus on specific events in the future, but rather on how Christians should approach and prepare for the future. Whether you’re hopeful or pessimistic about what lies ahead, you need to be aware that the Bible contains a wealth of wisdom on how to face the future as God intends.

Proverbs 27:1 sets the tone: “Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring” (NLT). Using analytics and artificial intelligence, many experts believe that they can predict future trends, opportunities, and crises. God’s Word, on the other hand, makes it clear that the future is unpredictable. Putting our ultimate faith in human intuition or AI models is foolish.

The truth is that no one knows what tomorrow will bring, let alone next week, next month, or next year. We don’t know what problems we’ll encounter or what changes will come our way. Think of the things that have happened in your life and in the world around you in just the past year. How many of them could you have anticipated a year ago? And how many of them just came out of the blue, with no warning whatsoever?

When it comes to facing the future, only one strategy makes sense. And that’s to leave it in the hands of the only One who knows what the future holds. The only One who isn’t limited by time and space, who can see eternity past and eternity future as clearly as He sees this present moment. The One who created every fiber of your being. The One who laid out a path for you that will lead to your ultimate fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction. The One who knows every step of the way on that path.

The One who said, “For I know the plans I have for you . . . They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 nlt). You’ll notice that God paints in broad strokes. He doesn’t go into detail about His plans, even though we might wish He did. Many of us would prefer to have the complete map and timeline of our life so that we can set out on our own.

But that’s not how God works. He wants us to depend on Him every step of the way. He assures us that His plans are good and that they give us hope for the future. But what shape those plans will take remains a glorious mystery. We may not know what blessings the Lord has in store for us, but if we trust in Him, we know that His grace will be sufficient. We have no reason to be anxious about what lies ahead.

I like the words of that wonderful woman of God, Corrie ten Boom, who said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” God is in control of our future. He is able to sustain us today, tomorrow, and every day we draw breath in this world.

Because God holds the future, we can face it with hope.

Reflection question: What would trusting God with your future look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

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

—Hebrews 3:12–14

Scripture:

Hebrews 3:12–14 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

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

—Hebrews 12:2

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:2 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

 So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.’ 

—Hebrews 4:7

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:7 

An attorney was trying to deliver an important paper to a man who was determined to avoid him. The man reasoned that the attorney had some type of subpoena, so he went out of his way to dodge him. Fourteen years passed, and the man finally found himself in the hospital, dying of cancer. Through a strange series of events, the attorney was admitted to the hospital and was assigned to the same room as the dying man.

The man turned to the attorney and said, “Well, you never got me. I’ve escaped you all this time, and now it doesn’t matter. You can even serve your subpoena. I don’t care.”

The lawyer replied, “Subpoena? I was trying to give you a document that proved you had inherited forty-five million dollars!”

Many people go out of their way to avoid Christians and the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. All the while, their hearts grow harder, and they risk becoming increasingly calloused to the gospel. Scripture gives sober warnings about hardening our hearts, but from our perspective, we don’t know when someone has reached that point. Maybe you know someone who seems completely closed off to the gospel.

We can take heart when we look at the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. It was so radical and unexpected that when it happened, first-century Christians thought he was attempting to infiltrate their ranks and persecute the church even further. They didn’t believe that God could save someone as wicked and hostile toward the church as Saul. They couldn’t wrap their minds around a change of that magnitude. But we know that Saul became Paul the apostle.

Hebrews 4:7 says, “So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: ‘Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts’” (NLT). That’s a warning some people will ignore ninety-nine times out of a hundred. But that one time is all it takes. Circumstances have a way of lowering people’s defenses. Seeing the difference a relationship with Christ makes in people’s lives, in good times and in bad, can speak powerfully to a person. Sometimes the right phrase, spoken at the right time by the right person, can resonate in a life-changing way.

If you know someone who seems too far gone and permanently hardened toward the gospel, keep praying. Keep being present. Keep setting an example of the Christian faith at work. Be prepared to answer questions and respond to challenges in a loving, thoughtful way.

Remember, even the hardest heart can be softened. You never know—the hard-hearted person you’re trying to reach just might be the next Paul.

Reflection question: How can you reach out to someone in your life whose heart is hardened to the gospel message? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie