Tag Archives: Bible

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Lightweights

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“For you have proudly defied the Lord of heaven and have had these cups from his Temple brought before you. You and your nobles and your wives and concubines have been drinking wine from them while praising gods of silver, gold, bronze, iron, wood, and stone–gods that neither see nor hear nor know anything at all. But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!” —Daniel 5:23

When I step onto a scale, I never like what I see. I always weigh more than I want to. In fact, I can’t think of a time recently when I weighed less than I thought I did. On our scales, we typically want to weigh less. But God’s scales are different. On God’s scales, we want to weigh more, because His scales are about the weight of a life, the depth of a life, and the substance of a life.

Daniel 5 tells the story of Belshazzar, the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar, who went out of his way to blaspheme and insult the true and living God. As he and his friends were partying away, they suddenly saw a hand writing on the plaster of the palace wall. It was a message from God himself.

Belshazzar called for the prophet Daniel to interpret the writing, and Daniel told him, “This is what these words mean: Mene means ‘numbered’—God has numbered the days of your reign and has brought it to an end. Tekel means ‘weighed’—you have been weighed on the balances and have not measured up. Parsin means ‘divided’—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians” (verses 26–28).

Daniel was saying to Belshazzar, “You have been put on God’s divine scales, and buddy, you’re a lightweight. There is nothing of substance in your life. And now your number is up.”

That night, the Medo-Persian forces were amassing outside under the leadership of Cyrus, and Belshazzar was killed.

God has given us warnings in the Scriptures just like He gave to Belshazzar. There is a last night for every person. There will be a last meal . . . a last statement . . . a last breath . . . and then eternity.

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Kids 4 Truth

Kids 4 Truth International – God’s Works Are Wonderful

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“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 145:4-5)

Maria’s father had surprised her by taking her to visit an aquarium. Maria could hardly believe all the wonderful things she saw there. In one tank were some white fish called “flounder” that could disguise themselves. They would lie flat on the sandy bottom of the tank, blending perfectly with the white sand so that all you could see was their eyes. In another tank were some sea creatures called “cone jellies.” They floated gracefully through the water, and each one had a little light glowing inside of it. Some fish had beautiful bright colors. Some had funny long snouts. And some had feathery-looking fins that swished about them like a lady’s ruffly skirt.

“Dad,” said Maria, “How did God think up so many different kinds of fish to make?”

“It would be hard for us to think up all those fish, wouldn’t it?” said Dad. “But not for our great Creator. He never runs out of ideas for making new things.”

“Some of these fish live way down in the ocean where no one ever sees them,” said Maria.

“You’re right. Why do you think God put them there?”

Maria shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. Why?”

Dad leaned closer to a tank to watch an angelfish swimming through a little tunnel of coral. “He says in His Word that all things are created for His pleasure–and that all His works praise Him. So at least one reason He put those fish deep in the ocean is just for His own enjoyment and glory.”

Continue reading Kids 4 Truth International – God’s Works Are Wonderful →

The Navigators

The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – Growing in Christlikeness

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Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 10:14

“He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

Sanctification is the radical change God brings about in the heart of a person who trusts Jesus Christ as savior. It’s the passing from spiritual death to spiritual life, the beginning of a new creation in Christ, and the writing of God’s law in our hearts. It means a new relationship to the law of God and a new attitude toward it. And all this is from God, a gift of his grace just as surely as is the gift of justification.

God doesn’t bring us into his kingdom, then leave us on our own to grow. He continues to work in our lives to conform us more and more to the likeness of his Son. As Paul said, “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This continuing work of God is called “progressive sanctification.” It differs from initial sanctification in two respects. Initial sanctification occurs instantly at the moment of salvation when we’re delivered from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13). Progressive sanctification continues over time until we go to be with the Lord.

Initial sanctification is entirely the work of God the Holy Spirit who imparts to us the very life of Christ. Progressive sanctification is also the work of the Holy Spirit, but it involves a response on our part so that we as believers are actively involved in the process.

The progressive nature of sanctification is implied throughout the New Testament epistles in all those instances where we are exhorted to grow, to change, to put off the deeds of the old man and put on Godlike character. (Excerpt taken from Transforming Grace)

 

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The Navigators

The Navigators – Leroy Eims – Daily Discipleship Devotional – Just Do It

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Today’s Scripture: Luke 13-16

In Joppa there was a disciple named [Dorcas], who was always doing good and helping the poor. – Acts 9:36

One of the first things we seem to learn in life is to make excuses for not doing what we should. It reminds me of the three people the Lord talked about in Luke 14:16-20.

A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” Still another said, “I just got married, so I can’t come.”

One lame excuse after another. What good businessman would buy land he had not seen? Who would test oxen after buying them instead of before?

Now, Christian, let me ask you, what have you been putting off for one excuse or another? Have you decided to be more diligent in memorizing the Word of God, but you keep putting it off? Have you vowed to witness to your neighbors and invite them to church? Have you talked about establishing the practice of morning prayer and Bible reading? It’s so easy to get sidetracked with other things and never finish what we set out to do. And whenever we talk about it, we always have a new excuse why we haven’t done it yet.

The truth here is, when God issues the invitation, there is no good excuse for refusing to accept. Whatever God is calling you to do, do it.

Prayer

Lord, I want to start a schedule of spending more time with You. Help me to take the first step today. Amen.

To Ponder

What spiritual discipline have you been telling the Lord you would get back to soon, but you haven’t yet found the time?

 

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BreakPoint

BreakPoint –  Why the Growth of Islam Should Matter to Christians

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We told you recently on BreakPoint that despite appearances in our corner of the world, religion is not going extinct. Quite the contrary. Predictions by the likes of Nietzsche, Marx, and Freud that faith would vanish have turned out spectacularly wrong.

Yes, in the West (particularly Europe) religion is on the decline. But on a global scale, secularism is the worldview that’s losing steam. As Giles Fraser wrote recently in The Guardian, “The secularization hypothesis is a European myth, a piece of myopic parochialism that shows how narrow our worldview [is]… Religion is the future.”

But which religion?

Recent events have brought radical Islam back into the spotlight. But the world’s second-largest and fastest-growing religion is much bigger than the jihadists of Al-Qaeda or ISIS. There are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, comprising several major sects. And though terrorism puts an exclamation mark on Islam, you could write a whole book about the millions of Muslims who are more concerned with living out their faith than engaging in violent jihad.

And like Christianity, Islam is growing. Fast. A study last year by Pew Research concluded that by 2050, Islam will swell to 2.76 billion adherents, or one third of the world’s population! Christianity, meanwhile, is expected to hold on to its title as the world’s largest religion, tipping the scales at just under 3 billion professing adherents.

“This means that by 2050,” writes Daniel Burke at CNN, “more than 6 out of 10 people on Earth will be Christian or Muslim…[and] Looking even farther into the future, Islam’s population could surpass Christianity by 2100.”

Simply put, the conflicts and headlines of today are likely only the foreshocks of a profoundly religious century in which two civilizations, ways of life, and worldviews will clash. Secularism and its claims may loom large now. But make no mistake: The story of the 21st century will be defined by two Abrahamic religions, not by irreligion.

One of the takeaways from this is that even though Islam has only been on most Americans’ radar since 9/11, it’s not going anywhere. It will, for the foreseeable future, vie with Christianity for the hearts and minds of humanity.

So it’s utterly crucial that we understand Islam, not just on an academic level, but first-hand, from practicing or formerly practicing Muslims. And we can start by asking the right questions. Why is that faith growing? Where did it come from? What do its different branches believe? And what does the Quran say about Jesus, and how does it differ from what the New Testament says about Him?

One of the best resources on these questions is Nabeel Qureshi with Ravi Zacharias Ministries. My cohost, John Stonestreet, has interviewed Nabeel several times on-air about his conversion from Islam to Christianity. And his books, like “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus,” “No God But One,” and “Answering Jihad,” offer insights on all of these questions, specifically for Christians.

Qureshi has also responded to the Orlando attack, urging followers of Christ to take the threat of violent jihad seriously, but to treat our Muslim neighbors with love, not suspicion.

“I am not advocating a whimsical or baseless love, which would never stand in the face of Jihad,” he writes, “…[but] a love grounded in truth and self-sacrifice, reflecting the person and heart of Jesus Christ.”

Folks, amid the clash of civilizations and worldviews, this is the kind of attitude we, our children, and our children’s children will need to cultivate. Jesus, after all, commanded us to “make disciples of all nations.” And as this century progresses, more and more of those nations will be Muslim.

by Eric Metaxas

Publication date: June 30, 2016

 

http://www.breakpoint.org/bp-home

Moody Global Ministries

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – SPIRITUAL PARENTING

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Read 2 Timothy 2:1–10

New parents who bring their first child home from the hospital often feel overwhelmed. The nurses are gone. We can no longer ask them to take the child away so we can rest. The responsibility is on our shoulders now. But mercifully we are not as clueless as we might think. In a way, our whole lives have prepared us for this moment. From watching others, we’ve absorbed more parenting skills and knowledge than we knew.

The responsibility of spiritual parenting operates the same way. It is a skill learned through modeling. We will train others the way that we ourselves have been trained. Some of this training is conveyed by means of church services, classes, and Bible studies. One responsibility of church leadership is to pass on biblical truth to the rising generation (see 1 Tim. 3:2). But spiritual parenting is also informal. We might say it is caught rather than taught.

Both dimensions are essential. Formal teaching puts into words those truths that are essential to the faith and which guide our behavior. As the Westminster Confession puts it, everything that is necessary for God’s glory, man’s salvation, faith and life is either expressly set down or may be deduced from Scripture. Spiritual parenting expresses those same truths by how we live (see 1 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 3:10). The primary way we learn from this kind of modeling is through imitation (Heb. 13:7), which is unsurprising—imitation is the way all children learn!

Sharing the gospel is the first step to spiritual parenting. After that comes instruction and modeling. Study the Bible so that you will know what to say. Study yourself so that you will mirror what you say in the way that you live.

APPLY THE WORD

The key word in spiritual parenting is watch. Watch yourself—because someone is watching you. And ultimately, we should be watching Christ as the true pattern for faith and obedience. Ask God to grant you the grace to be a wise and godly spiritual parent to those who are watching you.

 

http://www.todayintheword.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – ISTANBUL ATTACK: DON’T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN

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“It was like hell,” said an eyewitness to the Istanbul airport attacks. “It looked like a disaster movie,” said another.

As you watch the continuing covering of the tragedy in Turkey, what do you feel? Grief for those who are in shock and mourning? Anger at the deluded murderers who slaughtered innocent people in the service of an ideology that is a lie from hell? I share your pain and outrage.

But there’s an unstated realization in the back of our minds as well: we know we could be next. If terrorists could kill Muslims in Turkey and Americans in Boston and San Bernardino and Orlando, they can strike anywhere. This is something new and insidious for us.

I recently saw Free State of Jones, a film portraying an uprising against Confederate hostilities in Mississippi. I had not realized the degree to which innocent civilians were brutalized during the Civil War, many by troops on their side of the conflict. During World War II, artillery was stationed along the West Coast to combat a possible Japanese invasion, but few Americans worried that foreign soldiers would attack them as they went about their daily lives.

Now for the first time, we live in the knowledge that the next airport bombing or workplace terrorism attack could find us. How should we respond to this reality?

Some choose fiction. They deny the reality of their mortality and refuse to think about death and the beyond. A recent poll asked unchurched Americans how often they thought about whether they would go to heaven when they die. Only eighteen percent said they consider their eternal destination daily or even weekly. But denying mortality, like denying you have cancer, doesn’t make its reality less real.

I was listening to sports talk radio this week and heard a conversation regarding the death of NFL coach Buddy Ryan. His twin sons Rex and Rob are coaching on the same NFL team for the first time, but he didn’t live long enough to see their first game. One radio commentator stated, “Wherever he is, he’s watching them.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – ISTANBUL ATTACK: DON’T LET THE TERRORISTS WIN →

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – God Is Our Protector

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Psalm 121:1-3

In Psalm 121, David describes the safety that he found in the Lord. Over the next two days, let’s look closely at several verses to better understand our security.

  • “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). When this was written, robbers dwelled in the mountains, waiting for innocent travelers to become their unsuspecting victims. Needless to say, journeying through these hilly roads must have caused anxiety. David’s work as a shepherd took him into dangerous areas, where not only thieves but also wild animals posed a threat.

Our lives can be like mountainous territory. Do you look into the future and wonder what dangers lurk? The Lord is our helper; He is the only one able to protect us. Friends and relatives can offer limited assistance, but God knows everything and has all the power necessary to rescue us.

  • “He will not allow your foot to slip” (Ps. 121:3). God has provided everything we need in order to avoid sin. The Holy Spirit directs and empowers us; the Word lights our path so we do not slip. Yet at times, we choose to sin. Almighty God could stop us from disobeying, but He doesn’t interfere with our free will. Instead, He upholds us, enabling us to walk in His way.

These opening verses of the psalm focus on the Lord’s ability to protect us in treacherous times. Whether trouble originates with others, external circumstances, or our own sin, we can find ourselves in danger and afraid. Thankfully, we have a loving God who leads us to safety.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 95-102

 

http://www.intouch.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Our Way of Life

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Read: Ephesians 2:1–10 | Bible in a Year: Job 14–16; Acts 9:22–43

We are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 nrsv

I was struck by a phrase I heard quoted from a contemporary Bible translation. When I Googled the phrase “our way of life” to locate the passage, many of the results focused on things people felt were threatening their expected way of living. Prominent among the perceived threats were climate change, terrorism, and government policies.

What really is our way of life as followers of Jesus? I wondered. Is it what makes us comfortable, secure, and happy, or is it something more?

God has called us to pursue a life that reaches out to others and honors Him.

Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus of the remarkable way God had transformed their lives. “God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2:4-5 nrsv). The result is that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life” (v. 10 nrsv).

Doing good works, helping others, giving, loving, and serving in Jesus’s name—these are to be our way of life. They are not optional activities for believers, but the very reason God has given us life in Christ.

In a changing world, God has called and empowered us to pursue a life that reaches out to others and honors Him.

Father, thank You for the incredible riches of Your love and mercy. You rescued us from our dead way of living and made us alive with Christ.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

INSIGHT:

Paul makes an instructive distinction in Ephesians 2:1. He tells his readers that they were dead in their transgressions and sins. By using the past tense he establishes a new normal for those who follow Christ. They are no longer spiritually dead, but are alive in Christ. Paul makes a subtle distinction between transgression, the disobedience of known and established standards, and sin, missing the mark of God’s holiness. He points out that when followers of Christ fall short of God’s perfect and holy standard, whether they know it or not, they are living lives that are no longer natural to the new life given to them. The resurrection of Christ has brought our dead hearts to life.

 

http://www.odb.org

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Words, Language, and Humanity

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Some anniversaries slip past us without recognition, and yet one such forgotten recipient continues to smile regardless. The first emoticon, perhaps better known in the realm of online discourse as the smiley face, has been smiling for more than 30 years. Its creator, Carnegie Mellon University professor Scott Fahlman, suggested the symbol in 1982 in an online discussion about the limits of online humor. “I propose the following character sequence for joke markers: :-),” he wrote. “Read it sideways.”(1)

The rest is history. Fahlman’s smileys spread from his classroom to other classrooms, from universities to the corporate world, and eventually around the world. The emoticon aided what online communicators were all too aware was ailing. In the world of instantaneous communication, miscommunicating is sometimes more probable than communicating. Humor, sarcasm, and general human warmth can easily be sacrificed in this subculture of speed and technology. Words merely given in brief can be misperceived as terse or loaded. Comments meant to be taken lightly can be missed altogether. Many would argue that the invention of the emoticon has helped, though it certainly has not eradicated every obstacle.

Nonetheless, the quick embrace and subsequent explosion of emoticons suggests at least a subtle awareness that in the breakdown of language something human is in fact lost. High school and college professors readily lament the frequency with which “chat” language is creeping further into academic writing. Their greatest concern is that many students don’t even realize there is a difference. While it can be argued that email encourages a certain sloppiness in communicating, text messaging has forged the creation of an entirely new language—a language created with regard first for the technology as opposed to the speakers or the conversation itself.

In a publication on the topic of language, Ken Myers of Mars Hill Audio made the observation that words and language both shape and affect our humanity. He then added, “The corollary of this claim is the observation that cultural institutions and habits that corrupt or weaken our use of language are profoundly dehumanizing.”(2) When words are ransacked of meaning and replaced with concepts less distinct, we ourselves become something less distinct. Though technology is far from the only culprit, wherever the offense is committed, consequences are costly. In fact, it is said that one of the first steps to slavery is a loss of language.

Continue reading Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Words, Language, and Humanity →

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Strength for Today – Integrity Draws Men to God

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“Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language who were living in all the land: ‘May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; for He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions’” (Daniel 6:25-27).

It doesn’t take a lot of people to make an impact for Christ; it merely takes the right kind.

Today’s passage proclaims the sovereignty and majesty of the living God and calls on everyone throughout the nation to fear and tremble before Him. Those verses could have been written by King David or one of the other psalmists, but they were written by a pagan king to a pagan nation. His remarkable tribute to God’s glory was the fruit of Daniel’s influence on his life.

God doesn’t really need a lot of people to accomplish His work; He needs the right kind of people. And Daniel shows us the impact one person can have when he or she is sold out to God. That’s how it is throughout Scripture. For example, Noah was God’s man during the Flood, Joseph was God’s man in Egypt, Moses was God’s man in the Exodus, and Esther was God’s woman in the days of King Ahasuerus. So it continues right down to the present. When God puts His people in the right place, His message gets through.

As a Christian, you are God’s person in your family, school, or place of employment. He has placed you there as His ambassador to influence others for Christ. That’s a wonderful privilege and an awesome responsibility.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank the Lord for His marvelous grace in your life and for the opportunities He gives you each day to share His love with others.

For Further Study

The key to Daniel’s fruitfulness, and to yours as well, is given in Psalm 1. Memorize that psalm, and recite it often as a reminder of God’s promises to those who live with biblical integrity.

 

http://www.gty.org

Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Resolve, Do Not Run Away 

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Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

When I was an older teenager, I abruptly left home—in anger. I barged out, which I later regretted—leaving relational wreckage and deeply hurting my single parent mom. My unresolved anger led me to make an irrational, selfish decision that could have been resolved with patience and forgiveness: Patience toward my mother—who did her best with what she had, and forgiveness of my own sins of pride, fear and greed. I learned a hard lesson as a hard hearted teen—my unresolved issues with people were a reflection of my unresolved issues with God.

Jesus uses vivid language to make this soberingly clear—no amount of money (a gift), offered as worship for God’s work, can appease unresolved sin with another brother or sister in Christ. The Lord first wants a person’s heart, knowing their money will follow. Jesus knows He has someone’s heart when they are willing to bare their heart with another believer. Confession and repentance to one another is evidence of a healthy community of Christ followers. Humility initiates by asking for and extending forgiveness, while trusting God’s grace for reconciliation. Run toward not away from, unresolved conflict, as faith not fear brings healing to open wounds.

“So, my son—save yourself! Here’s what you need to do: go to that person who became your master with a handshake, humble yourself, and plead your case” (Proverbs 6:3, The Voice).

Who may have a grudge against you that you need to go to and ask forgiveness? Even if in your mind you are only 20% at fault, you still take the first step to say, “I’m sorry, I apologize, will you forgive me?” Be specific about your offense, “Please forgive me for the harsh tone of my words.” Your apology does not mean you have to agree with everything they said or did, but it does mean you want to make things right and heal the relationship. Reconciliation takes time, so be patient, stay in the process, until real healing of the heart takes place. Trust God’s love to heal.

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – Resolve, Do Not Run Away  →

Turning Point

Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – As Bad as the Grave

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Jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame.

Song of Solomon 8:6

Recommended Reading

1 Corinthians 13

It seems nothing could be crueler than the grave, but according to Song of Solomon there’s one thing as bad—jealousy. That’s what caused Lucifer to rebel against God. It’s what caused Cain to kill Abel, and Jacob’s sons to sell their brother Joseph into slavery. It’s why King Saul devoted his life to killing David. According to Mark 15:10, the Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate because of envy and jealousy.

That means it’s no small thing to feel pangs of jealousy toward another.

If someone receives a higher grade, makes a larger salary, wins a race, achieves a victory, or experiences more prosperity in some way, are you jealous? Yes, we’re all tempted to feel jealous, because the tree of envy grows from the soil of pride. But love is God’s supernatural attitude that allows us to rejoice in the success of others. The Bible says, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

If you feel jealous toward another, that’s natural. Ask God for His supernatural attitude of love. It can make all the difference.

The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him.… He has received the spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor.

Andrew Murray

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Psalms 141 – 150

 

http://www.davidjeremiah.org/

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Power from Heaven

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But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth. —Acts 1:8

It is possible to fill a glass with water without filling it to full capacity. Likewise, when you are born again you have the Holy Spirit in you, but you may not yet be totally filled with the Spirit. Many Christians are very busy doing things for God but don’t have enough power in their lives to be what God wants us to be.

Going through the motions and following religious formulas is a waste of time. You must have the revelation that Jesus is alive within you and allow Him to change you and make you a new creature in Christ. Don’t tuck God away for emergencies and Sunday mornings. Allow Him to work freely in every area of your life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Girlfriends in God

Girlfriends in God – When Your Rooster Crows

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“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1

Friend to Friend

I sat on my back porch, wrapped in my fuzzy worn robe—the one that’s 20 years old that I just can’t seem to get rid of. The birch trees waved “good morning,” and the newly planted gerbera daisies stretched their faces to the sun…just a bit higher than the day before. Then I heard him. The rooster.

ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I’m not sure where he lives, but it’s within earshot.

ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I thought of Peter. I thought of me. I thought of you.

You know the story. At the dinner table, on the night before Jesus went to the cross, He said to Peter:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:31).

A few hours later, Peter did just that. Denied that he even knew Jesus. Three times. And then the rooster crowed. ER-er-ER-er ERRRR.

“And he went outside and wept bitterly” (22:62). He cried and cried and cried.

(I’ve messed up big time and cried and cried and cried before. Have you?)

Continue reading Girlfriends in God – When Your Rooster Crows →

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Inspiration of God

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“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV).

Recently, it was my privilege to be chairman of a national congress on the Bible, which was held in San Diego, California. Thousands of Christian leaders came from across the nation and from other countries. More than fifty leading scholars addressed the various plenary and seminar sessions.

We were there to affirm our confidence that the Word of God is holy, inspired and without error. God’s Word is unlike any other book ever written. It is full of power and transforms the lives of all who read and obey its commandments. Many scholars read it without understanding, while others with little or no formal education comprehend its truths and are transformed in the process because they walk with God in humility and in the fullness and control of the Holy Spirit.

The story is told of a famous actor who attended a party one evening. A minister, who was also present, asked him if he would be kind enough to recite the 23rd Psalm. The actor, a famous and eloquent star of stage and screen, agreed on one condition – that the minister, a man in his eighties who had served God faithfully and humbly for half a century, would also recite the psalm.

The minister agreed, and the actor began. The words came like beautiful music, and everyone was enthralled at his beautiful presentation of the 23rd Psalm. A standing ovation greeted him at the finish.

Then the minister stood. He was not polished or eloquent. But as he began to recite the 23rd Psalm, a holy hush fell over his listeners and tears began to fill their eyes. When he finished, there was no applause – only silence. The actor stood to his feet. “I have reached your eyes and your ears and your emotions,” he said. “But this man of God has reached the very depths of your being.”

Bible Reading: II Peter 1:19-21

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will seek to become familiar with God’s Word, and obedient to its precepts, that my life will reflect its teachings. I will encourage others to join me in this great adventure of getting to know God and His holy, inspired Word.

 

http://www.cru.org

Ray Stedman

Ray Stedman – Knowing God’s Will

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Read: Colossians 1:9-14

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. Col 1:9b

The one thing Paul asks for is that the Colossians might come to understand God’s will. This is the important thing to Paul. He knows that if they begin to understand the will of God, everything good that he desires for them will follow. Thus, the chief aim of a believer’s life ought to be to know God’s will.

Here is where many young Christians go astray. They think the will of God is an itinerary they must discover: where God wants them to go, and what God wants them to do. Most of their prayers are addressed with those thoughts in mind. What should I do today? Where should I go? Whom should I marry? But knowing God’s will is about much more than simply knowing what to do, it begins with knowing who we are. Have you ever asked someone who upset you, Who do you think you are, anyway? We instinctively know that offensive behavior is a result of who we think we are. That is why such challenges are given.

God, too, knows that. The glory of the good news is that he has made us into something different than what we once were. Therefore the primary course in the curriculum of the Spirit is to learn what God has made you to be. You no longer belong to yourself, so you are no longer to live for yourself. Your will, your pleasure, your comfort are no longer to be primary in your life, but what God calls you to be and what he has made you to be. The more you understand who you now are, and what God has done to make you that, the more your behavior will automatically change and you will do the things that please him.

Continue reading Ray Stedman – Knowing God’s Will →

Words of Hope

Words of Hope – Daily Devotional – Reduce Speed

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Read: Psalm 62

Truly my soul finds rest in God. (v. 1 NIV)

Her name was Sharon Lampert. She wore a sequined red mask, flowing white cape over a black body-stocking and white go-go boots. She called herself an anti-stress superhero, pushing her sales on the busy streets of Manhattan. Sharon sold a “one and only anti-stress kit,” which consisted of a mix of toys, including a little white teddy bear, “a friend who will unconditionally love you.” At $19.95 it was a steal!

Our stress-filled life style is hazardous to our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Why do we rush about when the best gifts of life come not from endless activity with its stress and strain but from the generous hand of God? See the road sign for Christians: REDUCE SPEED. The Lord is not in a hurry. No need to rush to travel with Jesus. Psalm 62 calls us to speed less and trust God more.

Think of the things we value most. The love of God, the love of a marriage partner, your family gathered around the dinner table, the companionship of a friend, a good night’s sleep, a sun-filled day. Now ask yourself a question. Do any of these come from my work or business or are they gifts from the hand of God?

Isaiah reminds us, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will . . . soar . . . like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (40:30-31 NIV).

Prayer:

I rest in you, Lord.

Author: Chic Broersma

 

https://woh.org/

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – God Has the Final Word

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Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. —Psalm 115:3

History tells us that on the morning of the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon stood gazing on the field of battle and described to his commanding officer the strategy for that day’s campaign. Then he declared that at the end of the day, England would be at the feet of France, and the Duke of Wellington, who was leading the British forces, would be the prisoner of Napoleon.

After a pause, Napoleon’s commanding officer boldly said, “We must not forget that man proposes, but God disposes.”

With arrogant pride, Napoleon shot back, “I want you to understand, sir, that Napoleon proposes and Napoleon disposes.”

Commenting on that statement, Victor Hugo said, “After that moment, Waterloo was lost, for God sent rain and hail so that the troops could not be maneuvered as he had planned, and on the night of the battle it was Napoleon who was prisoner of Wellington, and France was at the feet of England.”

Anything that any man or woman accomplishes in life has been given to him or her as a gift from God. No matter what someone may have discovered or invented, no matter how much wealth someone has amassed or how successful they may have been, their lives were given to them by God. Their intellectual capacities were given to them by God. The beat of their heart was given to them by God.

It is good to remember that everything we have is from the Lord. As Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us, “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”

Fear God. Reverence God. Remember, He has the final word on every subject, no matter what. God will have the last word.

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Kids 4 Truth

Kids 4 Truth International – God Wants You Certain

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“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” (1 John 3:19-20)

When someone asks you whether you know for sure that you are a child of God, how do you respond? I remember as a child trying to answer that question. I would always say, “Yes! I know I’m saved!” After answering, however, I would always ask myself whether or not I really knew for certain.

You see, when I was very young, I prayed with my mother to accept Christ as my Savior. But, I didn’t, and still don’t, remember it! I don’t remember what I prayed, or where I was. I loved going to church, and told my grade school friends about Jesus, but I didn’t remember when I got saved. I was so worried that I would pray, “Lord, if I’m not saved, please save me now.” I prayed this prayer every night! I had no confidence in my salvation, but was too embarrassed to ask my parents or teachers for help.

A few years later, I began reading through the book of 1 John. As I read, I began to see many verses that told me how I could know for sure that I was saved. For example, 1 John 4:15 says that if I confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, God lives in me, and I live in Him! For each of these verses, I would write a paragraph about how I knew from that verse that I was saved. Even though I don’t remember what I prayed when I asked Jesus to be my Savior, I know that right now I am trusting in His payment on the Cross for my sins! I also know that God cannot fail, and that He has promised that if I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then I am (not might be) saved and have eternal life.

Are you struggling with whether or not you are truly saved? Maybe you don’t remember what you said when you prayed for the first time; maybe you don’t know if you said the right words; maybe you don’t even remember praying! Are you worried that you didn’t “do it right” or that God didn’t hear you? 1 John 1:9 says that God is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins” when you confess them to him! When you told God that you were a sinner and asked Him to forgive you, He did! In 1 John 5:11, 13-14, God tells us that we can know – not just guess or hope – that we are truly saved and have eternal life. God knows you better than you know yourself. Even though you may not “feel” saved, God knows whether or not you have truly trusted in Jesus Christ to be your Savior.

Continue reading Kids 4 Truth International – God Wants You Certain →