Tag Archives: current events

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Pursuit of Happiness

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 This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. 

—Psalm 119:56

Scripture:

Psalm 119:56 

What makes you happy? What brings you peace? Where do you find meaning, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment in your life? One of the biggest tragedies of our modern culture is that many people can’t answer these questions. They may find moments of excitement or distraction. They may have fun. But those moments are fleeting and surfacy. There’s nothing deep or lasting about them.

Philosopher Eric Hoffer wrote, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.” Someone else once said, “There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.”

So, for many people today who are searching for happiness, the cold hard truth is that they will never find it. The news stories we see about celebrities seem to confirm it. For all their accomplishments, fame, and money, many of them lead miserable and empty lives. And that’s because they’re searching for happiness in the wrong way.

The psalmist revealed the key to the search when he wrote, “This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments” (Psalm 119:56 NLT). Genuine happiness is always a byproduct of holiness. Get your life right with God and happiness will soon follow.

Several other passages in Scripture confirm this:

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11 NLT).

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly” (Proverbs 3:13–18 NLT).

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4 NLT).

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful” (Proverbs 16:20 NLT).

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24–25 NLT).

Unfortunately, unbelievers will never know true happiness. Instead, they will pursue the devil’s cheap counterfeits, facsimiles that seem to offer what they desire. They won’t recognize until it’s too late that the counterfeits are shallow, because they possess no deep well from which to draw. The world’s concept of happiness is dependent on good things happening. The Christian concept of happiness depends on a good God.

Choose God’s way.

 

Reflection question: How can you help unbelievers in your life recognize where genuine happiness can be found? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Preaching the Resurrection

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)

There are multitudes today who believe that Christ’s resurrection was a spiritual resurrection, insisting that the idea of a dead body returning to life after three days in the grave is completely unscientific and impossible.

This was not what the apostles preached with great grace and great power, however. They would hardly have been excited about any kind of spiritual resurrection, since everyone—both Jews and the pagan Gentiles—believed in life after death. If that was their message, no one would have doubted, and no one would have cared. Even when the disciples saw the resurrected Christ, they first “supposed that they had seen a spirit” (Luke 24:37). Christ had to urge them to “handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (v. 39).

When the disciples finally became convinced of His bodily resurrection, they were quickly transformed into courageous evangelists, willing even to die in support of their glorious message of salvation. The resurrection was, indeed, contrary to scientific law and all human experience, and this very fact proved to them that their Lord was Himself the divine lawgiver and author of all human experience. All other founders and leaders of human religions, ancient or modern, are themselves subject to death, but He alone has triumphed over death. Only the Creator of life can conquer death, and the resurrection proves that Jesus Christ is Creator as well as Savior.

Therefore, when we today, like the apostles of old, proclaim the resurrection of Christ, we know that His name is above every name. This enables us also to witness with great power, in great grace. HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Get Real with God

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God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth (reality).

John 4:24 (AMPC)

We communicate with God through our spirit. Jesus said in our verse for today that we must worship God in spirit and in truth. Being totally and completely truthful with God is one of the ways we can develop intimacy with Him. He knows everything about us anyway, so there is no reason to not be totally honest with Him.

Tell Him how you feel, what you have done wrong, and what your desires are. Talk to God honestly as you would a good, trusted friend. There are times when I know God wants me to do a thing and I tell Him honestly that I don’t want to do it, but that I will do it in obedience to Him and because I love Him. Pretense and a close relationship with God will not work. A friend of mine once told me that although she knew she should give financially into the kingdom of God that truthfully she did not want to. She was honest with God and told Him, “I will do it, but I don’t really want to, so I am asking you to give me a desire to give.” This woman eventually became very generous and did it with joy. Only the truth will make us free (John 8:32). God’s Word is truth. He says what He means and means what He says.

When we do something wrong we must be totally honest with God about it. Call sin what it is. If you were greedy, call it greed. If you were jealous, call it jealousy. If you lied, call it a lie. Ask God for forgiveness and receive it by faith. When we worship God, we must do so from the spirit and do it with all truth, sincerity, and honesty. If we feel a friend is being untruthful, we often say, “Get real,” meaning that we are asking them to stop pretending and just be honest. I think God wants the same thing from us.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me worship You in spirit and truth. I need You to teach me and show me how to be completely honest with You about my heart, my struggles, and my desires. Thank You for helping me, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Wrestle in Prayer 

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When the son of his friend died, “Elijah stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him’” (1 Kings 17:21 NKJV). Elijah had no precedent upon which to base this prayer. Up to this point in Scripture, no person had been brought back to life. He did this because he believed in a living God.

There are occasions in which we rest in prayer. There are other occasions in which we wrestle in prayer. Elijah wrestled. Elijah did first what mattered most: he prayed…passionately, dramatically, thunderously. Let’s do likewise. Let’s heed the command of Scripture: “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God…” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Words That Build Up

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Read Ephesians 4:25–32

American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote: “Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become, in the hands of one who knows how to combine them!”

The apostle Paul often talked about the way we speak. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul instructed the church on the blessings of redemption, their regeneration from death to life, and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in the church. Chapter 4 makes a clear transition to application: “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1). Living this worthy life involves maintaining unity in the Spirit (vv. 2–13), maturing in love (vv. 14–16), and trading the old self for the new (vv. 17–24).

Then Paul turns his attention to the tongue. The believers’ speech was the main way to build unity, and their words should reflect their transformed identity. First, Paul called them to truthfulness (v. 25). Lies fracture the body, destroying trust, but truth- telling brings members together. Next, Paul addresses anger (vv. 26–27). He acknowledges the existence of the emotion but calls the Ephesians to resolve it quickly. Unsettled anger festers, giving Satan a foothold.

Finally, Paul challenges the Ephesians to edification. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (v. 29). Our communication has the power to “encourage” (literally “to put heart into” someone). Christlike communication is not simply about avoiding bad words but actively participating in God’s work of renewal and unification. When our speech reflects truth, grace, and forgiveness, the church becomes a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.

Go Deeper

We often focus on not saying negative words, but let’s consider how can we use our words in a positive way. How might you use words to build someone up today?

Pray with Us

Good Father, thank You for reminding us what Christ-focused communication looks like. As we interact with one another, may we prioritize truth, patience, and edification.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.Ephesians 4:29

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Putting People Down

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NEW!Listen Now

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13, NIV

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 5:11-16

Psst! Guess what? Did you hear? You’ll never guess what happened? I don’t like to repeat gossip, so listen carefully the first time!

Proverbs warns against participating in gossip, but what exactly is it? We all talk about daily events and the situations our friends face. So when does it become gossip? Perhaps when we share something about another person that they wouldn’t want others to know—speaking behind their back in a way that damages them.

Proverbs says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.… A gossip separates close friends…. A gossip betrays a confidence…. Without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (18:8; 16:28; 11:13; 26:20, NIV).

We must be careful not to hear or convey evil speech. Our words should always build up and not tear down. Have you been guilty of repeating unkind or unwise words? If so, ask God to forgive you and to give you the internal discipline to refrain from evil gossip. Be discreet; don’t repeat!

All of us would be wiser if we would resolve never to put people down, except on our prayer lists.
D. A. Carson

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Fighting for You

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The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 14:10-18

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Today’s Devotion

Professional boxer Jim Braddock was known as someone who fought not for riches and fame but to put food on the table for his family. The movie Cinderella Man chronicles his fairytale-like comeback from a past-his-prime boxer to the world heavyweight champion. While facing extreme poverty during the Great Depression, Jim repeatedly sacrificed his own resources, health, and pride to provide for his children. He was never intimidated by an opponent and courageously endured pummeling in the ring to keep his family safe.

Jim’s legacy is one of passionate defense of his family. We, too, have a passionate defender who has promised to take our place in the ring. When the Israelites faced Pharaoh’s mighty army after their escape from slavery in Egypt, they were terrified and cried out to God. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” they foolishly said (Exodus 14:12). But Moses replied in faith, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (v. 14). And without any action from the Israelites, their enemies were literally swept away by the sea as God supernaturally ended the battle before it even began.

Sometimes it feels like we’re facing the trials of life or arrows from the enemy, Satan, on our own (see Psalm 91:5). But God’s with us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and He fights for us; we need only to be still.

Reflect & Pray

What battle are you tempted to fight on your own? What does it look like to “be still” as you trust God to fight for you?

 

Dear Jesus, I trust You as You fight for me.

Waiting is hard; there’s no question. But some of life’s most important seasons happen in the in-between. Through Psalms, Romans, and Galatians, this five-day study explores how God draws us closer and shapes our hearts through seasons of waiting. Learn to release control, trust God’s timing, and experience his nearness as you wait with this reading plan from Reclaim Today: Hope In the In Between

Today’s Insights

The theme of God as a divine warrior (see Exodus 14:14) spans the landscape of Scripture. Exodus 15 poetically depicts God at war with Pharaoh’s army, saying, “The Lord is a warrior” (v. 3). One Bible encyclopedia has this to say: “In the New Testament, the Divine Warrior theme is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the imagery shifts from physical battles to spiritual warfare, the essence of God as a warrior remains. In Revelation, Christ is depicted as the ultimate Divine Warrior who will defeat evil and establish His kingdom.” Today, when faced with temptation, we can rest in God, who fights for us.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Indy cars race around DC after Court rules on ballroom

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How is the Bible relevant to these stories today?

  • What Time called “President Donald Trump’s final event commemorating the US’s 250th birthday” took place in the nation’s capital Sunday as Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump rode around the 1.7-mile race track in the presidential limousine ahead of the competition.
  • Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts signed a temporary order on Friday allowing work to continue on the White House ballroom while the court considers an emergency appeal from the Trump administration. The ruling came after an appeals court earlier stopped the project.
  • A giant statue mocking Mr. Trump for the US’s role in the Iran war has drawn attention in Washington, DC, as well.
  • Earlier in the war, the Iranian president wrote an open letter to the American people that was widely shared on X and covered by national media.

You don’t need the word of God to explain any of these stories in isolation. Many national leaders have discretion to celebrate significant events as Mr. Trump did with the IndyCar race. Some countries place their chief executive under the final authority of other bodies such as a Supreme Court. Some allow their leader to be mocked in public. And some let the leader of a country with whom they are at war address their public directly.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Indy cars race around DC after Court rules on ballroom →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Hidden Word

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 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

—Psalm 119:11

Scripture:

Psalm 119:11 

You’ve probably heard the old saying that a Bible that’s falling apart is usually the sign of a life that isn’t. I must admit that I like to see beat-up, marked-up Bibles that are coming apart, because it tells me that they’ve seen heavy use. Their pages are well-worn. Favorite passages can be located immediately because of familiar breaks in the spine. Every scribbled note, every underlined passage tells a story.

I’ve often said that there should be a Bible produced especially for preachers. In fact, I’ve mentioned the idea to people who actually publish Bibles. I told them, “Make a preacher’s Bible. Give it a steel binding.” After all, preachers really use their Bibles. As we’re speaking, we do things like shake it, hold it up, and point to it. Why we do that, I don’t really know.

Of course, as believers, we shouldn’t simply shake our Bibles or hold them up or point to them. We need to read God’s Word. We need to memorize it. We need to follow the example of the psalmist who said, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NLT).

A purse or a briefcase may serve as a handy carrier for God’s Word, but our heart is an even better one. Jesus kept God’s Word in His heart. When the devil tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture to counter him. Three times the devil did his worst. And three times he was rebuffed by the Word of God. Matthew 4:11 says simply, “Then the devil went away” (NLT). He was no match for God’s Word.

Scripture can serve a similar purpose in our lives. We have no way of knowing when and how the devil is going to tempt us. But we do know that God’s Word will thwart his plans. So, it’s important that we carry it with us wherever we go. That way, we can deploy it when we need to.

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts also helps us fulfill the Great Commission. The apostle Paul wrote of unbelievers, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14–15 NLT).

The more quickly and effectively we can access the Good News, the more powerful our witness will be. Being able to draw from what’s stored in our heart is a tremendous advantage.

God’s Word is a powerful tool, and a powerful weapon against our enemy, whether we hold it in our hands or in our heart.

 

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

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Our Rock of Salvation

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Here in the song of Moses, which God instructed him to write for the children of Israel as they were about to enter the promised land (note Deuteronomy 31:19), is the first of at least 40 references in the Bible to God as the Rock. There are four others just in this song. In verse 15, He is the “Rock of [Israel’s] salvation.” In verse 18, He is “the Rock that begat thee.” See also verses 30 and 31.

Note some of the other wonderful metaphors picturing God as our great foundation stone. He is “my strong rock” in Psalm 31:2 and “the rock that is higher than I” in Psalm 61:2. In Psalm 62:7, He is “the rock of my strength” and is “the rock of my refuge” in Psalm 94:22. Isaiah calls Him “a great rock in a weary land” and “the rock whence ye are hewn” (Isaiah 32:2; 51:1).

During the wilderness wanderings, the Israelites were supplied with water from a rock, and the apostle Paul tells us “that spiritual Rock that followed them . . . was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). And, of course, Christ told His disciples that Peter’s confession of Himself as the “Son of the living God” was the rock upon which He would build His church (Matthew 16:16, 18).

But to unbelievers He is “the stone which the builders rejected” (Matthew 21:42), “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word” (1 Peter 2:8). “Therefore,” said Jesus, “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24–25). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Pray Boldly

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For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15–16 (NKJV)

When we know we have sinned, we often feel we don’t have the right to ask God for anything. If we do ask Him for something, we ask sheepishly or we don’t ask for much. It is wonderful to know that Jesus understands us and our weaknesses, and He doesn’t reject us because of them. It is hard for us to imagine Jesus being tempted in all the same ways we are, but He was, although He never sinned.

According to today’s Scripture verses, we are to go boldly to God’s throne and ask for what we want and need, and He will hear and answer our prayer. He doesn’t answer us because we are good, but because He is good. When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are presenting to God all that Jesus is, not all that we are. I urge you to start praying more boldly than ever before because God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for inviting me to come boldly to Your throne despite my weaknesses and my many faults. Please help me pray with confidence, and to trust Your goodness, rather than my own, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Strategy for the Tragedy 

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“Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing…Elijah lay on top of the boy three times. He prayed to the Lord, ‘Lord my God, let this boy live again!’” (1 Kings 17:17, 21). The Lord answered Elijah’s prayer, the boy began breathing again, and was alive.

What if Elijah holding the dead boy is a picture of you and me in the midst of a sick society? Did you know that nine out of ten young people in Great Britain believe that life has no meaning? What happens when ninety percent of a generation find no reason to live? Anxiety, anger, depression, despair, suicide. We, like Elijah, have been handed a corpse. Elijah shows us what to do. Prayer was his strategy for the tragedy.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Understanding Your Audience

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Read 1 Corinthians 9:15–23

In 1962, Don and Carol Richardson went to Papua New Guinea (then Dutch New Guinea) to work among the Sawi tribe. The Sawi people valued revenge and practiced ritualistic cannibalism. So when the Richardsons first shared the gospel with them, they perceived Judas Iscariot as the hero because his actions brought retribution. Then, Don discovered the Sawi custom of the “peace child.” In this ritual, when two warring tribes were seeking peace, one tribe would give a newborn male infant to the other as a pledge. The receiving tribe was then bound to care for the child, ensuring peace for a whole generation. Using this framework, Don retold the gospel. The Sawi were able to grasp the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. The Richardsons’ journey is documented in their book Peace Child.

In 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul discusses his motivation and method for preaching the gospel. In verses 15–18, Paul stated that his motivation was not monetary. Paul had a right to receive compensation for ministry (v. 14). However, Paul wanted nothing to hinder his communication (v. 12). So he preached voluntarily and out of obedience. His only reward was the gospel ministry itself (v. 18).

Then, Paul expressed his methodology. Paul adapted his communicative approach based on his audience. To the Jews, he spoke as a Jew. To the Gentiles, he spoke as a Gentile (v. 20). He never changed the content of the gospel. Instead, he would use humility and cultural awareness to contextualize the message for his intended audience. He wanted each person to understand this life-changing message. This is a model that missionaries and evangelists still follow today.

Go Deeper

Do you know someone (or even a group of people) resistant to the gospel? How might you contextualize the message to help them better understand it?

Pray with Us

Your free gift of salvation crosses all ethnic and cultural barriers, Lord. When we are sharing the gospel with others, please give us the words to say that will help them understand Your love.

I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.1 Corinthians 9:22

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Creation Communicates

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Read Romans 1:16–25

What aspect of creation best communicates the nature of God to you? Is it the majesty of the Rocky Mountains? The pure joy of a bubbling stream? The delicate intricacy of a flower petal? The fierce power of a crashing wave?

Romans 1 describes the ways in which God communicates and how humanity has responded. Paul begins by declaring that he is “not ashamed of the gospel” (v. 16). He knows it is not merely information about God but the very power of God (v. 17).

However, Paul continues—not only had God’s righteousness been revealed, but also His wrath (v. 18). God’s anger is directed at the wicked, who ignore and suppress the truth of God’s clear revelation. Paul insists that “what may be known about God is plain to them” (v. 19). From the beginning of time, God has clearly communicated His power and His character through His creation. Paul declares God’s communication to be clear and understandable—so much so that mankind is “without excuse” (v. 20). No one can say, “He didn’t reveal Himself to me.”

Verses 21–25 describe the tragic slippery slope of people who “knew God,” who recognized Him through His revelation, but who chose not to glorify Him or thank Him for all that He had done. Their thinking became nonsensical. Their hearts became unable to perceive truth (v. 21). Sadly, they deceived themselves—perceiving themselves as wise, even though they were fools (v. 22). When divine revelation is ignored, lies fill the vacuum. These individuals became obsessed with the mortal world—worshiping the created elements and indulging their sinful desires (vv. 23–24). So God let them go. He “gave them over.” Yet, Paul reminded his Roman readers, the Creator will be forever praised (v. 25).

Go Deeper

How do you see God revealed in the beauty of nature? Describe a moment when you were overwhelmed by our Creator God.

Pray with Us

Thank You for revealing Yourself to us in what You have created, Lord! In the beginning, You made everything, and You made it good. We praise You for Your creativity and handiwork.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen.Romans 1:20

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Authentic Son of God

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He was despised and rejected by mankind. Isaiah 53:3

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 53:1-7

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Today’s Devotion

A photography contest featured images created by artificial intelligence (AI). People from around the world submitted pictures they had fabricated by AI text prompts on computers. Only AI-generated images were allowed. One winner was a surreal depiction: something that looked like a pink flamingo curled into a feathery ball, against a sandy landscape.

There was only one problem. The winning image was a real photograph of a real flamingo. The photographer had entered an authentic photo in an AI-contest. His picture, “Flamingone,” was disqualified. That’s right—the authentic photo was rejected for being the real thing.

The prophet Isaiah vividly foretells a similar irony about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). Christ was taken to court for claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. Yet he did not offer a defense: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (v. 7). Isaiah points to the ultimate contradiction: “He was despised and rejected by mankind” (v. 3). That’s right—the authentic Messiah, the true Son of God, was rejected as being fake.

Today, you and I are judges in that court of decision. Do we accept Jesus as the authentic Son of God? Or do we reject Him as something less? Even if we believe in Him, does our daily living sometimes reject Him as the real deal?

Reflect & Pray

How does your life reflect the authenticity of Jesus Christ? How might it reject Him?

Dear God, please help me to honor You as I live in Your genuine presence.

Kristen “KB” Newton is the creator and founder of HEARTConvos, an organization that helps people build authentic relationships through having hard conversations. In this episode, KB and Rasool discuss her military-family life and the difference between civilian life, how she learned to survive and adapt, and why she never truly had a place she called “home” while growing up. We also spoke about what prompted her to create HEARTConvos, and why she believes Jesus championed friendship more than any other relationship: Developing Real Friends With K B Newton

 

Today’s Insights

Isaiah 53 is the last of four messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah known as the “Servant Songs” (chs. 42, 49, 50, 53) because they speak of the ministry, suffering, and exaltation of God’s Servant, the Messiah. Chapter 53 describes the rejection of Jesus (vv. 1-3), His suffering and death in our place (vv. 4-6), His sacrificial death and burial (vv. 7-9), and His resurrection (vv. 10-12).

The New Testament unequivocally applies Isaiah 53 to Christ (see John 12:38; Romans 10:16 [Isaiah 53:1]; Matthew 8:17 [Isaiah 53:4]; 1 Peter 2:22-25 [Isaiah 53:4-9]; Acts 8:32-33 [Isaiah 53:7-8]; Luke 22:37 [Isaiah 53:12]). Peter quoted Isaiah 53:4-9 (1 Peter 2:22-25) to encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering because of their faith (1:6) that Christ also endured unjust suffering. When we put our faith in Jesus—the authentic Son of God—He’ll help us reflect Him in our lives and “follow in his steps” (v. 21).

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – A Christian response to the Lindsay Clancy case

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How to respond when the mental health epidemic becomes personal

The trial of Lindsay Clancy, a mother accused of murdering her three young children, just wrapped up its fifth week, and continues to stir heated debates on social media. Countless women who’ve experienced postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis shared their stories online. Psychiatrists are sharing facts about mental health during the postpartum period, along with varying opinions on whether she received adequate treatment or not.

Conspiracy theorists have also entered the conversation, stringing together theories to “prove” that the killer was really her husband, Patrick. On the other side of the spectrum, conservative social commentator Matt Walsh called her a “selfish, evil witch,” condemning her and anyone else who excuses her alleged actions.

This case has stirred up a lot for me personally as well. I’m a health coach working at a counseling center alongside a team of therapists (one of whom is my husband). I’ve coached over a thousand clients with varying physical and mental health concerns. I’m also a survivor of PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. I’ve been symptom-free for almost 20 years.

I haven’t expressed my thoughts publicly until now. To start, as a mother of three, I have found the trial clips hard to watch. It’s a gut-wrenching tragedy.

Continue reading Denison Forum – A Christian response to the Lindsay Clancy case →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Offering Willingly

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” (1 Chronicles 29:9)

As the people brought gifts for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, it is mentioned no less than six times in this chapter that their offerings were willing offerings (once in verses 6 and 14, twice each in verses 9 and 17). In fact, they were not only willing but also joyful in their giving.

Joyful giving is not the usual response to a fundraising effort for a religious cause. The great proliferation of causes today—not only for churches but for multi-church or para-church projects that are usually associated with high-pressure solicitations by professional money-raisers—has developed a growing cynicism in Christians toward all such appeals.

That is not the way it should be, “for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The churches of Macedonia, though going through “a great trial of affliction” and in “deep poverty,” nevertheless “abounded unto the riches of their liberality,” and they did so in “the abundance of their joy” (8:2). What made the difference was that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord” (v. 5).

No doubt another vital factor leading to the joyful offerings of the people for the building of the temple was the example set by David’s great, personal, joyful generosity followed by that of all the other leaders of Israel (1 Chronicles 29:3–8). This encouraged the people also to give “with perfect heart” (our text). They had evidently, like the Philippians of Macedonia, also first given themselves to the Lord. David had led them by example, not coercion, reminding himself and his people as he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving that “all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – How to Stand Firm in God’s Acceptance

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Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].

John 3:18 (AMP)

The enemy often opposes you most when God is preparing something significant in your life. As a result, he will pull out all the stops to distract you or make you doubt God’s plan. Rejection is one of the ways the enemy will do this. If you’ve ever been turned down for a date, denied a home loan, dismissed when you’ve offered an idea, or excluded from a friend’s party, you know the pain of rejection.

Rejection is so difficult. It can make us feel disappointed, ashamed, angry, or unworthy. But we don’t have to stay there! The enemy often uses rejection to discourage us and keep us from stepping confidently into God’s plan. But when we renew our minds with truth—like John 3:18 and Ephesians 1:6—we remember that in Christ, we are never rejected but fully accepted in the Beloved!

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me overcome rejection when it happens to me. Help me always believe the best of people and not assume they are rejecting me when that might not be the case at all. Let me be more concerned about how I am treating others than I am about how they are treating me, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Fives: The Fivefold Ministry

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He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:11

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

People took their seats and waited for the concert to begin. The musicians were world-class, and the music would be masterful. Suddenly each musician began playing their instrument with polished skill—violinists, flutists, percussionists. But the sound was a confusing set of grating noises. Then the conductor stepped onto the platform. With a single motion, the instruments began playing in a balanced and beautiful way.

In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us the Church is a group of people, each with their own gifts and role to play, and we must follow the direction of Jesus. Some are apostles, missionaries who are sent to plant churches. Some are prophets, taking the Word of God and exhorting. Some are evangelists with a gift of leading others to Christ. Others are pastors who shepherd the flock and teachers who feed the flock.

The end result? We will be built up with unity and maturity. Take your place, and remember when each of us follows Christ’s lead, our churches will not be a collection of noise but a symphony of grace sounding forth the truth.

Pastors and teachers are to equip the saints…to serve, to build the Body, to be the church in the world and do the work of ministry.
Charles Colson

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – A Marriage Observed

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. Ephesians 4:32

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 4:26-32

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

Of all United States presidents, Jimmy Carter had the longest marriage. He and his wife Rosalyn were married for seventy-seven years. When Carter was asked the secret to his long, successful marriage, he replied, “Choose the right person to marry.” Beyond that, he named three other concepts for marital success: reconciliation, communication, and devotion to faith.

We see the idea of reconciliation in Ephesians 4:26: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The Carters took this seriously. “Every night, we try to make sure we’re completely reconciled from all the arguments during the day,” Jimmy once said. We can also see the secret to Christlike communication in Ephesians 4. Paul wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32).

God ordained marriage as something good—something established by Him (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Proverbs 18:22 says that marriage is a divine blessing: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” And the way we treat one another, in marriage and in the entire body of Christ, can encourage and positively affect others. Whether we’re single or married, our words and actions can truly reflect the loving, forgiving heart of Christ.

Reflect & Pray

How can God help you reflect Christ in your relationships? What does it mean to be compassionate and forgiving today?

 

Dear Jesus, please help me to compassionately forgive others and point them to You. 

What does forgiveness look like? Is it a single act or a process? Do we wait until we feel ready to forgive? Do we require the other person to repent, or is forgiveness personal and internal, something we do for ourselves? If we forgive, does that mean we must immediately return to a persistently abusive relationship? You can read more for answers to these questions at the following link: https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/family-relationships/risking-forgiveness

Today’s Insights

Ephesians 4:26-32 begins with an assumption that anger is inevitable: “In your anger do not sin” (v. 26). But Paul quickly guards against any sinful expression of anger: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (v. 31). The emphasis in this passage, as in other epistles, isn’t only on behaviors that give the “devil a foothold” (v. 27) and “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v. 30). It’s also on what we replace our actions with as we “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24). Our individual submission to God’s supernatural righteousness makes it possible to follow His example: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32). In all our relationships, God can help us reflect the forgiving heart of Jesus.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org