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Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Esteem Others

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

In this verse, Paul challenges us to refrain from any “strife” or “vainglory”—words that seem a bit stern in the colloquial terms of our day.

Eritheia is the Greek word for “strife”—a contentious political maneuvering for greater power. “Vainglory” is similar. It comes from the Greek word kenodoxia: an empty pride or groundless glory. Both are rather unpleasant descriptions of the foolish and sinful human behavior that is seen all too often among God’s people: “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:26).

On the contrary, we are challenged to “esteem” the others in our fellowship as “better than” ourselves. The precise words in this instruction insist that we are to use deliberate and careful judgment in our evaluation of others in our relationships as being more excellent than what we have thought of ourselves.

Now, that goes against most of what we have been taught in our Western educational systems. Self-esteem is de rigueur in our schools, songs, movies, and television programs. In fact, “positive thinking” and “prosperity thinking” are very little more than self-esteem dressed up in religious terms.

In the biblical “body” analogy, we are told that “those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour . . . . [God has] given more abundant honour to that part which lacked” (1 Corinthians 12:23–24).

God thinks differently. We are told to think of each other like God thinks. HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Nothing But Christ

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power.

1 Corinthians 2:2–4 (AMPC)

I’ve tried to imagine what it would have been like to go to Corinth or other Greek cities at the time of Paul and try to speak to those wise, brilliant thinkers. After studying every parchment given to me, and gaining knowledge of all their arguments, I would have prayed for God to help me overcome their objections.

We don’t know what Paul did, but his answer is astounding. Instead of going after them with great reasoning and sharp logic, he went in exactly the opposite direction. He stayed in Corinth a year and a half, and many came to Christ because of him. Later, when he wrote 1 Corinthians 2:2 (AMPC), he said, For I resolved to know nothing…among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. That’s amazing. If any man had the ability to reason with those Greeks and could show them the fallacies of their logic, surely that man was Paul. But, being led by the Holy Spirit, he chose a defenseless presentation—to let God speak through him and touch the hearts of the people.

Now, centuries later, I appreciate his approach—although I didn’t always feel this way. For a long time, I wanted to explain and reason out everything, but when that didn’t work, I ended up feeling miserable.

I’ve always been curious, always wanted to know, and always wanted to figure out the answer. Then God began to work in my life. He showed me that my constant drive to figure it out caused me confusion and prevented me from receiving many of the things He wanted me to have. He said, You must lay aside carnal reasoning if you expect to have discernment.

I didn’t like loose ends, so I felt more secure when I figured things out. I wanted to be in control of every detail of every situation. When I didn’t understand or was unable to figure things out, I felt out of control. And that was frightening to me. Something was wrong—I was troubled and had no peace of mind. Sometimes, frustrated and exhausted, I would just give up.

It was a long battle for me because I finally admitted something to myself (God knew it all along): I was addicted to reasoning. It was more than a tendency or desire to figure out things. It was a compulsion. I had to have answers—and had to have them right now. When God was finally able to convince me of my addiction, I was able to give it up.

It wasn’t easy. Like people who withdraw from drugs or alcohol, I had withdrawal symptoms. I felt lost. Frightened. Alone. I had always depended on my ability to figure things out. Now, like Paul, I had to depend on God.

Too many people assume that relying only on God is something we do easily and naturally. It didn’t work that way with me. But God was gracious and patient with me. It was as if He’d whisper, “You’re not there yet, Joyce, but you’re making progress. It’s uncomfortable because you’re learning a new way to live.”

God wants us to be victorious—and I knew that all along. Now I walk in greater victory than ever before—and I no longer try to reason out everything before I act.

Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me and people like me who feel we must have all the answers before we can act or trust. In the name of Jesus, help me to simply trust in You, knowing that You will give me what is best for my life, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God Will Teach You 

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This much is sure:  God will teach you to pray. Don’t think for a minute that he’s glaring at you from a distance with crossed arms and a scowl, waiting for you to get your prayer life together.  Just the opposite! In Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with Me.”

Jesus waits on the porch.  He taps…and calls. He waits for you to open the door. To pray is the hand of faith on the door handle of your heart. The happy welcome to Jesus: “Come in, O King.  Come in. The kitchen is messy, but come in. I’m not much of a conversationalist, but come in.”

Before amen—comes the power of a simple prayer! God changes His people through such moments.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Human Authority

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Read 1 Peter 2:13–17

When Peter was writing his letter, there was a significant debate within Judaism about the best way to relate to Rome. Many in Israel were clamoring for a rebellion, which would ultimately result in the Jewish revolt and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Should followers of Jesus take a similar stance toward Rome?

Peter takes a very different approach. He urges believers to “Submit yourselves…to every human authority” (v. 13). The phrase translated by the NIV as “every human authority” is more literally “every human creation.” Peter’s point is that believers should not be striving for positions of power and authority over other people. Rather they should pursue the good of others (Eph. 5:21). This includes even the emperor and governor (vv. 13–14). At the time, the emperor was likely Nero, hardly a model of virtue.

But there is an important qualification: They are to submit “for the Lord’s sake” (v. 13). In the New Testament, believers did take a stand against the governing authorities when the gospel was at stake (e.g., Acts 4:18–20; 5:27–29). They would not be hindered in sharing the gospel, even if it meant suffering the consequences of disobeying the government. But when the gospel was not at stake, believers were to submit to those in authority. God ordained the government to uphold justice (v. 14), a common grace we can be thankful for.

The freedom we have in Christ is not freedom from human authorities, but freedom from sin in service to God (v. 16). Believers should be known for their respect and kindness to all people (v. 17). In our relationship with the government, it is important to “fear God” first and, in the context of our reverence for God, “honor the emperor” (v. 17). We should live in a way that does not hinder our ability to live out the mission that the Lord Jesus has given us.

Go Deeper

How should believers respond to those placed in authority? What reasons does Peter give for this?

Pray with Us

Holy Father, we know You are the ultimate authority. As we strive to obey You, give us wisdom to submit to our earthly authorities and pursue the good of others. You are over all things.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.1 Peter 2:13

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Word of God

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NEW!Listen Now

But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time.
Jude 17-18

Recommended Reading: Jude 1-11

Would you devote your life to studying a book you didn’t believe to be reliable? Rudolf Bultmann, a German New Testament scholar, argued for “demythologizing” the New Testament. He believed it could speak to us existentially but shouldn’t be taken historically. Bultmann is an example of someone who poured himself into Bible study but whose heart wasn’t open to the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Academia is filled with such people today. So are pulpits.

Only those who truly know the Lord can understand His message. When we have questions and concerns of the heart, we need to take counsel from those who also know the Lord. Guard against the influence of liberal scholars and unbelieving teachers. The book of Jude warns against “certain individuals” who “have secretly slipped in among you” (Jude 4, NIV).

Even when seeking Christian counsel, go to those who truly know and love God’s Word. Take time to identify solid Christians in your life you can turn to when you need godly advice.

We call this book—and only this book—the Word of God. That is why it has supreme authority for our lives.
Robertson McQuilkin 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Glory and Majesty

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You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens . . . .” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead. Isaiah 14:13, 15

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 14:12-15

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Today’s Devotion

The ceiling of London’s Banqueting House is magnificent. Painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens between 1629 and 1634, it was commissioned by King Charles I to glorify his family’s reign. In one painting, the goddess Minerva celebrates the achievements of Charles’ father, King James I. In another, James is carried to heaven on the wings of an eagle. Gazing up at the ceiling, banquet guests got a clear message: Kings like Charles and his father were virtually divine.

In the prophet Isaiah’s day, the king of Babylon felt similarly about himself. Here was a king who longed to “ascend to the heavens” and “sit . . . on the mount of assembly,” where the gods were thought to reign (Isaiah 14:13). Instead, Isaiah prophesied that this king would fall (vv. 3-4), being “brought down to the realm of the dead” (v. 15) without even a tomb to be remembered by (vv. 18-19). Charles I met a similar fate. In an ironic twist, he was marched beneath the very ceiling depicting his supposed divinity before being executed outside Banqueting House in 1649.

It’s a sad fact that has repeated through time: Powerful people who claim divine glory for themselves will one day discover how human they are. For there is only one who is worthy of reigning from heaven, and all power, glory, and majesty are His alone (1 Chronicles 29:11).

Reflect & Pray

Why do you think rulers throughout history have claimed divinity for themselves? How does Jesus compare to the attitude of such rulers?

Heavenly Father, You are God, and all power and glory are Yours!

For further study, read The Chilling Tale of a King.

Today’s Insights

In Daniel 4:37, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, declares, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” This ancient king had to learn the crucial lesson of humility the hard way.

His words of praise to God (vv. 2-3, 34-37) contrast with his words of self-adulation before his humiliation: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (v. 30; see vv. 31-34). The Babylonian ruler of Isaiah 14:12-14 said something similar. Indeed, kings and kingdoms will all pass away but God’s kingdom endures forever (see Daniel 2:44; 4:3, 34). To Him alone belong all power and glory and majesty.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Israel and Iran trade attacks for the first time since April

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I am writing today to offer hope where you might not expect it.

First, the news: Iran fired missiles at Israel this morning in several waves of attacks. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and explosions from missile intercepts could be heard over the city. Explosions were also heard in Tehran shortly before noon local time, hours after Israel said it had struck military targets in central and western Iran.

This was the first exchange of strikes between the two nations since a shaky ceasefire was called in April. As the New York Times reports, “The fighting has propelled the Middle East back to the precipice of the full-scale war that began in February.” Early Monday, President Trump posted on Truth Social, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’”

Closer to home, five people were stabbed at New York City’s Penn Station last night; the suspect is now in police custody. And a search continued yesterday for two men who appeared to fire guns at each other at a popular street festival in Toledo, Ohio, shooting at least twelve other people in the process. The victims ranged in ages from fourteen to sixty-one; two are reported to be in critical condition.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Israel and Iran trade attacks for the first time since April →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Persecuted and Blessed

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 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 

—Matthew 5:10

Scripture:

The great preacher John Wesley was riding his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed since he’d been persecuted in any way. In that time, not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He’d not been hit by even a single egg. He stopped his horse and said out loud, “Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?” Slipping down from his mount, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually.

A man who disliked Wesley happened by and saw him kneeling in prayer. The man picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, “Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence.” Is it any wonder that Wesley was such a powerful preacher?

The takeaway from this story isn’t that we should pray for bricks to be thrown our way. The takeaway is that opposition and persecution are often signs that we’re doing something right, spiritually speaking. There’s no reason for our spiritual enemy to attack ineffective believers. But believers who have the potential to make a difference for God’s kingdom scare him. So, he hauls out the big gun of persecution to try to silence them.

If you’re a follower of Christ, your very presence will bother some people. You don’t even have to say anything to arouse their opposition. Your presence is like a bright light shining in a dark place. And for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jesus said, “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil” (John 3:19 NLT).

The persecution we experience because of our beliefs aligns us with the One in whom we believe. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18–19 NLT). To be treated in the same way that Jesus was treated is an honor and a blessing.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10 NLT). Sometimes persecution shows itself as a brick coming our way—that is, as some kind of physical harm, or perhaps even death. Other times, it shows itself in the form of mockery or rejection and causes us to lose friends or perhaps even a job. Whatever form it takes, the reality is this: If you’re living a godly life, then you will face persecution.

If you endure and thrive in the face of that persecution, you’ll forge a powerful testimony that impacts people more than words ever could.

 

Reflection question: What would enduring and thriving in the face of persecution look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Joy of Reconciliation

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” (Romans 5:11)

The Greek word for “atonement” in this verse is katallage, which everywhere else (some 10 times, either this word or its related forms) is translated “reconciliation” (or “reconciled” or “reconciling”). The connotation is full restoration to fellowship after long enmity and alienation.

The Hebrew word for “atonement” (kaphar, “covering”) occurs some 80 times in the Old Testament, over half of them in Leviticus. It normally referred to the covering of one’s sins by the shed blood of an innocent (and blemish-free) animal sacrifice.

Although this could provide some comfort to the sinner, there was little to be joyful about, since the covering was only temporary and the sins were still there. When Christ came, however, He became “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He “put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

Consequently, atonement (in the sense of a temporary covering) is never mentioned at all in the New Testament. Instead, we have been fully “reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10). Thus, our text is really saying that we have real joy in God through Christ, “by whom we have now received the reconciliation”!

Our fellowship with our heavenly Father has been fully restored by the wonderful gift of eternal salvation through the work of Christ, “who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). And as we rejoice in the Lord, we must remember, too, that He “hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation,” so that we are “ambassadors for Christ,” beseeching others also to “be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – From the Inside Out

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Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart].

Matthew 3:8 (AMPC)

Our society places so much importance on the way things look that appearances often take priority over true quality. One time I saw some big, perfect oranges in the grocery store and decided to buy one. I was sure the orange would taste as good as it looked, but when I peeled that beautiful thing and took a bite, it was dry and bitter.

Giving consideration to whether you are as good on the inside as you look on the outside is a serious matter. Many people are searching for God today, and there are numerous teachings about how to find Him that sound right. As Christians, we need to make sure we are “the real thing” and not a phony. Only then will people see Jesus in us and want what we have.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me focus on who I am inside. Teach me to live with integrity and reflect Your truth in my life, not just in appearance but in character, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Jesus Prayed by Example 

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Before amen—comes the power of a simple prayer!  Jesus set a compelling prayer example. He prayed before He ate.  He prayed for children.  He prayed for the sick.  He prayed with thanks.  With tears. He had made the planets and shaped the stars, yet He prayed.

Here’s a prayer for us today! “Father, you’ve made me your child through your Spirit. In your kindness you have adopted me and delivered me from sin and death. Remind me today what it means to be your child.  It’s so easy for me to live every day on my own terms. Help me live it in light of your grace.  Thank you for accepting me as I am but not leaving me the same.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Here’s my challenge for you! Every day for 4 weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before!

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Not of This World

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1 Peter 2:11–12

Not of This World

01:59

Read 1 Peter 2:11–12

Jesus warned His followers that the world would not be a welcoming place. “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (John 15:19). In his letters, Peter gives a similar warning: Followers of Jesus will be “foreigners and exiles” (v. 11).

Peter addresses his audience in two important ways. First, he calls them “dear friends,” this is more literally, “beloved” (v. 11). They are like family. He then calls them “foreigners and exiles” (v. 11). These believers were to think of themselves as immigrants, people who do not reside in their native country. Now, it is likely that most of Peter’s audience was composed of Jewish Christians, who were literally exiles from the land of Israel. But Peter is making a deeper point. They were not to live as if their current city or country was where they really belonged. They have an “inheritance…kept in heaven for you” (1:4).

This reminder that we belong fully to Jesus and His kingdom leads us to live differently within this world. Just as Peter’s readers were not to get their standards of behavior from the nations around them, we are to live as citizens of heaven. Our primary allegiance is not to this world, but the one to come.

We are called to live holy lives, not so we will stay out of trouble in fear. Rather, we should live well so that the world around us “may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (v. 12). Our obedience to the Lord Jesus is missional. People should be able to look at the church, see our good deeds, and be pointed to Christ.

Go Deeper

What does it look like to live a holy life in today’s culture? How does the way you live become missional?

Pray with Us

Living as citizens of heaven does not always feel easy, Father, but we desire to reflect You in every action. Give us the strength to do right, so people will glorify You.

I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.1 Peter 2:11

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Caltrops

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NEW!Listen Now

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52

Recommended Reading: Acts 13:48-51

Earlier this year in Michigan the North Shore Police Department warned motorists that someone was placing caltrops on the highways. These are small, sharp objects meant to puncture and deflate car tires. As we all know, tires need to be filled with air; they are useless when flat.

The devil is constantly throwing caltrops in our pathway. We’re to be filled with the Spirit, but he endeavors to deflate us. Have you felt deflated recently? The normal and victorious Christian experience means being filled with the Spirit. When you’re filled with the Spirit of God, your life will be different. You will have a song in your heart, a spirit of thanksgiving in your personality, and a yearning to bless others (Ephesians 5:18-21). You’ll also have a contagious motivation to share the Word of God with others (Acts 4:31).

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps as you choose to have a positive influence on others. Open your life fully to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask Him to keep you inflated and filled with His Spirit today.

The Spirit-filled life is not a deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people.
A. W. Tozer

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Reciprocal Generosity

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I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. Philippians 4:18

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 4:10-19

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Today’s Devotion

When Melanie began having regular headaches, her doctors discovered she had a benign tumor in her pituitary gland. The tumor was about the size of a plum and was surgically removed in 2003 and again in 2006 when it recurred. Then in 2017, when it came back a third time, Melanie underwent radiation treatment instead, which caused her to lose her hair. Her twenty-seven-year-old son, Matt, decided to grow out his own hair to make a wig for her.

Matt’s selfless, loving act illustrates how one person’s abilities and resources can supply the needs of another person or group. Paul highlights the beauty of such reciprocal generosity in his letter to the Philippians. The believers in Philippi had shared in his “troubles” and “sent . . . aid more than once when [he] was in need” (Philippians 4:14, 16). Having received their gifts, Paul recognized that God had provided amply for his needs.

Our willingness to share with one another is often the conduit of God’s provision in our lives. Sometimes we’re in a position to give of our time, talent, or treasure; other times we’re in need ourselves and must rely on the support of another. Through His Spirit working in us, our gifts are “pleasing to God” and a manifestation of our shared life in the body of Christ (v. 18).

Reflect & Pray

When has God supplied your needs through another person? How might He provide for someone else through your generous giving today?

Father God, thank You for providing for me. Please help me share what You’ve given me as I seek to cheerfully and generously help others.

Today’s Insights

The church in Macedonia received high praise from Paul. Not only were the Macedonians quick to respond to his needs, in this case they were the only church to do so (Philippians 4:15). Additionally he notes, “You sent me aid more than once when I was in need” (v. 16). Indeed, in 2 Corinthians 8, the apostle pointed to the economically poor Macedonian church as an example for the wealthy church in Corinth (vv. 1-2). This is the context in which the apostle writes, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). As God provides for us today, we can in turn give to others.

 

http://www.odb.org

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Taking the Gospel Where We May Not Want to Go

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 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” 

—Matthew 5:44

Scripture:

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on one of the most beloved and most challenging passages in all of Scripture: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, we’re going to look at some of the people Jesus singled out. And we’re going to start with enemies.

As our culture becomes more and more fractured, it seems that enemies can be found everywhere. In fact, it seems people are actively looking for reasons to separate from others. They tend to focus on differences and areas of disagreement instead of common ground. They define themselves by the people they oppose as much as by the people they embrace.

Even in the church today, believers tend to write off a lot of people, sometimes even their fellow believers. These people seem to live by the slogan, “Us four and no more.” Believers divide over minutiae and allow second-tier and third-tier issues to bring unnecessary division to our ranks.

I’ve had people criticize me for the groups and organizations we work with in our Harvest Crusades. I hear things like, “Why do you let that church come? If that church is coming, then our church isn’t going to participate.” Or “Why did you let that pastor pray at the crusade? I don’t agree with that pastor because in one of his books he quoted someone who once had coffee with someone else, and it’s guilt by association. I want nothing to do with any of this.”

My response to these critics is this: “Look at the essential areas in which we’re in agreement. Even though we have some minor differences in our beliefs, we can still get together for the sake of the gospel of Christ. That’s all I’m trying to do.”

If people still want to withdraw over their sticking points, then I guess that’s what will happen. But I’m going to keep doing what I do and keep preaching the gospel and trying to get as many people to join me as possible. And I want to join many others who are doing this, too.

We mustn’t allow our tendency to separate and oppose to creep into our evangelism. It may be that we avoid sharing the gospel message with certain people. If we’re honest, bringing them to Christ isn’t high on our priority list. In fact, withholding the gospel from them may give us a measure of satisfaction—or at least a sense of payback.

But Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44 don’t give us that option: “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (NLT). Our enemies and persecutors are the target audience for our gospel message.

Believers are called to build bridges, not burn them.

 

Reflection question: How can you build bridges, instead of burning them, with other believers and enemies? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Israel’s Confession of Faith

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5)

As stated in the law, Deuteronomy 6:4–9 was to be recited by all Jews both morning and evening, for it contains God’s basic plan for passing on the message of God from generation to generation.

The primary teaching is contained in verse 4. There is only one God, indivisible, although in three persons. His divine uniqueness precludes the worship of any other deity. The response to this message is that we should love that God with our entire being. Jesus Christ recognized this as the first and greatest commandment (Mark 12:30), teaching that obedience to it fulfilled one’s duty to the entire law.

The message was so important that God even gave the mechanics for passing it on. In verse 6, we see that “these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” Each person, particularly parents (v. 7), needed to commit his heart to God’s commandments, statutes, and judgments (vv. 1–2).

Next, people had to commit themselves to raising up a godly heritage. “Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” (v. 7). So children should first of all be taught verbally. Parents were also to dress in such a way that it reflected their commitment to the law of God (v. 8), and they were to place visual reminders of the law of God all around their homes so that the children were constantly reminded of the things of God (v. 9).

Christians need to discover the truth of this passage. We must not merely assume the godly teaching of our children but also actively cultivate it. At stake is not only the personal walk of our children but also the eternal message of God. JDM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Enjoy Your Life

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Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily ( from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward…

Colossians 3:23-24 (AMPC)

Jesus died so that you can enjoy abundant life, not just the days you are off work or on vacation or when you get to go shopping or golfing—but every day of your life.

He wants you to enjoy going to the grocery store. He wants you to enjoy driving the kids to school. He wants you to enjoy paying the bills. He wants you to enjoy cleaning the house or mowing the yard.

You can enjoy life if you determine to do so. Say, “I am going to enjoy every aspect of my life, because Jesus died so that I could have joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me choose joy in every part of my day. Teach me to appreciate the simple moments and live with gratitude, peace, and a joyful heart, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Prayer Brings Hope 

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We are never without hope because we are never without prayer. Prayer confesses, “God can handle it, and since he can, I have hope!” When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of Jesus’ accomplishment. The Scripture says, “Since we have such a great high priest [Jesus] over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:21-22).

Some people say, “Prayer changes things because it changes us.” I agree, but only in part. Prayer changes things because prayer appeals to the top power in the universe. It is the yes to God’s invitation to invoke his name. Prayer moves the world because prayer moves the heart of God.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Spiritual House

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Read 1 Peter 2:4–10

When my children were young, their grandmother bought them a playset. The set showed up on pallets stacked with seemingly random pieces of lumber and plastic. It could only function as intended if each piece was assembled into the correct place. Each board, screw, or plastic panel had a purpose.

God is also involved in a building project. Instead of lumber, the Lord uses stones as His material. As we come to Jesus, He makes us into “living stones” (v. 5). That is, He puts new life into us. The purpose is to build us up into a “spiritual house” (v. 5). The analogy here relates to the Old Testament temple, which was made of stones and was the place where God’s glory dwelt in Israel. Now, Jesus is the manifestation of God’s glory on earth. He is the “living Stone” (v. 4) as opposed to the lifeless stones of the first temple. As we come to Jesus, He makes us into a new, spiritual temple, and God’s own presence dwells within us (1 Cor. 3:17; 6:19).

Peter asserts that whenever anyone comes to Christ, a new stone is added to the spiritual house. This is a strong affirmation of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Today, all believers—not just priests—have access to God’s presence. All can offer sacrifices in worship (v. 5). All believers have a place in God’s mission to the world.

Not everyone will accept this message. Peter quotes from another important Old Testament passage: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v. 7; Ps. 118:22). Some reject the message, but those who believe have the task of witnessing to the nations—“that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (v. 9).

Go Deeper

What does it mean that Jesus has made us into “living stones”? What role has He given you in building His kingdom?

Pray with Us

You are the ultimate builder, Lord! We praise You that even when we don’t understand what You are doing, You have a plan and are using us for Your perfect purpose.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.1 Peter 2:10

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Spiritual Milk

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Read 1 Peter 2:1–3

Have you ever been at a prayer meeting at church or a small group where the prayer requests felt more like gossip sessions than times of genuinely seeking the Lord? In chapter 2, Peter picks up on his encouragement from yesterday that the church should “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Pet. 1:22).

In order to love others well, we must throw off many common vices that undermine community (v.1). The vices he lists are: “malice”—a mean-spirited or vicious attitude; “deceit”—craftiness or cunning in relationships; “hypocrisy”—insincerity; “envy”; and “slander” (v. 1). It is impossible to love one another well when this kind of culture is present. Peter challenges us to get rid of these sinful behaviors so the community will not be infected.

We might expect this list of vices to be followed by a list of virtues to cultivate. But that is not what Peter advises here. Instead, he says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk” (v. 2). This is a call to be dependent on the Lord. “Milk” here does not refer to elementary Christian teaching as it does elsewhere in the New Testament (1 Cor. 3:1–2; Heb. 5:13). The analogy here is that just as a newborn craves milk, we also should crave pure spiritual food. What is that food? The context makes it clear; it is the “word of the Lord” (1 Pet. 1:25). We are to show our dependence on the Lord through our desire for and love of His Word. It is not possible to be full of hypocrisy, envy, and malice when we recognize our position before God.

The goal is to “grow up in your salvation” (v. 2). The best way to think about what that means is to look to Jesus.

Go Deeper

God uses His Word to help us become more like Christ. How have you seen spending time in God’s Word affect your relationships with others?

Pray with Us

Jesus, we look to Your example for how to edify our community. Help us cast off any malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, and replace them with devotion to You and love for others.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.1 Peter 2:2

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/