Tag Archives: daily devotion

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Childlike Approach 

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Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy. And how do children approach their daddies? When a five-year-old spots his father in the parking lot, how does he react? “Yippee!” was screamed by a red-headed boy wearing a Batman backpack. “Pop! Over here! Push me!” yelled by a boy wearing a Boston Red Sox cap who scooted straight to the swings.

Here’s what I didn’t hear: “Father, it is most gracious of thee to drive thy car to my place of education. Please know of my deep gratitude for your benevolence. For thou art splendid in thy attentive care and diligent in thy dedication.”

I heard kids who were happy to see their dads and eager to speak to him. God invites us to approach him in the same manner. What a relief!

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Faith over Fear

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Read 1 Peter 5:5–7

Many believers today live under persecution. According to the Open Doors World Watch List, more than 380 million Christians are “subject to high levels of persecution and discrimination.” The early church understood well what it was like to live under a hostile government and culture.

As Peter approaches the close of his letter, he focuses on what was most important for the church to faithfully endure hardship. His answer may surprise you. He does not encourage organizing to resist hostile government authorities or publicly defending oneself against detractors. Instead, he warns against pride and anxiety (vv. 5–7). Pride and anxiety often go hand in hand. Pride demonstrates trust in yourself rather than God. One cause of anxiety is a belief that you must take care of yourself.

Instead, Peter challenges the church to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (v. 5). Humility is a mark of spiritual maturity. While we tend to celebrate and lift up the gifted and the exceptional, God loves to exalt the humble (v. 6). This accords with God’s message to Israel: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isa. 66:2).

There are a lot of reasons to be anxious, especially true when you could be jailed or put on trial for your faith. Peter does not say we don’t have any reason for anxiety. Instead, he calls us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (v. 7). The verb here is quite vivid—we are to hurl our fears upon the Lord. We can do so because we can trust Him. Paul echoes this advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil. 4:6).

Go Deeper

How do pride and anxiety sometimes connect? What antidote do Peter and Paul suggest for when we feel anxious?

Pray with Us

We are afraid of so many things, but we trust in You, God. When fear grips us, please bring to mind your Word: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.1 Peter 5:6

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Through Us!

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We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV

Recommended Reading: John 14:12-14

Many people are baffled by what Jesus said to His disciples in John 14:12: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” But Jesus knew that His greatest ministry was still ahead of Him. He was going to send the Holy Spirit into the lives of believers and continue His work through them by the power of the Spirit.

The apostle Paul said, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14, emphasis added). He said, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me” (2 Timothy 4:17, emphasis added).

Our Christian work is never a matter of what we are doing for Christ but of what He is doing through us by His Spirit. Those are His “greater things.” Ask the Lord to make you His channel, speaking His words and doing His works through you by the Spirit.

The only life that ever pleased God on earth was the life of Jesus Christ, and He must reproduce His life in us.
Oswald Chambers

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Taking Refuge in God

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I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. Psalm 91:2

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 91:9-16

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As the outdoor concert started, I felt a single raindrop on my cheek. Looking up, I saw ominous dark clouds. Having paid a steep price for tickets, however, I wasn’t inclined to leave because of a little bad weather. Then umbrellas began to pop open. One woman pulled a plastic grocery bag over her hair. It took just one deafening boom of thunder for the performer to grab her microphone and beg us to take refuge somewhere.

As the rain began to come in torrents, we splashed through muddy puddles and rushed into a nearby school gym. Thoroughly soaked, we huddled with strangers for the next half hour, still hoping the storm would end. When we ventured back out, we saw that the band was packed up and ready to leave.

When the storms of life come, where can we run? Sorrow, worry, illness, and confusion can make us fearful and in need of refuge. We need a strong shelter that’ll protect us. Psalm 91 reminds us that God has promised to rescue us and to be with us in trouble. “Because he loves me . . . I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name” (v. 14). When we need help, we can call on His name and He “will answer” us (v. 15).

When our courage fails us, we can lean into His strength. He’s our shelter in any storm.

Reflect & Pray

What storms are you experiencing? How can you gain the shelter and refuge that God has promised you?

Gracious God, I take refuge in You. Please be my place of protection and shelter as I trust in You.

Today’s Insights

Both Psalms 90 and 91 focus on the similar theme of making God our “dwelling place” (90:1; see 91:2, 9)—a place of safety and security. Some scholars suggest that Moses wrote both psalms as an elaboration of Deuteronomy 33:27-28: “The eternal God is your refuge, . . . [you] will live in safety; . . . [you] will dwell secure.” The psalmist warns that we live in a wicked and dangerous world where we’ll encounter the schemes and attacks of men and suffer from disease, disasters, and trouble (91:3-6). He doesn’t say that those who trust in God will be immune from such adversities. Rather, he assures us that when we trust in God and make Him “[our] refuge and fortress . . . [our] dwelling” (v. 9), He’ll “rescue” and “protect” us (v. 14). Today, as we face adversity, we can “[dwell] in the shelter of the Most High [and] rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1).

Find rest in the presence of God by listening to Evening Meditations.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – How a mother prevented an attack on our nation’s capital

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It is a tale of two women that could have ended in a drastically different way.

The mother of a nineteen-year-old man became concerned about his stockpile of guns and his online chatter, phone conversations, and recent actions. She called authorities, who came to her home in Ohio and found spent ammunition and tactical clothing. Her son admitted to planning a coordinated attack on last Sunday’s UFC event at the White House, where thousands of people were in attendance.

He also identified others involved in the alleged plot. When the FBI searched the home of another alleged co-conspirator, they found the man’s firearms and tactical equipment that his wife said he’d purchased in recent months. She also said her husband told her he was a recruiter for the group. However, she had said nothing to the authorities prior to the FBI’s arrival.

What if the mother of the first suspect had acted with no more urgency than the wife of the second?

Treating other faiths like World Cup opponents

President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday that laid out terms for ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Trump could be seen signing the memorandum late Wednesday at the Palace of Versailles in a video published by French President Emmanuel Macron. Mr. Pezeshkian signed the memorandum separately, according to Iranian state media.

Continue reading Denison Forum – How a mother prevented an attack on our nation’s capital →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Problem of Pain

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 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

—Romans 5:3–5

Scripture:

Benjamin Disraeli, a former prime minister of Great Britain, once said, “Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle, Old Age a regret.” Maybe that seems like a dim view of existence, but there are a lot of people who would agree with his assessment.

In a fallen world, there is no vacation from human suffering and tragedy. Many deep-thinking people have tried to sort out this reality, understand it, and explain it. C. S. Lewis called it “the problem of pain.”

What we need to understand in considering this problem is that there is a God who, even in the worst tragedy, can bring good out of bad. As believers, we acknowledge that life can be bad. We acknowledge that bad things can happen. We acknowledge that tragedies can come into our lives. But we also acknowledge that God is sovereign, which means He’s in control. And we acknowledge that ultimately God can cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28).

Some people cling to the mistaken notion that because they’re Christians, they won’t suffer. They may not state it outright, but they believe that bad things won’t happen to them. However, Jesus dispelled that notion when He said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

As we consider the cost of following Christ, we must acknowledge that suffering is part of it. Despite Jesus’ warning, many believers have a hard time putting the words trials, problems, and God loves me into one sentence because they just don’t seem to go together. But let’s look at God’s endgame. Is it to make us happy in the temporal or make us holy in the eternal? Is it to keep us always earthbound or to prepare us for Heaven? The answer in both cases is the second option.

The apostle Paul explained it this way:

 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3–5 NLT).

 

God allows suffering to occur. And while no suffering is good, He can bring good from suffering.

 

Reflection question: When have you seen God bring good from a situation that was anything but good? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Obedient Christ

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

The only begotten Son of God substituted Himself for all humanity to save them from the righteous judgment of the holy Creator.

Jesus made Himself “in fashion as a man,” which therefore made it possible for Him to humble Himself and become obedient to the death that had been ordained for Him prior to the very foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20).

Perhaps it is too much to suggest that Jesus “woke up” when He “found” Himself in Mary’s womb, but it is certain that He “increased in wisdom” as He grew in “stature” (Luke 2:52). Basically, because He “became” human, He experienced the normal increase in awareness and experience that all of us do.

The difference was, obviously, that He “humbled” Himself, even though He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Christ’s sinless behavior could have easily “exalted” Him as His wisdom and miracles became known throughout Israel. Indeed, many tried to make Him king.

Isaiah prophetically records the mindset of the Lord many years before He actually entered Jerusalem: “I set my face like a flint” (Isaiah 50:7). Later, Jesus told His disciples, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50).

Finally, the obedience of our Lord Jesus, understood fully and deeply at Gethsemane, was fully accomplished, “even the death of the cross.” May our hearts never forget or tire of these great truths. HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Replace Complaining with Praise

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My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.

Psalm 71:15-16 (NIV)

What would happen if we replaced all complaining and murmuring with praise to God? I believe amazing things would take place. It is difficult to get through one day without complaining, let alone a lifetime. God wants to hear our praise, not our report on all the negative things we feel are happening to us.

We can purpose to look for all the good things God has done and is doing in our lives and talk about them. We can rehearse them to God when talking with Him and telling others of them. Our prayers should not only be about asking God for something; they should also be filled with praise and thanksgiving for all that He has already done.

Philippians 4:6 teaches us to pray with thanksgiving. If we are complainers, we will only keep complaining, even if God gives us something we are asking for. Let’s learn to praise God even in the midst of our troubles, for that is when praise is most powerful. If we cannot praise Him in the valleys of life, then we won’t praise Him on the mountaintops either. God is good all the time, not just when we like our circumstances. Let’s tell of His mighty deeds and His saving acts.

Prayer of the Day: Father, You are righteous and You do righteous acts. I praise You for all Your goodness to me. I want my mouth to be filled with gratitude, not complaints. Please help me. Thank You.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – No Grades on Prayers 

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Jesus downplayed the importance of words in prayers. We tend to do the opposite—the more words the better. We emphasize the appropriate prayer language, the latest prayer trend, the holiest prayer terminology. Against all this emphasis on syllables and rituals, Jesus says in Matthew 6:7, “Don’t ramble like heathens who talk a lot.”

There’s no panel of angelic judges with numbered cards. “Wow, Lucado, that prayer was a ten. God will certainly hear you!” or “Oh, Lucado, you scored a two this morning. Go home and practice.” Prayers aren’t graded according to style. If prayer depends on how I pray, I’m sunk. But if the power of prayer depends on the One who hears the prayer, then I have hope.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Leadership Seminar

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Read 1 Peter 5:1–4

It is an interesting exercise to look at job postings for pastors. Often you see churches that are looking for a pastor who is “an influencer,” “a captivating speaker,” or “a dynamic leader.” We highlight the leadership values of our culture.

I think Peter would have some cautionary advice for us! In today’s reading, Peter addresses elders in the church. “Elders” here does not refer to age but position. Elders are church leaders. Peter addresses two central questions: Why should they serve? and How should they serve? But first, he gives a helpful perspective on the role of elder. Peter challenges elders to “be shepherds of God’s flock” (v. 2). They are to see their role as nurturing, caring, and protective. They are to model the caring leadership God demonstrated toward His people (Ps. 23; John 10:1–18). They are also to remember that it is “God’s flock” they oversee. They will one day give an account to Him.

So, why should someone take up this responsibility? They should not do it out of compulsion or for money (v. 2). Following Jesus’ teaching, many churches compensated their leaders (Matt. 10:10). Elders also oversaw the money collected for the poor (Acts 5:1–5; 2 Cor. 8:20). This meant there were opportunities to abuse their role for financial gain. Peter warns against this.

Elders were not to be domineering over those entrusted to their care (v. 3). Instead, they were to lead through example (v. 3; see also Mark 10:42– 45). Paul modeled this: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Their goal should be “the crown of glory that will never fade away” (v. 4). They are to have an eternal perspective on their work.

Go Deeper

How does the role of elder or pastor function in your church? What values have some placed on those roles that stray from the Bible’s instruction?

Pray with Us

Loving Father, thank You for being the Good Shepherd, and establishing earthly shepherds who care for us. Please help us be an encouragement to our pastors as they nurture us.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.1 Peter 5:2

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Greater Works

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June 17, 2026

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Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
John 14:12

Recommended Reading: Acts 1:8-9

It is the nature of God’s economy for there to be a continual state of increase. The seeds in the apples on a single apple tree will produce multiple times more trees. Even Jesus spoke of Himself as a singular vine from which multiple branches bear an abundance of fruit (John 15:1-8).

Jesus told His disciples that they would produce “greater works” than He did. In the original Greek text the word “works” does not appear—only the adjective “greater.” “Works” is a good translation because Jesus had just mentioned “works” in the first part of John 14:12. But some modern translations have supplied “greater things,” which broadens the scope of what Jesus may have been predicting to include everything Jesus did, not just the miracles He mentioned in verse 11.

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you should expect to duplicate His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit (verses 16-17). Ask God to show you the “greater works” He wants you to carry out.

The unfinished task which lies before us is no greater than the unlimited power of God behind us.
Fred D. Jarvis

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – With Friends Like These . . .

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To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13

Today’s Scripture

Job 11:7-20

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Today’s Devotion

“I know you better than you know yourself!” As a young man, I heard that confident declaration from a friend. Her intentions were good, but my complicated life as an adopted missionary kid had been shaped across four continents and cultures. She didn’t really know me.

Zophar, a friend of Job’s, sounded wise in his assessment of Job’s difficulties. “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” Zophar asked him (Job 11:7). “They are higher than the heavens above” (v. 8). Who can argue with that? But then Zophar dared speak of something he couldn’t know: Job’s heart. Without evidence, he proclaimed, “If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then . . . you will stand firm and without fear” (vv. 14-15).

Job responded sarcastically, “Wisdom will die with you! But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?” (12:2-3). Job’s reality was so complex that even he didn’t know what was taking place (see Job 1-2). He correctly said, “To God belong wisdom and power” (12:13). It didn’t come from Zophar, who presumed to have authority and insight that weren’t his.

Our friends may need our loving counsel from time to time. But usually friends in crisis need us to bring their names in prayer to the one who truly does know them.

Reflect & Pray

When has someone been truly helpful to you in a crisis? How can you help another in a difficult situation today?

Heavenly Father, please help me rejoice and relax in the wonderful truth that you truly know me and still love me.

Today’s Insights

Some scholars have claimed that the remarkable story of Job is mere allegory and didn’t really happen. The Scriptures, however, refer to Job as an historical figure. Ezekiel twice mentions “Noah, Daniel, and Job” (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). And James writes of Job’s perseverance and how God used it (James 5:11). These writers of inspired Scripture considered Job to be real. His story warns us against the dangers of offering mere words instead of compassion and understanding as we comfort suffering friends. Instead of telling them where they’re wrong, how much better it is to listen to them and pray with them.

Read a prayer for when you struggle to ask for help.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Will the latest deal actually end America’s war with Iran?

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What happened: The United States and Iran formally signed a 60-day ceasefire on Sunday. The text of the agreement has yet to be released, though, and conflicting reports abound as to what they’ve actually agreed to do.

Why it matters: Both the US and Iran have often shown more interest in controlling the narrative than revealing the truth. That hardly makes them unique among global governments, but it does require a good bit of discernment when attempting to understand where that truth actually resides.

The backstory: What’s in the Memorandum of Understanding?

Details have begun to emerge on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that leadership from the United States and Iran agreed to this past weekend. The agreement was signed digitally on Sunday, with a more public ceremony tentatively scheduled for this Friday in Geneva. US officials initially announced that the text of the agreement would be released within 24–48 hours, but later walked that back, promising to publish the MOU after the in-person signing.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Will the latest deal actually end America’s war with Iran? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Gaining an Enemy

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 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 

—1 Peter 5:8–9

Scripture:

In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at considering the cost of following Jesus. The first cost we’ll consider is the spiritual enemy we gain when we start to live for Christ.

Anyone who has ever experienced the Christian life knows it is the greatest life there is. God takes a life that was empty, aimless, and headed to a certain judgment, and He turns it around and transforms it. He removes all our sin. That’s more than enough right there, but then He puts the righteousness of Jesus Christ into our spiritual bank account. That’s called justification. He removes the guilt that haunted us, fills the emptiness inside us, and takes up residence in our hearts. This all comes as a result of the gospel being believed and followed. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that there are some new problems that come along with all of that. You get rid of an old set of problems and inherit new ones. As the great Bible commentator Ray Stedman once remarked, “A Christian is one who is: Completely fearless, Continually cheerful, and Constantly in trouble.”

Once you become a Christian, you gain a very aggressive adversary who has set his crosshairs on you. That adversary is the devil, Satan, and he wants to undermine you. He wants to bring you down. The Bible warns that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT). To “suffer persecution” means to be hunted, to be harassed.

We need to be aware of this so that we’re not surprised when attacks come. The Christian life isn’t a playground; it’s a battleground. I think a lot of people believe in a watered-down gospel, and thus they have a watered-down faith that isn’t really faith at all. They’ve heard so many sermonettes that they’ve turned into Christianettes. They’re not prepared for spiritual battle.

We must not make that mistake. We need to understand who we’re up against. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

There’s no need to panic. But we must come to terms with the reality that if we live a godly life, persecution will follow. We need to prepare ourselves for the inevitable attacks. We need to strengthen our areas of vulnerability. We need to stay close to the Lord through prayer and Bible study.

Our enemy is formidable, but he can be resisted. God has equipped us with everything we need to stand strong against the devil.

 

Reflection question: What are the best strategies for standing strong against our spiritual enemy? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Reasonable Service

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1–2)

For those who would know God’s will for their lives, these verses provide the definitive answer. The key is sacrifice, not conformity. It is paradoxical but wonderfully true that real living is dying—dying to the world and living unto Christ! This great theme is emphasized repeatedly throughout the New Testament (Galatians 2:20, etc.).

Whether paradoxical or not, the principle of sacrificial living for Christ is eminently reasonable service! “Reasonable” is the Greek logikos, from which we derive our word “logical.” “Service” is the Greek latreia, referring to service as a priest. We have been made “an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). It is perfectly logical that we render such lifelong service to the great Friend who laid down His life for us in order to take away our sins and give us everlasting life with Him in the ages to come.

It is also logical that we should not conform our lives to the standards of this present evil world. Why should we imitate this world’s materialism or humanism, in dress or music or morals or anything else? We have far higher and more lasting standards, guided by the Word of God and by minds renewed in Christ.

Our minds once were “blinded” by “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), but now they can be guided by “the mind of the Lord” (Romans 11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16). Here is the key to knowing that good and acceptable and perfect will of God! HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Unwavering Trust

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O my God, in You I [have unwavering] trust [and I rely on You with steadfast confidence], do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed.

Psalm 25:2 (AMP)

We read in today’s scripture about having “unwavering trust” and “steadfast confidence” in the Lord. Most of us would think, Oh, yes, I want to have unwavering trust and steadfast confidence in God! We instantly know that such firm, unshakeable trust in Him would increase our peace and stability. But this kind of trust and confidence does not form overnight. It takes time.

As we journey through life, most of us develop habits of worry, anxiety, and fear. We may also become self-reliant to some degree, trusting our own abilities instead of trusting God. We may learn to seek confidence in the things of the world, even though they continually prove faulty. Overcoming ingrained habits in our thoughts or emotions is a process and unweaving them usually happens step by step over a period of weeks, months, or years.

This is why perseverance is so important. When your trust in God does waver, don’t feel condemned. Simply repent and choose to trust Him again. Every time you trust Him, and every time He comes through for you, your trust and confidence will grow stronger.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to grow continually in unwavering trust and steadfast confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Closet Prayers 

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Religious leaders loved to make theater out of their prayers. The show nauseated Jesus. In Matthew 6:6 he said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.”

The words surely stunned Jesus’ audience. The people were simple farmers and stonemasons.  They couldn’t enter the temple, but they could enter their closets. The point? He’s low on fancy, high on accessibility. You needn’t woo him with location or wow him with eloquence. It’s the power of a simple prayer.

Join me every day for four weeks to pray four minutes. A simple prayer. 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 – Fight, Flight, or Rejoice!

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Read 1 Peter 4:12–19

Psychologists and medical professionals have long talked about the fight or flight response that people typically have when faced with a threatening situation. Our natural tendency is to either prepare for battle or run away.

Peter’s audience was going through a stressful and threatening time. It was so intense that Peter calls it a “fiery ordeal” (v. 12). While we do not know all the specifics of the situation, believers were suffering for their faith in Christ (v. 16). Peter’s advice to these troubled believers was not to run away and hide. He also did not counsel them to fight back in word or deed. Instead, they should rejoice (v. 13)! The reason is that in their suffering they “participate in the sufferings of Christ” (v. 13).

The same is true for us today. If we are publicly shamed or humiliated for our faith in Christ, it helps us identify more closely with our Savior. Our suffering is also not the end of the story. God will one day vindicate His children. Peter goes on to encourage the church that they will be “overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (v. 13).

Now, it is possible to suffer for reasons that have nothing to do with our faith in Christ. Sometimes it may be tempting to interpret any opposition as persecution. But the reality is that sometimes it is just our own bad behavior that got us into that situation. Peter knew that all too well. He warned his audience, “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler” (v. 15). In those situations, we need to repent.

Go Deeper

Have you experienced opposition when you took a stand for Jesus? How are we to respond when attacked for our faith? Know that we can trust God to make all things right in His perfect timing.

Pray with Us

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your plan of salvation! We are full of gratitude that, though we suffer on earth, it is not the end of the story. One day, we will be with You forever.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed.1 Peter 4:14

 

 

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Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Evidence of the Spirit

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But the fruit of the Spirit is…peace.
Galatians 5:22

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:6-7

Like many lists Paul creates in his letters, his list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 should not be taken as exhaustive. Rather, they are nine godly characteristics of those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. They could also be taken as characteristics of Christ.

It is helpful to note that “fruit” is singular while the list that follows is not. We could substitute the word “evidence” for the word “fruit” in verse 22—“the evidence of the presence of the Spirit is.” And peace is a significant part of the evidence of the Spirit’s presence and empowering. That is, if we are anxious and worried, we are displaying evidence that we are not trusting the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life in that situation. How do we maintain peace in trying circumstances? By following Paul’s teaching in Philippians 4:6-7. Instead of being anxious, commit every concern to God through prayer, with thanksgiving, and receive God’s peace in your heart and mind.

If you are anxious, commit your concerns to God in prayer and trust that His peace will replace your worries.

The Christian should resemble a fruit tree, not a Christmas tree!
John R. W. Stott

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Way of Holiness

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A highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. Isaiah 35:8

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 35:8-10

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Today’s Devotion

After Jennifer was diagnosed with early onset dementia, she couldn’t read the Bible easily, so she started listening to it. Scripture passages now mean something new to her. For example, she gets lost easily, often doesn’t know who people are, and sees hallucinations of wild animals. When she’s disoriented and fearful, she receives God’s comfort as she hears Isaiah speak of “the Way of Holiness” set aside “for those who walk on that Way” (Isaiah 35:8). On that road will be no wicked fools, “nor any ravenous beast”; instead, “only the redeemed will walk there,” those whom God rescues (v. 9).

The prophet Isaiah shared God’s promises to His people, those exiled from their home. Away from the temple, where they would experience His presence, they must have felt bereft and forlorn. The promises, therefore, of the Way of Holiness, the path to God, would give them hope and strength. To think of entering “Zion with singing,” without fear or sorrow, would lead them to rejoice (v. 10).

Even as Jennifer holds on to these assurances from centuries ago, so too can we who believe in Jesus trust that as we journey with Him, we’ll know gladness and joy (v. 10). Whatever trials we face in this life—however taxing or life-altering—we know that God’s way leads us home to Him.

Reflect & Pray

What do these promises from God mean to you? As you experience trials outside of your control, how can you turn to Him?

Saving God, please help me to release my fears to You as I walk on the Way of Holiness. I long to be with You.

Today’s Insights

Isaiah prophesied that the Israelites would be disciplined and exiled to Babylon for their covenantal unfaithfulness (Isaiah 39:6-7; see Jeremiah 25:11). He also prophesied that once the seventy-year chastisement was completed, God would bring them back to the promised land and restore and prosper their land (29:10-11). Isaiah pictures them making their way back to Him on “the Highway of Holiness,” traversing “a great road . . . through that once deserted land . . . only for those who walk in God’s ways” (Isaiah 35:8 nlt). In our journey of faith, God wants us to come to Him with our fears and struggles. The prophet says, “Let us go to the house of God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his path” (2:3 nlt). This road of repentance, redemption, trust, and obedience is the road He wants us to take: “This is the way; walk in it” (30:21).

Learn more about the promises of God.

 

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