Tag Archives: faith

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Navigating Life’s Storms

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 Then they cried out to the LORD, Jonah’s God. ‘O LORD,’ they pleaded, ‘don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O LORD, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons.’ 

—Jonah 1:14

Scripture:

The possibility of a spiritual revival in Nineveh was almost too terrible for Jonah to contemplate. So, he booked passage on a ship headed in the opposite direction. Before we go any further into his story, though, I want to point out that Jonah would have scoffed at the nonsensical claim that the God of the Old Testament is angry, harsh, and judgmental while the God of the New Testament is merciful and loving.

The whole reason Jonah was on the lam from his prophetic duties is that he was afraid that God would show mercy and love toward his enemies, the Ninevites.

When Jonah ran away, God could have just said, “Okay, that’s it, Jonah. I’m done with you. I’m going to get somebody else.” But the Lord loved Jonah. He had a plan for him. He was going to give him a second chance—and God still gives second chances today.

So, the Lord sent a storm into Jonah’s life. In this case, it was an actual, meteorological storm. Often, however, the Lord sends storms into the lives of His people in the form of hardships or difficulties.

There are three kinds of storms we face as Christians. First, there are perfecting storms. These are trials, tribulations, circumstances, and situations that cause us to grow spiritually as we endure them. In the book of Job, as Job struggles with the tragedies that have befallen him, he says of the Lord, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold” (Job 23:10 NLT). He was navigating a perfecting storm.

Second, there are protecting storms. According to John 6, after Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, the people who witnessed the miracle were so excited that they wanted to make Jesus their king. His disciples, by extension, would rule with Him. Rather than give credence to such talk, Jesus loaded His disciples onto a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. During the crossing, a great storm arose. It was a protecting storm. Jesus was protecting His disciples from a temptation that would have been very damaging to their lives.

Finally, there are correcting storms. Jonah 1:14 says the sailors on Jonah’s ship, “cried out to the Lord, Jonah’s God. ‘O Lord,’ they pleaded, ‘don’t make us die for this man’s sin. And don’t hold us responsible for his death. O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons’” (NLT).

Correcting storms are circumstances that we effectively bring upon ourselves. But here’s the good news. God won’t abandon us in our storm. In fact, His sending of the storm is a reminder of His love. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child” (NLT). Jonah emerged from the storm corrected and ready to fulfill his calling.

The lesson for us is that if we stay strong in the storms of life, we’ll experience a personal revival, which can lead to something bigger and more widespread. There’s no limit to what God can do with one renewed and recalibrated believer.

 

Reflection question: How can you discern when you’re facing a correcting storm? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Eternal God

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:2)

This verse was written by Moses as the children of Israel prepared to enter the promised land. Perhaps the most basic of all the attributes of God is that He “inhabiteth eternity” (Isaiah 57:15). He is “from everlasting to everlasting,” the God who ever was and ever shall be.

Creatures of time cannot really comprehend the idea of past eternity. “But who made God?” children ask. “Nobody made God,” we answer. “He always was.” The alternative would be to believe in the eternity of space and matter, but these in themselves are utterly incapable of producing our complex universe. God, however, is an adequate first cause to explain all the effects of our intricate cosmos.

There are many other Scriptures assuring us that God has always been. “Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting” (Psalm 93:2). He is “the everlasting God, the LORD” (Isaiah 40:28). And this truth applies to God the Son as well as to God the Father. The Lord Jesus could say, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13).

We find it somewhat easier to contemplate the fact that God will live forever. Still, certain foolish men have imagined that God is dead, but “the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king” (Jeremiah 10:10).

The most glorious fact of all is that this living God did also become man in the person of Christ Jesus, and He did die. But He soon defeated death and now can say, “I am alive for evermore” (Revelation 1:18). And now, since “we believe that Jesus died and rose again . . . so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 17). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – God Can Turn It Around for Good

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As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.

Genesis 50:20 (AMPC)

Whatever may have happened to us in the past, it does not have to dictate our future. Regardless of what people may have tried to do to us, God can take it and turn it for good. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says, In all things God works for the good of those who love him….

In Genesis 37–50, Joseph’s brothers meant evil against him. They devised a plan to destroy him by selling him into slavery in Egypt. But in the end, Joseph became second in command to Pharaoh and was used by God to save many lives.

Whatever happens in your life, remember that God is on your side. He will build your life, your reputation, your family, and your career. Be thankful that He is with you, put your confidence in Him, and prepare to be amazed at how He can turn every situation around for His glory!

Prayer of the Day: I am grateful, Father, that You can turn any and every situation in my life around for good. Help me today to focus on You rather than my past. And thank You that You can take even the most painful parts of life and fashion something beautiful from them.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Presence of a Sovereign Lord 

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Control freaks are easily frustrated. We can’t take control, because control is not ours to take. The Bible has a better idea. Rather than seeking control, relinquish it. Peace is within reach, not for lack of problems, but because of the presence of a sovereign Lord.

Rather than rehearse the chaos of the world, rejoice in the Lord’s sovereignty, as the Apostle Paul did. From prison he wrote, “The things which have happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to the rest, that my chains are in Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).

In the innermost of his being, Paul was a man who believed in the steady hand of a good God, protected and preserved by God’s love. He lived beneath the shadow of God’s wings. Do you?

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Seeking Reconciliation

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Read Matthew 5:23–26

In the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Jane is an orphan taken in unwillingly by her aunt. The woman treats Jane unfairly in comparison with her own spoiled children. Jane is a sensitive, passionate child with a keen sense of justice, and is often angry at her aunt. As a young adult, however, she learns about grace and forgiveness. When Jane is called to her aunt’s deathbed, she forgives her, even though her aunt hadn’t changed at all.

In today’s reading, Jesus addresses the topic of reconciliation. Jesus tells us that seeking reconciliation should be a high priority (vv. 23–24). “Therefore” (v. 23) essentially means “so that you don’t harbor ongoing anger or resentment in your heart and thus come under judgment.” We might be about to worship, but if we remember such a situation, no matter how small, we should leave and go repair the relationship (Matt. 5:9). Any sin, including anger, interferes with worship. Once peace has been made, then we can return to the altar.

In general, we are to keep short accounts and not allow anger to fester (vv. 25–26). This makes sense even at a practical level. If anger is left unchecked, we might find ourselves taken to court or thrown in jail. Obviously, it is best to seek reconciliation quickly. To “settle matters” does not mean just to come to terms or stop fighting. Literally it means to “make friends.”

Since any conflict with fellow believers hinders our worship of God, settling the matter is urgent. After all, since Christ reconciled us to God (Rom. 5:10–11), should we deny reconciliation with another? How otherwise can we have a “ministry of reconciliation” or credibly proclaim the “message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18–19)?

Go Deeper

How important is peacemaking or reconciliation in your spiritual walk? In the life of your church? Is the Holy Spirit bringing any specific people or situations to your mind?

Pray with Us

Holy Lord, Your will is that we love one another in all things. Conflict easily takes over when we feel unjustly wronged. We invite You to be Lord over our emotions, so we will honor You.

First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.Matthew 5:24

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Strength Through Grace

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And [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:12-13

Paul wrote, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). One example of imitating Paul was when he dealt with “a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Paul does not say what this “thorn” was, but he surmised that God allowed it as an antidote to pride. In the Old Testament, “thorn” was used to describe the Canaanites who irritated the Israelites when they moved into Canaan (Numbers 33:55-56). Perhaps Paul’s thorn was a false apostle trying to undermine his ministry in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Whatever the thorn was, Paul asked God three times to remove it. Instead of removing the problem, God gave Paul grace to endure it and to manifest Christ’s strength in his own human weakness.

If you are in a moment of weakness that God is not solving, imitate Paul by relying on God’s grace to give you strength.

Many are taught with the briars and thorns of affliction that would not learn otherwise.
Matthew Henry

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Thriving in God’s Presence

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David was dancing before the Lord with all his might. 2 Samuel 6:14

Today’s Scripture

2 Samuel 6:9-15

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Today’s Devotion

Zoologists describe what they call “turtle dancing”—the charming behavior of loggerhead turtles when they are in the presence of food. The turtles tilt their bodies vertically, open their mouths, clap their front flippers, and spin around in the water. But research has shown that radio-wave interference can disrupt the turtle’s internal “GPS.” It confuses their navigation, distracts them from their food source, and, sadly, stops their dancing.

The Bible tells of a time when David danced. The ark of the covenant conveyed the very presence of God. At a certain time, the ark was brought to Jerusalem and “David was dancing before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). But years later, the king became distracted. He sinned with Bathsheba, sending her husband to death in war (11:4, 14-15). Now the child he’d borne with her was dying. In remorse and anguish, David “fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground” (12:16).

Like David, we thrive in the presence of God, but our sin distracts us from Him, and we stop “dancing.” How can we find our joy again? By turning from the sin that confuses our connection to God. When we repent, we find hope in Him. David himself writes of God’s mercy: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11). God, after all, is the true Lord of the dance.

Reflect & Pray

When have you “danced” for God? What has led you away from that?

Dear God, I’ve gone so long in this dark time. There is no joy. Please help me to dance again.

Today’s Insights

The Bible records several occasions when David lost the joy described in 2 Samuel 6:12-15 and instead found himself estranged from God because of his sin (see Psalm 32; 38:1-4; 40:12). After he committed the double sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah, he was unrepentant for close to a year until the prophet Nathan confronted him (2 Samuel 11-12). Psalm 51 describes how David confessed his sin (vv. 1-7) and longed for renewed intimacy with God. He prayed, “Oh, give me back my joy again; . . . Create in me a clean heart . . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (vv. 8-12 nlt). Like David, when we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can ask Him to “unseal [our] lips” (v. 15 nlt) so we may praise Him again and “joyfully sing of [His] forgiveness” (v. 14 nlt).

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Choosing between two revolutions

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A final call to decide what kind of nation—and what kind of people—we will be

The United States is officially 250 years old, and as we conclude our series of looking to the past to understand our future, we wanted to take this final week to look forward. To this point, we’ve examined the various ways in which God explains the criterion by which he will judge nations, as well as how America fares in comparison with his standards. To be honest, the news has not always been great. However, just because our culture falls short now doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.

The brilliant cultural commentator Os Guinness has noted that Americans have two revolutions from which to choose. We are obviously celebrating the 1776 revolution that led to our independence and birthed the nation whose 250th anniversary we commemorate this year. It was conceived and fulfilled within the context of a consensual biblical morality that the Founding Fathers explicitly acknowledged.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Choosing between two revolutions →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Outside Your Comfort Zone

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 The LORD gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’ 

—Jonah 1:1–2

Scripture:

Throughout this month, we’ll be addressing the need for revival in our nation. To help frame our discussion, I want to look back at one of the greatest revivals in human history. This week we’ll be talking about what happened in the Assyrian city of Nineveh, as recorded in the Old Testament book of Jonah.

The first thing we need to understand is that one of the greatest revivals in human history began with one person who was willing to step out of his comfort zone. Okay, maybe Jonah wasn’t exactly willing at first. But after a short stay in the digestive tract of a giant fish, he was quite willing.

By the way, if the idea of a person being swallowed by a giant sea creature seems far-fetched to you, you should read the story of Michael Packard, a veteran lobster diver from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. One day, while Packard was in the water, he was washed into the mouth of a humpback whale. He recalled, “All of a sudden I felt this huge shove, and the next thing I knew it was completely black.” After about 40 seconds, the whale spit him out. The same thing happened to Jonah—it just took about three days longer in his case.

Jonah ended up in the belly of a giant fish because he wanted to stay in his comfort zone. Jonah 1:1–2 says, “The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are’” (NLT). But Jonah refused. The Ninevites were enemies of Israel and were known for their wickedness and cruelty. The idea of God forgiving and showing mercy to them was far outside Jonah’s comfort zone. He had no concern for the souls of the Ninevites. He took comfort in the notion that God would judge Nineveh. He wanted the Ninevites to suffer for all the suffering they had caused Israel.

But God didn’t call Jonah to make himself at home in his comfort zone. He called Jonah to leave his comfort zone far behind and do something that must have felt not only out of character but also beyond his ability.

That’s how revivals begin: ordinary people respond to an extraordinary call. They step outside their comfort zone and place their trust in God to accomplish what He would have them do.

Are you willing to leave your comfort zone to reach people who need Jesus? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are of a different political persuasion than you are? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are of a different race than you are? Are you willing to build bridges to people who are just different from you?

Don’t forget—that’s how revivals get started.

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Mockers—Ancient and Modern

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.” (Nehemiah 4:1)

The art of mocking God and His people has changed little through the ages. The pagan enemies that surrounded the Jews as they were trying to rebuild Jerusalem 400 years before Christ tried various means to defeat them—essentially the same devices used by God’s enemies today.

They tried political and sociological means after their efforts at infiltration failed, but these also failed (see Ezra 5:6, 17; 6:6–7; 9:1; 10:11–12). Then, when Nehemiah actually began work on the city’s wall, they tried discouragement by ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1–3), by threat of violence (4:7–8), and by attempted treachery (6:2).

Likewise, the enemies of God’s Word and God’s plan today are trying all these devices in a modern format. They use political means (such as the ACLU), compromising infiltration (liberal teachers in once-sound Christian schools), and even persecution (as in communist countries).

Mocking is often especially effective against Christians in education, science, or other professional fields. Such people place a high premium on peer recognition and thus are sensitive to snide remarks about the Bible. Thus, when latter-day scoffers come saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? . . . all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (which is essentially a denial of God and creation), there is great pressure to tacitly agree with the scoffers (2 Peter 3:4). Many Christians will seek some compromise.

But Nehemiah did not compromise, and neither should we. The Bible says that those who ridicule God’s Word are “willingly ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5), and there is no need to pander to willful ignorance of God’s invulnerable truth. HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Power of the Blood

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He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt…But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness.

Psalm 78:51-52 (NIV)

Just before God miraculously delivered the Israelites from their four hundred years of bondage in Egypt, an angel swept through the nation of Egypt and smote their firstborn. The only way for a family to escape this loss was to sprinkle the blood of a lamb on the side posts and tops of their doorframes (Exodus 12:1–7, 12–13). When God saw the blood, the angel of death passed over that household, and no plague came on the people living there.

Jesus is called the Lamb of God (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7), and He shed His blood at Calvary. When we receive Him as Lord and Savior, we also receive the benefits His blood purchased on our behalf—cleansing, healing, protection, deliverance, and much more. We are spared from spiritual death and receive eternal life. We can thank God each day that the blood of His Son has been applied to us and say by faith: “I believe the power of Jesus’ blood covers my home, my family, my physical body, and all that pertains to me.”

Prayer of the Day: Thank You, Jesus, for shedding Your precious blood and for all the benefits that belong to me because of it.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Entrust the World to God 

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If anyone had a reason to be anxious it was the apostle Paul. Envision an old man as he gazes out the window of a Roman prison. Half-blind, squinting just to read. Awaiting trial before the Roman emperor. His future is as gloomy as his jail cell.

Yet to read his words, you’d think he’d just arrived at a Jamaican beach hotel. His letter to the Philippians bears not a word of fear or complaint. Not one! Instead, he lifts his thanks to God and calls on his readers to do the same. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4)

Paul’s challenge is a decision deeply rooted in the confidence that God exists, that he is in control, and that he is good. Rejoice in the Lord always. You can’t run the world, but you can entrust it to God.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Sin of Anger

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Read Matthew 5:21–22

The first anger recorded in Scripture led directly to the first murder (Gen. 4:1–15). When God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but not Cain’s, Cain became angry. God warned him to be on guard because sin was “crouching at your door” (v. 7), but he didn’t listen and murdered his brother. God therefore put a curse on him and exiled him from his community.

The sixth commandment forbids murder (Matt. 5:21; Exod. 20:13). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raises the bar and connects murder to anger (v. 22). The three statements in verse 22 indicate the same sin: To be angry at someone, to call them “Raca”—a term of contempt, meaning “empty head” or “good-for-nothing” or simply “jerk”—and to insult them are all equivalent actions. As Proverbs indicates, the sin of anger multiplies out to other related sins (Prov. 29:22; 30:33).

To be angry in this context means to desire to harm, damage, or destroy, the opposite of loving our neighbor. One commentator explains that the anger here is ongoing or continuing anger, not a momentary emotion but a deliberate and resentful choice to remain angry. If we have been angry in this way, including feeling scorn or hatred for another or expressing derision or disrespect for them, we have broken the sixth commandment. That is, we have broken the spirit of the commandment, God’s standard of true holiness, and are deserving of judgment and hell.

As followers of Christ, we must therefore rid ourselves of anger and rage (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8). As with Cain, this sin crouches at our door and waits for us to yield to temptation. Godly love, by contrast, is “not easily angered” (1 Cor. 13:5). In James’s practical words: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Go Deeper

If anger is an issue for you, what warning does this passage hold? If not, what type of sin is often crouching at your door?

Pray with Us

Please replace our earthly anger with a deep love for one another, Lord. When we are tempted to lose control, remind us of Your example. Give us patience that only comes from You.

Anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.Matthew 5:22

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Stroke of a Pen

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Read Matthew 5:17–20

What did Jesus mean when He said that “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen” will disappear from the Law (Matt. 5:18)? The King James Version translates this phrase as “one jot or one tittle.” A “jot” is literally the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, while a “tittle” is a tiny mark or stroke that distinguishes between similar letters.

Today, we might say that “not even one apostrophe” will disappear from the Law until all is fulfilled. The question Jesus addresses is the relationship between His teachings and the Mosaic Law. Were they in conflict? No. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (v. 17). That is, He would not delete it but accomplish it (v. 18). How? As the only human being who never sinned, Jesus was the only person ever to obey the Law—including the Prophets, meaning all of Scripture—perfectly.

Therefore, the Old Testament should not be “set aside” (v. 19), or as other translations have it, “relaxed,” “ignored,” “broken,” or “trivialized.” Some advocate this position, claiming that the Old Testament is no longer relevant. According to Jesus, however, there is an ongoing responsibility to teach and practice Scripture’s moral and spiritual principles.

God’s standards for holiness did not change in the new covenant. Perfect righteousness is needed to enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 20; Deut. 26:16). Jesus’ listeners would have known this was humanly impossible. Knowing we are sinners is the first step in understanding and receiving the gospel. We can have eternal life only when Christ’s righteousness is credited to us (Rom. 4:24; Gal. 3:23–24). While the Law (from God) is good, legalism and hypocrisy (from people) are bad (Matt. 23:23–24). In the rest of chapter 5 Jesus contrasts “You have heard” with “But I tell you.”

Go Deeper

The Old Testament was Jesus’ Bible. Why is the entire Bible important to us today?

Pray with Us

Father, You are perfect and holy in every way. Our sin separates us from You, but Jesus’ death on the cross gave us access to Your perfect righteousness. Praise God!

Not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.Matthew 5:18

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Lavish Love

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If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty . . . allow him to live with you. Leviticus 25:35 nlt

Today’s Scripture

1 John 3:1-3, 16-18

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Today’s Devotion

It was my grandson’s eleventh birthday, and a group of family members gathered at a Mediterranean restaurant to celebrate. Before ordering, my son asked the birthday boy what he wanted. He reluctantly told his dad he’d like the salmon but knew it was too expensive. My son told him, “It’s your birthday. If that’s what you’d like, you can have it.” My grandson was thrilled, and his broad smile showed it.

My son’s love for his son reminds me in small part of God’s lavish love. First John 3 describes the “great love” God showers on us: He calls all who believe in Him His children (v. 1), the benefactors of His lavish love. This love is exemplified in Christ’s sacrifice, the greatest gift of all. Jesus “laid down his life for us” on the cross (v. 16). “We’re saved ‘by grace through faith’ in Christ” (Ephesians 2:8). This is God’s gracious gift to everyone who believes.

In response to God’s lavish love, let’s “lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16). We’re called to put our faith into action: to love and obey Him and to spread that love to others. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to extend lavish love to our family and beyond.

Reflect & Pray

When have you been the recipient of lavish love? How can you extend God’s lavish love to another?

Dear loving Savior, none of my gifts or sacrifices could ever compare to Your lavish love for me. Please help me find ways to live out that love to others.

Today’s Insights

In his first letter, John carries forward many of the same themes that frequently appear in his gospel account. These include love (1 John 3:1-3, 11-18; 4:7-12; see John 3:16; 15:9-13) and light (1 John 1:5-7; 2:8-11; see John 1:9-13; 8:12; 9:5), both of which have been perfectly represented in the person of the Savior, Jesus Christ. John also mirrors his gospel by opening his letter with a statement of the incarnation of Jesus—the Son of God, who has come in the flesh (1 John 1:1-4; see John 1:1-5). While John’s writings contain many eternally important ideas, the concepts of love and light continually bubble to the surface as he seeks to describe both who Christ is and what He came to bring. He’s the Son of God, who came to penetrate the world’s darkness with His perfect light and to heal the brokenhearted with His perfect love. As we experience this lavish love, He helps us extend it to others.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Word of Life

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” (Philippians 2:16)

The Bible is always the best commentary on itself—especially when the word or phrase is not frequent. In this case, “the word of life” is only used twice and might be interpreted in various ways without this qualifier: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1).

In the context of Philippians 2, the emphasis is obviously on the person and work of our Lord Jesus. We who bear His name are His “sons” and are charged with the responsibility of being “lights” to a world that is steeped in darkness (Philippians 2:15). The light that we shine is the word of life—and that is, according to the Scriptures, the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Thus, the word of life must certainly involve who Christ is (Creator, Lord, incarnate Word, King) as well as the “glorious gospel” of salvation by grace (2 Corinthians 4:4). Charged with the responsibility of “holding forth the word of life,” we are to be “the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). Thus, we should be well-versed in the written Word, since Jesus specifically said, “Search the scriptures . . . they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

Ultimately, of course, our “light” comes from “the Light.” Since we have been delivered “from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13) by our Lord’s substitutionary atonement, we who “were sometimes darkness” are now “light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Accepted by God Through Christ

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Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:18 (NIV)

If you are like most people, you want to be accepted. When people hear that they have been accepted to a certain school or organization, they often become very excited. Something about being accepted makes us feel confident and good about ourselves.

Today’s scripture reminds us that when we believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him as our Savior, we are not condemned. In other words, we are accepted. We don’t have to work to be accepted. In fact, we can’t earn God’s favor or acceptance through good works or through any human effort.

People who believe that God’s acceptance is based on good works or on doing everything perfectly struggle and feel condemned because they try to behave perfectly and cannot do it. Everyone makes mistakes. But no matter how many mistakes we make, if our hearts are pure toward God and we sincerely repent, He forgives us.

When we believe in God’s Son and acknowledge Him as our Savior, we can be sure of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. Love and acceptance are not based on anything we do or don’t do. They are based on what Jesus has already done by dying for our sins.

Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Because I believe in Him as my Savior, I know that You love and accept me completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Solid Rock

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He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
Psalm 62:2

Recommended Reading: Psalm 89:26

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”1

It is no wonder that the Prudential Insurance Company of America chose the famous Rock of Gibraltar as its symbol. This massive limestone mountain, standing guard over the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, is part of the British territory of Gibraltar. As a fortress it presents an image of permanence and unassailability. Nor is it any wonder that the psalmist David pictured God as his “rock”—an impenetrable fortress of protection and security against any attack, physical or spiritual: “I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2, NIV). As Moses said, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Just as massive rocks don’t change, so God’s ways and works don’t change: “His work is perfect.”

Take shelter in the protection of the God who is a solid Rock rather than on the sinking sands of this world.

The sea ebbs and flows, but the rock remains unmoved.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne

  1. Edward Mote, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” 1834.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – A Shepherd’s Heart

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I myself will tend my sheep. Ezekiel 34:15

Today’s Scripture

Ezekiel 34:1-2, 11-16

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

“A baby deer is caught in our fence!” Heather called to her husband, Tim. He gently set it free, but its mother was nowhere to be seen.

That afternoon Tim saw a herd of deer emerge from the woods and graze nearby. One doe seemed especially alert. Wondering if she was the fawn’s mother, Tim looked up a recording of a fawn’s distress cry on his mobile phone and played it loudly over the speaker. The doe began to follow him, and he led her to where the fawn was nestled away. The fawn immediately began to nurse; freedom had been obtained, mother and baby were reunited—all thanks to Tim’s gentle shepherding.

God is even more intentional in caring for His people and providing the freedom we need. The people of Israel had stumbled in their sin and were trapped in exile in Babylon. Yet God promised, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezekiel 34:11). Because Israel’s leaders had allowed them to be “scattered” (v. 12), God said, “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays” (v. 16).

Believers in Jesus see God’s ultimate care in His search and rescue mission for us. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” Jesus said (John 10:11). When we were lost in our sins and captive to them, He chose to rescue us at great cost. On this day and all days, freedom is precious. Let’s celebrate the Good Shepherd, who has set us free!

Reflect & Pray

What does God’s shepherding heart mean to you? How might you thank Him for His care today?

Good Shepherd, thank You for loving me and setting me free.

Today’s Insights

Like the prophet Ezekiel, Isaiah also depicts God as a shepherd: “He tends his flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11). In Jesus, God appeared in the flesh as both a shepherd and a lamb. John says, He’s “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) and “the good shepherd” (10:14) who laid down His life for us. Revelation 7:17 beautifully pictures Him as both a lamb and a shepherd: “The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ” Today, Jesus, as our Great Shepherd, offers us salvation and living water that will last.

Visit go.odb.org/070426 to learn more about the Good Shepherd.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Iran targets Christians as fear of US fades

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Did our Founding Fathers sin by rebelling against the king?

Iran has ranked among the top ten on the Open Doors “World Watch List” every year since the list began in 1993. Their ranking has fluctuated over that time, peaking at number two as recently as 2011, but they’ve been toward the back half of the top ten in recent years. While that could be seen as a sign of progress, it’s important to note that their fall in the rankings has more to do with the destabilization and increase in persecution among many of their neighbors than anything actually improving in Iran.

And, if the latest news is any indication, their position on that list could rise soon.

You see, much of Iran’s persecution over the last decade has focused on the underground church and attempts to limit the freedom of Muslims to convert to Christianity. In 2009, the government began pressuring churches in Tehran to cancel their Persian-language services, with the largest of those churches—St. Peter Evangelical Church—forced to ban Persian-speaking Christians in 2014.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Iran targets Christians as fear of US fades →