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Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Jesus Is the Savior

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:10)

For centuries, the message of the gospel was presented in drama through the sacrificial system instituted through Moses. Obviously, Moses did not invent the concept of an innocent blood sacrifice. God Himself performed the initial atonement when He made coverings for Adam and Eve with the skins of animals that the Creator Himself killed and prepared for them (Genesis 3:21).

Abel brought the “more excellent sacrifice,” but Cain tried “another gospel” and was rejected (Genesis 4:3–5). After the Flood, “Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar” (Genesis 8:20). Abraham and Jacob offered animal sacrifices to the Lord in recognition of their subservience to Him and in obedience to the instructions they were given (Genesis 12:7; 46:1).

When Moses received the law from the hand of God on Mount Sinai, the entire system of sacrifices was centered around a male “lamb without blemish” (Leviticus 1:10; 23:12). This was the Passover lamb that became the symbol of God’s deliverance of the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 12:21) and was directly applied to the Lord Jesus as “our passover” who was “sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Of all the names given to the Lord Jesus, it is the Lamb title that stands out so strongly when referencing the sacrifice He made. John the Baptist called out, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and it is the “Lamb that was slain” who is worthy to “receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Keep Yourself Calm

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Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.

Psalm 94:12-13 (AMPC)

God disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12 NIV), and we should appreciate and submit to His discipline. Discipline is not a bad thing; it is our friend because it teaches us the right way to live so we can enjoy the blessings Jesus died to give us.

Our scripture for today says that God will keep working with us through discipline and instruction until we learn to stay calm in adversity, while we wait for God to deal with our enemies.

For years I was up and down emotionally. If my circumstances were good, I was up, and if they were bad, I was down. This was very tiring, and it was not a good example to anyone around me.

I finally learned that being discouraged or depressed when facing trouble and difficulty doesn’t do any good. It never solves the problem. But if we put our trust in God and continue enjoying life in the midst of our problems, we defeat the devil and our breakthrough comes. Instead of feeling guilty or angry when God disciplines and instructs you, be thankful that He loves you enough to take the time to do it.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me welcome Your discipline and trust Your correction. Teach me to stay steady in every circumstance and grow stronger as You guide me in truth, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Outlook of Christ 

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Jesus said, “Your eyes are windows into your body.  If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.  If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.”

In Gethsemane, Jesus faced betrayal on all levels.  The disciples ran away.  The people rejected him.  And God didn’t answer his anguished appeal to avoid “the cup of suffering.” So, what did Christ do? He found enough good in the face of Judas to call him friend, and he can help us do the same with those who hurt us.  He found purpose in the pain, seeing it as a necessary part of God’s greater plan.

Wouldn’t you love to have a hope-filled heart?  God never promises to remove us from our struggles.  He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Keeping Our Word

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Read Numbers 29:12–30:16

In 2019, entrepreneur Sara Blakely made headlines when she pledged half her fortune to charity through the Giving Pledge. What struck many wasn’t just her generous impulse, but her follow-through. Blakely understood that a public commitment carries weight and creates accountability. Acting with integrity means we do what we say.

In Numbers 29:12–30:16, God transitions from detailing festival offerings to establishing laws about vows and commitments. The passage reveals how seriously God takes our promises and the binding nature of our words. The section begins with the Feast of Tabernacles, requiring elaborate sacrifices over seven days. This festival celebrated God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey and required their most generous offering of the year—a total of 70 bulls over the week. But immediately following these corporate celebrations, God addresses individual commitments through Moses: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (30:2). The transition isn’t accidental—both community worship and personal integrity matter to God.

Here God establishes several important principles. A man’s word was considered absolutely binding—no exceptions, no escape clauses. For women, the passage acknowledges the social structures of ancient Israel while still holding vows sacred, with provisions for fathers or husbands to nullify unrealistic commitments made in haste (30:3–15). The underlying principle transcends cultural context: Our words matter to God. God expects us to honor what we say. Jesus affirms this in the New Testament: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” (Matt. 5:37).

Go Deeper

Are you a person of your word? Do you remember a time when you failed to keep a promise? What happened as a result?

Pray with Us

Dear God, Guard our words. Help us speak only what is pleasing to You. And, as we are reminded in today’s reading, let us be people who keep our promises. You are the perfect example, our Promise Keeper!

When a man makes a vow to the LORD…he must not break his word.Numbers 30:2

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Grace for a Lifetime

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NEW!Listen Now

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:4-5

Recommended Reading: Lamentations 3:22-23

In the New Testament era, the most prominent theme is the grace of God—encompassing love, mercy, and forgiveness. But it is important to remember that God is our Father who is willing to discipline His children when the need arises (Hebrews 12:5-13).

There are two aspects of discipline which need to be viewed differently. One is in the form of correction for sin as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32—discipline in the form of punishment. The other is discipline for the purpose of training during times of hardship: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children” (Hebrews 12:7, NIV). For His children, God’s discipline—regardless of the reason—is temporary. But His grace is never-ending: “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life.” As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, God’s compassions never fail—“they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

If God has you in training, remember: It is only temporary. His grace and compassions fail not.

Discipline is a proof of sonship.
John Blanchard

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Finding Rest

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I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5

Today’s Scripture

2 Samuel 15:23-27, 29-31

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Today’s Devotion

“Tactical napping” is a series of guidelines for soldiers for effective, ten to thirty minutes of sleep. While experiencing a rush of adrenaline, loneliness, or anxiety, sleep-deprived soldiers may not be able to relax. Tips include using earplugs and reading before bed. They’re even offered military-grade, caffeinated chewing gum to reduce grogginess after a nap.

It’s when we most need rest that it’s often difficult to find. King David experienced this after fleeing into the wilderness to escape his son Absalom’s treason. David and his followers wept aloud at his betrayal with their heads covered in mourning (2 Samuel 15:30-31). In fact, “the whole countryside wept aloud” (v. 23). It was around this time that David cried out, “Lord, how many are my foes!” (Psalm 3:1). Perhaps thinking about past troubled nights, however, David continued, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear” (vv. 5-6). David realized that God, not Absalom, was in charge of his situation. David even sent the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, acknowledging that the future was fully in God’s hands (2 Samuel 15:25-26).

Sleep feels especially fleeting when we’re facing adversity in our waking hours, but it’s a good reminder of how many things are outside our control. Yet God sustains us and, as we trust Him, He can help us lie down in peace.

Reflect & Pray

What keeps you from true rest? How can your surrender to God produce peace?

Dear God, thank You for keeping watch while I sleep and when I wake.

Today’s Insights

As David fled Jerusalem, his enemy Shimei hurled stones and cursed at him (2 Samuel 16:5-8). David’s warrior Abishai wanted to kill Shimei, but the king wouldn’t permit it (vv. 9-11). Instead, he trusted God to “restore to [him] his covenant blessing” (v. 12). Despite Shimei’s abuse, “The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself” (v. 14). This is the setting for David’s psalm: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:5). No matter our circumstances, we can find rest in God.

When God created mankind, He designed us with the necessity to rest.

 

http://www.odb.org

Uncategorized

Denison Forum – “The last full measure of devotion”

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A Memorial Day reflection on our nation and our souls

Christians are used to our religious holidays being preempted for secular purposes. In American culture, Easter is more about colored eggs and bunnies than the empty tomb and risen Lord. Thanksgiving is more about food and football than faith and gratitude. Christmas is more about the coming of Santa Claus than the coming of Jesus Christ.

Other religions have not suffered such a fate in our society. Many Muslims begin their Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca today, but no revision of this “pillar” of Islam has emerged in secular society. Observant Jews completed Shavuot last Saturday, commemorating the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai, but there is no secular version.

Nonetheless, it is unsurprising that Christian holy days would become secular holidays in a post-Christian and even anti-Christian culture. But we should be surprised that even a secular holiday has been secularized as well.

Continue reading Denison Forum – “The last full measure of devotion” →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Heaven Is Real

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 I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. 

—2 Corinthians 12:2–4

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 12:2–4 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on passages from the apostle Paul’s second letter to the believers in Corinth. And we’re going to start with a familiar passage, one we looked at briefly in last week’s devotions. We’re going to focus on Paul’s account of his vision of Heaven in 2 Corinthians 12.

Countless books and passages have been written about Heaven, many from people who claim to have experienced the afterlife and then returned to tell the tale. Obviously, most of these accounts must be taken with a grain of salt. There are a few, however, that deserve our attention because they’re found in God’s Word, the ultimate source of truth.

One thing these passages have in common is the difficulty their authors have in describing what they see.

Here’s just one of the things the apostle John wrote about his experience: “Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.’ And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow” (Revelation 4:1–3 NLT).

It appears human words are insufficient to fully capture the heavenly reality. And make no mistake, Heaven is a reality. It’s not a metaphor. It’s not a symbolic place. It’s not a state of mind. Heaven is real.

Like John, Paul was given a glimpse of Heaven and lived to write about it. “I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I don’t know—only God knows. Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell” (2 Corinthians 12:2–4 NLT).

The word paradise he uses to describe Heaven occurs in two other places in the New Testament. One is found in Jesus’ words to the criminal on the cross next to Him: “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NLT). The other is found in Revelation 2:7 to describe the future dwelling place of believers.

Both passages refer to an actual place. Heaven is real.

Reflection question: What are your takeaways from the biblical descriptions of Heaven? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – God’s Memorial Day

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:15)

It is surely a good thing that Americans have designated an annual Memorial Day in which we call to remembrance the great sacrifices of those before us who fought and suffered (and often died) to form our nation and preserve its freedom. Without them we would not be here today, and we need to remember them.

It is even more important, however, to remember the God of our fathers, our true Author of liberty. He has established His own memorial, wanting us to remember not only our ancient spiritual forefathers but also His own great name, Jehovah. “The LORD God” in our text verse is Jehovah Elohim. The sense of God’s announcement to Moses was that Jehovah was the name of the God of Abraham and, in fact, the name of the Creator of the world. Jehovah is the redemptive name of God, while Elohim is His name as omnipotent Creator.

We must always remember this, He says. The word “memorial” is used here for the first time in the Bible and thus is very significant. We should remember Him as Creator every seventh day when we devote a day to rest and worship (Exodus 20:8, 11). But there is also another day to remember the Lord for His work of redemption. When He became man, dying to save us from our sins, He established a memorial supper, saying, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Thus, when we observe each weekly Lord’s day and whenever we partake of the Lord’s supper, we are really observing a special memorial day in His honor, remembering His great name “unto all generations.” HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Do Your Own Thinking

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We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

Do you think about what you’re thinking about? Learning to regularly take inventory of our thoughts is essential to having a good life. Instead of being “unthinking” people, we can train ourselves to think about what’s going on in our minds.

It was a glorious revelation for me when I realized I don’t have to think about just anything that comes into my mind. I can choose my thoughts and do my own thinking—on purpose. I can deliberately choose to think positive, faith-filled thoughts that line up with God’s Word.

If your mood begins to sink or you have a bad attitude, take an inventory of your current thoughts, and you will very likely find the culprit. Negative thinking not only makes you upset and bitter, but it also prevents God from working in your life. We receive from God through faith, and faith is always positive.

You don’t have to sit by passively and let the enemy fill your mind with poisonous and destructive thoughts. Instead, you can learn to recognize them, and with God’s help, you can think about something else that will be beneficial.

Make a decision to think and say the right things—things that line up with the Word of God.

Prayer of the Day: Father God, help me recognize when my thoughts aren’t my own so that I can take them captive and replace them with thoughts that are beneficial. Help me think with the mind of Christ, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Doorway to the Heart 

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Proverbs 4:23 advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Think of your heart as a greenhouse and consider your thoughts as seed. We must be selective about the seeds we allow to come into the greenhouse. To have a pure heart, we must submit all our thoughts to the authority of Christ. You see, your mind is the doorway to your heart. The Holy Spirit stands with you on the threshold, helping you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. If Jesus agrees with the thought, then let it in. If not, kick it out.

How do you know if Jesus agrees or disagrees? You open your Bible. Armed with the opinion of Christ and the sword of the Spirit, guard the doorway of your heart. The more selective you are about seeds, the more delighted you will be with the crop.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Rhythm of Remembrance

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Read Numbers 28:1–29:11

We are creatures of habit, and our habits reveal a great deal about who we are and what we value.

In Numbers 28–29, God establishes a different kind of rhythm, centered on worship and offering. In these two chapters, we find a comprehensive calendar of offerings and festivals for Israel. These commanded rhythms served as constant reminders of God’s character and Israel’s identity as His chosen people. God begins with the foundation: “Give this command to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Make sure that you present to me at the appointed time my food offerings, as an aroma pleasing to me’” (28:2). The daily offerings—morning and evening—created bookends for each day. Israel would begin and end the day by acknowledging God’s presence and provision.

The passage details “two lambs a year old without defect, as a regular burnt offering each day” (28:3), accompanied by grain and drink offerings. These weren’t afterthoughts squeezed into busy schedules; they were the rhythm around which life was structured. Beyond daily offerings, God prescribed additional sacrifices for Sabbaths (28:9–10), monthly New Moon festivals (28:11–15), and major celebrations including Passover (28:16–25) and the Festival of Weeks (28:26–31). The Feast of Trumpets required “one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect” (29:2), demonstrating the significance God placed on these appointed times.

Each festival carried deep meaning—Passover recalled their deliverance from Egypt, while the Feast of Trumpets marked new beginnings. These were grace-filled opportunities to remember who God is and what He had done.

Go Deeper

How do intentional daily rhythms anchor your relationship with God? How can you bookend your day with time in God’s presence? Let every day be an offering.

Pray with Us

Loving Father, we yearn to be near You and to feel Your presence, and yet often a day can pass without spending time with You. Help us make daily time with You a beloved habit.

Do this in remembrance of me.Luke 22:19

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Give Us Courage!

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Read Numbers 26–27

Have you ever felt unheard or overlooked? Maybe it felt like your voice didn’t matter? Being ignored can be deeply disheartening. But in Numbers 26–27, we find a powerful reminder that God sees, hears, and honors those who follow Him boldly and faithfully.

Numbers 26 records the second census of Israel, revealing that an entire generation had passed away in the wilderness. As Moses prepared to distribute the Promised Land, the laws seemed clear: inheritance would pass through male lines. For the five daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah—this meant their family name and inheritance would disappear forever since their father had died without sons (27:1). Rather than accepting this injustice, these remarkable women took action: “They came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly” (27:2). Their argument was both logical and passionate: “Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives” (27:4). They were asking for justice.

God’s response validated their courage: “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them” (27:7). This moment is remarkable not only for its justice, but because it shows that God values every voice—including the marginalized. These women sought God’s provision not just for themselves, but to honor their father’s legacy. Right after this, God appoints Joshua to succeed Moses (27:18–23), reminding us that God always provides new leadership to continue His purposes. God never overlooks needs—or His people.

Go Deeper

Where might God be calling you to speak up? God can give us the courage and clarity we need to address difficult situations.

Pray with Us

Like Zelophehad’s daughters, we are often faced with injustice. Give us courage, Lord, to speak truth and to stand up for what You say is right, even if it is unpopular.

Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.Acts 4:29

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Answers God Provides

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The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

Today’s Scripture

John 14:17-26

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Today’s Devotion

“What’s my birth mother’s name?” My seven-year-old daughter’s sincere question pierced my heart. Ours had been a private adoption where we were provided only the most basic of information about her parents: height, weight, age, color of hair and eyes. How was I to respond? The question felt impossible! I drew in a breath and prayed, “God, what do I say?” A sentence tumbled out of my mouth: “What would you like her name to be?” She beamed at me and proclaimed, “Madeline!” “Then, Madeline it is!” I declared. I believe God had provided an answer when I didn’t have one.

In the years after His death, Jesus’ followers would encounter great challenges where they needed God’s answers in seemingly impossible situations. In John 14, Jesus promised He would not leave them alone but would come to them with help (v. 18). Further, God would provide an ongoing flow of help: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).

Sometimes the questions we face seem impossible to answer. We need God’s help and answers with our children, our work, our neighbors, and our world. When we don’t have the answers, He can provide them.

Reflect & Pray

In what area of your life do you need God’s help today? What questions do you have that you can bring to Him for the answers only He can provide?

Thank You, dear Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to guide me in each moment.

Today’s Insights

With His work on the cross soon to be accomplished, Jesus assured His disciples that He wouldn’t abandon them as “orphans” but would return to them soon (John 14:18, 28). Christ was referring to His own resurrection and to the Holy Spirit, who’d live with them and be with them (v. 17). God gave us His Spirit to assure us that we’re His children, enabling us to call Him “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). As “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17), He’ll teach, counsel, and empower us to live as obedient children of God (vv. 23-26). Today, when we’re looking for answers, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Watch more on being Led by The Spirit.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – A choice between life or death

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Last week, we talked about three purposes for which God blessed America from the time of its founding. However, Scripture is clear such blessings are only promised so long as our sin does not bring God’s judgment in their place.

As the prophet Isaiah warned:

Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lᴏʀᴅ; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him (Isaiah 1:4 NIV).

The prophet said to God: “The nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste” (Isaiah 60:12). And David testified, “The Lᴏʀᴅ sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness” (Psalm 9:7–8).

Since God testifies that “I the Lᴏʀᴅ do not change” (Malachi 3:6), we can know that any sins he judged in the past are sins he will judge in the future.

Continue reading Denison Forum – A choice between life or death →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The God Who Saves

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” (Psalm 18:2)

What a testimony given by David to his God! In this single verse, there is a sevenfold ascription of praise to the Lord for His great salvation. Each testimony can be appropriated also by all who trust Him.

  1. My rock: The word used here does not mean a stone or even a boulder but a mighty monolith, immovable and impregnable.
  2. My fortress: This word refers to a great bulwark—a stronghold. The Hebrew word is essentially the same as Masada, the high butte where the Jews resisted the Roman armies after the destruction of Jerusalem.
  3. My deliverer: Our God is able to deliver, even from the fiery furnace, the den of lions, and from the armies of Saul.
  4. My strength: This is another word often translated “rock,” this time a rugged, craggy one, most appropriate as a symbol of great strength.
  5. My buckler: This was a small, handheld, movable shield.
  6. The horn of my salvation: This striking Old Testament symbol is even repeated in the New Testament (Luke 1:69) and applied to the coming Savior, referring either to the “horns of the altar” where fleeing sinners could cling for refuge or to the fighting horns of a strong beast.
  7. My high tower: Here the word is not for a man-made tower but for a natural, high, topographic eminence, suitable both for watching and for defense.

The great promises of salvation and security in Christ are timeless. The words that brought such hope to David are still a comfort to believers today. He is still “the God of all grace” to all who trust Him (1 Peter 5:10). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Let Go of Guilt and Receive God’s Forgiveness

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Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].

Romans 8:1 (AMP)

Sometimes we feel pain in our soul because we have hurt other people inadvertently. Often we hurt those people because we were hurting, too, and we did not mean to wound them. This is especially true for women who may have been abused or otherwise hurt while growing up, and then they in turn hurt their children. They never wanted to cause problems; they simply did not know any better. The same could be said for people who hurt friends, spouses, or other family members unintentionally.

As we mature and come to realize that something we said or did caused pain or struggle in another person’s life, we may feel very badly about it. When that happens, the thing to do is talk to the person, admit what we have done to cause pain, and offer a sincere apology. We may also feel we can explain to the person what was going on with us at the time or tell them how we came to realize that we hurt them. The most important parts of this kind of conversation are to take responsibility for our actions and to apologize. Hopefully, the other person will accept the apology and we can move on. If there is anything we can do to help the person break free from the impact of what we have done, we can make ourselves available for that. If not, we can simply pray that God will continue to heal and strengthen him or her.

In situations where hurt has been especially deep, people may not be ready to move on. They may, instead, remind us repeatedly of what we have done and use our admissions and apologies against us. Accusations such as, “The reason I am the way I am is that you hurt me so deeply years ago!” Or, “If you hadn’t done what you did to me, I wouldn’t have done that!” When we hear such words, we can be tempted to feel guilty or condemned about our past actions.

Once we have confessed our sin to God and received His forgiveness, and we have admitted our faults to those we have hurt and apologized to them, we should no longer carry the guilt of our mistakes or failures. God offers us free and ultimate forgiveness, and when we have that, we can view ourselves as clean, regardless of what other people say to us.

John 3:17 (ESV) says, For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him, and Romans 8:1 declares that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Him. No matter what you have done, you can live free, forgiven, and healed in Jesus. The people you have hurt may not be quick to forgive you, but God always will be.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness. Help me take responsibility, release guilt, and walk in freedom. Teach me to trust Your grace and live free from condemnation, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – May Mothers: The Loyalty of Elizabeth

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So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”
Luke 1:59-60

Recommended Reading: Luke 1:11-17

It was not uncommon in Israel for firstborn sons to be named after their father—for example, “Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus” (Mark 10:46—bar in Hebrew meant “son”). Therefore, when it came time to name the firstborn son of the priest Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, their relatives assumed the child’s name would be the same as his father. But Elizabeth said his name would be John—a decision Zacharias confirmed.

The angel Gabriel, when revealing to Zacharias that his barren wife would conceive a son, said the boy’s name would be John. For being skeptical of Gabriel’s announcement, Zacharias was made mute until John was born. But apparently during Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zacharias had somehow communicated to her what the angel had said. Out of loyalty to God’s will through Gabriel, and loyalty to her husband, Elizabeth confirmed the baby’s name would be John—who became John the Baptist.

Loyalty means choosing a priority that might be different than your personal preference. Loyalty to God always comes first.

God demands complete loyalty to His Word.
Richard L. Pratt

 

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Freedom in Christ

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The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Today’s Scripture

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

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Today’s Devotion

In 1849, Henry “Box” Brown (a US enslaved man from Virginia) folded himself into a wooden crate marked “dry goods,” and two friends shipped him from Richmond to Philadelphia. Brown was inside the box (3 x 2.5 x 2 feet) for the 26-hour trip, with three small holes cut for air. As abolitionists pulled Brown from the box, he sang a paraphrase of Psalm 40, expressing his hope in the God who promises freedom. “If you have never been deprived of your liberty, as I was,” Brown later wrote, “you cannot realize the power of that hope of freedom, which was to me indeed, an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast.”

Freedom is central to how God operates in our hearts and in our world. His wisdom leads to spiritual freedom, but false wisdom leads to oppression. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is,” Paul says, “there is freedom” from sin, death, and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:17). When we listen to God and follow His ways, freedom results. Unfortunately the opposite is also true: When we ignore Him and resist His invitations, we become ensnared and confined. God liberates and transforms us by His Spirit (v. 18), but sin and rebellion traps us.

We sometimes believe that God limits and obstructs our possibilities and pleasure. But in truth, He’s the only one who can lead us into an expansive future, the only one who can guide us into genuine freedom.

Reflect & Pray

Where have you felt trapped in life? How do you sense God’s desire to guide you into freedom?

Dear God, please help me to be transformed and free in You.

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.

Today’s Insights

In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Paul contrasts the old covenant (a binding agreement defining how God would relate to His people) given through the law of Moses with the new covenant of the Spirit available through Jesus. The old covenant, though “glorious,” “brought condemnation” (v. 9) and was temporary (v. 11). Its glory was veiled, and the people could never fully see its glory because of their sin (vv. 12-15). In the new covenant, Christ’s Spirit removes the veil so that God’s people can truly see and be transformed by Jesus’ glory—bringing true freedom (vv. 16-18).

 

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Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Are we celebrating or commemorating

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The forgotten origin of Memorial Day

Every time I have traveled overseas over the years, I have returned home with an even greater gratitude for our nation. However, this fact makes Memorial Day our nation’s most conflicted holiday for me.

On one hand, it’s the “unofficial start of summer,” with vacations, family time, blockbuster movies, and so on. It’s a three-day weekend with flags waving and patriotic sentiments. Any day that celebrates our nation, its history, and its blessings is a day I’m excited to share.

On the other hand, its official purpose is to remember the men and women who died in military service to our nation. Unless we have lost a loved one in this way, we cannot fully comprehend the gravity of such sorrow.

I am the son and grandson of veterans, but neither died in the wars they fought. If I lost a parent, spouse, child, or grandchild in this way, the mixture of pride in their service and grief for their loss would be like nothing else.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Are we celebrating or commemorating →