Tag Archives: jesus christ

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Greater Expectations

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Youthful dreams and hopes were all that young Pip possessed. An orphan in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the lad takes the reader through poverty, prisons, twisted society, and through his psychological and moral development until he reaches maturity. Along the way, Pip finds power in forgiveness, and the fulfillment of some of what he sought.

We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:2

Pip’s life is not unlike that of many Christians…impoverished of spirit, imprisoned by sin, and caught in the ever-changing twistedness of today’s society. Once freed of those things through repentance and salvation in Christ, you are empowered to press toward the goals that God sets for you. Yours becomes a life of growing in the Lord and becoming spiritually mature. But that’s not the end! Your expectations are far greater. Hope in seeing the glory of God face to face is yours! Rejoice!

Won’t you intercede today for the “Pips” in the nation’s government? Pray for Senators and Congressmen whose spirits are impoverished, for members of the Obama administration held hostage by sin, and for Supreme Court Justices dealing with the twistedness of America’s path. Pray that they, like you, can find even greater expectations for the future than they have ever known.

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:1-11

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Our Great Physician           

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When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” —Mark 2:17

It’s worth noting that every person Jesus had conversations or contact with was in a different situation, and He dealt with each one differently. This is because He recognized that even though we all share many of the same problems and basic needs, every man, woman, and child is a unique individual, with unique needs.

In His encounters with people, Jesus was like a physician. He basically said, “I want to let you know that I didn’t come to bring the righteous to repentance, but I came to bring sinners because those who are whole don’t need a physician.”

I think the hard thing about being a doctor must be seeing people, for the most part, only when they are sick! They usually don’t have their patients stop by and say, “Hey, Doc, I’m feeling good, and I just wanted to tell you that. Want to go to lunch?” You don’t usually call your doctor when you’re feeling at the top of your game. You call when you are feeling sick, and your doctor will have you come in to his or her office, examine you, and apply the specific remedy to the area of need.

Jesus is the Great Physician. He came to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, give sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. He already has determined your precise areas of need, whatever they may be, and He will minister to you as an individual.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Succeed at Home First

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Max Lucado

Quiet heroes dot the landscape of our society. They don’t make the headlines, but they do sew the hemlines and check the outlines and stand on the sidelines. You won’t find their names on the Nobel Prize short list, but you’ll find their names on the carpool, and Bible teacher lists. They are parents!  Heroes!  Their kids call them mom. Dad.  And these moms and dads, more valuable than all the executives and lawmakers, quietly hold the world together.

Be numbered among them. Read books to your kids. Play ball while you can and they want you to. Make it your aim to watch every game they play, read every story they write, hear every recital in which they perform. Children spell love with four letters:  T-I-M-E. Not just quality time, but hang time, downtime, anytime, all the time! Cherish the children who share your name. Succeed at home first!

From Dad Time

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – What steps can I take to apply the truth to my life?

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Charles Stanley

John 1:12

God wants us independent of everything but Him.

Once you know the truth of your position, personage, and possessions in Christ, how do you make practical application of this information in your daily walk?

Here are four steps:

You must choose to be free. You simply must make up your mind that you believe God’s Word and that you will break free from the bondages that have enslaved you. You made a conscious decision when you accepted Christ, and you can make another to believe the truth you have learned and throw off the old thought patterns and behaviors that haunt you.

You must continue in the Word. You cannot abide in God’s Word by memorizing a few verses or by zipping through it five minutes before bedtime. You must seek to absorb the deep riches of Scripture and ask God to show you how it applies to your life.

You must believe God’s Word to be true. Satan will acknowledge that God’s Word is true, but then he’ll whisper that it doesn’t apply to you. Yes, it does! God’s Word applies to everyone, and God will speak to you specifically through it.

You must claim by faith what rightfully belongs to you. You are a saint of God because of your faith in Christ and His work on the Cross. Your position, personage, and possessions are all in Christ and come only because of the Cross. Claim them with confidence, and trust God with the results.

Excerpt from In Touch magazine. Subscribe to In Touch magazine free here.

 

Related Resources

Related Audio

How The Truth Can Set You Free

What are the steps you can take to apply the truth to your life? (Listen to How The Truth Can Set You Free, Part 9.)

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Focus On The Process

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Our Daily Bread

2 Peter 1:2-11

If these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. —2 Peter 1:8

In William Zinsser’s book On Writing Well, he says that many writers suffer from “the tyranny of the final product.” They are so concerned with selling their article or book, they neglect learning the process of how to think, plan, and organize. A jumbled manuscript, Zinsser believes, is produced when “the writer, his eye on the finish line, never gave enough thought to how to run the race.”

Author and minister A. W. Tozer applies that principle to our spiritual lives. In his book The Root of the Righteous, Tozer describes our tendency to be “concerned only with the fruit . . . [and] ignore the root out of which the fruit sprang.”

The apostle Peter reminded first-century believers that Christlike living and effective service result from a process. He urged them to grow in eight areas of spiritual development: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, Peter said, “you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.8).

God calls us to a wonderful process of learning to know Him, with the assurance that it will lead to productive service in His name and for His honor. —David McCasland

Lord, so often we want complete and perfect solutions

here and now. But You work graciously in Your good

time. Let Your goodness and patience and virtue

shine through us so that we may bless others.

The Christian life is a process in which we learn complete dependence on God.

Bible in a year: Job 14-16; Acts 9:22-43

Insight

God has given us everything we need for living a holy life (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, Peter exhorts us to respond diligently to these great promises and abundant provisions of divine power (vv.4-5) by making every effort to grow in faith, graciousness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, devotedness, kindness, and love (vv.5-7).

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Trust in God Alone

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Alistair Begg

And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Bablyon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.  2 Chronicles 32:31

Hezekiah was growing so inwardly great and priding himself so much upon the favor of God that self-righteousness crept in, and because he trusted in himself, the grace of God was for a time, in its more active operations, withdrawn. If the grace of God were to leave the best Christian, there is enough sin in his heart to make him the worst of transgressors. If left to yourselves, you who are warmest for Christ would cool down like Laodicea into sickening lukewarmness: You who are sound in the faith would be white with the leprosy of false doctrine; you who now walk before the Lord in excellency and integrity would reel to and fro and stagger with a drunkenness of evil passion. Like the moon, we borrow our light; bright as we are when grace shines on us, we are darkness itself when the Sun of Righteousness withdraws Himself.

Therefore, let us cry to God to never leave us. “Take not Your Holy Spirit from me! Do not withdraw from us Your indwelling grace! Have You not said, ‘I, the LORD, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day’?1 Lord, keep us everywhere. Keep us when we’re in the valley so that we do not grumble against Your humbling hand; keep us when we’re on the mountain, so we do not lose our balance by being lifted up; keep us in youth, when our passions are strong; keep us in old age, when becoming conceited in our wisdom, we may therefore prove greater fools than those who are young and silly; keep us when we come to die, in case at the very end we should deny You! Keep us living, keep us dying, keep us working, keep us suffering, keep us fighting, keep us resting, keep us everywhere, for everywhere we need You, O our God!”

1. Isaiah 27:3

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

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The family reading plan for June 29, 2014  * Isaiah 61  * Matthew 9

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Hatred without cause

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“They hated me without a cause.” John 15:25

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Take care, if the world does hate you, that it hates you without a cause. If the world is to oppose you, it is of no use making the world oppose you. This world is bitter enough, without my putting vinegar in it. Some people seem to fancy the world will persecute them; therefore, they put themselves into a fighting posture, as if they invited persecutions. Now, I do not see any good in doing that. Do not try and make other people dislike you. Really, the opposition some people meet with is not for righteousness’ sake, but for their own sin’s sake, or their own nasty temper’s sake. Many a Christian lives in a house—a Christian servant girl perhaps; she says she is persecuted for righteousness’ sake. But she is of a bad disposition; she sometimes speaks sharp, and then her mistress reproves her. That is not being persecuted for righteousness’ sake. There is another, a merchant in the city, perhaps; he is not looked upon with much esteem. He says he is persecuted for righteousness’ sake; whereas, it is because he did not keep a bargain some time ago. Another man says he is persecuted for righteousness’ sake; but he goes about assuming authority over everybody, and now and then persons turn round and reproach him. Look to it, Christian people, that if you are persecuted, it is for righteousness’ sake; for if you get any persecution yourself you must keep it yourself. The persecutions you bring on yourself for your own sins, Christ has nothing to do with them; they are chastisements on you. They hated Christ without a cause; then fear not to be hated. They hated Christ without a cause; then court not to be hated, and give the world no cause for it.

For meditation: The apostle Paul knew what suffering for Christ’s sake really means (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). It was something he avoided when he could appeal to the law, (Acts 22:25-29) and he did not pretend to be persecuted when he brought trouble upon himself (Acts 23:1-5).

Sermon no. 89

29 June (1856)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Enjoying Friendship with God

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John MacArthur

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone” (James 2:21-24).

Can you imagine life without friends—those precious people who love you despite your failings and who stand by you through joys and sorrows—those to whom you’ve committed yourself and whose companionship you treasure? They are without question one of God’s greatest gifts, yet there is an even greater gift: friendship with God Himself.

Jesus spoke of such a friendship in John 15:13-16, describing it as one of intimacy, mutual love, sacrifice, and commitment. In verse 14 He says, “You are My friends, if you do what I command you.” That’s the kind of friendship Abraham demonstrated when he obeyed God and prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:3-10). Isaac was the son through whom God’s covenant to Abraham would be fulfilled. Killing him would violate that covenant and call into question the character of God, whose Word forbids human sacrifice (Deut. 18:10). It took unquestioning trust for Abraham to obey God’s command. When he did, his faith was on display for all to see.

The Greek word translated “justified” in James 2:21 has two meanings: “to acquit” (treat as righteous) or “to vindicate” (demonstrate as righteous). James emphasized the second meaning. When Abraham believed God, he was justified by faith and acquitted of sin (Gen. 15:6). When he offered up Isaac, he was justified by works in that his faith was vindicated.

Faith is always the sole condition of salvation, but saving faith never stands alone—it is always accompanied by righteous works. That’s the test of true salvation and of friendship with God.

As a friend of God, treasure that relationship and be careful never to let sin rob you of its fullest joy.

Suggestions for Prayer:  Praise God for the privilege of being His friend.

For Further Study: Read Genesis 22:1-19, noting the faith and obedience of Abraham.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Spice Things Up!

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Joyce meyer

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. —Matthew 5:13

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like bland food. My husband once had a stomach problem and the doctor put him on a totally bland diet for a few days. As I recall, he didn’t even look forward to eating. Dave is not a complainer, but at every meal, I heard him say over and over, “This stuff has no taste at all.” His food needed a bit of salt, a little spice—and that is exactly what the world needs.

Each day as you leave your home to go into a dark, tasteless world, you can be the light and flavor it needs. You can bring joy to your workplace by being determined to consistently have a godly attitude. You can be “salt” through simple things like being thankful rather than complaining like most people do, being patient, merciful, quick to forgive offenses, kind, and encouraging. Even simply smiling and being friendly is a way to bring flavor into a tasteless society.

Without love and all of its magnificent qualities, life is tasteless and not worth living. I want you to try an experiment. Just think : I am going to go out into the world today and spice things up. Then get your mind set before you ever walk out your door that you are going out as God’s ambassador and that your goal is to be a giver, to love people and add good flavor to their lives.

You can begin by smiling at the people you encounter throughout the day. A smile is a symbol of acceptance and approval, which is something most of the people in the world desperately need. Deposit yourself with God and trust Him to take care of you while you sow good seed everywhere you go by making decisions and taking actions that will be a blessing to others.

Loving Others Today: How can you add some spice and flavor to the world around you today?

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Inspiration of God

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“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV).

Recently, it was my privilege to be chairman of a national congress on the Bible, which was held in San Diego, California. Thousands of Christian leaders came from across the nation and from other countries. More than fifty leading scholars addressed the various plenary and seminar sessions.

We were there to affirm our confidence that the Word of God is holy, inspired and without error. God’s Word is unlike any other book ever written. It is full of power and transforms the lives of all who read and obey its commandments. Many scholars read it without understanding, while others with little or no formal education comprehend its truths and are transformed in the process because they walk with God in humility and in the fullness and control of the Holy Spirit.

The story is told of a famous actor who attended a party one evening. A minister, who was also present, asked him if he would be kind enough to recite the 23rd Psalm. The actor, a famous and eloquent star of stage and screen, agreed on one condition – that the minister, a man in his eighties who had served God faithfully and humbly for half a century, would also recite the psalm.

The minister agreed, and the actor began. The words came like beautiful music, and everyone was enthralled at his beautiful presentation of the 23rd Psalm. A standing ovation greeted him at the finish.

Then the minister stood. He was not polished or eloquent. But as he began to recite the 23rd Psalm, a holy hush fell over his listeners and tears began to fill their eyes. When he finished, there was no applause – only silence. The actor stood to his feet. “I have reached your eyes and your ears and your emotions,” he said. “But this man of God has reached the very depths of your being.”

Bible Reading: II Peter 1:19-21

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will seek to become familiar with God’s Word, and obedient to its precepts, that my life will reflect its teachings. I will encourage others to join me in this great adventure of getting to know God and His holy, inspired Word.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Directives

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Salvation is the beginning of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If He is your Savior, you can have joy that is founded on realities that are unaffected by conditions around you. But there is more.

You believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

I Peter 1:8

Tried and tested by fire, the genuineness of your faith may result in praise, honor and glory. Peter assures his readers that they and you have a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” (I Peter 1:3-4) If you know Christ, you have hope, and if you have hope, you can walk in holiness and harmony with the Lord.

Follow these directives: Love Christ – get to know Him better through God’s Word. Trust Christ – believe that all things work together for good even if you don’t see how (Romans 8:28). Rejoice in Christ – center your heart and mind on Him in all circumstances. You will learn something new and wonderful about your Savior. And your joy will be inexpressible, no matter the circumstance. Then intercede for those who lead this nation to follow Jesus and have hope and joy in Him.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:13-4:1

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Teaching Kids About Work

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Charles Stanley

Mark 1:16-20

Jesus’ call to be fishers of men extends to modern believers. In order for anyone to achieve and become all that God has in mind, it is crucial to learn the right attitude toward work, whether it relates to vocation or service to the Lord. As parents, we must teach our children these additional lessons from fishing:

A fisherman must be industrious. The Bible tells us that Zebedee had some hired help (Mark 1:20). He didn’t settle for simply catching enough fish to feed his own family; he built a successful business that could also sustain his employees. It is likely that Zebedee taught his sons to aspire to reach their full potential instead of accepting “good enough.”

A fisherman must be disciplined. He doesn’t have the option of sleeping late or leaving the water early. Even though he is tired after a long shift, he recognizes that he must clean the nets to keep them in good repair. Zebedee’s sons learned responsibility and self- control on their father’s boat.

A fisherman must be persistent. The best catch is often made after everyone else gives up. Zebedee undoubtedly taught James and John not to quit until they gave their fullest effort. This ingrained attitude was essential when Jesus sent the disciples out to evangelize the world.

The order to spread the gospel is still in effect. The church needs committed believers who teach and demonstrate a biblical mindset. Parents who model industry, discipline, and persistence are most likely to raise children determined to win the world for Jesus Christ.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Make It Attractive

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Our Daily Bread

Colossians 4:2-6

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. —Colossians 4:5

The story is told of a young boy who, during a bygone era, was aboard a passenger train attempting to make money selling apples. He made his way through the train car, saying, “Apples! Would you like to buy an apple?” When he got to the rear of the car, he still had a bagful of apples and no money.

A gentleman who noticed his plight took him aside and asked to see one of the apples. He proceeded to go to the front of the train, polish it conspicuously with a napkin, and then walk down the aisle eating the apple and commenting on how delicious and refreshing it was. Then he told the boy to try again. This time, he sold every apple. The difference? The apples had been made attractive to the potential customers.

This story can remind us of one way we can interest others in the gospel of Jesus Christ: Make it attractive to them—show them the difference it has made in our own lives. That is best done by following the words of Paul in Colossians 4:5. “Be wise,” he said, “in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (NIV). If we show kindness, love, and compassion to others, those who observe us will wonder why, and that may give us an opening to tell them about the beauty of God’s love for them. —Dave Branon

Dear God, You have given us so much by providing

our salvation. Help us to make the gospel

attractive to others by the way we shine

Jesus’ light on those we encounter each day.

The beauty of a changed life can attract others to the One who makes us beautiful.

Bible in a year: Job 11-13; Acts 9:1-21

Insight

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says of Colosse, home of the church receiving this letter: “Colosse was in the Lycus Valley, about 100 miles east of Ephesus in Asia Minor. Its name is possibly derived from Colossus, a large statue, which in turn may have been named for the unusual shape of stony deposits there. Colosse is about 12 miles from Hierapolis and Laodicea, the other two cities of that valley. . . . The area was rich in mineral deposits and was also subject to frequent earthquakes. Rich pasturelands were nearby. Several references in Colossians indicate that Paul had not visited the city (Col. 1:7; 2:1; 4:12).”

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – God’s Is the Victory

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Alistair Begg

Daily Devotional for June 28, 2014

But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.  Exodus 7:12

This incident is an instructive illustration of the certain victory of God’s handiwork over all opposition. Whenever a divine principle is set in the heart, even though the devil may create a counterfeit and produce swarms of opponents, we may be sure that God is in the work, and it will swallow up all its foes. If God’s grace takes possession of a man, the world’s magicians may throw down all their staffs, and every staff may be as cunning and poisonous as a serpent; but Aaron’s staff will swallow up their staffs.

The sweet attractions of the cross will woo and win the man’s heart, so that although he had lived only for this deceitful earth, he will now have an eye for heaven, and his mind will be set on the things that are above. When grace has won the day, the unbeliever begins to seek the world to come. The same fact is to be observed in the life of the believer. A company of enemies assailed our faith—our old sins; the devil threw them down before us, and they turned to serpents. What numbers of them! But the cross of Jesus destroys them all. Faith in Christ makes short work of all our sins.

Then the devil has launched another host of serpents in the form of worldly trials, temptations, unbelief; but faith in Jesus is more than a match for them and overcomes them all. The same absorbing principle shines in the faithful service of God!

With an enthusiastic love for Jesus, difficulties are surmounted; sacrifices become pleasures; sufferings are honors. But if faith is a consuming passion in the heart, then it follows that there are many people who profess it but do not have it; for what they have will not bear this test. Examine yourself, my reader, on this point. Aaron’s staff proved its heaven-given power. Is your faith doing so? If Christ is anything, He must be everything. Do not rest until love and faith in Jesus are the master passions of your soul!

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

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The family reading plan for June 28, 2014 * Isaiah 60 * Matthew 8

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John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Dead Faith Versus Demonic Faith

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John MacArthur

“Someone may well say, ‘You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’ You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:18- 20).

In recent years there has been an alarming rise in the number of professing Christians who believe that there’s no necessary relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you can’t judge a person’s spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone—as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.

It was that kind of reasoning that prompted James to issue this challenge: “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). The Greek word translated “show” means “to exhibit,” “demonstrate,” or “put on display.” His point is simple: it’s impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed are inseparable.

Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his behavior? According to James, that’s the only way to know! In verse 19 he says, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” In other words, affirming orthodox doctrine isn’t necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear, but they aren’t saved. The phrase “you do well” is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons shudder, which is better than no response at all.

You can’t be a Christian in creed only—you must be one in conduct as well! James makes that very clear. Don’t be confused or deceived by those who teach otherwise. Continually aim your life at bringing glory to God through obedient application of biblical truth.

Suggestions for Prayer:  Reaffirm to the Lord your commitment to abide by His Word.

For Further Study: Read John 8:12-47. Make a list of doctrines and deeds that characterize dead faith and a corresponding list of those that characterize true faith.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Give Space and Freedom

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Joyce meyer

Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!—Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

Some people are always trying to get us to conform to preset patterns, but there are those rare individuals who actually encourage individuality and nonconformity. We must spend time with people who accept and affirm us. One of the many things I have appreciated about my husband over the years is that he gives me space and even encourages me to be me. For example, I am a person who likes to spend time alone. When I need a few hours or even a few days to have my space, I can simply tell Dave that and he does not feel as though I am rejecting him. He understands that is just the way I am.

I recently counseled a woman who said her husband was driving her crazy because he would never give her even one hour alone. He wanted to be with her constantly. When she tried to explain that she needed space, he got offended and took her need as a personal rejection. To nurture healthy relationships, we must give people space and freedom.

Lord, help me to be able to communicate my personal needs to those I love without making them feel rejected. Give them understanding hearts that accept me for who I am and encourage me. Amen.

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Strength to the Humble

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dr_bright

“But He gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets Himself against the proud and haughty” (James 4:6).

Dr. A. B. Simpson, leader of the Christian and Missionary Alliance at its inception, wisely said years ago.” Humility is not thinking meanly of yourself; it is not thinking of yourself at all.”

Under that rigid definition, not many of us would qualify as being truly humble – nevertheless, the statement contains a great deal of truth, for it is a goal toward which we should all strive.

No real progress is made toward God in any person’s life – believer or unbeliever – without this special characteristic of humility. One proof of that is found in the familiar verse:

“If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV).

Even before we pray, before we seek His face, before we turn from our wicked ways, we must humble ourselves. Why? Because we are in no position to meet any of these other three criteria without first humbling ourselves.

Every Christian who seeks to advance in a holy life must remember well that humility is the most important lesson a believer has to learn. There may be intense consecration, fervent zeal and heavenly experience, yet there also may be an unconscious self-exaltation. True humility must come from God.

Bible Reading: James 4:7-10

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Remembering that pride is the root sin from which all others grow, I will humble myself and with the assistance of the Holy Spirit I will stay so busy helping, praying for and encouraging others that pride cannot take root in my life.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Choose Joy

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Fannie Crosby, an American songwriter and poet, composed over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime. Despite becoming blind at six weeks old, she never let her disability affect her joyful attitude. Even as a child she expressed contentment through her words. At age eight, she wrote, “Oh what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see! I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t, to weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t.”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Fanny Crosby followed the instruction of today’s verse; she rejoiced in the Lord always. “Rejoice” in this scripture is from the Greek “chairo” meaning joy that comes from an active choice – no matter what adverse circumstances one faces. The world defines joy as an emotion brought by success or good fortune, but Christians know true joy doesn’t come from a situation, but from a Savior.

Are you facing difficult circumstances? Choose joy as Fannie did! As you pray today, ask for joy from the Lord that no one can take away. Pray also for the country to return to its spiritual heritage influenced by the joy of Christ seen in His followers.

Recommended Reading: John 16:17-28

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Free from Fear

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greglaurie

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. —Psalm 91:5–6

History tells of a courageous Christian who was standing before one of the Roman emperors who was persecuting the church. The emperor was demanding that Christians abandon their faith, deny the Lord, and declare Caesar as Lord. But this Christian refused. So the emperor threatened, “Give up Christ, or I will banish you.”

The Christian said, “You can’t banish me from Christ, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”

The emperor said, “I will confiscate all your property.”

The believer replied, “My treasures are laid up in heaven. You can’t touch them.” The emperor said, “I will kill you.”

The Christian said, “I have been dead to the world in Christ for forty years. My life is hid with Christ in God. You can’t touch it.”

The emperor then turned to the rest of his court and said, “What can you do with such a fanatic?”

That so-called fanatic knew something about God’s protection. And that is something we all should know about in these frightening times in which we are living. There are so many things we can be afraid of, from getting on a plane to becoming a victim of violent crime to being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

It is great to know that God promises, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you” (Psalm 91:7). It isn’t over until it’s over. Until that time, we can go out with boldness, knowing that God is in control of our lives.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Dealing With Heavy Burdens

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 116:1-7

Today, let’s look more closely at Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV). The prophet’s wisdom offers timeless practical advice on how to handle burdens.

1. “Stand at the crossroads and look.” In a time of turmoil, our minds race ahead to think of all that could happen in the future. We ask ourselves lots of “what if” questions and frequently fall victim to unfounded worry. To “stand” means to turn our mind from its troubling thoughts of the future and to focus on God. It’s similar to being at an intersection with signs pointing many different ways. We wait, not moving until we know in which direction to head.

2. “Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is.” The road of trouble has been well traveled by the saints of the faith, and their footsteps have made it into a path of glory to God. Meditate on the cries of King David in the Psalms or on the prayers of others in the Bible. Ponder their responses as well as the way they reveal their faith and trust in God, even while suffering greatly. Accept the Spirit’s revelation of the ancient path of faith and the good way of trust. Then pray for courage to walk those paths as Jesus did.

3. “Walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” With eyes firmly fixed on our Jesus Christ, resolve to walk down this road of suffering in a way that is honoring to Him. Draw deeply on the Holy Spirit’s strength for the next step, and seek to be obedient in thought, word, and deed. You will discover that as you follow Him, sweet, soul-satisfying rest will be found.