Tag Archives: Joy

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Koinonia

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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42, NIV

Recommended Reading: Acts 2:42-47

The Chicago Tribune recently reported, “Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many people are struggling to forge the kind of deep, meaningful relationships that give life purpose. We have thousands of online ‘friends’ but fewer real confidants. We work longer hours, move more frequently, and engage in fewer communal activities…. A 2015 meta-analysis … found that prolonged social isolation carries the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”1

Does any of that relate to you? God made us with a need for fellowship with Himself and others. Our word fellowship is a translation of the New Testament Greek word koinonia, which meant “something held in common, a shared state, being partners in a relationship.” This word occurs twenty times in the New Testament, beginning with Acts 2:42 and the Church created by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Do you have a church to attend? Ask God to guide you to a circle of fellowship in a church or Bible study. Make the effort, and you will be blessed.

When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles.
Corrie Ten Boom

  1. John Hewko, “Chicago Tribune: Curing the Loneliness Epidemic, Rotary-Style,” Rotary International, February 2025.

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s View

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Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring. Exodus 14:13

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 14:1-4, 8, 10-14

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

Hudson Taylor was troubled. He’d left England to share the gospel about Christ in China, and ministry—though challenging—had gone well. But in 1865, as he considered sending more people to minister to a more dangerous part of the country, without protection, he felt “intense conflict.” After wrestling with God in prayer, he wrote, “The Lord conquered my unbelief, and I surrendered myself to God . . . [recognizing] that all responsibility . . . and consequences must rest with him.”

Moses received a call from God that likely left him troubled. As he was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, God said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea” (Exodus 14:2). This meant they were trapped between Pharaoh and a vast body of water! The Israelites trembled as “Pharaoh approached” (v. 10). Panic-stricken, they told Moses, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (v. 12). But Moses replied, “Do not be afraid” (v. 13). And he was right. God provided rescue and victory for His people as they rested in Him (vv. 15-31).

At times, we won’t understand what God’s doing in our lives because we don’t have His view. It was during such a moment that Hudson Taylor wrote, “As his servant it was [my responsibility] to obey and to follow him.” We too can rest in God’s view and plans.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it vital for you to surrender to God’s plans for you? How can you rest in Him?

 

Loving God, please help me rest in Your perfect plans for my life.

 

Today’s Insights

Exodus 14:1-14 shows the tension between how things can appear to us and what God’s really doing. When the Israelites were fleeing from Pharaoh, God told them to turn back, placing them in what looked like a military trap—boxed in between Pharaoh’s army and the sea (v. 2). But this was God’s plan to lure and defeat Pharaoh once and for all (v. 4). When Israel panicked (vv. 10–12), Moses reminded them that their rescue wasn’t dependent on their strength but on God’s (vv. 13-14). Even when we don’t understand His plans, this passage invites us to trust that His purposes are always good.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – “Morons Are Governing America” vs. “Trump Was Right About Everything”

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A Holy Tuesday reflection

My wife and I drove past a “No Kings” rally in our city last Saturday, where we saw a sign that said, “Be kind!” Another announced in rainbow colors, “Love wins!” Next to them, paradoxically, a man was waving his hand-lettered whiteboard, “[expletive deleted] Trump!”

Not to be partisan, but signs using a euphemism for the same expletive abounded when Joe Biden was president.

This bipolarity is reflected and empowered by the media daily. If a new article in the Atlantic is to be believed, America under Donald Trump is now a “rogue superpower.” However, if a recent editorial in Fox News is correct, “Trump is breaking Middle East’s old power structure” in ways that will produce more positive geopolitical alignments in the future.

You can buy a yard sign displaying a MAGA acrostic, “Morons Are Governing America.” Or you can purchase one proclaiming, “TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING.”

If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re out of yard sign luck.

Continue reading Denison Forum – “Morons Are Governing America” vs. “Trump Was Right About Everything” →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Power of Prayer

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 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 

—James 5:13–15

Scripture:

James 5:13–15 

Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane for one reason. It wasn’t to hide from His enemies. It wasn’t to spend quality time with His disciples. Jesus went there to pray. Knowing that, in a matter of hours, He would submit to unimaginable physical, emotional, and spiritual agony, Jesus wanted to spend His remaining hours of freedom in the presence of His Father.

The circumstances were unique, but the discipline wasn’t. The Gospels record several instances in which Jesus set aside time for prayer. Mark 1:35 says, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” (NLT).

Luke 5:15–16 says, “But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT).

Jesus understood the power of prayer, and He wants us to understand it as well. When we find ourselves in trying circumstances, often the temptation is to strike out at those we hold responsible. Or to get mad at God for allowing those circumstances to disrupt our lives. Or to wallow in self-pity.

But those are things the devil wants us to do because he knows how counterproductive they are. When we’re afflicted, when we’re suffering, or when we’re in trouble, prayer should be our first response, just as it was for Jesus. Why? Well, for one thing, God may answer our prayer and remove the problem from our life. He may directly intervene in our circumstances. The Bible is filled with stories in which He did just that.

Even if He doesn’t intervene immediately, He still works in and through us when we take our needs to Him. Prayer affirms our dependence on Him. It puts us in a right relationship with Him. It also allows us to place our burdens in His hands. When we turn our requests over to God, we can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that He will be doing the heavy lifting. Through prayer we also receive the grace we need to endure trouble and grow closer to God.

James 5:13–15 says, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven” (NLT). The word suffering could be translated “in trouble” or “in distress.” Is anyone among you in trouble? Are you distressed? Then you should pray.

When the bottom drops out, when you feel as though you’re hanging by a thread, when circumstances seem to grow worse by the minute, pray. Pray when you’re afflicted. Pray when you’re sick. Pray when you need forgiveness. Pray when specific needs occur. Pray for God’s will to be done.

Just like Jesus did in Gethsemane.

Reflection Question: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Other Preachers

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)

This verse seems to conflict with warnings about false teachers (2 Peter 2:1) and another gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). The key is identifying what Paul is allowing on the one hand and condemning on the other.

Some teachers of his day (probably both in Philippi and in Rome) appeared to be taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to enhance their own reputations. Indeed, some were trying through their public preaching to “add affliction to [his] bonds” (Philippians 1:16).

Even though some with ungodly motives stood out among those preaching of good will, Paul was able to rejoice that “Christ is preached” (today’s text) by both categories, and therein is the source of the “power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).

The stern denunciation of “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6) exposes the untruth of all hybrid messages, whether human or angelic, that would attempt to preach anything other than “Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Here is the message for us. When the full gospel of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—according to the Scriptures—is preached (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) by whatever means and even under sometimes questionable motives, the “good news” is cause for rejoicing. It is the gospel that has power, not the messenger.

However, when some people attempt to change that gospel to make it seem more attractive to those who wish to continue in sin or change its message to allow for human works, we are to see such preachers as dangerous and under condemnation. May God keep us from both mistakes. HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Keep Asking

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For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

Matthew 7:8 (AMPC)

If there is a promise in God’s Word, don’t stop asking to receive it. Let today’s scripture encourage you to refuse to give up. Continue asking, seeking, and knocking, and you will receive, find, and see doors open for you.

I prayed for my father’s salvation for more than forty years. Finally, at the age of eighty, he received Christ and was baptized. It seemed as if it would never happen, but it did.

Even Jesus, who always got His prayers answered, had to pray twice for a blind man’s eyes to be opened:

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (Mark 8:22–25 NIV)

Let this Scripture passage encourage you to never give up on receiving God’s promises.

Prayer of the Day: God, help me keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Strengthen my faith when answers take time and remind me that You are faithful to fulfill every promise in Your perfect way, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Serve with Joy 

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Some people feel so saved that they never serve. Some serve at the hope of being saved. Does one of those sentences describe you? Do you feel so saved that you never serve? So content in what God has done, that you do nothing? The fact is, we are here to glorify God in our service.

Or is your tendency the opposite? Perhaps you always serve for fear of not being saved. You’re worried there’s some secret card that exists with your score written on it and your score is not enough. Is that you?  The blood of Jesus is enough to save you. John 1:29 (NIV) announces that Jesus is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

The blood of Christ doesn’t cover your sins, conceal your sins, postpone your sins, or diminish your sins. It takes away your sins, once and for all. So you are saved! And since you are saved, you can serve with joy.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Our Savior Is Coming Soon!

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Read Revelation 22:12–21

In Samuel Beckett’s play, Waiting for Godot, two characters occupy the stage and talk, all the while waiting for the arrival of someone named Godot. He is mentioned from time to time but still has not appeared by the end of the drama. Sometimes we might feel like the two characters in this play—we get tired of waiting. When will Christ return? When will justice and righteousness prevail? When will earthly history come to an end? All we can say is what Christ said in the epilogue to Revelation: “I am coming soon!” (vv. 12–13). No matter what “soon” means, the important truth is that He could return at any time.

Who will get into heaven (vv. 14–15)? Those who “wash their robes,” that is, those who accept God’s offer of salvation in Christ. Who won’t get into heaven? Sinners. This is a stark reminder of what’s at stake in following Christ: our eternal destinies. With the consequences so enormous, following in His steps should be our top priority. The implication is that we should always be living by faith and pursuing righteousness (1 John 3:6–9). If we’re truly saved, our lives will show it.

All who hear the words of this book are invited to “come” to the water of life, to salvation in the Lamb (vv. 16–17). Accepting the invitation will eventually lead to the heavenly New Jerusalem. Christ sent this “testimony”—the book of Revelation—as one more call for people to choose eternal life. Why choose against the Alpha and the Omega?

Readers are also warned not to add or take away from the words of this book (vv. 18–19). God will judge and punish anyone who does so. Yes, He is coming soon (vv. 20–21)! The book’s concluding prayer is ours as well: “Come, Lord Jesus.”

Go Deeper

What have you learned from this month’s study? Consider joining the discussion in our Facebook Today in the Word Devotional group. Also, if you have been blessed by this study, will you consider a gift to support this ministry?

Pray with Us

As we finish this study in Revelation, may the hope of the future remind us how to live in the present. Our lives belong to You, and our future is in Your hands! “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.Revelation 22:20

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Nailed!

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12, NIV

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

Did you hear about the man who stormed through the hardware store, fuming because he couldn’t find the right nails. He finally slammed a box onto the counter. The shopkeeper looked at the man, then read the slogan on his t-shirt. It said, “He Took the Nails for Me.” The shopkeeper said, “If He took those nails with love, surely I can give you these for free.” He bagged the box and handed it to the man, who walked out of the store speechless, nailed by his own shirt.

Those who share the Gospel most be clothed in love and carry in their hearts a genuine burden for others. What’s displayed in our attitude is more important than what’s printed on our clothing or bumper sticker. D. L. Moody said, “Of all the people in the world, those who follow Christ should be the most gentle, patient, loving, and hopeful.”

Ask yourself today if you can relay the Good News of the Gospel to others, showing the love of God to all you meet.

Harsh, rough, uncourteous ways do not recommend Christianity. 
J. C. Ryle

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Keep Going by Faith

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Let us run with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1

Today’s Scripture

Hebrews 12:1-3

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Today’s Devotion

To become a lawyer in California, Maxcy Filer had to pass the state’s grueling, three-day bar exam. So he took it not once, not twice, but forty-eight times before passing the tough test. His goal? To advocate for the underprivileged in Compton, his beloved city. Between his first and last attempts at passing the exam—across twenty-five years—Filer and his wife raised seven children, all who went to college. When Filer was sworn in, the judge said, “Three words about Maxcy Filer: perseverance, perseverance, perseverance.”

His story prompts me to think of people in the Bible who persevered. The writer of Hebrews recognized some: Noah, who “by his faith . . . became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith” (11:7). Or Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (vv. 8-21), Moses (vv. 23-28), and others. Such examples inspire us.

The writer then exhorts believers in Christ: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (12:1). We then read, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (v. 1). How will we do this? By “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (v. 2). As we consider Christ’s sacrifice for us, we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (v. 3).

Challenges to our faith give us opportunity to endure in His name. In His power, we persevere.

Reflect & Pray

What faith challenge is testing you? How can you persevere in Jesus?

 

As I persevere for You, please inspire me, dear Jesus, to keep going.

 

Today’s Insights

Because of severe persecution (see Hebrews 10:32-39; 13:3), Jewish believers in Jesus were pressured to abandon their faith and revert to Judaism. The unnamed writer of Hebrews encourages these embattled believers to remain faithful by “keeping [their] eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (12:2 nlt). He reminds us of the superiority of Christ, who as God Himself is the final revelation of God (chs. 1-4). Jesus—through His sacrificial work as the superior High Priest and as the once-for-all perfect sacrifice for sin—is the only one who can truly save (chs. 5-10). The writer likens our journey of faith to a long-distance foot race. The lives of faith of the saints who’ve completed their races (see ch. 11) inspire us to persevere to complete our race by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, our champion who Himself endured challenges and completed the race (12:1-3).

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Why the “No Kings” rallies are good news for America

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A Holy Monday reflection

More than 3,200 “No Kings” rallies were held Saturday across the US. Event organizers estimate more than eight million people attended protests against President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. The name reportedly comes from organizers’ belief that Mr. Trump is acting like a monarch rather than the leader of a democracy.

Whether you joined the protests, are strongly opposed to them, or wish I would write about something else, the demonstrations illustrate this fact about America: our First Amendment “right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” is alive and well.

Imagine similar rallies being held in Iran, Cuba, or China. Actually, you don’t have to use your imagination: When citizens tried in recent years to protest their government publicly in these countries, they were massacred by the thousands. On my trips to Cuba and China, I was cautioned not to speak against the government even in private conversations due to the likelihood that paid informants would be listening. I was also warned that my hotel room was likely bugged and that what I said, even there, was being monitored by the authorities.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Why the “No Kings” rallies are good news for America →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The One Who Understands

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 He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ 

—Mark 14:34

Scripture:

Mark 14:34 

As the hour of Jesus’ crucifixion approached, the enormity of what He was about to do—of what He was about to endure—weighed heavily on the Lord. He retreated to an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a place called Gethsemane. There He agonized, pleaded, and prayed. Though He brought along His closest companions, He was utterly alone. According to Mark 14:34, “He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’” (NLT). No one else could begin to fathom the suffering and separation that lay ahead for Him.

In the coming week, we’re going to look at the events that unfolded during those hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Perfect Sacrifice submitted Himself to God’s plan of salvation. And we’re going to start with the very real, and very relatable, emotions that sent Jesus to the garden in the first place.

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah offered this description of Him: “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). Jesus felt every bit of that sorrow, that grief, that rejection, that sense of being despised and uncared for during His time in Gethsemane.

Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever felt as though your friends and family had abandoned you? Have you ever felt misunderstood? Have you ever had a hard time understanding or submitting to the will of God for your life? If so, then you have an idea of what the Lord Jesus went through when He agonized at Gethsemane.

But that understanding is a two-way street. And there’s the takeaway from today’s devotion. Our experiences allow us to empathize, even if it’s only to a small degree, with what Jesus went through. Likewise, His experiences allow Him to empathize with what we go through.

Jesus came to earth as fully God and fully human. He felt joy, pain, hunger, thirst, rejection, betrayal, and grief. He asked God if there was any other way for the plan of salvation to be accomplished—one that didn’t involve His suffering. He can relate to us on the deepest levels. That makes Him the perfect Source to turn to in any and every situation.

The author of Hebrews explained it this way: “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:14–16 NLT).

No matter what situation we face, we can approach the Lord with confidence, knowing that He will provide the comfort, wisdom, direction, or healing we need.

Reflection Question: How can Jesus empathize and help you with a situation you’re facing now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleshi

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Transfiguration

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” (Matthew 17:1–2)

This remarkable transfiguration of Christ was shown to the three disciples so that they could actually “see [Him] coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28), as He will do someday when He returns to Earth “in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (24:30). This would ever afterward be an unforgettable experience that would strengthen the disciples for their critical future ministry.

James was martyred, but his brother, John, survived to bear the testimony far and wide for almost 70 more years. “And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). Peter also wrote of the amazing event: “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:17–18).

It is therefore very significant that the word “transfigured” (Greek metamorphoo) is also applied to Christian believers in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [read ‘transfigured’] into the same image from glory to glory.” That is, as we behold the glory of Christ in the mirror of the Scriptures, we ourselves are spiritually being metamorphosed into His own image. The marvelous transformation will be completed when He does come again and “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Double for Your Trouble

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Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.

Isaiah 53:7 (ESV)

Isaiah 61:7 says, Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion (NIV). God can completely restore us—no matter what we’ve done or been through. And He wants to bring us to places that are better than where we would have been if we had never gone through the messes in our lives. He wants to give us double for our trouble! Notice the phrase “instead of your shame.” I had a shame-based nature for many years because of the abuse I experienced from my father. It made me feel like something must be wrong with me for him to do the things he did to me.

But the first thing Jesus gives us through our relationships with Him is righteousness, or “right standing with God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The enemy wants us to think about everything we think is wrong with us. But when we do this, it just gives our problems more strength over us. We need to learn how to “walk by the Spirit,” because then we will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 ESV). This is what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ. And while it’s not always easy, we can do it with God’s help, and I guarantee it will be worth it in the end.

Prayer of the Day: God, You know what I have been through. We have been through it together. While I would be happy with complete restoration, You are a God Who goes above and beyond all I can imagine, so I trust that You will not only restore me, but give me double for my trouble, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Grow in Salvation 

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Play

Are a bride and groom ever more married than they are the first day? The vows are made, the certificate signed—could they be any more married than that?

Imagine fifty years later. They finish each other’s sentences, order each other’s food. They even start looking alike—a thought which troubles my wife, Denalyn, deeply. Wouldn’t they be more married on their 50th anniversary than on their wedding day? Marriage is both a done deal and a daily development.

The same is true of our walk with God. Can you be more saved than you were the first day of your salvation? No. But can a person grow in salvation? Absolutely. Like marriage, it’s a done deal and a daily development. Be secure in your salvation. And at the same time, grow in your salvation.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – John’s Testimony

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Read Revelation 22:6–11

Decades ago, Harvard University purchased a copy of the Magna Carta for $27.50 and put it in storage. The Magna Carta is a historic document from 1215 that helped establish human rights and the rule of law, both of which are foundational to democracy. Last year, Harvard unexpectedly discovered that their copy was one of six rare copies from 1300. How did they know it was genuine? They examined the handwriting, the document’s dimensions, the paper, and other features to verify the discovery.

How would John’s readers know his book was genuinely from the Lord and not just the product of an overheated imagination? An angel told John, “These words are trustworthy and true” (v. 6; Rev. 21:5). God Himself had sent the angel to show John and his readers what “must soon take place.” God is the One who inspired the prophets and indeed all Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). He’s also the One who inspired this apocalypse. No matter how extreme the narrative may sound, everything in this book is as true and trustworthy as the rest of the Bible.

The key theme of Revelation is the imminent return of Christ (v. 7). “Imminent” means that nothing else needs to happen before the rapture of the church. The blessing for obedient readers is also repeated from the start of the book (Rev. 1:3). John validates that the content of the book is indeed what he saw and heard in the visions from God (vv. 8–9). He mentions again how he tried to worship the angelic messenger but was rebuked and told to worship God alone.

This prophecy should not be sealed up (as in Daniel 12:4) but widely proclaimed (vv. 10–11). Why? Because the “time is near.” John lived two thousand years ago, but time is not the same to God as it is to us (2 Peter 3:8–9).

Go Deeper

Indeed the “time is near”! Do we live as if it is? If Christ were to rapture His church tomorrow, what might you do differently today?

Pray with Us

We thank You, Lord, for Your inspired Word that communicates Your truth to us. We believe that what You have spoken to us is “trustworthy and true” (Rev. 22:6).

These words are trustworthy and true.Revelation 22:6

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – You Can Talk to God

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I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my wickedness; I said, “I will confess [all] my transgressions to the LORD”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:5 (AMP)

Our soul can be wounded for many reasons. Sometimes, we are wounded because of things other people have done to us. Sometimes, the wounds come from our own bad choices. Even when we regret past sin or mistakes, the pain they caused will linger if we let it.

Some people who are very strong Christians and walk closely with God today will tell you that they have not always had an intimate relationship with Him. Some of them, like me, have abuse, betrayal, addictions, and other hurtful things in their background. They are healed today because they refused to allow their past to determine their future. I want you to know that no matter what is in your past or how painful it has been, healing is available for you and your future can be better than you ever imagined.

One of the most important steps you can take toward the healing of your soul is to talk to God about what hurts you and confess to Him any sin you have committed. If there is shame or guilt associated with what happened to you (as in the case of victims of abuse or in the case of someone who made a very bad decision that affected others), you may wonder if God really wants to hear about it. I can assure you that He does. First of all, He knows everything about the situation anyway. And second, He understands that acknowledging our wrongdoing helps cleanse it from our soul. There is no one better than God to talk to about the things that have hurt you. You can talk to God about anything, and He will not judge you or be angry or frustrated with you. He loves you more than anyone on earth ever could, and He is the only one with the power to heal your broken heart.

Many people in the Bible sinned and failed. Some of those we think of as being closest to God made bad choices. Abraham got tired of waiting for God to give him a son through Sarah, so he turned to her handmaid instead (Genesis 16:1–4). David lusted after Bathsheba and got her pregnant, then had her husband killed (2 Samuel 11:2–24). But both Abraham and David recovered and went on to do great things for God. James refers to Abraham as “a friend of God” (James 2:23), and the Bible calls David a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

One of the keys of David’s restoration and the great future he enjoyed after his moral failure was his willingness to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. He wrote that God desires truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6 AMP). I encourage you today to talk to God about the things that have hurt you or the ways you have failed in the past, and He will comfort you. You can be restored completely, and I encourage you to believe that with all your heart.

Prayer of the Day: God, I bring You every wound, failure, and regret. Heal my heart, cleanse my soul, and restore my future. I trust Your forgiveness and believe You can make me whole again, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The New Jerusalem

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Read Revelation 22:1–5

In 1997, musician and writer Michael Card released an album Unveiled Hope, based on the book of Revelation. Titles of songs on this album include reminders of themes we’ve encountered in our devotional study this month, such as “To the Overcomers,” “You Are Worthy,” and “The Dragon.” One of my favorite songs is “The New Jerusalem,” drawn from Revelation 21–22.

At the start of Revelation’s final chapter, John recaps and expands his description of the New Jerusalem. In this city, there is a river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne (vv. 1–2). Salvation is a reality we’ll experience fully and always in this place. And not only as individuals: The leaves of the tree of life will bring about the “healing of the nations.” That tree, last seen in Eden, will bear fruit monthly.

The curse (Genesis 3) and the realities of the fallen world we live in today will be utterly gone (vv.  3–4). God will dwell directly with His people, with no barriers in between. We’ll “see his face.” Fellowship with Him will be intimate and unhindered. We as His servants will serve (also translated “worship”) Him, meaning in part that we’ll have meaningful things to do—as opposed to the stereotype that we’ll be sitting around on clouds strumming harps. His name will be on our foreheads, graciously marking us as members of His eternal family. The 144,000 Jewish evangelists similarly will have the Father’s and Lamb’s names written on their foreheads (Rev. 14:1).

In the heavenly New Jerusalem, there will be no darkness or night (v. 5). God will provide the light, and there will be no need for the sun or even for lamps. There we’ll reign forever with Christ. This is the ultimate “And they lived happily ever after”!

Go Deeper

Understanding that this question is speculative, what do you think are some of the activities we might do in heaven? (Besides singing, which is clearly shown in Revelation.)

Pray with Us

Father, as we think about a future with You in heaven, help us to be encouraged as we live in the world. When we feel the effects of sin, remind us of the hope of Your glory!

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city.Revelation 22:3

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Tears and Hope

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My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. Isaiah 55:8

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 55:6-13

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Today’s Devotion

Although it was Palm Sunday, a day to celebrate the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, for Mary Edwar it became a time of deep pain. Leaving their church after the service, she and her husband, Kareem, were holding hands when a bomb went off. The device killed Kareem and injured Mary, causing her to miscarry.

While Mary recuperated, she felt furious while grieving for her husband and child. But somehow reading the Bible calmed “the volcano inside her.” In particular, when she struggled to comprehend why God allowed the atrocity, Isaiah 55:9 helped: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” As she understood that God extends grace even when He’s dishonored, she felt soothed by His Spirit.

Mary considered Isaiah’s message from God to His wayward people. While calling them back to Himself, God sought to expand their understanding of His merciful character. Even as the heavens are “higher than” the earth, so were God’s ways “higher than” theirs (v. 9). So too will God show love and grace, more than they could imagine.

While grieving deeply, Mary was stunned to receive God’s gift of peace. She welcomed Jesus’ consoling love, which He poured out in the events that we mark during Holy Week. He’s eager to give us His peace too; we need only to look to Him.

Reflect & Pray

How does reflecting on God’s loving nature help you? How have you found peace when reading the Bible?

 

Creator God, You cherish me. Even when I’m wracked with pain and doubt, you provide hope and love.

 

Today’s Insights

Isaiah 55 begins with a divine invitation: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (v. 1). God will expound on this imagery of life-giving water in verses 10-11 as He compares His very words to His method of caring for creation: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, . . . so is my word that goes out from my mouth.” Precipitation brings life to the earth; God’s words give life to our spirits. Even in times of grief and doubt, God gives us His peace: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (v. 12).

 

Find love and peace in the practice of lament.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – What is Critical Race Theory and is it biblical?

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In simple terms, Critical Race Theory (CRT) says America still possesses racism that’s at least partially hidden, but still serious. Some level of racism lurks in how we as Americans define what is “normal” in the criminal justice system, in laws, in all levels of education, etc.

Put another way, CRT says that American institutions (i.e., government, education, media, criminal justice system), social norms (i.e., what clothes to wear, how to speak, etiquette, etc.), and many widely held beliefs (i.e., religion, patriotism, philosophies) are corrupted by obscured yet widespread racism.

CRT’s goal is equitable outcomes between races and comprehensive liberation for all minorities.

Interestingly, what this liberation should look like and other fundamental questions, are often left unanswered by CRT. As a theory, CRT primarily critiques other theories while offering few positive values or beliefs. It prioritizes action and results over ideals.

Kimberlé Crenshaw, a CRT legal scholar and the one who coined the term CRT, once remarked that CRT is like a verb in nature, since it is dynamic and action-oriented. According to CRT, there is no such thing as “neutral” scholarship or “neutral” theories; scholarship always includes social influences, motivations, and biases.

Continue reading Denison Forum – What is Critical Race Theory and is it biblical? →