Tag Archives: Joy

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Destroying the Devil’s Works

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“But if you keep on sinning, it shows that you belong to Satan, who since he first began to sin has kept steadily at it. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

A young Christian came to inquire of me one day, “How do you account for the fact that so many Christian leaders, many of them famous personalities, pastors and heads of Christian organizations are involved in moral and financial scandals?”

He named several well-known pastors and Christian leaders to illustrate his point.

Sadly I acknowledged his statement to be true. It seems there is an all-out attack of Satan to destroy the credibility of the Christian message. My explanation to him was that our Lord and the apostle Paul dealt with the same problem because, even though the disciples had been with the Lord Jesus three years or more, Judas betrayed Him and the others deserted Him.

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Ray Stedman

Ray Stedman – Nature or Nurture?

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Read: Leviticus 12

The Lord said to Moses, Say to the Israelites: A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. Lev 12:1-3

That text certainly reminds us of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. In fact, that Baby came into the world to deal with the very problem which made this chapter necessary. God is not against childbirth, nor against babies. Nor is human birth essentially an inherently unclean event. There is nothing wrong with birth, nor with sex. But these requirements were given to the people of God in order that we might remember a most basic and fundamental fact: that since the fall of Adam every human being born into this world is born into a fallen race.

There is no way by which man in his natural condition is ever going to be able to solve the basic, fundamental problems of human relationships. We are born into a condition that is tainted and twisted. Someone has thrown a monkey wrench into the human machinery, right at the very beginning, and it simply doesn’t operate as God intended. God impresses this upon his people by this restriction, this reminder that something connected with birth is unclean. The fact that a mother was unclean for a week after the birth of a male child (two weeks for a female child), and that she had to go through another thirty-three days of purifying after that, provided an opportunity for her and her whole family to be reminded forcefully that the baby was born with a tainted nature. The circumcision of the male baby was an additional reminder that something needs to be removed from the life inherited from Adam.

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Words of Hope

Words of Hope – Daily Devotional – Betrayed

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Read: Mark 14:1-11

And he sought an opportunity to betray him. (v. 11)

“Why did Jesus choose Judas as a disciple if he knew Judas would betray him?” That was the question a man asked me one evening as I sat by a campfire while on vacation. So I broke out of vacation mode long enough to engage some theology, to suggest that it’s possible Jesus did not necessarily know right away that Judas would turn on him. The man who asked the question didn’t care for that answer—he wanted an omniscient Jesus, not a human Jesus who learned as he went on in life like normal human beings do.

In any event, what was up with Judas? What made Judas turn? Was it just being unhappy that Jesus commended the extravagant “waste” of money when this woman poured perfume onto Jesus’ head? Did even Judas know why he did it? Was his kiss of betrayal itself a mark of how confused Judas was? Even when betraying Jesus, Judas still gave him a sign of love.

Mark does not tell us this but the other Gospels indicate Judas killed himself in regret over what he had done. Was that merely remorse, or was there some repentance mixed in? And if Judas repented, could Jesus have forgiven him, the way he did Peter? We don’t know, but I would like to think so. That’s just the kind of thing you’d expect Jesus to do.

Prayer:

Forgive us when we too, Lord, betray and deny you.

Author: Scott Hoezee

https://woh.org/

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; – Immigrant Love

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A look back into history reveals America has always been a land of immigration. From those crossing over the ice bridge connecting Asia to North America, to Europeans crossing oceans in fifteenth-century sailing vessels, to the French and Spanish settlements eventually being bumped for the English and Dutch. Just prior to the American Revolution, this great land was already a medley of those willing to risk it all to stake a claim of freedom.

That our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good.

II Thessalonians 1:11

Today, the United States remains a land filled with people from different cultures and varied backgrounds – but all have the same need. Jesus is the only One who can bring them freedom from their sin and place them on course to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives…and His will for you is to give them every opportunity to know Him.

Ask the Lord to use you, as an ambassador compelled by the exhortation of today’s verse, to share His truth with individuals and families around you of every race and creed. Pray for the nation’s leaders to know Him as well…and for the country’s future immigrants to encounter God’s people and know His love.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 25:34-40

http://www.presidentialprayerteam.com/index.php

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Why the Cross?

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“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”—1 Corinthians 1:18

A true story was reported about a couple that was visiting a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

That is what so many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense, one that will look cool with their outfits. But if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome.

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Kids 4 Truth

 Kids 4 Truth International – God Is Magnified When We Use Our Mouths for Him

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“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

What does it mean to speak “as the oracles of God”? Some Bible translations use the word “utterances.” Basically this verse is talking about what ought to be true of our speech whenever something comes out of our mouths. You may not be a preacher standing in a pulpit. You may not be a teacher standing at a chalkboard. But did you know that every believer has, in a sense, a duty to be a “mouthpiece” of God?

These days, God does not give us new revelation outside of the Bible. He has already spoken to us through His written Word, and through His Son, the Living Word. So, if we are true believers, our words ought to be affected by His already-given Word. Our words should reflect the impact that God’s Word has had on our lives. Our words should be in keeping with what God would want us to say. And our words should not go against His Word.

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The Navigators

The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – Motivating Reverence

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Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19:9

“The fear of the Lord is clean.”

I find myself motivated to obedience by a deep sense of reverence for God. When Joseph was tempted to immorality by Potiphar’s wife, his response was, “how then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9, NIV). He didn’t calculate the possible wrath of Potiphar or the forfeiture of God’s blessing, but was motivated by reverence for God. He obeyed a sovereign, holy God, even though God had allowed him to be sold into slavery by his own brothers.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:1, “since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (NIV). These promises he mentioned were God’s promises to be our Father and to make us his sons and daughters (6:18). Philip Hughes commented on this passage, “The logical consequence of possessing such promises is that Christ’s followers should make a complete break with every form of unhealthy compromise.” Here again, promises come before duty, and duty flows out of a heartfelt response to the promises of God.

Continue reading The Navigators – Jerry Bridges – Holiness Day by Day Devotional – Motivating Reverence →

The Navigators

The Navigators – Leroy Eims – Daily Discipleship Devotional – Fruit of the Vine

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Today’s Scripture: Hosea 9-11

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:8

There is a description of God’s people in Hosea 10:1 that is truly tragic. The Lord said, “Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself” (KJV). The word empty in the original Hebrew means “luxuriant, spread out, full of leaves,” but void of fruit to the glory of God. Instead it is filled with that which glorifies and pleases self. What a picture! Here are a people who claim a relationship with God, but the entire focus of their lives is on themselves.

The tragedy revealed in today’s passage is that God expected His people to bear fruit to His glory. Instead, they lived completely for themselves. In Romans 14:7-8, Paul presents the attitude we should have: “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Continue reading The Navigators – Leroy Eims – Daily Discipleship Devotional – Fruit of the Vine →

BreakPoint

BreakPoint –  Rethinking Smart: Intelligence is Not a Number

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If you’re a parent like I am, chances are that during at least one late-night homework assignment you heard those frustrating words: “I’m just not smart enough to do this!”

It’s not hard to see how students, not to mention parents and even teachers, get this fatalistic notion about what it means to be intelligent. So much of what we call education—from classes centered on memorization, regurgitation of facts and passing tests, to forcing kids to sit still at desks for hours—favors a certain kind of student while leaving others floundering.

For example, IQ, or “intelligence quotient,” is a single number used to express how well individuals perform on a series of questions and puzzles. If you score higher than 140, you’re allegedly an Einsteinian genius. If you score lower than 75—well.

But a 2012 study of more than 100,000 people—the largest to date—suggested that IQ alone is a poor indicator of overall intelligence. Instead, abilities like short-term memory, reasoning, and verbal agility—all governed by separate brain “circuits”—together comprise that illusive quality we call “being smart.”

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Moody Global Ministries

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – CALLED TO A HOLY LIFE

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Read 2 Timothy 1:3-14

For the past week we’ve been examining what it means to know that we are alive in Christ. Our passage today brings together many of the themes we’ve seen in our study so far: first, being moved from death to life is a work that only God can do—we cannot do it for ourselves. Second, life in Christ transforms us completely, from our internal perspectives to our external actions. Third, our life in Christ is accompanied by purpose—being alive in Christ allows us to serve others and glorify God.

Paul wrote this letter that we’re reading today to his spiritual son Timothy while imprisoned in Rome. This is the last letter from Paul that we have recorded in Scripture and likely one of the last he wrote before his execution. Though the Bible does not tell us about Paul’s death, historians and church tradition have concluded that shortly after he wrote this letter, Paul was killed by the emperor Nero as part of his wide- ranging persecution of Christians.

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Denison Forum

Denison Forum – ARE ‘BATHROOM BILL’ BOYCOTTS HYPOCRITICAL?

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As the world knows, Bruce Springsteen recently cancelled his concert in Greensboro, North Carolina to protest the state’s so-called “bathroom bill.” He stated that he wants to join the “fight against prejudice and bigotry” and claims that cancelling his concert is “the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.” (For more, see Janet Denison’s Springsteen and Van Zandt’s Ideas About Morality.)

However, Springsteen is planning to perform in Italy this July, where same-sex marriage is illegal. He operates under the Sony label, which does business in Russia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—all of which prohibit same-sex marriage. In fact, the UAE prohibits all homosexual activity as illegal.

Bryan Adams cancelled tonight’s concert in Mississippi because of its LGBTQ laws. However, he played in Egypt last month, where gay people routinely face persecution. He has played in Syria, Qatar, and the UAE, where same-sex relations are illegal.

Starbucks has asked the North Carolina governor to repeal its “bathroom bill.” However, the company does significant business in China and the Asia-Pacific region, with fourth-quarter revenue of $652.2 million. China’s marriage law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman; the government forbids same-sex couples from adopting children.

Continue reading Denison Forum – ARE ‘BATHROOM BILL’ BOYCOTTS HYPOCRITICAL? →

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Believer’s Task

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Romans 12:6-8

Christians sometimes misunderstand the gift of salvation. It is not given, as some believe, for the purpose of making our lives happy, easy, and “smooth-sailing” (in fact, verses such as James 1:2-4 indicate trouble can be expected in this life).

Instead, our heavenly Father has a number of other reasons for redeeming us. In addition to being able to express His great love, He also wants to be glorified through the lives of His children. This happens as His followers become increasingly conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29), make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19), and do the good works He created us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” The Father blesses each of us with abilities and circumstances that enable us to do His work—He planned all this even before we were born. In addition, when we are saved, He gives us spiritual gifts that perfectly fit His purpose for our lives.

The Lord wants us to discover our unique talents and spiritual gifts so that we will be able to use them for His glory. That is the only way we will find genuine joy and fulfillment in this world.

Are you serving Christ in a way that utilizes the gifts you have been given? If you need guidance to discover your areas of strength, you might benefit from taking a spiritual giftedness inventory test. Inquire at your church or check online for an evaluation tool.

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 1-2

 

http://www.intouch.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Heart Check

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Read: Luke 12:22-34

Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 12:1-31

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Luke 12:34

When commuting into Chicago on the train, I always followed the “unwritten codes of conduct”—such as, no conversations with people sitting next to you if you don’t know them. That was tough on a guy like me who has never met a stranger. I love talking to new people! Although I kept the code of silence, I realized that you can still learn something about people based on the section of the newspaper they read. So I’d watch to see what they turned to first: The business section? Sports? Politics? Current events? Their choices revealed their interests.

Our choices are always revealing. Of course, God doesn’t need to wait to see our choices in order for Him to know what’s in our hearts. But the things that occupy our time and attention are telling. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Regardless of what we want Him to think of us, the true condition of our heart becomes clear based on how we use our time, our money, and our talents. When we invest these resources in the things He cares about, then it reveals that our hearts are in tune with His.

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Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Show Us the Father

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Above the massive statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C. is the inscription: “In this Temple, as in the hearts of the people, for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” The seated figure is 19 feet tall, carved from 28 blocks of white marble. To stand in front of the giant sculpture is no doubt to catch a glimpse of the nation’s respect for the man and his important place in American history.

As in many cultures, a statue carved in someone’s image is an honor bestowed upon the one engraved in stone. A portrait painted in someone’s likeness is intended to be a distinguishing tribute to the life captured in color. And yet, in ancient near eastern writ is the repeated warning never to do the same with God. In the ancient words of the Hebrew Bible, the one who would hold our highest esteem, has cautioned against even attempting to make such images because even the best of our imagination will lead us astray. “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols” (Isaiah 42:8). Whether in finest metal or costly stone, to create a graven image of God would only reduce this God.

A prayer by C.S. Lewis captures a similar idea in more modern terms, suggesting that not all graven images are of stone and gold. The poem is titled “The Apologist’s Evening Prayer” and is a potent glimpse at what we might call thoughtful idols. Writes Lewis:

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John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Being Filled with Mercy

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“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

Mercy is a characteristic of true believers.

Like the other beatitudes, Matthew 5:7 contains a twofold message: to enter the kingdom you must seek mercy. Once there, you must show mercy to others.

The thought of showing mercy probably surprised Christ’s audience because both the Jews and the Romans tended to be merciless. The Romans exalted justice, courage, discipline, and power. To them mercy was a sign of weakness. For example, if a Roman father wanted his newborn child to live, he simply held his thumb up; if he wanted it to die, he held his thumb down.

Jesus repeatedly rebuked the Jewish religious leaders for their egotistical, self-righteous, and condemning attitudes. They were intolerant of anyone who failed to live by their traditions. They even withheld financial support from their own needy parents (Matt. 15:3-9).

Like the people of Jesus’ time, many people today also lack mercy. Some are outright cruel and unkind, but most are so consumed with their quest for self-gratification that they simply neglect others.

Continue reading John MacArthur – Being Filled with Mercy →

Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Seeing the Face of Jesus 

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No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4

In the south we like to say, “Good to see you.” It’s beyond a friendly greeting, because it’s much better to look into someone’s eyes—see their soul and feel their heart. Even technology allows us to FaceTime two friendly faces, so we might better bridge the impersonal feel from a geographic chasm of what can be several hundred miles. Face to face interactions grow trust, deepen intimacy, influence decisions and increase understanding of one another. Face to face encounters are “God moments” to reflect a face of faith, hope, comfort and love. Face time is faith time.

Because of our earth bound limitations and imperfect perceptions, our mortality encounters an unclear face of Christ. We enjoy glimpses of His glory in rapturous worship and intimate prayer. We see the outline of His countenance in the unselfish service of one of His choice servants, who quietly gives expecting nothing but praise to God in return. But the beloved John lifts our spirits in his Holy Spirit inspired description of our eventual return to Eden, restored to its original intent of purity and perfection. The face of Jesus lights up the eternal city with His illuminating love!

“Anyone who has seen me [Jesus] has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me” (John 14:9-10)?

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Turning Point

Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – God’s Deepest Work

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Concerning this [thorn] I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

2 Corinthians 12:8

Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 12:1-10

One of the most profound insights the apostle Paul had may have been the result of some people who were making life difficult for him. There were false apostles at Corinth who sought to discredit Paul’s ministry. Some scholars believe these were the “thorn in the flesh” Paul asked God to remove from him (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). He was in danger of pride over the divine revelations he had received (12:1-7). The “false apostles” (11:13-15) attacking him may have been God’s method to keep Paul humble.

Continue reading Today’s Turning Point with David Jeremiah – God’s Deepest Work →

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Sufficient Grace

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…My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.… —2 Corinthians 12:9

Do you ever wonder why God does not always deliver you from your bondage and problems immediately? The reason is because only the Lord knows everything that needs to be done in the lives of His children—and the perfect timing for it to be done.

You are not always delivered from your distress at the precise moment you call on the name of the Lord. Sometimes you must endure for a while, be patient and continue in faith. Thank God, during those times in which the Lord decides for whatever reason not to deliver you right away, He always gives the grace and strength you need to press on toward eventual victory.

From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Girlfriends in God

Girlfriends in God – When You’ve Failed and Bailed

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Friend to Friend

I just love Moses. I can relate to him on so many levels.

For about forty years, he thought he was an Egyptian…the son of the Pharaoh’s daughter. But somehow he discovered that he was NOT an Egyptian after all. He was a Hebrew, the son of a slave woman. . . and that changed everything.

Moses had a mid-life crisis and came up with a plan to save his true people from Egyptian slavery. God did not call him to this plan. He came up with it all on his own. (Red flag for all of us.)

One day Moses was walking among his people and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Glancing first one way and then another to make sure no one was looking, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. One down. Several million to go. Moses was working the plan.

Continue reading Girlfriends in God – When You’ve Failed and Bailed →

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Inner Strengthening 

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“That out of His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you the mighty inner strengthening of His Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16).

In Christ are all the attributes and characteristics promised to His children as the fruit of the Spirit. And the Holy Spirit was given to glorify Christ.

  • Do you need love?

The Lord Jesus Christ is the incarnation of love. Paul prays that our roots may “go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep and how high His love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves (though it is so great that you will never see the end of it, or fully know or understand it”) (Ephesians 3:17-19).

  • Do you need peace?

Christ is the “Prince of Peace.” “I am leaving you with a gift,” said Jesus, “peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives” (John 14:27).

  • Do you need joy?

Christ is joy.

  • Do you need patience?

Continue reading Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Inner Strengthening  →