Tag Archives: love

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Dare to Think the Unthinkable 

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Dare we think the unthinkable? That God will hear our prayers, that he will listen when we speak? If you were to pray a faith-empowered prayer, what would you say? Then say it! Let faith fuel your prayers. And let prayers put starch in your faith.

Will God give you what you request? Yes, he will. He may do so in a different form than you ask for or a different time frame than you prefer, but “it is [Jesus] who is the ‘Yes’ to all of God’s promises” (2 Corinthians 1:20 GNT).

Let’s renew our commitment to unreasonable, unquenchable, unthinkable prayer.  Let’s ask God to resurrect hope that has perished and dreams that are buried.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Tight Rein

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Read James 1:19–27

The authorship of James is typically attributed to Jesus’ half-brother. This epistle was likely written soon after Pentecost (as early as AD 35). It may even be the earliest New Testament document. James is writing to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (James 1:1)— Jews who believed in Jesus as the Messiah and had left Jerusalem, possibly due to persecution. They had a foundation of faith but were lacking maturity. So James was writing to teach them how to live out their Christian commitment under difficult circumstances. A thesis statement for the book could be “faith without works is dead” (2:17).

James frequently references the teaching of Jesus. In The Moody Bible Commentary, John F. Hart notes 24 specific parallels with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Most relevant to our study, almost every chapter of James includes lessons on communication.

Today’s passage opens with three directives: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (v. 19). Christlike communication begins with careful, humble listening, which leads to measured responses and tames tempers. Uncontrolled anger, wrote James, can be a significant barrier to our growth and sanctification (v. 20).

James calls on his readers to listen to the Word of God (v. 22)—but not as passive hearers. Rather, James demands an active listening that results in obedience. James uses the simile of a person who looks in a mirror and ignores his reflection to describe someone who hears God’s Word but does not obey (vv. 23–24). By contrast, the person who studies the Word and changes accordingly will enjoy reward (v. 25). Finally, James boldly declares the religion of his readers “worthless” if it does not result in self-control in their speech and compassion for the needy (vv. 26–27).

Go Deeper

Watch this interview as our author Kelli Worrall describes the power of our words and why we need to keep a tight reign on them.

Pray with Us

Lord, it is not always easy to be quick to listen and slow to speak and become angry. When we are struggling, please give us self-control. We want to reflect You well.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.James 1:26

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Taming the Tongue

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Read James 3:3–10

When I teach creative writing, I read the entire book of James out loud to my college students. I give them each a printed copy of the text to follow along. While they listen, I ask them to circle every example of imagery they hear. This keeps them busy. James is full of striking metaphors, similes, and descriptions.

Chapter 3 is another good example of this. Here, James challenged his readers with the power of their communication. Using the metaphors of a bit in the mouth of a horse (v. 3), the small rudder on a great ship (v. 4), and a spark which can start a raging fire (v. 5), James describes how something very small like our tongue can have enormous and far-reaching consequences.

When James used “tongue” in this passage, he is using another figure of speech called a metonymy. One word is substituted for a concept with which it is closely associated. Typically, a concrete object stands in for a more abstract idea. The “tongue” represents not just the physical organ, but our human capacity for verbal expression. Communication shapes our relationships, creates culture, and even affects eternity.

James spends time developing his image of the tongue as a fire—with uncontrollable potential (vv. 6–8). Words, once expressed, cannot be reversed. And their effects often spread far beyond our intent. James intensified the warning by calling the tongue a “restless evil” and “full of deadly poison” (v. 8). Language is a primary vehicle through which sin is expressed. In verses 9–10, James confronted the most piercing contradiction. With the same tongue, Christ followers praised God—and cursed other human beings. James rebukes his audience for such behavior.

Go Deeper

Once again, James hits close to home for most of us. Is your speech consistent with your theology? Check your speech for both blessing and cursing.

Pray with Us

How it must grieve Your Spirit when we worship you but tear each other down with our tongues! We are sorry that we do not always cherish the people You have made in Your own image.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.James 3:5

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Trust

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NEW!Listen Now

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:3-5

The digital age has brought us cars with built-in navigation systems and phones with maps powered by GPS satellites. We also have the option of riding in self-driving cars! Making the transition from depending on our own skills to trusting computerized devices can be challenging.

The same can be said when it comes to navigating through life. Before becoming a Christian, we trusted in our own skills, instincts, and decisions to make our way. But once we enter into a relationship with God, we find a different strategy is recommended—the strategy of trust. When we are driving and using a computerized map, we might question directions we are given based on traffic or construction delays. We might even ignore the directions and go our own way. But Solomon warned against such a strategy for life. Against our natural inclinations, we are told to “trust in the Lord with all [our] heart, and lean not on [our] own understanding; in all [our] ways acknowledge Him.”

If you need direction for your future, depend on God’s instructions instead of your own; let Him direct your path.

Doubt breeds distress but trust means joy in the long run. 
Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Where God Reigns

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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Today’s Scripture

James 4:1-10

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Today’s Devotion

In 2018, a man checked into a room at New York hotel for a one-night stay. Remarkably, he used the room for five years without paying another cent—exploiting obscure rent laws to hold on to it. His refusal to leave, however, eventually led to potential prison time for him.

Like an unwelcome tenant who overstays, James warns us that the devil lingers in our lives when left unchecked. “Resist the devil,” James writes, “and he will flee from you” (4:7). The apostle emphasizes that our struggles often come from impure “desires” and “wrong motives” (vv. 1, 3)—things like pride, divided loyalties, and impure thoughts residing in our hearts. To counter such temptation, James offers two commands: “submit . . . to God” and “resist the devil” (v. 7). To submit means surrendering every part of our lives to God. Resisting the devil is equally active, requiring prayer, vigilance, and the wisdom of Scripture.

Like a landlord evicting an unlawful tenant, in God’s strength we can refuse to let the temptation of the devil overtake us. As we resist him, God promises victory as James asserts, “He will flee from you” (v. 7).

When we evict sin and the devil’s influence and “come near to God” (v. 8), we allow His peace, joy, and purpose to dwell more fully in us. The enemy can’t stay where God reigns!

Reflect & Pray

What can you do to remove “unwelcome tenants” from your life? How does submitting to God help?

Sovereign God, please help me surrender every part of my life to You so I can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

Today’s Insights

In addition to the admonitions of Peter (1 Peter 5:8) and James (James 4:7) regarding spiritual vigilance in resisting temptation, Paul also had something to say about it. After noting how the Israelites had succumbed to temptation in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-11), he warned the Corinthians: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful . . . . When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (vv. 12-13). The apostle lists two examples of how the “way out” can sometimes involve fleeing. He says we’re to “flee from idolatry” (v. 14) and “sexual immorality” (6:18). The Holy Spirit helps us to stand firm against the enemy.

Read further to understand how a boy who grew up in the church moved from Hidden sin to honest surrender: From Hidden Sin to Honest Surrender.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Flash floods and wildfires

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A reflection on meteorology and eternity

Forty-seven American tourists are missing today following flash flooding that occurred at 8:30 a.m. local time in Nepal. They are among a “preliminary” toll of at least 341 missing people, according to a statement by the Nepal Tourism Board.

In other weather news, a wildfire west of Fort Worth, Texas, has burned eighty thousand acres at this writing and is only 12 percent contained. I have been watching it closely because it is close to a chapel our ministry supports, and that is close to my heart.

Mark Twain noted, “Climate is what we expect; weather is what we get.” He is often credited as well with the observation, “Everyone complains about the weather, but nobody ever seems to do anything about it.”

I am writing today to complain about the weather, and to decide what to do about it as well.

Meteorology and my morning walk

My morning walk was impaired today by meteorologists. I consulted the Weather Channel app, the AccuWeather app, and the app from our local news station. All were in adamant agreement that it would begin raining in forty-five minutes. So I altered my routine, got outside in the dark, and shortened my walk by half. Of course, not a drop of rain fell this morning.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Flash floods and wildfires →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Hunger for Truth

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 O LORD, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. 

—Psalm 140:1–2

Scripture:

Psalm 140:1–2 

There’s an old saying that goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” David’s words in Psalm 140 offer compelling evidence of that. David begins the psalm with these words: “O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long” (verses 1–2 NLT).

“Stirring up trouble all day long” is practically a job description for the influencers, trolls, and others who crowd onto modern social media platforms. No gossip is too salacious, no accusation is too offensive for them to reframe for their own purposes, comment on, and spread to others.

Like David, we are living in a wicked, vicious time. People today have an unhealthy appetite for gossip and slander—anything that makes others look bad. Once upon a time, this was known as a “tabloid mentality.” But the kind of stuff that once could be found only in supermarket tabloids has spread throughout the ranks of journalism and broadcast media. Hard news has been replaced by attacking partisan commentary. Everyone wants the dirt, especially on those they oppose. Social media has accelerated the decline in journalistic and personal integrity. Civility, courtesy, and empathy seem to be nearing extinction.

Take away the technology, and you have a culture that would have been recognizable to David. The “evil people” he referred to in Psalm 140:1 had initiated a carefully planned campaign of slander and lies against him, and it was proving to be effective. You’ve heard the expression, “Good news travels fast.” I suggest to you that bad news travels even faster. It’s been said that a lie is halfway around the world while truth is still putting on its shoes. There’s something about a falsehood that causes it to spread like a wildfire.

James knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3:6 NLT).

David understood what our response should be to the trouble that people stir up. In Psalm 25:4–5, he wrote, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you” (NLT).

As believers, we must reject the lies of the world and learn everything we can about God’s truth. We must ask God to lead us, to help us resist the temptation to fight fire with fire when people stir up trouble.

We need never concern ourselves about people’s reactions when we’re walking in God’s truth.

 

Reflection question: What would focusing on God’s truth look like in your life?

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Always

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

A favorite old song of many senior citizens (of this writer, at least) is the sentimental “I’ll Be Loving You—Always” ballad written long ago by Irving Berlin. The sincerity of some who sing it may be questioned, but the many “always” promises of the Bible really mean it. Consider a few of these precious promises.

The apostle Paul urges believers to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). And to the same Corinthian church he later wrote, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Then there is that other tremendous promise in the same epistle: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). The greatest such promise is that in our text, when the Lord Jesus Christ Himself promised that “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

There are also a number of very important exhortations in the Scriptures involving an “always” type of commitment. For example, Jesus said “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). That is, never give up praying just because the answer seems a long time coming. Furthermore, Paul says that we should be “giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Then, we are to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Finally, there is the command to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – How to Keep Your Passion for Jesus Alive

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So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!

Revelation 3:16 (AMPC)

When our relationship with Jesus is new, it is often filled with passion and enthusiasm, but it is possible as time goes by to let it become commonplace and dull. That is a serious mistake!

We should keep ourselves stirred up and not allow ourselves to become so familiar with the amazing things that God does for us that we are no longer enthusiastic about them. Once I recall asking God, “Why don’t You do the exciting things in my life that You once did?” and He said, “I still do the same things, but you have become accustomed to them and are no longer amazed!” Let’s not be lukewarm but instead let’s keep our passion for Jesus.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, please don’t let familiarity steal my passion for You, because I definitely want to be intimately familiar with You. Help me stay amazed by the amazing work You are doing in my life and keep my enthusiasm for You burning bright, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Hit Your Knees 

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When the child of Elijah’s friend died, the prophet prayed for the boy. “And God listened to Elijah’s prayer…Elijah picked the boy up, carried him downstairs from the loft, and gave him to his mother. ‘Here’s your son,’ said Elijah, ‘alive!’” 1 Kings 17:22-23 MSG).

The power of praying it through. Elijah believed in it. Jesus taught it. He told his followers “that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit” (Luke 18:1 MSG). Take the dead and dying portions of your life—the vigor that has faded, the faith that has dwindled—and lay them before the Lord. And next to them place our society, which seems sicker day by day.

The theologian Samuel Taylor Coleridge called prayer “the greatest achievement of the Christian’s warfare upon earth.” If you want to take a stand against the enemy, hit your knees.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – God Has Spoken

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Read Hebrews 1:1–4

In Matthew 21:33–44, Jesus told this parable: A landowner leased his vineyard to several tenants. When he sent his servants to retrieve his produce, the tenants killed them. When the landowner sent a larger group of servants to complete the errand, the tenants killed them as well. Finally, the landowner sent his own son. However, the tenants saw in the son an even greater opportunity. They killed him, seeking his inheritance.

The servants in the parable were the prophets, sent by God and rejected by the Jewish leaders. The son represented Jesus—God’s ultimate messenger. Through this parable, Jesus demonstrated God’s persistent communication with Israel, despite their objections. Hebrews also opens with a clear declaration of divine communication: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (vv. 1–2). God has always communicated with His people through different methods.

The “but” in verse 2 does not indicate a contrast, but rather the continuation and climax of God’s communication. Jesus’ arrival was the fulfillment of the prophets’ messages, and He was a superior revelation for many reasons. He was the divinely appointed “heir of all things” (v. 2b). No prophet could claim such an inheritance. He was also the Creator of the universe, while the prophets were among the created beings (v. 2c). Jesus radiated God’s glory and was “the exact representation of his being” (v. 3a). Divine communication was no longer shadowed or indirect. To see the Son was to know the Father. Jesus was also the ultimate revelation because He alone provided the atonement for our sins (v. 3b). He alone returned to the right hand of God on high. And He alone was superior to the angels (v. 4).

Go Deeper

In what ways has God communicated to people? What are ways we can hear God’s voice today?

Pray with Us

We stand in awe at the gift of Your Son, Father God. May we never take Your sacrifice for granted. We praise Your holy name!

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.Hebrews 1:1–2

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Be a Blessing

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NEW!Listen Now

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 15:27

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

The apostle Paul had appointed his young protégé Timothy to oversee the growing church in Ephesus. As a large, sophisticated, commercial center, Ephesus no doubt had a sizable population of wealthy people. That fact prompted Paul to write Timothy a lengthy passage about the dangers of pursuing wealth as a source of contentment or godliness and instructions for what wealthy people should do with their money (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19).

Solomon wrote that pursuing riches for the sake of gain alone would bring trouble into one’s life. And Paul wrote Timothy the same thing: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Note that it is not money but the love of money that brings sorrow. What should wealthy people do instead? “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (verse 18). Instead of being greedy, be generous.

To the degree God has blessed you, look for ways to be a blessing to others (2 Corinthians 8:11-12).

It is the best riches not to desire riches.
Thomas Brooks

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Power of Consistent Prayer

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Three times a day [Daniel] got down on his knees, and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Today’s Scripture

Daniel 6:3-7, 9-11

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Today’s Devotion

Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington encouraged a group of young actors to begin each day with prayer, suggesting they “put your shoes way under the bed at night” to ensure they “gotta get on your knees in the morning.”

Developing a regular habit of prayer might take some thoughtful and even creative planning, but it’s a practice that has sustained God’s people throughout history—especially in difficult times. We see this in the life of Daniel, who served in King Darius’ administration. He quickly distinguished himself as the top government advisor, which angered local officials (Daniel 6:3). Out of jealousy they plotted to oust the prophet, but quickly realized the only charge that would stick was related to Daniel’s devotion to the “the law of his God” (v. 5). Even after the officials tricked the king into making it illegal for Daniel to pray, Daniel still “got down on his knees, and prayed . . . just as he had done before” (v. 10).

A consistent prayer life was essential for Daniel to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace (Psalm 29:11). It helped him to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy him. In the same way, establishing a regular time to meet with God in prayer and making it a daily priority can help cultivate our relationship with Him. During each difficulty we face, it’s His strength that will sustain us.

Reflect & Pray

How has a regular pattern of prayer sustained you in difficulty? What example of prayer in the Bible encourages you?

Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning.

Prayer is all about spending time with the one we love, Father God. To understand more about the joy of prayer listen to this video devotion: Luke 6:12 – A Master Class In Prayer| Our Daily Bread

Today’s Insights

Luke’s gospel includes snapshots of Jesus’ prayer life. As the news of His ministry spread, He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16). Prior to the selection of the twelve apostles, He “went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (6:12). And as was the case with Daniel, prayer was a prelude to a severe trial (Daniel 6:6-10). Before Christ faced the cross, He agonized in prayer in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:39-46). Being faithful in prayer cultivates our relationship with God, strengthens our soul, and helps us to be at peace during trials.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Is gambling the next pornography?

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In August of 1996, I headed off to college as a freshman with a “hi-tech” word processor in tow and little awareness or understanding of the Internet, much less access to it. Equally, I was largely unaware of or affected by the temptation of pornography. Sure, I knew of magazines or movies containing such material, but thankfully, I had limited access to it and was too embarrassed to even try.

Unfortunately, by the time I graduated four years later, I was stuck in a hidden addiction to pornography. Though shame told me otherwise, a majority of my generation was, in retrospect, in the same predicament.

A pattern of addiction

Humanity’s struggle with lust and pornography is just about as old as time. Sexual temptation has seemingly affected each generation within every culture.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Is gambling the next pornography? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Never Alone

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 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 

—Psalm 139:7–10

Scripture:

Psalm 139:7–10 

One of God’s perfections is His omnipresence. He is present everywhere all the time. The psalmist captured the essence and implications of God’s omnipresence when he wrote, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me” (Psalm 139:7–10 NLT).

If we extend that line of reasoning, it’s not hard to see that the omnipresence of God can be comforting or frightening, depending on your perspective. If you’re not right with God and you’re trying to get away from Him, His omnipresence creates a huge obstacle. The Old Testament prophet Jonah could testify to that.

God gave Jonah an assignment that Jonah found distasteful. The Lord wanted Jonah to warn the Ninevites that His judgment was coming if they didn’t repent. Jonah balked at the mission because the Ninevites were the enemies of Israel. He didn’t want them to repent. He was rooting for God’s judgment on them. So, he went down to Joppa and boarded a ship headed for Tarshish, away from Nineveh and presumably away from God. But you know how the story ends. Jonah recognized the error of his ways and repented in the belly of a giant fish. Because God was there, too.

There’s an obvious lesson in there for anyone who’s trying to run from God. That is, you’re wasting your time and energy. It can’t be done. No matter where you go, God will be waiting for you. You can’t escape His presence.

On the other hand, if you’re walking with God, you’ll find great comfort in the knowledge that you’re never alone. When you face fiery trials, when you go through times of difficulty, when you have to weather life’s storms, God is with you every step of the way.

David memorably celebrated God’s presence in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (verses 1–4 NLT).

You never need feel lost, scared, abandoned, or alone. If you’re walking with God, He will never leave you.

 

Reflection question: When do you most appreciate God’s presence?

Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Our Rock: The Creator

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.” (Deuteronomy 32:18)

Just before his death, Moses predicted the coming apostasy of Israel in a prophetic “history” of Israel. Not only did his prophecy come true for the nation of Israel, but the same could be said for much of Western Christianity today.

Moses recounted the fact that Israel had been blessed greatly of the Lord, but instead of drawing closer to Him, they grew “fat, and . . . forsook God which made [them], and lightly esteemed the Rock of [their] salvation” (Deuteronomy 32:15). The use of the term “rock” refers to the rock that Moses struck, yielding water to sustain them in the parched desert region. The rock provided an ever-present reminder of God’s marvelous provision. (If one should further doubt the identity of the Rock, “that Rock was Christ” according to 1 Corinthians 10:4.) They totally forgot, however, the God of their creation and salvation. They sacrificed to demons, old gods, and to any new gods around (Deuteronomy 32:17).

God has given us life, and without His daily sustenance all life would cease. How foolish it is to attempt to live life without the One “that begat” us—who gave us life and even now maintains it. All too often the Creator God is excluded from our churches, our government, and our schools. Even many Christians live their lives as practical atheists, making decisions and living their lives just as if no God exists. Let us recommit ourselves to giving the rightful place in our lives and in our sphere of influence to “the Rock that begat” us.

“I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deuteronomy 32:3–4). JDM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Be Happy with What You Have

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You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Exodus 20:17 (NIV)

When you read today’s scripture, you may think, “My neighbor doesn’t have an ox or a donkey!” But the point of this verse, which is one of the Ten Commandments, is not as much about oxen or donkeys as it is about being happy with what we have instead of jealous of what others have.

Jealousy is a dangerous emotion. It makes us miserable on the inside and can do great damage to our relationships with the people around us. It can also have a negative impact on our health as well as on our relationship with God.

When we are jealous of others because of what they own—their houses, cars, jewelry, clothes, or other possessions—it is usually because we are unhappy with what we have (or don’t have). For example, someone who speaks badly of a person’s nice new car—commenting that it’s too expensive or that the owner must be frivolous or foolish—may really be saying, “I’m not happy with my car. I want your car.” The same can happen with houses, clothes, and talents other people have as well as other areas of life.

Have you ever heard about a blessing someone else received and thought, When is that going to happen to me? Instead of being unhappy or jealous when God blesses someone with something you would like to have, you can train your mind and emotions to be happy for them. You can let their blessing be an encouragement to you, believing that what God did for someone else, He can also do for you.

Prayer of the Day: Next time I am tempted to be jealous, Lord, remind me to be encouraged by the ways You bless other people, knowing that You will also bless me in the way that is best for me, according to Your perfect timing.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Prayer Changes 

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Elijah wasn’t equipped with unique-to-him abilities. He wasn’t embedded with superpowers. James says, “Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years!” (James 5:17 NCV). Elijah became Elijah by praying that way.

Let a man spend a night fasting and praying at the bedside of his sick child, and that father will not be the same man. Let a young mother pour out her complaint to God over the death of her young child, and that young mother will be forever changed.  Let a church challenge God to purge sin and send revival, and there is no way that church will be the same.

Prayer changes the heart of the one who prays. And prayer touches the heart of the One who hears it.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Rejoice and Give Thanks

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Read Philippians 4:1–9

“Intrapersonal communication” describes how we speak to ourselves—our thoughts, our self-talk, our reflection. It includes the way we process emotion, the lies we battle, and the truth we bring to bear. Philippians chapter 4 has much to say about the way we communicate within ourselves.

In Philippians 4, Paul calls the church to a communal life of joy and peace. First, he addresses them with gushing relational language—“my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown” (v. 1). The Philippian church was dear to Paul’s heart. They were his first church plant in Europe and had supported him throughout his ministry (v. 15).

Paul then focuses on a specific conflict between two women, Euodia and Syntyche, urging them to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2). He had already stressed the importance of unity in his letter (1:27–30; 2:1–4). Now he names these women—not to shame them, but to restore them to right communion. Churchwide unity, Paul advised, is fostered one relationship at a time. Paul also invited others to mediate. As we saw in Matthew 18, reconciliation often involves the community.

Then Paul laid out a pathway to supernatural peace. It begins with rejoicing—a command repeated twice (v. 4). Rejoice is a verb, something we do rather than feel. We communicate rejoicing to God and to others. Our reason to rejoice is the Lord, who promises His presence (v. 5b).

Paul encourages us to look outward and care for others with gentleness (v. 5a), bring our concerns to the Lord in prayer (v. 6), rest in His peace (v. 7), and settle our minds on what is true, right, lovely, and so on (v. 8). Only God (v. 9), can provide the supernatural peace to govern our hearts and our minds.

Go Deeper

Do you struggle to find peace? Which part of Paul’s advice can you practice today?

Pray with Us

When we practice unity with other believers, we have true joy. Give us gentleness and love to live in community well. Thank you for the fellowship that You bring!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Philippians 4:4

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Puddles or Pipelines

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He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
Proverbs 22:9

Recommended Reading: John 7:37-39

Are you a puddle or a pipeline? When water collects in a puddle, it becomes stagnant and brackish; it has no outlet or circulation. A pipeline, on the other hand, is filled with water; its job is to convey refreshing liquid to the spigot for the benefit of others. What flows in is meant to flow out.

Proverbs reminds us that God blesses those who live according to His will. But His blessings are never intended for selfish consumption. From the beginning, God told His people they would be blessed to become a blessing to others.

Think how God has blessed you—your time, resources, and opportunities. Are those blessings collecting like stagnant puddles, or are they flowing like life-giving streams? The healthiest Christian life is one marked by both receiving and releasing. Ask the Lord today to make you a channel of living water. As you bless others, you’ll discover something wonderful: God keeps the pipeline full.

God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.
Randy Alcorn

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org