Tag Archives: Peace

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Your Canceled Record 

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How would you feel if a list of your weaknesses were posted so that everyone, including Christ Himself, could see? Yes, Christ has chronicled your shortcomings. And, yes, that list has been made public. But you’ve never seen it. Neither have I.

Come with me to the hill of Calvary. Watch as the soldiers shove the Carpenter to the ground and stretch His arms against the beams. One presses a knee against a forearm and a spike against a hand.  Jesus turns His face toward the nail just as the soldier lifts the hammer to strike it.

Couldn’t Jesus have stopped him? Why? Why didn’t Jesus resist? Through the eyes of Scripture, we see what others missed but Jesus saw. He took it [the list] and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross!”

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Heavenly Temple

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Read Revelation 15

When have you had an especially strong feeling of God’s presence? Perhaps it was when you were out hiking, communing with the Creator. Or perhaps it was at your church, as you raised your voice with others in joyful song. These are the times that spring most quickly to my own mind.

In Revelation 15, the feeling of God’s presence is especially strong as the final round of judgments is about to begin (vv. 1, 8).

Those who have been martyred by the beast (and by the entire false trinity) sing a song of victory (vv. 2–4). Drawn from the Psalms and other Old Testament passages, it is described as “the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb.” This suggests that the song sung in Exodus (Ex. 15:1–21) thematically foreshadowed and is completed in Christ’s redemption. In the song, God is praised for His justice and righteousness. He is the sovereign King, and all nations will come to worship Him.

Next, out of the heavenly temple come seven angels (vv. 5–8). They wear clean linen, symbolizing Christ’s righteousness, and golden sashes, symbolizing His glory. There is no doubt that they are God’s representatives! One of the four living creatures gives each of them a golden bowl. The temple is then filled with the presence and glory of God, so that no one can enter. The same had happened when Moses set up the tabernacle (Ex. 40:34–35) and when Solomon dedicated the Temple (1 Kings 8:10–11). It signified the momentousness of the occasion as well as giving the audience a bit larger glimpse of the glory of God. The stage is set. The end is near. This round of judgments will be the last.

Go Deeper

If you were to write a poem or song to the Lamb about His work in your life and the life of your church or community, what would it say?

Pray with Us

Heavenly Father, Your judgments are righteous. We thank You for Your presence today as we await a future when we are united with You! Today, open our eyes to see how You are with us.

All nations will come and worship before you.Revelation 15:4

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Darkness and Deception

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For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:11-13

One party game involves blindfolding a guest and having them identify, by touch alone, certain pieces of food or other common items. Two words characterize this game: darkness and deception. It is very easy to be deceived when we find ourselves in darkness. The only way to avoid deception is to live in the light.

We live in a world that is shrouded in spiritual darkness. Jesus came into this world as the Light of the World, pushing back the darkness—yet not without resistance (John 1:4-11). Because those who do not know Christ are still living in spiritual darkness, they live “deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Because Christians have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13), we are able to avoid being deceived. As the world grows increasingly dark toward the end of this age, we must be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), helping others to see God’s truth.

Meditate on Paul’s words concerning living as children of light in Ephesians 4:17–5:21. And look for ways today to be the light of the world.

We are not here to commune with darkness but to conquer it. 
Vance Havner

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Made for Community

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A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Today’s Scripture

Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

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Today’s Devotion

When my husband, Alan, and I decided to move across the country to Philadelphia to further his education, I didn’t have a job lined up, and we had no idea how we would afford student housing. On a Sunday, shortly before we were to leave, a church acquaintance introduced us to a former student of the university Alan was to attend who knew of an affordable apartment. Then, before we left, a workmate gave me the name of a contact at a Christian ministry. God answered our prayers and gave us opportunities—including an apartment and a job—through His people. Friends and family helped us move and ushered us on with prayer.

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about the benefits of not going through life alone: “Two are better than one” (4:9). Two get more work done, can help each other through struggles, offer companionship, and ward against danger (vv. 9-11). He went on to say, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). A community has even greater benefits. More resources, more support.

Alan and I benefited from the community we left behind. And God helped us build a new community to help us feel at home in the big city. If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a friend, a good church, or a place to serve in a community.

Reflect & Pray

What communities are you a part of? How do you help each other?

 

Dear God, thank You for surrounding me with friends and family. Please help me to invite others into Your community.

 

Today’s Insights

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon—“the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1)—examines life as he’s lived it. He discusses human life—achievements, hard work, pleasures, and the pursuit of knowledge—to show that without God our human endeavors won’t give us a meaningful life. In chapter 4, Solomon extols the value of community. A person driven by his selfish, competitive spirit to outdo his neighbors (v. 4) is one who lives a lonely, miserable, and meaningless existence (vv. 7-8). In contrast, Solomon writes of another person, who works in collaboration with others instead of in competition. He commends the advantages of companionship in times of inadequacy and adversity. Cooperation is better because it’s mutually beneficial. As believers in Jesus, we belong to the body of Christ, the church, so that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. We can reach out and help each other succeed (see vv. 9-10).

Join Rasool Berry as he speaks with Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae as he shares how his community supported him through his career.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Why March Madness is for everyone

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How to enjoy the NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Tournament tips off tonight with the first two play-in games. You’ll still have a couple more days to get your bracket in, though, before the first round starts on Thursday. And while there may be fewer Cinderellas now than in the past, the best teams have seldom been better. And there’s a lesson in that truth that goes well beyond the basketball court.

Why it matters: I usually dedicate this space to an extended look at some issue in the world or our culture, with the hope of helping us understand how to navigate it in ways that honor God and draw us closer to him. I think most of us would agree that the NCAA Tournament does not quite rise to that level. However, few things unite this country like the chance to compete with friends, family, and coworkers in trying (and often failing) to predict how the Tournament will play out. And given everything else going on in our world, it would be a shame if we failed to take a moment to stop and appreciate that opportunity.

The backstory: One of 80 million

The NCAA Tournament—also known as March Madness—kicks off tonight with the first two play-in games. If you’re one of the estimated 80 million people who plan to fill out a bracket for this year’s festivities, though, don’t worry. The games tonight and tomorrow don’t usually count toward your score.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Why March Madness is for everyone →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Problem with Sheep

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 Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 

—1 Peter 2:25

Scripture:

1 Peter 2:25 

On more than one occasion, the Bible compares Christians to sheep. I don’t know if I’m really happy about that because sheep aren’t the most intelligent animals on earth. It would have been nice if God had compared us to dolphins. Now, there’s an intelligent animal. I once had the opportunity to talk to a man who trained dolphins. I asked him, “Are dolphins really as intelligent as they seem?”

He said, “In some ways, yes, and in some ways, no. They are very intelligent in many ways because a dolphin can read a symbol and understand what it means.” That is amazing to me.

But Jesus didn’t compare us to dolphins. He compared us to sheep. And sheep are some of the stupidest animals around. They are vulnerable, easily spooked, can’t run very fast, and lack any means of defending themselves. What’s more, they are in constant need of care and attention. Sheep are known to follow each other even to their own death. It has been documented that if one sheep walks off a cliff, others will follow.

The Bible says, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own” (Isaiah 53:6 NLT). And, you have to admit, that description hits pretty close to home. Think about how many people have bought into the same lies, generation after generation. They fall into the same junk, the same addictions, and the same traps again and again. If we’re honest with ourselves, we must admit that we are strayers. We put distance between ourselves and God.

Of course, our Shepherd will not stand idly by while we get lost following our own path. Jesus makes that clear in His parable of the lost sheep. “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep’” (Luke 15:4–6 NLT).

Psalm 23, one of the best-known passages in all of Scripture, reminds us that there are advantages to being sheep. “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” (verses 1–3 NLT).

We are like sheep. There’s no getting around that. The question is, are you going to be a smart sheep or a dumb one? Smart sheep stay close to the Shepherd. And that’s where we all need to be.

Reflection Question: What might cause you to stray from Jesus? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Be Sure

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)

Most things in this life are uncertain; nevertheless, there are some things about which we can be absolutely sure. Just as God warned Adam that if he disobeyed His Word, he would “surely die” (Genesis 2:17), so He warns us that we can be sure our sins will ultimately be exposed. “The foundation of God standeth sure” (2 Timothy 2:19).

On the other side of the coin, we can also be sure of God’s mercy and faithfulness, and we can be sure of the truth of His Word. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). We also can be sure of His promised salvation. “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast” (Hebrews 6:19). Thus, we can, through faith and patience, show “the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end” (Hebrews 6:11).

Finally, we can be sure that our Lord Jesus, who came once to die for our sins, will come back again to complete His work of redemption and reconciliation. The very last promise of the Bible consists of His gracious words: “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20).

However, each of us must first make sure that we believe His sure Word and have appropriated this sure hope. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10–11). We can be sure that our sins must be judged, but we also can be sure of His forgiveness if we believe His sure promises and receive His sure salvation. HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – God Will Show You What to Do

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Often in life, situations require us to take some kind of action, but we don’t know what to do. However, we can trust God to show us what to do at exactly the right time. We need to be willing to obey Him, because what He leads us to do may not be what we would have done, or it may seem to our way of thinking that it won’t work.

In Luke 5:4–7, Jesus tells Peter and some other disciples who had been fishing all night and caught nothing to go out into deeper water and cast their nets again. Peter indicated that he didn’t think it would work and that they were tired, but he also said they would obey whatever He told them to do. As a result, they caught so many fish that their boats began to sink.

Let me encourage you to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, because God has given Him to us to guide us (John 16:13). We can always be confident that He will do it, but we must be willing to follow His guidance.

One way the Holy Spirit guides us is through peace. I teach people to not do anything they don’t have peace about doing or anything that doesn’t agree with God’s Word. God has promised to guide us even until the time we die (Psalm 48:14). Let this knowledge comfort you as you make decisions and believe that you can and will be guided by the Holy Spirit in your decision making.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I trust You to guide me in all the decisions that I make. I want to do Your will, not mine.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Give God All Your Mistakes 

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God not only wants the mistakes we’ve made—He wants the ones we’re making. Are you drinking too much?  Are you cheating at work or cheating at marriage?  Mismanaging your life?

Don’t pretend nothing’s wrong. The first step after a stumble must be in the direction of the cross. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins to God, He can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.”

Start with your bad moments. And while you’re there, give God your “mad” moments. There’s a story about a man bitten by a dog. When he learned the dog had rabies, he began a list. The doctor said, “There’s no need for you to make a will—you’ll be fine.” “Oh, I’m not making a will” he said, “I’m making a list of all the people I want to bite!” God wants that list!  He wants you to leave it at the cross.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Final Harvest

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Read Revelation 14

Julia Ward Howe penned “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” during the American Civil War: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah!”

These images are drawn from Revelation 14, which skips ahead in time to give us three “victory scenes.” The first is Christ the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 (vv. 1–5; Rev. 7:1–8). This is His Second Coming and the start of the Millennium (Revelation 20). The 144,000 sing a “new song” that only they know. These dedicated believers are “virgins,” likely symbolic of their spiritual purity in contrast to the spiritual prostitution of those worshiping the beasts and dragon. They are “offered as firstfruits” of the Tribulation believers.

The second scene features three angels making announcements (vv. 6–12). The first proclaims the “eternal gospel” and calls the earth to worship. The second declares the defeat of Babylon (Revelation 17–19). The third pronounces judgment on those worshiping the beasts and dragon. As previously (Rev. 13:10), followers of Christ are to respond with “patient endurance and faithfulness” (v. 12). The blessing in verse 13 was especially comforting for John’s suffering readers: Christians who die are not lost or defeated, but resting from their labors.

The final scene pictures “the harvest of the earth” (vv. 14–20). First, the Son of Man sorts and harvests true believers. Then, angels throw the rest into the “great winepress of God’s wrath.” This image of a final harvest, sorting, and judgment echoes Old Testament language (such as Isa. 63:2–3) and Christ’s own words (see Matt. 13:24–30).

Go Deeper

What comfort can we take from verse 13 regarding the loss of loved ones? How can we grieve over death, but not as those who have no eternal hope (1 Thess. 4:13–14)?

Pray with Us

God, we have hope in You as the resurrected King with whom we will dwell for eternity. As we await Your judgment, help us live in obedience to You and rest in You as our security.

They sang a new song before the throne.Revelation 14:3

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Grace We’ve Received

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Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:24

Recommended Reading: Romans 3:21-26

In his mid-teens John Stott was aware of two things about himself. “First, if there was a God, I was estranged from Him…. Secondly, I was defeated…. I fell far short of the person I wanted to be.” A friend invited him to a Bible study taught by Eric Nash, who explained the Gospel to him. That evening in his dormitory, John knelt and prayed, opening his heart to the Lord.

Years later John Stott wrote a book on the message of Romans, in which he said, “Faith is the eye that looks to Him, the hand that reaches out to receive His gift, the mouth that drinks the living water. Faith is nothing but the means by which we receive Christ.”

In order to walk in the light, we must remember the grace we’ve received. It’s truly amazing! Keep your salvation experience in mind, and remember that but for the grace of God you would be in darkness. Give thanks each day for God’s saving grace.

To encounter Christ is to touch reality and experience transcendence…. He assures us of God’s love for us. He sets us free from guilt … and from paralyzing fear because He reigns.
John Stott

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Jesus—Food for the Soul

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I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. John 6:35 nlt

Today’s Scripture

John 6:35, 41-51

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Today’s Devotion

In the African American home I was raised in, meals often included scrumptious “soul food.” The term originated in the mid-1960s when “soul” was a common term used to describe African American culture. Soul food menu items included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and more. Desserts were a bonus; the “tastebud-tickling” peach cobbler was the most satisfying to me. What a feast!

Feasting in different cultures looks different, but because food is essential for life, Jesus’ words in John 6:35 are significant for all people: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Such claims as these would be outrageous if they were made by a mere human being. But Jesus, the Christ, could make such astounding claims because He’s the very Son of God. He told “sign-seekers”—those seeking immediate, short-term benefit (see vv. 2, 14, 26, 30)—that satisfaction of physical hunger wasn’t enough. As the Son of God, Jesus is the source of true life (14:6) and the sustainer of life. All those who believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection (11:25-26) share His life. Jesus is the essential food for the soul. Life, nourishment, and true satisfaction are found in Him alone.

Reflect & Pray

How does Jesus nourish and satisfy you? What’s keeping you from seeking the one who says, “I am the bread of life”?

 

Dear Jesus, You’re the giver and sustainer of life. May I find satisfaction in You.

 

Today’s Insights

The events in John 6:35-51 occur the day after Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand with only five loaves of bread and two small fish (vv. 5-14). Because of this astonishing miracle, the crowd “intended to come and make him king by force,” but Christ eluded them (v. 15). When the crowd caught up with Him the next day (v. 25), Jesus knew they were there because of the multiplied loaves of bread. He said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (v. 27). True satisfaction and spiritual nourishment are found only in Christ.

 

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – How could the Iran war go global?

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The law of unintended consequences and the wisdom of St. Patrick

Israel’s defense minister announced this morning that its military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. In other news, the US embassy in Baghdad has been targeted by explosive drones, British Airways says it is suspending some flights to the Middle East until the end of May, and US gas prices are continuing to rise as a result of the war.

However, much of the focus today is on a narrow waterway that is central to the global economy.

A quarter of the world’s liquified natural gas and seaborne trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Iran has effectively closed it by attacking ships and reportedly laying mines in the strait. More than a thousand cargo ships have been blocked so far.

According to Stanford and Harvard historian Niall Ferguson, however, the Strait of Hormuz is potentially less significant to the world than the Strait of Taiwan. He notes that more than 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors and 99 percent of the chips used for cutting-edge AI training are manufactured in Taiwan. The island also imports 97 percent of its energy supply in the form of oil, LNG, and coal.

Continue reading Denison Forum – How could the Iran war go global? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Foundation in the Word

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 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 

—Matthew 24:35

Scripture:

Matthew 24:35 

One reason believers may start to feel shaky in their relationship with God is that they haven’t built a solid foundation for their lives. So, when circumstances threaten their well-being, they don’t always know where to turn. And that leaves them feeling distant from the Lord.

Where will you turn in a time of crisis? When tragedy hits? When disaster strikes? Will it be your favorite website? The morning newspaper? The evening news? You’ll need something to give you strength and direction in your time of despair. Here’s a tip: You won’t find a better resource than the Word of God.

As one pastor said, “One gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.” Just a single gem from the ocean of God’s Word can make all the difference when tragedy or hardship strikes. How many people in their affliction have found comfort from Scripture?

Trusting in what God has said in His Word can sustain us and give us direction, hope, and comfort when we need them most. Inspirational platitudes or clever sayings won’t help—at least, not for very long—but the Word of God always will. It’s been said that those who reject the Bible have nothing to live by. Neither do they have anything to die by.

Ideas and philosophies go in and out of style with the passing of years, but the Word of God never goes out of style. It never goes out of date, unlike this morning’s news. The Word of God will always be relevant.

That’s why C. S. Lewis said, “All that is not eternal is eternally out of date.” And it’s why Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear” (Matthew 24:35 NLT).

Jesus emphasized the importance of having a solid foundation grounded in God’s truth in His parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24–27. The wise man built his house on the rock. When the rains came, when the storms of life threatened his well-being, it did not fall. The structure may have been shaken to its core, but it withstood everything that was thrown at it. Because it had a strong foundation.

The foolish man, on the other hand, built his house on sand. He didn’t prioritize a strong foundation. When the rains came, his house collapsed with a great crash.

I urge you to get a good foundation in God’s Word because it’s only a matter of time until the storms of life rain down on you and hardship strikes. It happens in every life, without exception. But if you have a good foundation in the Word of God, then you’ll be ready for difficulty when it comes. Don’t wait until then to try to catch up.

Get that foundation now.

Reflection Question: What are some of the biblical truths, promises, priorities, and commands that make up a solid foundation for life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – No Fear in the Days of Evil

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?” (Psalm 49:5)

This enigmatic question should be a real concern to elderly unbelievers—or of unbelievers of any age, for that matter. The “days of evil” seem specifically to refer to old age, as in Ecclesiastes 12:1, which exhorted young people to “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”

Those who have not “remembered their Creator” while young may one day come to realize that the iniquities that had been accumulating against their record day by day through a long lifetime had actually involved the venom of that old serpent, which God long ago had warned would bruise the heels of Eve’s children (see Genesis 3:15). Their sins, which will eventually become so numerous as to “compass them about,” might even destroy them both now and eternally. After all, the devil will have “the power of death” (Hebrews 2:14) until that day when the true seed of the woman, the Lord Jesus Christ (even though His own “heel” has been viciously “bruised” by Satan when the sins of the whole world were placed upon Him), will “crush the head” of that wicked one forever.

But because of Christ’s great victory over Satan—when He both died for our sins and then defeated death by His resurrection—we need no longer fear death, even when the evil days draw nigh.

Though it is far better to accept His gift of salvation from sin and death while we are young, it is never too late as long as we live. So, “wherefore should I fear in the days of evil?” “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and . . . perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:16, 18). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Strength in Meekness

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Now the man Moses was very meek (gentle, kind, and humble) or above all the men on the face of the earth.

Numbers 12:3 (AMPC)

Meekness often gets mistaken for weakness, but they are not the same. I believe that a meek person is one who can maintain balance between emotional extremes and manage emotions appropriately. This requires strength, not weakness. Meekness is not weakness; it is strength under control.

Today’s scripture says that Moses was the meekest man on earth, yet people do not think of him as weak. He was a strong person and a strong leader. When we think of him, we think of a man who personally encountered God in the burning bush and of a man who led the Israelites through the Red Sea on dry land. He certainly wasn’t perfect, and the Bible clearly shows his imperfections.

At times, anger got the best of him—such as when he killed an Egyptian and when he smashed the tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them because the people were worshipping an idol (Exodus 2:11–12; 32:19). He did make mistakes, but not habitually.

If Moses, in spite of his mistakes, can be known as meek, you and I can become meek too. God created all of us with emotions, and we can use them in healthy ways or in unhealthy ways. Meekness manages emotions wisely.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to manage my emotions wisely, understanding that meekness is not a sign of weakness but of strength, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – We Have a Sin Problem 

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Can you live without sin for one day? No. How about one hour? Can you do it? No…nor can I. And if we can’t live without sin, we have a problem. Proverbs 10:16 says, we’re evil and “evil people are paid with punishment.” What can we do?

Well, observe what Jesus does with our filth. He carries it to the Cross. God speaks to Isaiah in chapter 50:6, “I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.” You see, mingled with his blood and sweat was the essence of our sin. Angels were a prayer away. Couldn’t they have taken the spittle away? They could have, but Jesus never commanded them to. Why? The sinless One took on the face of a sinner, so that we sinners could take on the face of a saint.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Beast from the Sea

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Read Revelation 13:1–10

Pastor Justin Dillehay has pointed out that the beast in Revelation 13 bears a striking resemblance to the beasts in Daniel 7. Daniel saw four different beasts, while John saw only one, but “it reads like a mashup of Daniel’s four.” Since the beasts in Daniel’s dream are explicitly identified as kings or nations (Dan. 7:15–28; 11:36–39), it seems best to interpret the beast in Revelation 13 in a similar way, especially the “ten horns and seven heads” (v. 1).

Though he’s doomed to lose, the enraged dragon (Rev. 12:17) is waging war against God. To do this, he summons a beast from the sea (vv. 1–4). The imagery indicates some combination of demonic forces and human political or military forces. People worship the beast, in part because of an apparently “fatal wound” that had been healed, and they worship the dragon, as the one empowering the beast. The question “Who is like the beast?” echoes biblical language (for example, Ex. 15:11) and is a direct challenge to God’s glory.

This beast, whom we also call the Antichrist, is given temporary authority to speak and act blasphemously and pridefully for 42 months, that is, the second half of the Tribulation (vv. 5–8). God’s people are specially targeted and suffer greatly. For those living at this time, it becomes increasingly apparent that nothing is neutral. There are only two paths to follow, with two very different eternal destinies. One is worship of the beast and the dragon, leading to hell. The other is worship of God and of “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world,” leading to heaven.

The proper Christian response is “patient endurance and faithfulness” (vv. 9–10). John quotes Jeremiah 15:2, indicating that God’s plan is inexorable and inevitable. He remains in control during the most difficult of times!

Go Deeper

Who is like the Lord? None! He is beyond compare. In this spirit, pray to God, using Psalm 89 as part of your devotions today.

Pray with Us

Lord, as we reflect on future events, remind us to continue on Your path for us. We long for Your glory and praise above all else. Who can compare with you (Ps. 89:6)?

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life.Revelation 13:8

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Simply Trusting

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He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah.
2 Kings 18:5

Recommended Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8

King Hezekiah faced two crises in a short period of time. His kingdom was invaded by the Assyrian army, and he contracted a terminal disease (see 2 Kings 19–20). Navigating one crisis is hard enough, but how often we’re hit by multiple calamities! Has this happened to you? Are several pressures bearing down on you?

Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God. His problems were humanly unsolvable. But God can do more than we can. In times of discouragement, we must turn to His promises and seek them out in His presence.

It’s easy to get discouraged in this world, and that can lead to doubt. But when we feel we have nowhere left to turn, we can encourage ourselves in the Lord through Bible study and prayer. When our faith is faltering, we need to turn to Christ and allow Him to strengthen us in our faith. Psalm 112:7 says of the child of God, “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

You can do that today!

Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by; trusting Him whate’er befall, trusting Jesus, that is all.
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https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Lives Offered to God

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All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings. Exodus 35:29

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 35:20-29

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Today’s Devotion

“I am thankful to God for His goodness,” reads the plaque, “in permitting me to have a part in building this broad thoroughfare as a frame to the beautiful picture which He created.” The inscription is attributed to highway engineer Samuel Christopher Lancaster in 1915. It stands at a beautiful scenic overlook on the highway he designed, a road that takes drivers along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, with forests, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs.

It’s tempting to take credit for our resources and accomplishments or use them to bring ourselves praise. What would it look like, instead, to think of them as a lowly “frame” around God’s masterpiece? One example is when Moses invited the Israelites to bring gifts to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them” contributed what they had: precious metal and stone, linen, leather, wood, spices, and oil (vv. 21-28). These costly goods were offered from willing hearts to fulfill what God had commanded (v. 29). Some master craftsmen were especially gifted. But everyone could contribute something, like the women who skillfully spun goat hair (v. 26).

What mattered most then, and today, is the posture of the giver’s heart. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord” (v. 5). That’s when our resources are put to their best use.

Reflect & Pray

What resources are at your disposal? How could they be used to bring praise to God?

 

Dear God, I can get caught up in seeking my own praise. Please help my life bring You glory!

 

Today’s Insights

Building the tabernacle represented a critical moment in the early history of Israel. Having escaped bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were now assembled at the base of Mount Sinai, where the God of their father Abraham reintroduced Himself to His chosen people. The establishment of the tabernacle wasn’t only intended to represent God’s presence among the people but to serve as the center of their national life. This would continue years later when the tabernacle was replaced by Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, where the people would continue to give of their best in service to God. Today, as the Holy Spirit helps us, one way we bring praise to God is by offering Him our resources.

 

For further study, read Worshipping God Means More than Singing.

 

http://www.odb.org