Tag Archives: Truth

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Dangerous Complaints

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Read Numbers 11

When I was growing up, our family would take spring road trips to visit our grandparents or a theme park. I remember asking, “Are we there yet?” And then the complaints would escalate. It was easy to grumble and forget the exciting destination ahead. What should have been a joyful adventure turned into a test of patience for my parents.

Chapter 11 reveals how quickly complaining can grow from harmless grumbling into dangerous rebellion against God. The Israelites had barely begun their journey from Sinai when their attitudes turned toxic, forgetting God’s miraculous provision and focusing only on their discomfort.

The chapter opens ominously: “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused” (v. 1). It was rebellion that threatened their relationship with God. The complaining escalated as they craved other food, wanting more than the daily menu of manna. They even longed for the food they ate in Egypt (vv. 4–6)! Notice their selective memory—they romanticized Egyptian slavery while despising God’s daily provision. They had forgotten God’s faithfulness and focused only on their temporary desires.

Moses became overwhelmed by their complaining, and in turn complained to God: “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?” (v. 11). Even godly leaders can be affected by the toxicity of constant complaining. God’s response was both judgment and mercy—providing quail but also sending a plague among those who craved other food (vv. 31–34). Like the Israelites, we often forget God’s blessings when focused on current challenges. Cultivate gratitude as an antidote to a complaining spirit when it surfaces today.

Go Deeper

How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help reorient our hearts and minds when facing present difficulties?

Pray with Us

Today’s reading touches a nerve, God. How often have we grumbled or complained about hardship? Remind us of the many ways You have blessed and cared for us.

The people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.Numbers 11:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Jesus Revealed in Us

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We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Today’s Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

After Joni Eareckson Tada’s mother died, Joni thought about how our bodies are like “jars of clay” that hold the treasure of Christ’s presence. She mused about a modern equivalent to describe our earthly bodies—a cardboard box. She knew her mother’s “box,” with its worn-out corners and bends, was now empty. But, she reflected, it was a box they’d treasured, “the vessel in which the treasure of the Spirit of Christ had dwelt.”

As Joni notes, those who follow Jesus let Him shine through them, often in spectacular ways through the creases and holes as their boxes collapse with age. In this she followed Paul’s words about the treasure appearing in “jars of clay” because it would reveal that “this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Although Paul was “hard pressed” and “perplexed” with what he suffered, he was not “crushed” or “destroyed” (vv. 8-9). Through his sufferings in his body, he knew that Christ’s life would be revealed.

How’s your cardboard “box”? You might feel the creases grow larger as you groan under the weight of pain or disease. Know, however, that Jesus is being revealed in your body (v. 10). As you submit to Him, He’ll shine His light through you, so that those who are in darkness may receive His love and His life.

Reflect & Pray

How have you seen Jesus revealed in others? Why do you think God encloses His presence in these “jars of clay”?

Spirit of the living God, please live in me, that I might shine with Your love and presence.

Today’s Insights

Paul’s description of his struggles in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 is a reminder of how difficult life can be. Like the psalmist David, we may be “worn out from [our] groaning” (Psalm 6:6). But the Bible tells us that trials bring growth. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). And James goes so far as to tell us we should “consider it pure joy” when we “face trials” (James 1:2). Why? Because “the testing of [our] faith produces perseverance” and perseverance makes us “mature and complete” (vv. 3-4). Trials can draw us closer to Christ, where we find the strength, courage, and joy to go on. Jesus said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He triumphed over death and the devil through His death and resurrection. As believers in Him, we share in that victory. Today, in the midst of our trials, as we submit to God, we can be light to those who are in spiritual darkness.

Learn more about how we are made in His image.

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Two Mothers

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46–47)

Two Jewish ladies, each carrying children recently conceived, met to discuss their circumstances. Perhaps billions of mothers, before and since, have had similar encounters. But since this meeting between Mary and Elizabeth was so special and precious, perhaps we can all profit by its study.

The first thing we notice is that their conversation turned immediately to God to praise Him for His goodness and grace. No doubt each one experienced all the common difficulties and discomforts of these months, but they chose instead to dwell on their blessings and the greatness of God.

Mary especially, in the discourse introduced by our text, burst forth in a torrent of praise, singing of the virtues of her Savior and reveling in His grace (vv. 46–55). He had chosen her despite her unworthiness. Her present misunderstood circumstances were not in view at all, just her precious communion with her Lord and His gracious dealings with mankind. In all these things, she “rejoiced.”

Note that there is no hint of doubt in her song, neither is there a shrinking back from His holiness. In these verses are no fewer than 15 quotations from the Old Testament. Mary knew God’s Word well and sang it back to Him. Furthermore, she sings in humility, not calling herself “mother of God,” as some do today, but singing of “God my Saviour.”

These two mothers provide a model for each of us, especially those blessed with childbearing. May each encounter focus on Him, not just on temporal events. May our fellowship be centered in Him and in His Word, not just with friends or family. May prayer and praise burst forth from our lips, not just idle conversation. May we know all the joy and confidence of Mary and join in her song. JDM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Lord Is with You

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The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 118:6 (NIV)

When the psalmist David wrote in today’s scripture I will not be afraid, I don’t think he meant he didn’t feel fear. I think he is declaring that when he did feel afraid, he did not let fear control him. Each of us should have that same attitude. In fact, it’s the best possible attitude for a person to have. Fear is not from God, and we should resist it firmly in the power of the Holy Spirit. We may be aware of it, but we should not let it affect our decisions.

In Matthew 28:20 (NIV), Jesus tells His disciples, And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. This is not only a promise Jesus made to His disciples centuries ago; it is a vitally important promise from God for you and me today. There’s no place you have ever been where God was not, and no place you’ll ever be that God won’t be there too. He is omnipresent, which means He is everywhere all the time. He sees everything, knows everything, and has all power. He is our Father, and we are His beloved children.

God wants us to know that we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone, because He is with us. He is good and will take care of us. As David wrote, “What can mere mortals do to me?” People may try to intimidate you or frighten you, but they are mere mortals. God is all-powerful, and people are powerless compared to Him.

Prayer of the Day: Help me, Lord, to remember always that because You are with me, I don’t have to be afraid of anyone or anything, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – May Mothers: The Courage of Abigail

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Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground.
1 Samuel 25:23

Recommended Reading: 1 Samuel 25:2-42

Women of wisdom and courage are noted often in the Old Testament—see the stories of Deborah and Jael (Judges 4) and the woman of Abel Beth Maachah (2 Samuel 20:14-22). Abigail belongs on that list for the way she prevented David from committing a massacre.

Before King Saul died and David became king, David and his army were a paramilitary force in the land. After David protected the servants of a wealthy man named Nabal (“fool”), David asked Nabal for provisions for his men (1 Samuel 25). When Nabal refused, David gathered his army and went to attack Nabal. When Nabal’s wife, Abigail, heard of David’s plan, she gathered provisions and intercepted David and his army—without telling Nabal. She apologized for Nabal’s behavior and begged David to avoid needless bloodshed. David accepted her gifts and her courageous counsel and called off the attack. David was so impressed with Abigail’s wisdom and courage that after Nabal’s death he took Abigail as his wife.

Sometimes life calls for bold moves like Abigail’s. Wisdom plus courage will often bring godly results.

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Anonymous

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Putting On God’s Armor

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In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war. . . . David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1

Today’s Scripture

2 Samuel 11:1-5

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

Nafi and Kamran joined a military coup. They fought for years and, when their side won, were given desk jobs in the capital. It’s not going well. There’s little to do, so they go online. Nafi says that many of his comrades, “including me, are addicted to the internet, especially Twitter.” Kamran adds, “The real test and challenge was not during the [war]. Rather, it’s now. At that time, it was simple, but now things are much more complicated.” Citing the various temptations he found on the Web, he added, “Many . . . have fallen into these seemingly sweet, but actually bitter traps.”

Kamran’s right that we’re most vulnerable to let down our guard when we’re at ease, just as he was after a war. In Scripture, we find a similar caution in the story of David’s adultery with Bathsheba. It all began when he sent others off to war but remained behind in the capital. Like an undisciplined man scrolling the internet, David “got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace” (2 Samuel 11:2). He put himself in harm’s way. And when “he saw a woman bathing,” he didn’t turn away (vv. 2-3).

We avoid the postwar letdown by remembering we’re still at war. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but . . . against the spiritual forces of evil.” So, as He helps us, we “put on the full armor of God” and prepare to “stand [our] ground” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Reflect & Pray

What is your present battle? How can you win? (See Ephesians 6:10-20.)

Dear Jesus, I fight today in Your power and by Your Spirit.

Today’s Insights

In Eastern cultures—both in ancient times and today—a high value was placed upon honor versus shame. The events following David’s sin with Bathsheba are described in 2 Samuel 11 as an honor/shame contest between David and Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband and one of David’s mighty men. This would explain why Uriah so publicly refused the king’s command to go home when recalled from the battlefield (v. 8). Instead, he slept on the king’s porch in full view of David’s servants (v. 9). This would also explain why after Bathsheba is named in verse 3, she’s then referred to as the wife of Uriah (12:9, 10, 15) until after the death of the child she bore (v. 24). Ultimately, Nathan’s public accusation of David (vv. 1-15) exposed David’s sin and shame, and he repented (v. 13; see Psalm 51). Today, we’re still fighting a war against sin. Believers in Jesus have been given the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) to help us fight our spiritual battles.

Winning takes strategy. Learn how to battle the ultimate Enemy of all believers.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Does God establish nations?

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In 1908, Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” though neither had attended a game before writing the song. Today, it is considered one of the three most-recognized songs in the US, along with “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Happy Birthday.”

The first known time it was played at a ballpark was in 1934 at a high school game in Los Angeles. It was played later that year during the fourth game of the World Series. Over time, it became a beloved and universal baseball tradition for fans to sing the chorus during the seventh-inning stretch of baseball games.

Then came 9/11.

When Major League Baseball games resumed six days later, stadiums began playing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch, replacing or supplementing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” They still do the same on Sundays and holidays, and during postseason games, though Yankee Stadium plays it at every game.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Does God establish nations? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Matter of Quality, Not Quantity

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 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 

—Ecclesiastes 3:1–2

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 

Reflecting on the passing of human life, ethicist Michael Josephson wrote, “Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. . . . So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? . . . Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.”

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “My future is in your hands” (Psalm 31:15 NLT). And Job said to God, “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5 NLT).

Contemplating how short life is and how powerless we are to change that can trigger anxiety in some people. It magnifies the importance of being proactive in the choices you make, not to mention the importance of starting to make those choices as early as possible. To put it another way: The evening of your life is determined by the morning of your life.

If you start prioritizing healthy eating and exercise as a young person and continue the practice throughout your life, you will enjoy the benefits for years and years. Likewise, if you start prioritizing the things of God as a young person and continue the practice throughout your life, you will reap unimaginable blessings for as long as you live.

The author of Proverbs touched on this principle when he wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 RSV).

If you’re in the morning of your life—if, statistically speaking, you likely have many years ahead of you—now is not the time to sow your wild oats or to do the things you plan to repent for later. Now is the time to establish the habits, practices, and principles that will guide your life. Now is the time to study God’s Word, to memorize and apply it to every area of your life. Now is the time to begin the discipline of prayer, to set aside time every day to speak and listen to the Lord. Now is the time to develop and sharpen your skills when it comes to sharing your faith. If time is on your side, don’t let that advantage slip away.

If you’re in the afternoon or even in the evening of life, the same principle applies, just in a different time frame. It’s never too late to adopt God-honoring disciplines. And right now, you’re as young as you’ll ever be.

Reflection question: How can you prioritize and embrace God-honoring disciplines in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Jesus Is the Word

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14)

Most of us are familiar with the Greek term used by God to convey this unique title of the Lord Jesus: logos. Its basic meaning is “that which can be communicated.” Sometimes it is used to embrace a collection of ideas expressed in a speech, a thought in the sense of an idea, or the logic behind a concept.

Jesus is all of that. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). Not only did the Lord Jesus declare what the Father said but what the Father was like. It is obvious that Jesus was the spokesperson: “Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak” (12:50). “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (6:68).

Much of the active ministry of the Lord Jesus was doing what God would do. His healing, His preaching, His gracious ministry to the poor and needy were all a picture of what God was like. But the miracles, the works of creation, were absolutely the declaration of God. Turning water into wine, feeding the 5,000, creating a new hand and new eyes—only the Creator could do that. In fact, Jesus said, “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (14:11).

Jesus is the Word of God in every sense that can be spoken, understood, seen, and experienced (Colossians 2:9). HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Stand Firm in the Face of Trials

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Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

James 1:2–3 (AMPC)

One of the mistakes many Christians make is that, when trials come, they pray for their troubles to stop. I believe that, instead, we need to pray for strength and endurance; we need to ask God to make us steadfast. If the enemy is aiming his best guns at us—doing everything he can to upset our lives, ruin our businesses, tear apart our families, or otherwise steal our peace—and we stay steadfast and patient, he will be exceedingly frustrated, and ultimately defeated, because we are not cooperating with him.

Philippians 1:28 (AMPC) says: And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

This verse encourages us not to be frightened or intimidated when the devil comes against us, but to remain steadfast. As we do, we not only show the devil that he cannot handle us, we also demonstrate to the Lord that we have faith in Him. The fact that our actions affirm our trust in Him is God’s signal to release His power into our situations and deliver us. I believe God wants you to hear Him telling you to stand firm and not be afraid.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me remain steadfast in every trial. Give me strength, patience, and courage to stand firm, trusting You to bring victory and deliverance in every situation, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – When God Moves

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Read Numbers 10

On June 6, 1944, over 150,000 Allied troops launched the largest seaborne invasion in history at Normandy. D-Day’s success depended on precise coordination. Each unit knew its position and role. If any moved too early or too late, the entire invasion could fail catastrophically. Victory required perfect unity, as each soldier trusted and obeyed the supreme command.

Chapter 10 records a similar moment when God’s people finally began their journey from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land—their first major movement as an organized nation. It was time to march under divine command. “When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes camping on the east are to set out” (v. 5).

God established silver trumpets as the communication system: “Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out” (v. 2). Each type of trumpet call had a specific meaning—one blast gathered the leaders, two blasts signaled everyone to move (vv. 3–4). The marching order was divinely appointed, with each tribe having its designated position (vv. 11–28).

Verse 35 wasn’t just a prayer—it was a declaration that God Himself would lead the charge. The specific words that Moses chose reveal deep theology. “Rise up, LORD!” acknowledged God’s active leadership; “May your enemies be scattered” recognized that Israel’s battles were ultimately God’s battles. Moses understood that their success would not depend on military strategy or human strength but on God’s presence going before them. The ark of the covenant would lead the way, symbolizing that the Lord was their commander-in-chief.

Go Deeper

Do you realize that God has a specific role and timing for you in His kingdom advance? What do we learn from this passage that helps us trust God’s timing and His ways? How can we wait for His command to move forward?

Pray with Us

Lord, so often we grow frustrated with waiting. We fail to trust Your perfect timing. Help us to have listening hearts, ready to “rise up” and move only at Your command.

Rise up, LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.Numbers 10:35

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Refreshing Morsel

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NEW!Listen Now

And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts.
Genesis 18:5

Recommended Reading: Genesis 18:1-8

The patriarch Abraham was sitting in the doorway of his tent when three strangers approached. Jumping up, he offered them water and a “morsel of bread” to refresh their hearts. The Lord does the same for us. In the heat of every day’s pressures, He provides fresh nourishment from His Word—daily morsels to refresh our hearts.

Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (NIV).

When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, it can be more restorative than an afternoon nap, a strong broth, or a hot cup of tea. It will delight us. Digging into Scripture will help us understand who we are as children of God, and, even more, we will better know the God who restores our souls. Do you need a daily refreshment? Restoration? Come to His Word and seek Him out. Open it today and find a morsel of bread to refresh your heart.

Somehow, from the day men begin systematically to read the Bible, they begin to be sensible of a new power at work in mind and heart…. I would put higher value on one chapter of God’s Book than on all other books put together.
A. T. Pierson

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Light of Life

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In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4
Today’s Scripture
John 1:1-14
Listen to Today’s Devotion
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Today’s Devotion
In 1905 a scruffy young man holed up in his apartment in Bern, Switzerland, engaging in complex thought experiments regarding the nature of the universe. With frenzied focus, the physicist worked and reworked his calculations. Four mind-crunching months later, this man had rewritten much of what was known about how the world works. The man was Albert Einstein. He was twenty-six.
Yet despite possessing a great scientific mind, Einstein said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.”
The Bible frequently points to the majesty of God reflected in His creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1), and Job also predated Einstein’s words: “Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens” (Job 11:7-8).
But God’s creation glory is even greater than the expanse of universes: “In the beginning was the Word. . . .The Word became flesh” (John 1:1, 14). There are no mathematical calculations that can explain God’s extraordinary act of entering humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. God is not just “out there” in a universe we cannot begin to know, but He’s here alongside us, the Word among us, the light of life (1:4) whom we can know personally and intimately.
Reflect & Pray
What amazes you about the grandeur of the universe? How does the majesty of God’s creation make you feel about your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Dear God, thank You for the majesty of Your creation and for Your Son Jesus Christ, who has delivered me into a new life.
Learn more about creation.
Today’s Insights
John 1:1-18 has been called a “theological masterpiece.” The brilliance of these verses beckon readers to worshipful reflection and a desire to know more. While there’s a radiance that characterizes this section, verse 14 has a splendor of its own. The verses leading up to it are like an ascending staircase that takes us to this pinnacle. Using language found in Genesis 1:1, the apostle John shows the existence and experience of the pre-incarnate Word (John 1:1). What was true of Jesus before time found expression in His earthly existence. He imparted life and dispelled darkness—both in the physical and spiritual realms (vv. 4-5). We can know Christ—the light of life—personally when we place our trust in Him.

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Should you be concerned about hantavirus?

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Hantaviruses, named after a river in South Korea, are a family of more than twenty different viral species. Almost all are linked to infection by rodents, typically rats and mice, through dried urine and droppings.

One strain, however, known as the Andes virus, is thought to spread by human-to-human transmission, although rarely. In late 2018, an outbreak in Argentina was traced back to a single person who is thought to have unwittingly spread it to thirty-four confirmed cases, with eleven deaths.

As I’m sure you know, a cruise ship called the MV Hondius has made headlines this week because of another suspected hantavirus outbreak onboard that has killed three people so far and made several others very sick. Health officials in at least a dozen countries are now monitoring dozens of passengers who disembarked from the ship before the outbreak was fully understood; at least seven of them are Americans who returned home.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Should you be concerned about hantavirus? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Dash Between the Dates

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 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 

—John 15:8

Scripture:

John 15:8 

A headstone serves as a marker for a person’s grave. But it also serves as an extremely brief summary of the person’s life. A typical headstone might read: John Doe, May 29, 1946–October 15, 2025, beloved son, husband, and father.

What’s interesting, though, is that the smallest etching on the headstone—the dash between the date of birth and date of death—represents what ultimately matters most. That dash is the entirety of our days.

We cannot determine how long we will live on this earth. We may try. We may follow every healthy trend we see online. We may load up on high-end supplements. We may constantly obsess about doing the right things, where our health is concerned. But as Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (NLT).

God determines the length of our lives. He decided when we were born, and He decides when we will die. We have nothing to say about those dates. But we have everything to say about the dash between them. That dash encompasses every decision we make, every path we choose, every priority we elevate, every interaction we have, and every use of our God-given gifts and abilities. That dash represents how we use the days that God so graciously gives us. More specifically, it reflects whether we pursue God’s agenda or our own.

According to Scripture, we’re all placed on this earth to glorify and honor God and to produce spiritual fruit in our lives. It’s telling that after this life is over, when believers are gathered in Heaven for eternity, we will sing this song: “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” (Revelation 4:11 NLT).

We exist for the pleasure of God. Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16 NLT). He also said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (verse 8 NLT).

So, ultimately, the dash is our chance to produce as much spiritual fruit, and to make the most of as many spiritual opportunities as we possibly can. Not for our own glory, but for God’s. That means investing our precious time in His Word—studying it, memorizing it, and helping others understand it. It means seeking out opportunities to share our faith and equipping ourselves to make the most of the chances when they come. It means staying connected to the Lord through prayer—seeking His will, giving Him our burdens, and listening for His guidance.

Your dash is a gift from God. Make the most of it.

Reflection question: How can you make the most of your dash? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Atonement

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” (Genesis 6:14)

It may be surprising to learn that God’s instructions to Noah concerning the Ark’s design contain the first reference in the Bible to the great doctrine of atonement. The Hebrew word used here for pitch (kaphar) is the same word translated “atonement” in many other places in the Old Testament.

While the New Testament word “atonement” implies reconciliation, the Old Testament “atonement” was merely a covering (with many applications). As the pitch was to make the Ark watertight, keeping the judgment waters of the Flood from reaching those inside, so, on the sacrificial altar, “it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11), keeping the fires of God’s wrath away from the sinner for whom the sacrifice was substituted and slain. The pitch was a covering for the Ark, and the blood was a covering for the soul. The first assured physical deliverance, the second spiritual salvation.

However, not even the shed blood on the altar could really produce salvation. It could assure it through faith in God’s promises on the part of the sinner who offered it, but “the blood of bulls and of goats” could never “take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

Both the covering pitch and animal blood were mere symbols of the substituting death of Jesus Christ, “whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25). Through faith in Christ, our sins are covered under the blood, forgiven by God, and replaced by His own perfect righteousness, by all of which we become finally and fully reconciled to God. HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Emotions and Spiritual Maturity

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For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (AMPC)

Paul teaches in today’s scripture that we are unspiritual if we are controlled by ordinary human impulses, such as emotions and feelings. Are you in control of your emotions, or do they control you? Feelings are fickle and ever-changing, and thus unreliable. I believe the number one way the enemy harasses and tries to hinder Christians is through our emotions.

We cannot always control how we feel, but we can control what we do. Mature Christians don’t walk by feelings; they order their conduct according to God’s Word. Emotions are fueled by our thoughts and words, so it is necessary to pay attention to what we think and say if we hope to walk by the Spirit instead of our emotions. What is right doesn’t change just because we don’t feel like doing it. People who are spiritually mature live beyond their feelings and do God’s will no matter how they feel.

Paul specifically mentions jealousy and factions (dissension or strife) as indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity. Ask God to help you in these areas. Be content with what you have, not jealous of others, knowing that God will give you more when the time is right. Do your best to live in peace with all people.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me not be ruled by my emotions. Teach me to follow Your Word, control my actions, and live by truth instead of feelings, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Thirsty for Mercy 

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Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”

Because Jesus has forgiven us, we can forgive others. Because he lives in us, you and I can do the same. Oh, I could never do that, you object. The hurt is so deep. Just seeing the person makes me cringe. Perhaps that’s the problem: you’re seeing too much of the wrong person. Try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the One who has saved you.

Please understand. Relationships don’t thrive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful. Are there any relationships in your world thirsty for mercy? Is there anyone who needs to be assured of your grace? Jesus made sure his disciples had no reason to doubt his love. Why don’t you do the same?

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Following the Cloud

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Read Numbers 9

During a recent flight, the pilot made an unexpected announcement: “We’re waiting for clearance from air traffic control.” While the delay was frustrating, it was essential for safe travel. The tower had visibility we didn’t have, and our safe departure depended on their timing and guidance.

Numbers chapter 9 reveals God’s perfect control system for His people in the wilderness. After celebrating the first Passover since leaving Egypt (vv. 1–5), Israel received a divine guidance system from God to direct their journey for the next 40 years: “On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning, the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire” (v. 15). This was God’s presence providing unmistakable direction.

The cloud was an important signal: “Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped” (v. 17). Sometimes they stayed in one place for days, months, or even years. Other times, they moved after just one night. The duration didn’t matter—only obedience did.

The passage emphasizes this total dependence with striking repetition: “At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp” (v. 18). The chapter concludes: “At the LORD’s command they encamped, and at the LORD’s command they set out. They obeyed the LORD’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses” (v. 23). They trusted God’s timing and direction completely.

Go Deeper

Do you find it challenging to wait on God’s timing? Just as the Israelites watched for the cloud’s movement, seek God’s direction through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel before making major life changes.

Pray with Us

Holy God, we know that following You is always the best choice! Forgive us when we plunge forward impatiently on our own. Tune our hearts to Your desire for our lives.

At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped.Numbers 9:18

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Your Delight

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NEW!Listen Now

I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 4:5-10

We may think of Bible study as a chore or obligation, but the psalms use the word “delight” to describe our relationship with Scripture. Psalm 1:2 says our delight should be in the Word day and night. Psalm 94:19 says His Word will delight us even in the multitude of our anxieties. Psalm 112:1 tells us to delight greatly in God’s commands. And Psalm 119 contains nine exclamations about delighting in the Lord’s Word.

Christians should delight in the Bible. If your desire is to please God, reading His Word is a key part of learning how to please the Father. Each time you come to Scripture ask God to show you something that will help you please Him. As He shows you His wonderful truths, be careful to observe them, for this is your wisdom.

Can you honestly say that the Bible is a delight to you?… If you don’t desire the Word as much as you’d like, there is a solution. Ask the Lord to teach you to delight in it. Then start reading and meditating on a passage.
Charles Stanley

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org