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In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, “Say It Loud” from the recording, "Giant Killer: A Heart Like David." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=34&p=2127 You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month. Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!
Today's devotion is written by Sarah Damm.
True value isn't about feelings or what others say about us but about the unique gifts God has given each of us. Amber and Pastor Mike share their personal struggles with self-esteem and confidence. They give practical advice on finding confidence through honest friendships and trusting in God's love, offering hope to anyone feeling uncertain about themselves. We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org
Today's devotion is written by Susanna Spencer.
“‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.’” (Genesis 22:12 NLT) The gripping story of Abraham and his beloved son Isaac gives us an unforgettable image of faith and sacrifice. Isaac was the son God promised to Abraham, a symbol of the covenant between Abraham and God. To say that Abraham had waited a long time for a son would be an understatement. When Isaac was born, Abraham was one hundred years old. His wife Sarah was ninety when she gave birth. Abraham was so delighted by his son that he named him Isaac, which means “laughter.” And laughter is what Isaac brought into the lives of Abraham and Sarah. Years later, the laughter turned into shock and fear when God said to Abraham, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 NLT). There was no greater sacrifice that God could have requested from Abraham. Isaac was the joy of Abraham’s life. Abraham did not question or hesitate. He took Isaac, who was a young man at the time, to the place of sacrifice. With no animal in sight to offer, Isaac asked, “Father . . . where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” (verse 7 NLT) Abraham prophetically replied, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” (verse 8 NKJV). God indeed provided the sacrifice, as an angel cried out, “Don’t lay a hand on the boy! . . . Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (verse 12 NLT). At that moment, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket—a sacrifice he could offer to God in place of his son. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foreshadowing of what would occur on the cross. God provided Himself a sacrifice. Unlike the story of Abraham and Isaac, God did not provide for Himself a sacrifice. He provided Himself as a sacrifice. God Himself became the sacrifice for our sins when He gave His only Son to die for us. If we ever start to get complacent in our Christian faith, one of the best things we can do is remind ourselves of the cost of our salvation and eternal life. God sacrificed that which was most precious to Him so that we might live. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NLT). If you want to experience a personal revival, embrace the opportunities you have to sacrifice for the One who sacrificed so much for you. How can you give up your time, resources, skills, and comfort to carry out God’s work? Answering that question may change your spiritual perspective in a profound way. Reflection question: What will you sacrifice for the cause of Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily PrayerIn this episode of "Warfare Prayers," Pastor Derrick Crosby offers a passionate, scripture-based guided prayer and devotional for the future of all sons. Pastor Derrick invokes biblical promises, asking for divine protection, wisdom, and favor over all sons' lives. Emphasizing faith in God's plans, the prayer seeks deliverance from negative influences and affirms the power of God's Word through daily scripture and daily meditation. Listeners are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and strength for overcoming life's challenges, highlighting the importance of prayer, devotionals, and spiritual grounding for loved ones.
Today's devotion is written by Olivia Spears.
* Psalm 20 * Psalm 131 * 1 Samuel 1:21—2:17 * Galatians 6:1–18 * Apology of the Augsburg Confession II:35–51
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18–20 NLT) One thing many believers and nonbelievers have in common is that both are very uptight about evangelism. Believers are uptight about evangelizing, and nonbelievers are uptight about being evangelized. Maybe you remember someone sharing the gospel with you when you really didn’t want to hear it. Or maybe you know what it’s like to share with someone who had no interest in what you were saying. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have recent memories of both scenarios. As intimidating or uncomfortable as sharing your faith may be, it’s something every believer has been called to do. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (NLT). There’s no arguing with his logic. Jesus left marching orders for everyone who follows Him: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). In the original language, this verse could be translated to say, “I command you to go into all the world.” That’s why we call it the Great Commission and not the Great Suggestion. It’s an order from our Commander-in-Chief. If we’re faithful followers of Jesus, then we need to make the attempt. We need to do what we can to share His message. The when, where, and how are up to us (to a certain extent). Evangelism strategies are like fingerprints and snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. That’s because no two experiences with Jesus are exactly alike. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. When the Jewish religious leaders interrogated the man, hoping to get him to change his story, he said, “I know this: I was blind, and now I can see” (verse 25 NLT). That’s what evangelism is: telling others what we know about Jesus, what He’s done for us. It’s the logical next step after receiving Christ: telling others how to do it, too. When you start to tell others about Christ, you’ll discover something amazing: For every lock, there is a key. Your story, your experience, your specific approach to sharing the gospel may succeed where others have failed. You may be able to reach people whom others cannot. That’s why God wants to work through you. He wants to use your unique experience to reach others for Him. Will you be open to His guidance and direction? Will you be available? The opportunities are plentiful. But it’s up to you to seize them. Reflection question: How would you describe your approach to sharing your faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's devotion is written by Sister Maria Kim Bui.
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 17, 2025. Today's reflection, “Give Ear to My Words” from Psalm 5:1–3, teaches us the posture of faithful, honest prayer. David cries out with urgency and trust, not offering polished words but the groaning of a burdened heart. He calls on the Lord as “my King and my God”, acknowledging God's sovereign rule over every part of life.David begins his day with prayer — laying out his requests like a morning sacrifice and watching with hope for God to act. His prayer is not a ritual but a living sacrifice, offered in expectation and trust.Through Jesus Christ, our perfect King and Intercessor, we too may come boldly to the throne of grace. Start your day with this devotion and be reminded that the Lord hears, considers, and answers.
* Psalm 92 * 1 Samuel 1:1–20 * Galatians 5:1–26 * Apology of the Augsburg Confession II:23–34
1074: 2 Thessalonians 2 Pt 4 Daily Devotions by Pastor Tim Dodson of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. Tim Dodson is the lead-pastor of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. These devotionals are designed to take the listener through the Bible verse-by-verse.
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“On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:4–5 NLT) The Old Testament prophet Jonah very reluctantly went to the city of Nineveh to warn that God was going to judge its people in forty days. Jonah was reluctant because he understood God’s nature. He knew that if the Ninevites repented, God would forgive them and spare them His judgment. That’s not the outcome Jonah was rooting for. He hated the Ninevites and wanted to see them face God’s judgment. Jonah understood that he served a merciful and loving God. The fact that God was sending him to warn the Ninevites to repent instead of just judging them was evidence of His compassion and concern. Sure enough, Jonah’s worst-case scenario became a reality. The people of Nineveh repented from their sins and the king commanded his subjects to “pray earnestly to God” (Jonah 3:8 NLT). As a result, God lifted His judgment from the people of Nineveh. People in our culture today would have you believe that the God of the Bible is a vengeful deity who revels in His power to bring death and destruction on anyone who dares to disobey Him. Scripture itself paints a different picture. The God of the Bible is holy and just. Sin cannot exist in His presence. And He demands that all sin be punished. In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul tells us that the punishment for sin is death. But the God of the Bible is also loving in a way that we cannot fully comprehend. He sent His Son to take the punishment we deserve for our sin and to die in our place. God sacrificed His Son so that anyone who believes in Him can escape judgment and have eternal life. In Ezekiel 33:11, God said, “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live” (NLT). The apostle Peter, in talking about why Jesus hasn’t returned yet, said, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Everyone has sinned, so everyone deserves God’s punishment. If you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you receive eternal life in Heaven with Him because your punishment has already been taken by Him. If you reject Him, you will face God’s punishment yourself—that is, eternal separation from Him. God has gone to unimaginable lengths to save you from His punishment. The next step is yours. If you confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in Jesus, you will never have to worry about God’s judgment. Instead, you’ll discover the depths of His mercy, grace, and love. Reflection question: How would you explain God’s holiness, justice, and love to someone who knows little about Him? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's devotion is written by Rocio Hermes.
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 16, 2025. Today's reflection, “You Have Put Gladness in My Heart” from Psalm 4:6–8, draws our hearts toward the true source of lasting joy and peace. In a world that anxiously asks, “Who will show us some good?”, David turns not to possessions or prosperity but to the presence of the Lord.When God lifts the light of His face upon us, He gives a joy that surpasses abundance — a gladness deeper than any harvest of grain or overflow of wine. This joy is not earned, but given — placed in our hearts by the God who redeems and sustains us.In Christ, we find rest that the world cannot offer. Join us in this devotion and discover peace that allows you to sleep in safety, knowing you are held in the hands of your Savior.
* Psalm 21 * Judges 16:4–30 * Galatians 4:12–31 * Apology of the Augsburg Confession II:5–22
1073: 2 Thessalonians 2 Pt 3 Daily Devotions by Pastor Tim Dodson of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. Tim Dodson is the lead-pastor of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. These devotionals are designed to take the listener through the Bible verse-by-verse.
“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NLT) Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT). That’s known as the Great Commission. Chances are, you made your decision to follow Christ because of God’s working through a person (or persons) who took Jesus’ words to heart. You can make a difference in other people’s lives by taking His words to heart as well. When you do, you’ll find that some “nations”—or people—are harder to reach than others. Some of the hardest people to reach are those who are satisfied in life. They may not see their real spiritual condition because they have everything else in order. That’s why I think it’s a mistake when we share the gospel merely to appeal to unhappy, lonely, empty individuals. The reality is that not everyone is unhappy, empty, or lonely at every given moment. Many people have frequent bursts of happiness. Their lives are often going well. So if we say to them, “Jesus can help you be happy,” they’re likely to reply, “I don’t need Him. I’m already happy.” And if we say, “Jesus can take away your emptiness,” they’re likely to say, “There’s nothing for Him to take away. I don’t really feel any emptiness.” When we talk to other people about Christ, we need to recognize that there’s more at stake than mere happiness. So we must go beyond that message to the deepest need of all. That is, the need for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus did not die on the cross to make us happy. He died to save us from sin and death. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 above. Or in Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT). Or the apostle John’s words in 1 John 2:2: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world” (NLT). And, of course, in John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT). The need for salvation and eternal life is true of every person at every moment in time. There is no unbeliever who doesn’t need to hear the gospel message. The more powerfully you make that message resonate with someone, the greater impact it will have. Learning to make the gospel resonate is one of the keys to spiritual growth. Reflection question: How can you talk to someone about Christ in a way that meets a very real need in that person’s life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's devotion is written by Elise Howe.
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 15, 2025. Today's reflection, “Be Angry and Do Not Sin” from Psalm 4:4–5, speaks directly to our hearts in a world filled with tension and emotional unrest. David acknowledges the reality of anger — even righteous anger — but warns us not to be ruled by it.We are called to pause, ponder in silence, and respond with faith. In Christ, we are given a better way: holy restraint, genuine repentance, and trust in the Lord's justice. This devotion unpacks how prayer, silence, and right worship flow from hearts made new by grace.Whether wrestling with anger, sorrow, or frustration, let the Word of God lead you into peace and renewed trust. In Jesus, our sacrifice and righteousness, we are free to lay down wrath and take up faith.
* Psalm 33 * Psalm 27 * Judges 15:1—16:3 * Galatians 3:23—4:11 * Apology of the Augsburg Confession I, II:1–4
1072: 2 Thessalonians 2 Pt 2 Daily Devotions by Pastor Tim Dodson of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. Tim Dodson is the lead-pastor of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. These devotionals are designed to take the listener through the Bible verse-by-verse.
“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways.” (Psalm 119:1–3 NIV) Early in our lives, we learn the importance of walking. It’s fascinating to watch infants make their way to toddlerhood as they become more and more mobile. When an infant first discovers what her limbs are capable of, usually her first instinct is to push herself up. She’s no longer content simply to lie down. She wants to take control of her little life. She will try over and over again to coordinate the pushing up of her arms with the churning of her legs. When she does, she starts to crawl. Next, she’ll attempt to pull herself to a standing position, using whatever furniture is handy. She’ll test the strength of her wobbly little legs. She’ll discover balance. She’ll take a tentative step—and fall. And then she’ll get back up and try again. Soon the steps will start to outnumber the falls, and she’ll be on her way to walking. If you’re a new believer, you might be experiencing a similar pattern as you learn to walk with Christ. Psalm 119:1–3 says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways” (NIV). But walking according to the law of the Lord takes time, practice, and patience. If spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word are new to you, it’s only natural that it takes you a while to find your balance in them. Your spiritual legs are still developing. If your lifelong reaction to sin has been to hide it, deny it, or keep it a secret from others, the idea of confessing it and asking for forgiveness may take a little time getting used to. And if you don’t yet have a working knowledge of your own faith, you’re probably not going to be comfortable talking about it with others. But don’t let that immobilize you. Set aside time every day to talk and listen to God, even if it feels awkward. Praise Him for who He is. Thank Him for what He’s done. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Take your requests to Him. Spend time in His Word. Ask God to guide your understanding of it and show you ways to apply it in your life. Find a church where you can worship and fellowship with other believers. Look for ways to include your faith in your conversations. Your first steps as a new believer will likely be a little shaky. You may stumble and fall more than a few times. God understands. His patience will amaze you. He doesn’t look at your outward accomplishments; He looks at what’s going on in your heart. If your intentions are sincere, He will take care of the rest in His time. The number of times you fall is irrelevant as long as it’s equal to the number of times you get back up and try again. Reflection question: In what areas do you stumble in your Christian walk? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, “Nobody Can Take My Life Away” from the recording, "Celebrate Living." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=1289 You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month. Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!
Today's devotion is written by Lani Bogart.
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 14, 2025. Today's reflection, “Answer When I Call” from Psalm 4:1–3, reminds us that prayer is not just ritual — it's communion with the God who hears, loves, and acts.David cries, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!” — not based on his merit, but on the Lord's mercy. Though scorned and slandered, he holds fast to this truth: “The Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord hears when I call.”This devotion explores how faith clings to God's promises even when surrounded by lies and shame. Christ is our righteousness, and in Him, we are heard, set apart, and never forsaken.Be encouraged today: your prayers do not fall into silence. The Lord hears. Call on Him with confidence!
When you stood at the altar and took your vows, neither one of you envisioned now being in what Pastor Mike calls a "C- marriage." So . . . how do couples end up there? And if you are there, how do you get out of this rut? Pastor Mike and Amber aren't afraid to dig into the issues that can cause marriages to get stuck.We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at amber@timeofgrace.org
Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 13, 2025. Today's message, “Salvation Belongs to the Lord” from Psalm 3:7–8, anchors us in the truth that no matter how fierce the enemy or how deep the distress, our salvation is in God's hands alone.David cries out in bold faith, calling on the Lord to rise and act. His confidence is not in human strength, but in God's power to crush every foe — sin, death, and the devil included. “You break the teeth of the wicked” reveals how God disarms and defeats every power set against His people.The heart of the psalm confesses: “Salvation belongs to the Lord.” This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.Be encouraged: your salvation is secure because Christ has won the victory for you.
"The Gentle Whisper: Hearing God's Voice in a Noisy World" | 1 Kings 19:1–18 Sermon In this powerful sermon, we explore one of the most profound moments in Scripture—when the prophet Elijah encounters God not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire... but in a gentle whisper. What voice are YOU listening to? Is it the voice of distraction, fear, ambition—or the quiet voice of the Father? Text: 1 Kings 19:1–18 Learn how to: Discern Divine Dialogue in your daily life Distinguish Distractions that drown out God's voice Dedicate Yourself to Daily Devotion and spiritual growth This message will help you tune your heart to the frequency of heaven and hear God's whisper in the middle of the chaos. Don't miss this timely word! Subscribe for more biblically-rooted, practical messages to help you grow in faith. Like • Comment • Share with someone who needs this today. #HearingGodsVoice #StillSmallVoice #1Kings19 #Elijah #ChristianSermon #Devotion #SpiritualGrowth #DailyDevotion #FaithOverFear
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20 NLT) One of the great blessings of being a Christian is that God gives us second chances. He knows that we’re not perfect. He knows that we’re prone to giving in to temptation, allowing our emotions to get the better of us, and acting in ways that cause people to question our commitment to Christ. Even so, He gives us the opportunity to put our sin behind us—even when we’ve failed miserably. God allows us to turn things around dramatically and start anew. But when it comes to second chances, we have a choice in the matter as well. God stands willing to forgive, but we must approach Him. So when we sin, we have two ways to address it. We can confess it to God, ask His forgiveness, turn away from it, and experience the joy of His forgiveness. Or we can try to conceal our sin, refuse to admit guilt, and experience the consequences and repercussions of our wrongdoing. In the book of Deuteronomy, God posed a challenge to His people. He said, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life” (30:19–20 NLT). It’s amazing that some of those people, after hearing God’s challenge, consciously chose death. And it’s even more amazing that people today still choose death. You see, choosing death is essentially what we do when we choose to go against God and His Word. Jesus said of His followers, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). That’s the life you chose when you received Jesus as Savior and Lord. But the key to enjoying a rich and satisfying life is obedience. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 28:13, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy” (NLT). You can’t cover your sin. You can’t run from it. There is only one way to get rid of your sin and obtain true life. It’s at the cross of Jesus Christ. The choice is yours. Choose life. Reflection question: What would turning from a specific sin look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's devotion is written by Susanna Spencer.
“O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 NLT) A Sunday school teacher gave the kids in her class an assignment to write down any questions they had for God. Here are some of the questions, comments, and suggestions they came up with: Dear God, did You mean for the giraffe to look like that, or was it an accident? Dear God, I like the Lord’s Prayer best of all. Did You have to write it a lot, or did You get it right the first time? I have to write everything over and over again. Dear God, thank You for my baby brother You gave to us, but what I prayed for was a puppy. Dear God, how come You haven’t invented any new animals lately? We still have just the old ones. Dear God, I bet it is very hard for You to love everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in my family, and I just can’t do it. Dear God, in school we read that Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school, they said that You made it. I bet he stole Your idea. If you’re new to the Christian faith, you may have your own questions, comments, or suggestions for God. (And if you’ve been a Christian for most of your life, you probably still have questions, comments, or suggestions for God.) The questions may be tough. They may seem impolite. They may suggest a lack of faith on your part. Ask them anyway. That’s what the psalmists did. Look at Psalm 10:1 above. Those pointed questions are heartfelt cries. And God responds to our heartfelt cries—not with anger or punishment for questioning Him, but with compassion and understanding. He gives us wisdom and peace. He opens our eyes to spiritual truths we can’t see on our own. Few people in Scripture were closer to God than David, the shepherd who killed Goliath and later became king of Israel. First Samuel 13:14 describes David as “a man after God’s own heart.” Yet look what he wrote in Psalm 13:1–2: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (NLT). He poured out his soul to God because he knew God would see his questions for what they were: genuine attempts to understand God and His will. The apostle James offered this advice: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 NLT). God welcomes your questions because the more answers you receive, the stronger your faith will grow. Reflection question: What questions would you like to ask God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's devotion is written by Blythe Fike.
“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” (Ephesians 1:11 NLT) When I was growing up, I moved a lot because my mom was married and divorced seven times. We lived all over the country. Because I was always switching schools, more people knew me by the title “new kid” than by my name. I can’t remember how many times I had to stand in front of a class of kids who all knew each other while the teacher introduced me. Few things are as humiliating and lonely as being put on display for everyone to inspect and judge. In high school, because I wasn’t the most athletically inclined kid, I was often the last person chosen for a team. “Who wants Laurie?” “I don’t want him; you take him.” I would get picked for first base—not to play first base, but to be first base, you see. I’m not telling you this so that you’ll feel sorry for me. I’m just pointing out that I know what it’s like to be isolated from others. I’ve felt the sting of not belonging or not being wanted. Maybe you’ve felt it, too. If you’ve recently made a decision to follow Christ, you may be feeling isolated and alone now. The apostle Paul wrote, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT). That’s an amazing promise, but if the old life is all you know, you may be feeling like a new kid in front of the class. If so, there are a few things you need to know. First, you are very much wanted. As Paul makes clear in Ephesians 1:11 above, God has chosen you. He wants you on His team. Second, not only has God chosen you, but He also cares about your well-being. Psalm 33:18 says, “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (NLT). Third, God will bring spiritual allies, friends, and mentors into your orbit. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (NLT). This is fellowship, one of God’s awesome gifts. Fellowship is much more than superficial conversations on Sunday mornings. God intends for believers to live in community with one another. That means investing yourself in the lives of others and allowing others to invest themselves in your life. Fellowship involves serving together, worshiping together, encouraging one another, challenging one another, holding one another accountable, and embracing your responsibilities to one another. Whether you’re celebrating, mourning, or simply enduring, you need never face a season of life alone. God makes sure of that. Reflection question: How can you become a spiritual ally to a fellow believer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.