Podcasts about Devo

The devotional centers on the divine requirements for effective service—being chosen by God, anointed by the Holy Spirit, consecrated through separation, and properly prepared through time and training—illustrated through the life of a missionary who experienced repeated delays in pursuing his calling. Though initially discouraged by failed attempts to enter specific mission fields due to timing, qualifications, or institutional barriers, he learned that God's timing and preparation are essential, and that spiritual maturity must precede full-time service. The message emphasizes that while all believers are called to serve, the local church plays a vital role in discerning readiness, and that true calling is not thwarted by closed doors but fulfilled in God's appointed time. Ultimately, the sermon calls for patience, humility, and trust in God's sovereignty, urging believers to seek wisdom, remain in community, and avoid rushing into service before being fully prepared.

The devotional centers on the profound truth that true direction and purpose are found only when God's presence accompanies every step of the journey. Drawing from Moses' plea to see God's glory and his insistence that without God's presence, the people should not move forward, the message emphasizes that divine guidance is not optional but essential for faithful obedience. Through a personal story of a near-tragedy on a Seattle freeway, the speaker illustrates how detours, delays, and unexpected interruptions are often divine protections orchestrated by God's presence. The central theme is that believers must cultivate a deep sensitivity to God's leading, trusting that even seemingly negative circumstances may be part of His faithful direction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of dependence on God, where every decision is made with the conviction: 'If You're not going with us, I'm not going anywhere.'

The devotional centers on the profound truth that true direction and purpose are found only when God's presence accompanies every step of the journey. Drawing from Moses' plea to see God's glory and his insistence that without God's presence, the people should not move forward, the message emphasizes that divine guidance is not optional but essential for faithful obedience. Through a personal story of a near-tragedy on a Seattle freeway, the speaker illustrates how detours, delays, and unexpected interruptions are often divine protections orchestrated by God's presence. The central theme is that believers must cultivate a deep sensitivity to God's leading, trusting that even seemingly negative circumstances may be part of His faithful direction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of dependence on God, where every decision is made with the conviction: 'If You're not going with us, I'm not going anywhere.'

“Then Gideon said to God, ‘If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.’ And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.” (Judges 6:36–38 NLT) One of the crucial benefits in learning to be still is that it gives us the opportunity to become more aware of our circumstances. And that’s important because God often speaks to us through circumstances. This is not to say that we should look for God’s hand in every unexpected encounter, every missed opportunity, and every stray comment someone makes. Sometimes circumstances are just circumstances. But I can tell you this: Although I’m not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, I’ve experienced occasions when I sensed that something was the will of God and then found that things fell into place circumstantially. I’ve also experienced times when circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying no to something. A classic example of God graciously confirming His word through circumstances is found in the story of Gideon in Judges 6–8. God called Gideon to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. But Gideon had trouble seeing himself as a great military leader, so he asked God to confirm his calling. God worked through the circumstances of the morning dew to assure Gideon that he was the man for the job (see Judges 6:36–38). Likewise, when the prophet Jonah tried to flee from God because he didn’t want to go to Nineveh, God used a storm at sea and a giant fish to bring his journey to an abrupt halt. Of course, not all biblical examples are quite so dramatic. Acts 8:26–40 tells the story of Philip the Evangelist’s encounter with an Ethiopian official. According to verse 29, “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and walk along beside the carriage’” (NLT). Philip followed the Spirit’s prompting and led the Ethiopian official to Christ. He obeyed the Spirit’s prompting and recognized the opportunity God had placed before him. Two thousand years later, God still works through circumstances involving other people. For example, there have been times when I was listening to someone preach or was talking with a friend and suddenly realized that what the person was saying addressed a situation I was going through, even though the person was completely unaware of my circumstances. Those occasions made me realize that it was God Himself who was speaking to me through those individuals. Maybe God has spoken to you through a pastor or a Christian friend. Or perhaps He has been speaking to you through circumstances. If so, pay attention. You’ll be glad you did. Reflection question: How has God guided you through circumstances in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

This devotional centers on the essential prerequisites for a transformative encounter with God, drawn from Exodus 34:1–9, emphasizing preparation, intentional timing, and personal devotion. It highlights the importance of morning prayer as a sacred, anticipatory practice that aligns the heart with divine presence, illustrated through Moses' deliberate ascent to meet God. The passage underscores the necessity of solitude, readiness to receive divine revelation, and the act of writing down God's words, reflecting a posture of humility and responsiveness. As Moses' face shone after communion with God, the sermon illustrates how intimate fellowship with the Lord produces a visible transformation, inspiring others to serve and give freely from the heart. The message culminates in a call to trust God's provision, exemplified by a church that abandoned the traditional offering plate in favor of voluntary, prayerful giving, demonstrating that true generosity flows from spiritual intimacy rather than obligation. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that consistent, personal encounters with God equip believers to live with purpose, share grace freely, and bear witness to divine glory in everyday life.

This devotional centers on the essential prerequisites for a transformative encounter with God, drawn from Exodus 34:1–9, emphasizing preparation, intentional timing, and personal devotion. It highlights the importance of morning prayer as a sacred, anticipatory practice that aligns the heart with divine presence, illustrated through Moses' deliberate ascent to meet God. The passage underscores the necessity of solitude, readiness to receive divine revelation, and the act of writing down God's words, reflecting a posture of humility and responsiveness. As Moses' face shone after communion with God, the sermon illustrates how intimate fellowship with the Lord produces a visible transformation, inspiring others to serve and give freely from the heart. The message culminates in a call to trust God's provision, exemplified by a church that abandoned the traditional offering plate in favor of voluntary, prayerful giving, demonstrating that true generosity flows from spiritual intimacy rather than obligation. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that consistent, personal encounters with God equip believers to live with purpose, share grace freely, and bear witness to divine glory in everyday life.

“She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:40–42 NLT) In our busy culture, where communication devices, social media, and countless other distractions constantly demand our attention, one of the hardest things to do is to be still. To silence the noise and sit in quiet contemplation. To engage one-on-One with God, to speak and listen to Him with no interruptions. Yet, if Scripture teaches us anything, it’s that being still yields amazing results. In this week’s devotions, we will focus on what it means to be still before God. Let’s set the scene for one of the best-known examples of being still in all of Scripture. When the Lord walked this earth, He had no place to call home. Jesus Himself said, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20 NLT). He traveled almost constantly. In His travels, though, He found something He liked about a home in Bethany where a man named Lazarus lived with his two sisters, Mary and Martha. Maybe Martha was a great cook. Maybe they were wonderful hosts. What we do know is that Mary and Martha were quite different from each other. Mary was more the quiet, contemplative type. Martha was more the grab-the-bull-by-the-horns, assertive type. One day, Jesus came to their home. Martha thought it would be a good idea to make Him a meal. She went into the kitchen and started working. Meanwhile, Mary thought it would be a great opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear what He had to say. As Mary was sitting, taking it all in, Martha was working frantically in the kitchen, growing more frustrated because Mary wasn’t helping her. Finally, Martha couldn’t contain herself any longer. She came out of the kitchen, looked down at Mary and Jesus, and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me” (Luke 10:40 NLT). Jesus responded with these words: “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (verses 41–42 NLT). Our culture wants us to believe that busier is better. But Jesus’ response to Martha makes it clear this isn’t always the case. If we get consumed by the desire to “accomplish things,” we run the risk of offering activity instead of adoration, work instead of worship, and perspiration instead of inspiration. There’s a time to sit and a time to move. Reflection question: How do you know when it’s time to sit, as Mary did? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

This week Devo is turning 1000 years old!!!! Wait, what's that? Not 1000 years old? 1000th episode of a podcast? Well that's not as impressive. Oh well, let's celebrate anyway! This week Manic Mondays turns 1000!!! Meanwhile, There I Ruined It takes the boyz out the hood, and Dolly Parton is overflowing with love. 1. "Manic Mondays x1000" by Devo Spice 2. Story Time 3. "Wagon Wheel...but it's Boyz-N-The-Hood" by There I ruined It 4. News of the Stupid! 5. "I'll Oilwells Love You" by Dolly Parton Devo Spice is at DevoSpice.com There I Ruined It is on YouTube Dolly Parton is on your favorite streaming service Thank you to our Patreon backers for making this show possible!!!

The devoteonal centers on the necessity of personal, intimate worship with God, contrasting the Israelites' desire for a mediated encounter with God through Moses to the call for individual, private communion. Drawing from Exodus 24, it emphasizes that true nearness to God comes not in crowds or collective worship alone, but in intentional solitude, where one prepares through worship, listens attentively, and records divine revelations. The passage highlights the transformative power of such encounters, as seen in Moses' radiant countenance, demonstrating how time alone with God shapes one's character and enables authentic spiritual leadership. The message calls believers beyond passive attendance to active, personal engagement with Scripture and prayer, where God speaks directly and personally. Ultimately, it urges a shift from worshipping from afar to drawing near in quiet intimacy, where divine truth is received, preserved, and shared with others.

The devoteonal centers on the necessity of personal, intimate worship with God, contrasting the Israelites' desire for a mediated encounter with God through Moses to the call for individual, private communion. Drawing from Exodus 24, it emphasizes that true nearness to God comes not in crowds or collective worship alone, but in intentional solitude, where one prepares through worship, listens attentively, and records divine revelations. The passage highlights the transformative power of such encounters, as seen in Moses' radiant countenance, demonstrating how time alone with God shapes one's character and enables authentic spiritual leadership. The message calls believers beyond passive attendance to active, personal engagement with Scripture and prayer, where God speaks directly and personally. Ultimately, it urges a shift from worshipping from afar to drawing near in quiet intimacy, where divine truth is received, preserved, and shared with others.

The devotional emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture, asserting that God's Word is not merely written text but living, spiritual truth empowered by the Holy Spirit. Drawing from John 6:63, it highlights how the words of Christ penetrate the heart and soul, awakening spiritual awareness and convicting of sin and need for salvation. The speaker shares a personal testimony of encountering Scripture as a non-Christian, describing how the Holy Spirit used the words to bring conviction, peace, and eternal life. The central call is for believers to approach the Bible with expectancy, inviting the Holy Spirit to make the Word alive and personally relevant. Ultimately, the sermon presents Scripture as essential nourishment for the Christian life, capable of deepening faith, enriching experience, and bringing lasting joy and peace.

This month Devo talks about his trip to Vermont, his auditions and callbacks, his planned videos, Manic Mondays episode 1000, his upcoming mockumentary, two Audible narrations, his 40th Anniversary Release, and more! Music in this episode: "Cellular Degeneration (Live on the Virtual Comedy Show)" by Devo Spice, "My Atari (Live on the Virtual Comedy Show)" by Devo Spice, "Words That Sound Dirty but Ain't (Live on the Virtual Comedy Show)" by Devo Spice, "Manic Mondays x10^3" by Devo Spice.

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” (Psalm 141:3 NLT) It’s been said that God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason: He wants us to listen more and to speak less. Think of how often we jump to conclusions or pass judgment in a situation. The writer of Proverbs warned, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish” (Proverbs 18:13 NLT). Nevertheless, when we hear something damaging about another person, our first instinct is to conclude immediately that the person is guilty as charged. And instead of saying, “Let’s go to that person and find out the truth,” we start to spread the news as if it were fact. In the old days when you went to a doctor, he would ask you to stick out your tongue. Then he would pull out a tongue depressor and tell you to say, “Ahhh.” Why? Because the tongue can be an indicator of what’s going on inside you. By observing your tongue, a doctor could tell what was wrong with the rest of you. The principle applies in a spiritual sense as well. Our tongue—or, more specifically, our words—are the table of contents to our lives. What we say gives away who or what we really are. That’s why David wrote, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips” (Psalm 141:3 NLT). In essence, he was saying, “Lord, set a watch over my mouth. I can’t stop other people from speaking evil about me, but I will not do the same to them. I will not be guilty of it, Lord. But I need your help. I can’t do this in my own strength.” Keep in mind that David faced off against a lion, a bear, the murderous King Saul, and a host of other enemies. He stepped onto a battlefield with the warrior giant Goliath with no fear and barely a second thought. Yet he knew what he was up against with the tongue. We need to follow his lead. We can accomplish some important work with our words. The apostle Paul wrote, “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:5–6 NLT). He also wrote, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT). And the writer of Proverbs advised, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4 NLT). But we can’t do those things on our own. Like David, we must pray that the Lord will set a guard over our mouths and keep a watch over the door of our lips. Reflection question: In what areas do you need the Lord to help you guard your lips? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my God!’ Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle.” (Psalm 140:6–7 NLT) Few people in Scripture had a better understanding of God than David did. David knew what it was like to be favored by God. In 1 Samuel 13:14, he is referred to as a man after God’s own heart. He also knew what it was like to be on the business end of God’s discipline after his affair with Bathsheba. But more importantly for the purposes of this devotion, David knew what it was like to be protected by God and to have his burdens lifted by the Lord. Look at his words in Psalm 140:6–7: “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my God!’ Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle” (NLT). Such confidence can only come from experience. If you’ve ever wondered how David rose to the occasion time and time again when other people might have crumbled, look at his words to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:46: “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands” (NIV). He didn’t boast about his speed, agility, or prowess with a sling. Instead, he invoked the name of the Lord, the One who had seen him through other dangers and carried his burdens in the past. David so completely trusted God to protect him again that he walked onto a battlefield against a heavily armored giant in his shepherd’s clothes. In 1 Samuel 17:46 and Psalm 140:6–7, David’s message was the same: “Lord, I place it all on you.” Have you reached the point in your relationship with God where you can say the same thing? You probably don’t have to think hard to recall times when He answered an urgent prayer request or saw you through a difficult situation. Let those memories serve as confidence builders. Replay them again and again in your mind. Give thanks and praise to the Lord daily for His work in your life. Keep track of it in your prayer journal. Tell others about His goodness to you. Memorize Scripture passages that testify to His goodness, strength, and protection. For example, in Isaiah 41:10, God says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT). And in Philippians 4:19, the apostle Paul writes, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (NLT). Are you burdened today? Is something troubling you? Do you have anxiety over some situation? Maybe it’s a problem at work or an issue with a loved one. Whatever your burden may be, David has given you the example. Cast it on the Lord. He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22 says, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (NLT). God’s done it before, and He’ll do it again. Armed with that confidence, you can face any circumstance. Reflection question: What burden do you need to give to God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

Thursday - Should restaurants charge you to share a meal or prevent you from taking food home? Stuff You Can See with Chloe G from the Orlando Weekly on the Fanboy Expo, Isamu Noguchi exhibit, DEVO, HHN and more. Attorney Glenn Klausman with how liable is the e-bike rider  for Colbert Court. Rauce Thoughts on being fooled by A.I. content. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

Thursday - Should restaurants charge you to share a meal or prevent you from taking food home? Stuff You Can See with Chloe G from the Orlando Weekly on the Fanboy Expo, Isamu Noguchi exhibit, DEVO, HHN and more. Attorney Glenn Klausman with how liable is the e-bike rider  for Colbert Court. Rauce Thoughts on being fooled by A.I. content. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heroes and Villains x Romans 8:5-6 x Luke 9:23Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

The devotional centers on the vital distinction between unconditional and conditional promises in Scripture, emphasizing that God's faithfulness is unwavering, yet the fulfillment of certain promises depends on human response. It highlights that unconditional promises, such as God's ongoing work in believers (Philippians 1:6), are secure for those born into His family through faith in Christ, while conditional promises require obedience, humility, and alignment with God's will—such as in prayer or repentance. The preacher underscores that claiming biblical promises without meeting their conditions often leads to confusion, and true prayer must be rooted in delighting in the Lord and walking in His ways. By discerning these two types of promises, believers are encouraged to pray with greater faith, consistency, and spiritual integrity, knowing that God honors both His faithfulness and the believer's cooperation. The tone is pastoral and instructive, aiming to deepen understanding and transform prayer life.

“O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long.” (Psalm 140:1–2 NLT) There’s an old saying that goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” David’s words in Psalm 140 offer compelling evidence of that. David begins the psalm with these words: “O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long” (verses 1–2 NLT). “Stirring up trouble all day long” is practically a job description for the influencers, trolls, and others who crowd onto modern social media platforms. No gossip is too salacious, no accusation is too offensive for them to reframe for their own purposes, comment on, and spread to others. Like David, we are living in a wicked, vicious time. People today have an unhealthy appetite for gossip and slander—anything that makes others look bad. Once upon a time, this was known as a “tabloid mentality.” But the kind of stuff that once could be found only in supermarket tabloids has spread throughout the ranks of journalism and broadcast media. Hard news has been replaced by attacking partisan commentary. Everyone wants the dirt, especially on those they oppose. Social media has accelerated the decline in journalistic and personal integrity. Civility, courtesy, and empathy seem to be nearing extinction. Take away the technology, and you have a culture that would have been recognizable to David. The “evil people” he referred to in Psalm 140:1 had initiated a carefully planned campaign of slander and lies against him, and it was proving to be effective. You’ve heard the expression, “Good news travels fast.” I suggest to you that bad news travels even faster. It’s been said that a lie is halfway around the world while truth is still putting on its shoes. There’s something about a falsehood that causes it to spread like a wildfire. James knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3:6 NLT). David understood what our response should be to the trouble that people stir up. In Psalm 25:4–5, he wrote, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you” (NLT). As believers, we must reject the lies of the world and learn everything we can about God’s truth. We must ask God to lead us, to help us resist the temptation to fight fire with fire when people stir up trouble. We need never concern ourselves about people’s reactions when we’re walking in God’s truth. Reflection question: What would focusing on God’s truth look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

The devotional centers on the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison in Acts 12, illustrating God's sovereign power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Through the unexpected intervention of an angel, God answers the church's fervent prayers in a way that defies human expectation, emphasizing that divine action often transcends our limited understanding. The passage underscores the importance of surrendering our circumstances to God without prescribing how He should act, trusting in His wisdom and timing even when answers are not immediate or conventional. It calls believers to cultivate a posture of faith, peace, and joyful surrender, recognizing that God's answers—whether affirmative, delayed, or transformative—are always aligned with His greater glory. Ultimately, the message affirms that God is actively at work through spiritual forces, including angels, even when unseen, and invites believers to trust His sovereignty in prayer.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” (Psalm 139:7–10 NLT) One of God’s perfections is His omnipresence. He is present everywhere all the time. The psalmist captured the essence and implications of God’s omnipresence when he wrote, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me” (Psalm 139:7–10 NLT). If we extend that line of reasoning, it’s not hard to see that the omnipresence of God can be comforting or frightening, depending on your perspective. If you’re not right with God and you’re trying to get away from Him, His omnipresence creates a huge obstacle. The Old Testament prophet Jonah could testify to that. God gave Jonah an assignment that Jonah found distasteful. The Lord wanted Jonah to warn the Ninevites that His judgment was coming if they didn’t repent. Jonah balked at the mission because the Ninevites were the enemies of Israel. He didn’t want them to repent. He was rooting for God’s judgment on them. So, he went down to Joppa and boarded a ship headed for Tarshish, away from Nineveh and presumably away from God. But you know how the story ends. Jonah recognized the error of his ways and repented in the belly of a giant fish. Because God was there, too. There’s an obvious lesson in there for anyone who’s trying to run from God. That is, you’re wasting your time and energy. It can’t be done. No matter where you go, God will be waiting for you. You can’t escape His presence. On the other hand, if you’re walking with God, you’ll find great comfort in the knowledge that you’re never alone. When you face fiery trials, when you go through times of difficulty, when you have to weather life’s storms, God is with you every step of the way. David memorably celebrated God’s presence in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (verses 1–4 NLT). You never need feel lost, scared, abandoned, or alone. If you’re walking with God, He will never leave you. Reflection question: When do you most appreciate God’s presence? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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 his final words, Joshua calls the people to a decisive, personal commitment to serve God with wholehearted faithfulness, rooted in a lifetime of witnessing God's faithfulness and marked by reverence, integrity, and deliberate choice. He emphasizes that true devotion requires rejecting the spiritual compromises of surrounding cultures—both secular and false religion—while affirming that the decision to follow God must be made individually and passed on to future generations. The passage underscores that obedience to God is not merely doctrinal adherence but a lived reality of intimacy, prayer, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance within the family. The call is urgent and practical: make the choice now, begin the journey with one step, and trust God to provide direction and blessing along the way. This final exhortation serves as both a challenge and a promise, affirming that God's faithfulness is real and that His blessings are available to those who walk in His ways.

Confession: driving over bridges is one of my biggest fears — But a recent drive across a long bridge over the Mississippi turned into one of the most powerful reminders I've had in a while: Jesus is the bridge. ~~~~ Browse the Website | KatieHedrick.com  Connect with Katie | Katie@KatieHedrick.com   Download Katie's 5-day Digital Devotional Joyful Moments with Jesus | KatieHedrick.com/Devo 

Before you're a mom, a wife, a cook, a cleaning lady, or anything else — you are a Kingdom daughter. In this episode, I'm sharing about how God met me while I was scrubbing a toilet and helped me jump off the "hamster wheel" of motherhood to reclaim my deepest identity. If you feel swept up in the chaos of a busy life, this is a message you need to hear!  ~~~~ Browse the Website | KatieHedrick.com  Connect with Katie | Katie@KatieHedrick.com   Download Katie's 5-day Digital Devotional Joyful Moments with Jesus | KatieHedrick.com/Devo 

It's been almost two years… and I'm finally coming back to the mic! Welcome to a brand new season of the podcast (and a new name, too!) — Becoming a Wisdom Woman.  In today's episode, I'm sharing an honest life update, plus three simple things that wise women can do to grow in their faith. ~~~~ Browse the Website | KatieHedrick.com Connect with Katie | Katie@KatieHedrick.com  Download Katie's 5-day Digital Devotional Joyful Moments with Jesus | KatieHedrick.com/Devo

“This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.” (Psalm 119:56 NLT) What makes you happy? What brings you peace? Where do you find meaning, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment in your life? One of the biggest tragedies of our modern culture is that many people can’t answer these questions. They may find moments of excitement or distraction. They may have fun. But those moments are fleeting and surfacy. There’s nothing deep or lasting about them. Philosopher Eric Hoffer wrote, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.” Someone else once said, “There are two sources of unhappiness in life. One is not getting what you want and the other is getting it.” So, for many people today who are searching for happiness, the cold hard truth is that they will never find it. The news stories we see about celebrities seem to confirm it. For all their accomplishments, fame, and money, many of them lead miserable and empty lives. And that’s because they’re searching for happiness in the wrong way. The psalmist revealed the key to the search when he wrote, “This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments” (Psalm 119:56 NLT). Genuine happiness is always a byproduct of holiness. Get your life right with God and happiness will soon follow. Several other passages in Scripture confirm this: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11 NLT). “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly” (Proverbs 3:13–18 NLT). “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4 NLT). “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful” (Proverbs 16:20 NLT). “So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?” (Ecclesiastes 2:24–25 NLT). Unfortunately, unbelievers will never know true happiness. Instead, they will pursue the devil’s cheap counterfeits, facsimiles that seem to offer what they desire. They won’t recognize until it’s too late that the counterfeits are shallow, because they possess no deep well from which to draw. The world’s concept of happiness is dependent on good things happening. The Christian concept of happiness depends on a good God. Choose God’s way. Reflection question: How can you help unbelievers in your life recognize where genuine happiness can be found? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

Family devotions often sound wonderful in theory—but in real life, they can feel messy, inconsistent, and anything but peaceful. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing it right," take heart: God isn't looking for perfection. He's inviting families to faithfully open His Word together, one small step at a time.  In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose encourage parents to rethink what successful family discipleship really looks like. From adapting devotions to fit your children's unique learning styles to choosing Gospel-centered resources that point girls to Jesus rather than simple behavior modification, this conversation offers practical wisdom for every stage of family life.  Together, Rachael and Natalie discuss the growing influence of technology and algorithms on today's children, why parents cannot outsource discipleship, and how small adjustments—like hands-on activities, age-appropriate conversations, and modeling authentic faith—can transform family devotional time from a source of frustration into an opportunity for connection and spiritual growth. Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute also reminds families that sometimes the best learning happens when little hands stay busy while hearts remain engaged with God's Word.  Whether you're just beginning family devotions, looking to rebuild consistency, or searching for fresh resources to strengthen your family's faith, this episode will encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on the true goal—not raising "good kids," but raising daughters whose hearts are transformed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.    Three Things to Consider:  Choose devotional resources that are centered on the Gospel, helping your daughter understand that lasting heart transformation comes through Jesus—not simply good behavior.  Meet your children where they are by using age-appropriate, engaging approaches that encourage them to interact with God's Word.  Remember that your example is one of your greatest discipleship tools. As your daughter watches you live out your faith with humility and repentance, she'll see the Gospel at work in everyday life.    Scriptures Referenced:  Matthew 19:14  Psalm 119:10-11    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.    

The devotional presents a clear warning against the study of false religions and spiritual systems, grounded in biblical principles from Joshua and David, who both forbade engagement with the worship and names of foreign gods. Drawing from personal experience and real-life testimonies, the message emphasizes that exposure to false teachings—even for the purpose of comparison or understanding—can erode spiritual sensitivity and lead to spiritual compromise. The preacher advocates for a focused devotion to Scripture, asserting that deep familiarity with God's truth equips believers to recognize and resist falsehood through the Holy Spirit's guidance. Rather than relying on cultural or superstitious practices, such as ritual anointing or ancestral customs, the sermon calls for a reliance on divine authority, prayer, and the cleansing power of Christ to overcome spiritual oppression. Ultimately, the central message is that truth, not error, must be the foundation of a believer's life, and spiritual discernment comes not from studying deception, but from abiding in God's Word.

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NLT) You’ve probably heard the old saying that a Bible that’s falling apart is usually the sign of a life that isn’t. I must admit that I like to see beat-up, marked-up Bibles that are coming apart, because it tells me that they’ve seen heavy use. Their pages are well-worn. Favorite passages can be located immediately because of familiar breaks in the spine. Every scribbled note, every underlined passage tells a story. I’ve often said that there should be a Bible produced especially for preachers. In fact, I’ve mentioned the idea to people who actually publish Bibles. I told them, “Make a preacher’s Bible. Give it a steel binding.” After all, preachers really use their Bibles. As we’re speaking, we do things like shake it, hold it up, and point to it. Why we do that, I don’t really know. Of course, as believers, we shouldn’t simply shake our Bibles or hold them up or point to them. We need to read God’s Word. We need to memorize it. We need to follow the example of the psalmist who said, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NLT). A purse or a briefcase may serve as a handy carrier for God’s Word, but our heart is an even better one. Jesus kept God’s Word in His heart. When the devil tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture to counter him. Three times the devil did his worst. And three times he was rebuffed by the Word of God. Matthew 4:11 says simply, “Then the devil went away” (NLT). He was no match for God’s Word. Scripture can serve a similar purpose in our lives. We have no way of knowing when and how the devil is going to tempt us. But we do know that God’s Word will thwart his plans. So, it’s important that we carry it with us wherever we go. That way, we can deploy it when we need to. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts also helps us fulfill the Great Commission. The apostle Paul wrote of unbelievers, “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? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14–15 NLT). The more quickly and effectively we can access the Good News, the more powerful our witness will be. Being able to draw from what’s stored in our heart is a tremendous advantage. God’s Word is a powerful tool, and a powerful weapon against our enemy, whether we hold it in our hands or in our heart. Reflection question: What would hiding God’s Word in your heart look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

Iron man x 1 Samuel 17 x Philippians 4:13Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers, and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

This week Devo is hurling insults! It's about time. Meanwhile, Thomas B Wild is crowdsourcing some writing help, Felicity Fitz-Frisky is mixing up a pot of nasty, and Tiff and Gabe have a new friend. 1. "Attempting to Find a Better Insult Than The 'C' Word" by Thomas Benjamin Wild, Esq 2. "The Disney Princess My Neck My Back" by Felicity Fitz-Frisky 3. News of the Stupid! 4. "Me and Gorgon" by Tiff and Gabe Thomas Benjamin Wild, Esq can be found at TombWild.com Felicity Fitz-Frisky can be found on Instagram @TheMissFrisky Tiff and Gabe are on Instagram @TiffAndGabeComedy Thank you to our Patreon backers for making this show possible!!!

The devotional draws a powerful contrast between generations that remember God's faithfulness and those that do not, using Israel's decline in Judges 2 as a cautionary example. It emphasizes that spiritual legacy is preserved not through passive inheritance but through intentional storytelling—sharing personal testimonies of answered prayer, divine provision, conversion, and the consequences of disobedience. The preacher calls believers to become 'storytellers' in their families, passing down both triumphs and failures to instill a living faith in future generations. By doing so, families can avoid the cycle of spiritual amnesia and the resulting tragedies seen in Israel's history. The message is both urgent and hopeful, urging parents and grandparents to invest in their descendants' spiritual formation through authentic, relational witness.

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.” (Psalm 119:1 NLT) The psalmist wrote, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1 NLT). That may come as quite a surprise to people who fail to see the connection between following instructions and joy. Many unbelievers—and believers—have a hard time getting past the “Thou shalt nots” of God’s commandments. They see God as a cosmic killjoy whose primary interaction with humankind is to legislate through His Word the complete elimination of fun and excitement. This isn’t just an accidental misunderstanding of our heavenly Father; it’s the result of a calculated strategy. Look at the serpent’s first words to Eve in the Garden of Eden: “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 NLT). He played on her FOMO—fear of missing out—before she was even aware that she had such a fear. The serpent caused her to see God’s command, His only command, as something ponderous and restrictive. And the stigma remains. So, we need to make this clear: People who see the Bible and the Christian life as little more than a list of rules and regulations have not carefully examined Scripture. Yes, God tells us what to avoid. Yes, He warns us of things that are perilous to our spiritual health. At the same time, however, God tells us what to engage in. He reveals to us what will push the buttons of joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction that He installed in us. For example, in 2 Timothy 2:22, the apostle Paul writes, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts” (NLT). But then he follows it up with this: “Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (NLT). What an appealing invitation! What potential for life-changing growth, joy, and fulfillment! Believers who merely try to avoid what is evil are missing the point. Loving God isn’t just about what not to do. It’s also about what to do. If you want to be a truly joyful and holy person, you not only should avoid what is wrong, but you should embrace and actively engage in what is right. That’s what walking with the Lord is about. It involves progression, moving forward, rather than sitting still. In Paul’s first letter to the believers in Corinth, he writes, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 NLT). Each one of those things represents forward progress. Paul gives clear commands, and we apply them faithfully in the particular situations God places before us. If we focus only on the “Thou shalt not” commandments of Scripture, we’ll miss those opportunities. Reflection question: Which positive instructions in Scripture will you prioritize this week? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

The devotional centers on the transformative power of God at work in the early church, as seen in Acts 11:21, where a large number turned to the Lord through the compelling testimony of believers. It highlights Barnabas as a model of godly character—dependable, Spirit-filled, and full of faith—qualities that enabled him to be a vessel of divine empowerment. The preacher emphasizes that these attributes are not reserved for a select few but are attainable through intentional pursuit, calling believers to examine their own lives for reliability, spiritual sensitivity, and genuine faith. By cultivating these virtues, individuals become channels through which God's power flows to others, replicating the same revival seen in Jerusalem. The tone is both pastoral and challenging, urging the audience to align their priorities with God's design for a life marked by integrity, dependence on the Spirit, and unwavering trust in divine promises.

“What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12 NLT) A farmer who was known for his frugality owned a cow that gave birth to two calves. He said to his wife, “I’m going to dedicate one of these calves to the Lord.” Knowing his miserly ways, she was very surprised and asked which one he was planning to give to the Lord. “I haven’t decided yet, but I’ll let you know,” he said. A few days went by, and again she asked which calf he was giving to the Lord. “I’m still thinking about it,” he told her. Then one day, one of the calves got sick. It grew worse and worse until one night the farmer walked up onto the porch with the calf draped over his arms. He said to his wife, “Honey, I have bad news. The Lord’s calf just died.” Similarly, many of us tend to give God that which we don’t really want ourselves. Think about a typical day. What place do we give to the things of God? Maybe we utter a quick prayer as we roll out of bed or offer some hurried words of thanks over breakfast. Then we rush off to our responsibilities. At the end of the day, we say, “Oh, right. I’ll give God these last four minutes as I’m dozing off.” If God is important, then why do we give Him our leftovers? God certainly doesn’t want our leftovers. He makes that quite clear in Scripture. God said to Israel, “Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king . . . and my name is feared among the nations!” (Malachi 1:14 NLT). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT). One of the most important steps of spiritual growth is making sure that our priorities are in order. In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to convince ourselves that pressing work responsibilities or family commitments should take precedence over our time with the Lord. But that kind of focus makes us lose sight of the interconnectedness of our responsibilities. God rewards time spent with Him. When we give Him the choicest part of our day, He blesses the remainder. When we quiet ourselves before Him, pour out our praise, thanksgiving, and requests in prayer, and spend quality time in His Word, we are better prepared to face the challenges and responsibilities of the day. The psalmist asked, “What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12 NLT). If we let that question guide our thoughts, actions, and priorities, we will discover what it means to serve God—and to be abundantly blessed by Him in return. God gave us His best. Let’s give Him ours. Reflection question: How can you ensure that God gets the best from you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

The devotional centers on the radical commitment required to follow Jesus, rooted in the principle of surrendering one's own will to God's. Drawing from Luke 9:23 and Jesus' declaration in John 6:38 that He came not to do His own will but the Father's, the message emphasizes that true discipleship begins with denying self and taking up one's cross daily. It challenges listeners to move beyond superficial goals—such as numerical growth or personal success—toward a deeper pursuit of Christ-centered character, intimacy with God, and obedience to His daily will. The sermon underscores that God's plan for each person is singular and specific, requiring continual surrender, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and the daily prayer of 'Not my will, but Yours be done.' Ultimately, walking in God's will brings joy, peace, and empowerment, while resisting it leads to spiritual emptiness and quenching of the Spirit.

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.” (Psalm 107:8 NLT) In the Old Testament we find an interesting story of how King Jehoshaphat took an uncommon approach when his enemies waged war against him. “After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: ‘Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!’” (2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT). Imagine the scene: “All right, guys, here’s the plan today. The enemy soldiers are out there, armed to the teeth. So, our first wave of attack will be musical. We’re sending out the choir.” If I’d been one of those choir members, I might have wondered whether the king liked our music. But God had directed Jehoshaphat in this unusual battle tactic. The result was nothing short of amazing. “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped” (verses 22–24 NLT). Good things happen when God’s people prioritize thanking and praising the Lord. It’s a simple lesson, but one that’s shockingly easy to forget. Luke 17:11–19 tells the story of Jesus’ encounter with ten men who had leprosy. When the men saw Jesus approaching their village, they cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (verse 13 NLT). And with a single instruction from Him, the men were healed. Their leprosy disappeared. Their lives were changed forever. Verse 15 says, “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’” (NLT). One out of ten thanked Jesus. That percentage surprised even the Lord Himself. “Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’” (verses 17–18 NLT). It’s not so much that Jesus was offended by the inconsiderate reactions of the other nine; it was more of a concern that they were going to miss out on the blessings that come when people express their thanks to God. Of course, few of us would dare shake our heads at the lack of response from the inconsiderate nine. If we could do an inventory of the number of times God has answered our prayers and then compare that to the number of times we’ve thanked Him, we probably would cringe at the results. The psalmist wrote, “Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them” (Psalm 107:8 NLT). Let that be our daily priority. Reflection question: How can you be more proactive in giving thanks to God for His blessings in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

The devotional emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine gratitude by intentionally experiencing hunger through a family day of fasting and prayer. It encourages believers to focus on global poverty and displaced families, using resources from humanitarian organizations to educate children about those who lack basic necessities. By simulating scarcity with simple meals, families can develop a deeper appreciation for God's provision and empathize with the hungry. The message highlights that gratitude should stem from sincere awareness of one's blessings rather than routine habit. Ultimately, it calls for practical acts of sacrifice and giving to support those in need, fostering a spirit of thankfulness within the household.

The devotional emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine gratitude by intentionally experiencing hunger through a family day of fasting and prayer. It encourages believers to focus on global poverty and displaced families, using resources from humanitarian organizations to educate children about those who lack basic necessities. By simulating scarcity with simple meals, families can develop a deeper appreciation for God's provision and empathize with the hungry. The message highlights that gratitude should stem from sincere awareness of one's blessings rather than routine habit. Ultimately, it calls for practical acts of sacrifice and giving to support those in need, fostering a spirit of thankfulness within the household.

“So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it.” (Psalm 106:15 NLT) The psalmist’s words in Psalm 106:15 remind us that prayer isn’t something to be taken lightly. Referring to God’s response to the complaints and cravings of the Israelites, who were freed from slavery in Egypt but then proved unfaithful in their trek to the Promised Land, the psalmist writes, “So he gave them what they asked for, but he sent a plague along with it” (Psalm 106:15 NLT). Having a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe is not a privilege to be taken for granted. God’s Word has much to say about prayer, and it all begins with the right attitude. I sometimes hear people say, “I’ve been wrestling with God in prayer.” My first thought always is “I hope you lost.” If you’re trying to bend God your way with your prayers, you might as well save your breath. That’s not how prayer works. Prayer gives us the opportunity to bend God’s way. That’s a lesson that’s probably been driven home to you time and time again if you keep a prayer journal. If you look back on some of your prayer requests, perhaps when you were a new Christian, you probably see some efforts to get God to come around to your way of thinking. To get Him to substitute your will for His will. And chances are, you cringe when you see them and rejoice that God had a better plan. I’m certainly glad that God didn’t say yes to every prayer I ever prayed. When I look back on some things I’ve prayed for, I realize that if the Lord would have allowed them, they could have destroyed me. They were not the right things or the right situations. So, God graciously and lovingly said no. Maturing as a believer includes learning how to pray—and especially, what to pray for. In John 15:7, Jesus gives an incredible promise regarding answered prayer. He says, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (NLT). From the original language, this verse could be understood as, “If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My Word is at home with you, I command you to ask at once for yourself whatever your heart desires, and it will be yours.” When I read a promise like that, I gravitate immediately toward the part that says I can ask whatever my heart desires and it will be mine. But before that, Jesus said, “If you maintain a living communion with Me, and My word is at home with you. . . .” If this is happening in your life, then you’re going to want what God wants. If you’re maintaining a living communion with God and His words are at home in your heart, then your outlook, desires—and in time, your prayers—will change. And when you unleash the full power of prayer in your life, it will never be the same. Reflection question: What would a living communion with God look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

The devotional centers on the reality that faithful obedience to God's call often invites opposition, even from well-meaning believers and respected Christian leaders. Drawing from Peter's experience in Acts 11 and personal testimonies of stepping into uncertain ministries, it emphasizes that divine direction may require leaving security, facing criticism, and enduring isolation. The speaker underscores that such resistance, while painful, can refine one's conviction when met with prayerful discernment and a commitment to God's approval over human approval. Through examples from biblical figures like Paul, William Carey, and Jesus Himself, the message affirms that true faithfulness involves trusting God's leading even when it defies conventional wisdom. Ultimately, the call is to persevere in obedience, grounded in Scripture and personal conviction, knowing that God's blessing far outweighs the cost of worldly or familial approval.

If you could go back and spend four years at any fictional high school from the '80s, where would you enroll? Would you hang out with Spicoli at Ridgemont High? Serve Saturday detention with the Breakfast Club at Shermer High? Shoot hoops for Hickory? Learn the African Anteater Ritual at Crandall High? Or maybe you'd choose a school where there's absolutely no chance of being murdered by your classmates or attacked in your dreams. This week on Stuck in the '80s, Steve and Brad are going back to school as we pick the fictional high schools of the 1980s we'd most like to attend — and the ones we'd avoid at all costs. There are plenty of tempting choices. There's Weemawee High from Square Pegs, where being popular might be difficult but there's always the possibility you'll score an invitation to Buffy's bar mitzvah and see Devo perform. There's Ridgemont High from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which was also the overwhelming favorite among our listeners. Sure, you might have to survive Mr. Hand's history class, but apparently you can have pizza delivered to class, visit a morgue on a field trip and spend the rest of your free time hanging around the mall. Then there's Hickory High from Hoosiers, where school spirit is off the charts and the enrollment is small enough that we might actually have a chance of making the basketball team. We also consider Rydell High from Grease 2, Crandall High from Can't Buy Me Love, Edwina Pearl High from Just One of the Guys and, of course, Shermer High, the center of the John Hughes universe. Shermer seems pretty appealing. Affluent Chicago suburb. Good education. Great house parties. Interesting classmates. Just don't get Saturday detention. Of course, not every fictional '80s high school belongs on the recruiting brochure. We'd probably skip Ampipe High from All the Right Moves unless we're particularly excited about a future at the local steel mill. We're definitely staying away from Beaumont High from Footloose, where dancing is illegal and nearly every adult seems determined to make teenagers miserable. Then there's Westerburg High from Heathers, where the murder rate alone should probably affect its U.S. News ranking. And we're absolutely not enrolling at Springwood High from A Nightmare on Elm Street. Any school where falling asleep during algebra can result in your gruesome death is an immediate dealbreaker. Bunker Hill Military Academy from Taps isn't looking much better. It's about to close, the townies hate you and there's a reasonable chance Timothy Hutton is going to get everyone killed. Otherwise, lovely campus. We also share your picks, including votes for the schools from Square Pegs, Better Off Dead, Summer School, Three O'Clock High and the John Hughes movies. But Ridgemont? Ridgemont wins by a landslide. The High School Class We Wish We'd Had We also have a special interview this week with Todd Shriver and Shawn Curtis, two Indiana high school teachers who have somehow managed to create what might be our dream job. They teach a class about the 1980s. Todd and Shawn tell us how the class came about, what parts of the decade they cover and what today's high school students think about the music, movies, history and pop culture their parents grew up with. Even better, they've managed to bring the decade to life through an impressive collection of interviews with '80s celebrities. Which leaves Steve with only one question: Where does he submit his résumé? Why We Never Really Forget High School There's a reason high school remains such a powerful setting for the movies and TV shows we grew up with. Those four years are when many of us first started dreaming about who we might someday become. It's where we found our people. Where many of us fell in love for the first time — and discovered heartbreak for the first time, too. It's where we were challenged academically, personally and sometimes morally. We made good decisions. We made terrible decisions. And somehow all of those experiences became little pieces of the adults we eventually turned into. And then there's the soundtrack. The songs and movies we discovered during high school never really leave us. Forty years later, one song can come on and suddenly you're not sitting in traffic anymore. You're 17 again. You're driving somebody's terrible first car. You're thinking about someone you had a crush on. You're remembering some completely ordinary Friday night that you had no idea you'd still be thinking about decades later. For four years, we were becoming ourselves. We just didn't know it yet. And if you were lucky enough to go to high school in the '80s, at least you had one hell of a soundtrack while you figured it out. Join Us on The '80s Cruise! Want to take your love of the '80s out of the classroom and onto the high seas? Join Stuck in the '80s on The '80s Cruise, where we'll once again be sailing with an incredible lineup of '80s artists and thousands of fellow fans of the decade. We'll be there hosting trivia, recording podcasts and enjoying a week when it's perfectly acceptable to dress like it's still 1985. When you book, use promo code STUCK and you'll receive $250 in onboard cabin credit. Class dismissed. See you at sea. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12 NLT) Often, people’s reputations precede them. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Sports heroes and other celebrities are welcomed and celebrated in most places. Sometimes, however, it’s not such a good thing. If you’ve ever been in a social setting in which everyone suddenly got quiet when a certain person walked in, you know what I’m talking about. Some people are doomed to be remembered for the lowest point in their lives or for the worst decision they ever made or for the time they didn’t come through for someone else. That can be a tough pill to swallow. What makes it even tougher is when the person doing the remembering is the person whose reputation was ruined. The reality is that many people find it hard to forgive themselves. But that attitude runs counter to the message of Scripture, where forgiveness is found in abundance. The story of the paralyzed man whose friends brought him to Jesus for healing is well-known as an illustration of friendship, determination, and faith. When the friends couldn’t get to Jesus because of the crowd, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man to Him. Jesus did indeed heal the man’s physical paralysis. But first He did something more amazing and more profoundly important. “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, ‘Young man, your sins are forgiven’” (Luke 5:20 NLT). The word forgiven, in this context, has the basic meaning of sending or driving something away. “Your sins are driven away from you” is what Jesus essentially said. Genuine confession involves more than simply saying, “Oops, my bad”; it also involves repentance, a turning away from the sin. Likewise, genuine forgiveness involves more than simply saying, “No problem”; it also involves a cleansing, a removal of the sin from our lives. King David wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12 AMPC). You can’t get much farther apart than that. As we saw in an earlier devotion, David had very personal reasons to celebrate God’s complete removal of sin. In Hebrews 8:12, God says, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins” (NLT). If God wipes our sins from His memory, who are we to hold on to guilt and shame over our wrongdoing? There’s no reason for us to have a longer memory than God when it comes to our failings. If you’re guilty of sin, confess it and repent of it. Turn away from your wrongdoing and ask God to forgive you. Then embrace His gracious forgiveness. Release any grudge you may be holding against yourself. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you—covered by the righteousness of Christ, spotless before Him. Reflection question: Where do you need to be reminded that you’ve been forgiven? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” (Psalm 91:4–5 NLT) I read a story about a farmer who watched in dismay as his farm burned to the ground. After the fire, he walked around the charred rubble of his farm and found the body of a hen that had been burned in the fire. Frustrated, the farmer gave the hen a kick with his boot, and it turned over dead. But underneath was a little chick, who was still alive. When the fire ignited, the mother hen scurried over to her chick and wrapped her wings around him to protect him. She lost her life in the process, but her chick lived. The psalmist uses similar imagery to describe the safety and refuge that God’s people find in the Lord: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day” (Psalm 91:4–5 NLT). The picture of a mother bird hovering around her young may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider your relationship with the Lord. But it’s a valid description—and a comforting one. God’s people can take refuge in the Almighty. He will put His wings around us. He will protect us. That means we can have courage, even when the world around us seems hostile and frightening. That courage comes not because of who we are, but because God is with us. His truth is our shield. He is always present to guide and protect us. Psalm 91:5 says, “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day” (NLT). God will be with us day and night, come hell or high water, through thick and thin. Take special note of the psalmist’s use of the word arrow. The apostle Paul also uses it in Ephesians 6:16, where he warns us of “the fiery arrows of the devil” (nlt). In biblical times, arrows played a significant role in battle. Soldiers often would light their arrows and barrage their opponents with them. They would fire hundreds, even thousands, of flaming arrows. If you wanted to live, you had to protect yourself from those fiery missiles. Spiritually speaking, the devil fires flaming arrows at us as well. Some might be flaming arrows of fear. Others might be flaming arrows of impure thoughts or flaming arrows of hatred. Whatever the case, God promises to protect us from all of them. We will still suffer difficulties in life, of course. But God promises that He will be with us no matter what we go through. He will shield us, so we have no reason to fear. Reflection question: What kind of arrows does the devil fire at you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

This week Devo is HOT! HOT! HOT! Literally!!! Meanwhile, Bergman and Bloustein are doing summer the right way, The Holderness Family are aging gracefully, and Insane Ian is cooler than being cool. Cool! 1. "Dumb Phone Summer" by Bergman and Bloustein 2. "Welcome to Getting Old" by The Holderness Family 3. News of the Stupid! 4. "The Last Straw Cool Guys" by Insane Ian Bergman and Bloustein are at NatashaBergman.com The Holderness Family are on YouTube Insane Ian is at InsaneIan.com and InsaneIan.bandcamp.com Thank you to our Patreon backers for making this show possible!!!

Immagina la scena: sei finalmente in Italia. Entri in un bar pieno di gente, vedi tutti che ordinano in tre secondi netti… e poi tocca a te. Cosa dici? E se più tardi ti viene mal di testa ed entri in farmacia? E se a cena un'amica italiana ti riempie il piatto per la terza volta e sei pieno fino agli occhi? Sapresti cosa dire — e soprattutto cavartela con eleganza — in tutte queste situazioni? Sopravvivere in Italia: Frasi Utili in Contesto In questa guida lavoriamo su qualcosa di più importante del solo vocabolario: la tua capacità di comunicare in situazioni reali. Imparerai a essere gentile e naturale come un madrelingua, a usare il condizionale di cortesia (vorrei, potrei, avrei bisogno…) e a capire quando dare del Lei a uno sconosciuto e quando dare del tu a un amico. Visiteremo cinque luoghi — bar, farmacia, strada, cena tra amici e parrucchiere — e per ogni luogo ti proporrò tre situazioni: una facile, una intermedia e una avanzata. Per approfondire l'arte della comunicazione cortese, puoi consultare la guida sul condizionale italiano. Luogo 1 — Al Bar In Italia "il bar" è soprattutto il posto dove la mattina prendi il caffè e il cornetto. E ricorda: quando un italiano dice "un caffè", intende un espresso, quello piccolo e forte! Per il vocabolario completo del caffè italiano, c'è una guida dedicata a tutti i tipi di caffè italiani. Situazione Facile — Ordinare un Caffè Sei al banco. Cosa dici? "Un caffè, per favore." "Per me un caffè, grazie." "Mi fa un caffè?" — la più italiana di tutte, col verbo fare. Nota che non diciamo "voglio un caffè": voglio suona brusco. Regola d'oro per tutto l'articolo: per essere gentile, usa il condizionale. Vorrei invece di voglio, potrei invece di posso. Situazione Intermedia — Pagare Prima o Dopo Hai preso un caffè, ma non sai se si paga prima alla cassa o dopo al banco. "Scusi, si paga prima alla cassa?" "Pago alla cassa o direttamente al banco?" "Devo passare in cassa prima di ordinare?" Quel "si paga" è il si impersonale: utile per parlare in generale, senza un soggetto preciso. Situazione Avanzata — L'Ordine È Sbagliato Avevi ordinato un cappuccino, ma il barista ti porta un caffè normale. "Scusi, credo ci sia un errore: avevo ordinato un cappuccino." "Mi scusi, forse c'è stato un equivoco: io avevo chiesto un cappuccino." "Scusi, potrebbe rifarlo? Avevo ordinato un cappuccino, non un caffè." Anche per protestare restiamo morbidi: "credo ci sia un errore" è molto più elegante di "avete sbagliato". Notare l'uso del congiuntivo dopo "credo che…". Curiosità sul Bar Italiano Al banco, in piedi, si paga meno; al tavolo, seduto, si paga di più — a volte quasi il doppio! È un'usanza tipicamente italiana che sorprende molti stranieri. Quindi se vuoi risparmiare, prendi il caffè al volo al banco come fanno i veri italiani! Luogo 2 — In Farmacia La farmacia si riconosce dalla croce verde. E il farmacista non vende solo medicine: può darti consigli per piccoli problemi. Per il vocabolario specifico, consulta la guida sul dialogo in farmacia. Situazione Facile — Mal di Testa Hai un forte mal di testa e vuoi qualcosa per farlo passare. "Mi dà qualcosa per il mal di testa?" "Avete qualcosa per il mal di testa?" "Avrei bisogno di qualcosa per il mal di testa." — di nuovo il condizionale (avrei bisogno, non ho bisogno). Situazione Intermedia — Serve la Ricetta? Ti serve un antibiotico e vuoi sapere se serve la ricetta del medico. "Per questo antibiotico serve la ricetta?" "Posso comprarlo senza ricetta?" "È un farmaco da banco o ci vuole la ricetta del medico?" Un "farmaco da banco" è un medicinale che puoi comprare liberamente, senza ricetta. Situazione Avanzata — Descrivere i Sintomi Da tre giorni hai mal di gola e un po' di febbre, e chiedi consiglio al farmacista. Per ampliare il vocabolario relativo alla salute, consulta la guida sul vocabolario delle malattie in italiano. "Da tre giorni ho mal di gola e un po' di febbre. Cosa mi consiglia?" "Ho mal di gola e la febbre da qualche giorno: c'è qualcosa che posso prendere?" "Avrei mal di gola e un po' di febbre da tre giorni. Secondo lei cosa è meglio prendere?" Nota "da tre giorni": usiamo da + tempo per dire da quanto dura un sintomo. Curiosità sulle Farmacie Italiane Di notte e nei festivi c'è sempre una "farmacia di turno" aperta per le emergenze, indicata sulla porta delle altre farmacie. Se ti trovi in difficoltà fuori orario, basta cercare il cartello con scritto "farmacia di turno" per sapere dove andare! Luogo 3 — Piccoli Imprevisti per Strada Siamo a metà strada — è il caso di dirlo! Vediamo gli imprevisti che capitano a tutti. Per imparare a chiedere e dare indicazioni stradali, c'è una guida dedicata. Situazione Facile — Ti Sei Perso Devi raggiungere la stazione, ma ti sei perso. "Scusi, mi sono perso: come arrivo alla stazione?" "Scusi, mi sa dire dov'è la stazione?" "Scusi, sto cercando la stazione ma mi sono perso. Può indicarmi la strada?" Piccola nota: perso è al maschile; una donna direbbe persa (il participio passato si accorda con chi parla). Situazione Intermedia — Chiedere una Foto Sei davanti alla Fontana di Trevi e vuoi una foto. "Scusi, ci fa una foto con la Fontana di Trevi dietro?" "Scusi, ci scatta una foto davanti alla fontana?" — scattare è il verbo preciso per "fare una fotografia". "Scusi, le dispiacerebbe farci una foto qui alla fontana?" — la più elegante. "Le dispiacerebbe…?" è uno dei modi più gentili di chiedere un favore. Segnatela! Situazione Avanzata — Ti Hanno Rubato il Portafoglio Vuoi andare a fare denuncia dopo aver subito un furto. "Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio: dov'è la stazione di polizia più vicina?" "Mi hanno preso il portafoglio, ho subito un furto. Vorrei sporgere denuncia." "Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio poco fa. Come faccio a sporgere denuncia?" "Sporgere denuncia" è l'espressione esatta per fare una denuncia formale. E ricorda: in Italia ci sono sia la Polizia sia i Carabinieri, e puoi rivolgerti a entrambi. Curiosità su Polizia e Carabinieri In Italia esistono due forze dell'ordine principali: la Polizia di Stato (numero d'emergenza 113) e i Carabinieri (numero 112). Hanno funzioni simili e puoi rivolgerti indistintamente a entrambi per sporgere denuncia. I Carabinieri sono famosi anche per essere i protagonisti di tantissime barzellette italiane! Luogo 4 — A Cena da Amici Un amico ti ha invitato a cena a casa sua. Attenzione: qui passiamo dal Lei al tu, perché con gli amici si dà del tu! Per scoprire altre espressioni colloquiali italiane, consulta la guida dedicata. Situazione Facile — Cosa Portare In Italia non si va MAI a casa di qualcuno a mani vuote: ti offri di portare il dolce. "Porto io il dolce?" "Posso portare il dolce per tutti?" "Al dolce ci penso io: che gusto vi piace?" "A mani vuote" = senza niente in mano. In alternativa al dolce si porta vino o dei fiori per la padrona di casa. Situazione Intermedia — Fare i Complimenti Hai finito di mangiare e tutto era ottimo. Per scoprire tante alternative, consulta la guida sulle alternative a "complimenti" in italiano. "Buonissimo, complimenti!" "Era tutto buonissimo!" "Buonissimo davvero, non ho mai mangiato così bene!" Più colloquiale ancora: "Qui si mangia da Dio!" — da Dio significa "benissimo". Situazione Avanzata — Rifiutare il Bis L'ospite vuole riempirti il piatto per la terza volta, ma sei pienissimo. "No grazie, sono pieno così." "Era tutto squisito, ma sono pieno: se mangio ancora scoppio!" "Magari più tardi, adesso sono troppo pieno!" Il segreto è abbinare un complimento al rifiuto. "Fare il bis" significa prendere una seconda porzione — e in Italia "no grazie" è spesso solo l'inizio della trattativa: l'ospite insisterà ancora, è normale. Sorridi… e tieni duro! Curiosità sulle Cene Italiane Nelle case italiane l'ospitalità si misura con la quantità di cibo offerto! Le mamme e le nonne italiane insistono sempre per servirti di nuovo — è il loro modo di mostrare affetto. Non offenderti: rifiutare con un sorriso e un complimento è la strategia vincente! Luogo 5 — Dal Parrucchiere Ultima tappa. Qui torniamo al Lei, perché parli con una persona che non conosci. Per ampliare il vocabolario, c'è una guida dedicata al vocabolario del parrucchiere in italiano. Situazione Facile — Solo una Spuntatina Non vuoi cambiare taglio, solo accorciare un pochino. "Vorrei solo una spuntatina alle punte." "Solo le punte, per favore." "Mi accorci appena le punte, niente di drastico." "Una spuntatina" viene da spuntare, cioè tagliare appena le punte: la parola magica per non ritrovarti con dieci centimetri in meno! Situazione Intermedia — Spiegare il Taglio Vuoi accorciare ai lati ma tenere più lungo sopra. "Vorrei accorciare ai lati, ma lasciare un po' più lungo sopra." "Corti ai lati e lunghi sopra: si può fare?" "Mi accorcia bene ai lati? Sopra invece vorrei tenerli più lunghi." Le indicazioni utili sono "accorciare ai lati" e "lasciare lungo sopra": con queste il parrucchiere capisce subito. Situazione Avanzata — Chiedere un Consiglio Hai i capelli rovinati e non sai bene cosa fare. "Ho i capelli rovinati: cosa mi consiglia?" "I miei capelli sono messi male: come li sistemo?" "Vorrei sistemare i capelli, ma non so come: mi affido a lei." "Mi affido a lei" significa "mi fido, decida lei": perfetta quando vuoi lasciar fare all'esperto. Battuta sul Parrucchiere Attenti alla parola "spuntatina", perché ognuno ha la sua idea di quanto sia! Quindi sii preciso… o porta una foto! È uno dei grandi misteri della vita: quanto è "una spuntatina"?...

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” (Psalm 91:1–2 NLT) In the first two verses of Psalm 91, the psalmist provides some great insights into the person of God by using four different titles for the Almighty. In verse 1, the psalmist refers to “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High” (NLT). The name “Most High” comes from the Hebrew phrase El Elyon, which describes God as the One who owns and possesses everything. We can lay claim to nothing. Our possessions, our skills and abilities, even our very lives all belong to God. Embracing that truth creates within us a spirit of humility, which is the ideal posture before God. Also in verse 1, the psalmist refers to “the shadow of the Almighty” (NLT). The name “Almighty” comes from the Hebrew word Shaddai, which emphasizes God’s power and sufficiency. Not only is the Lord the living God, but He is also the giving God. He possesses everything and wants to give us everything we need to thrive in our relationship with Him. He invites us to ask for anything, anytime and anywhere. Then verse 2 begins with the phrase “This I declare about the Lord” (NLT). The term “Lord” comes from the Hebrew word Yahweh. This is the personal name God gave to Moses when He appeared to him from the burning bush. “God replied to Moses, ‘I am who i am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.’ God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations’” (Exodus 3:14–15 NLT). Yahweh is derived from the ancient Hebrew root word for “to be” and often translated “I will be who I will be.” Yahweh is God’s personal testimony that no one and nothing else defines who He is but Himself. Therefore, we know God by reading Scripture’s account of what He says about Himself. Psalm 91:2 concludes with these words: “He is my God, and I trust him” (NLT). This word “God” comes from the Hebrew word Elohim, which is in the plural form. This is to say not that there are multiple gods but rather that there are three Persons of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In these two compact verses, the psalmist tells us that the all-knowing, all-powerful God, who possesses Heaven and earth and is in a special covenant with us, wants to protect us and provide for our needs. This gives us great confidence in the God whom we worship and serve. We can call on His name anytime, and He will answer. Reflection question: Which names and titles for God resonate most powerfully with you right now? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

Speedy returns from staying out late at the Tim McGraw concert he attended last night. We are tired. We are punchy. We try to get whipped into shape and it doesn't go great. The band DEVO seems to be tampering with the memories. James Talarico says more insane, blasphemous stuff. The mayor of Minneapolis commits his worst offense yet. The MLB hosts a baseball game in a corn field, again. Rosie O'Donnell makes an odd comparison, but looks good while doing it. ► Find more at http://www.RickBurgessShow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!” (Psalm 57:7 NLT) He came from the humblest of beginnings and rose to become the greatest king in Israel’s history. In battle, he was fearless. As a ruler, he was without peer. God once referred to him as a man after His own heart. I’m speaking, of course, of David: shepherd, psalmist, musician, protector, warrior, giant-killer, and monarch. David’s story is one of the most familiar in all of Scripture, and for good reason. David is someone most people can relate to. He was an underdog, someone who was overlooked by others. He was bullied and found himself in situations that were beyond his control. He tried to do what was right but wasn’t above making some really bad decisions. Yet God used him to accomplish some incredible things. And as we look at David’s story, we can get some clues as to the type of people God uses. First, God uses ordinary people. The Lord prefers to work in and through ordinary people to do extraordinary things. That way, the people who witness those extraordinary things won’t be confused about who accomplished them. God wants to make sure that people give credit to Him rather than to human beings. The apostle Paul suffered from an affliction that he called “a thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT). Three times he asked God to take it away. “Each time [God] said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now [Paul was] glad to boast about [his] weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [could] work through [him]” (verse 9 NLT). Paul’s affliction made him ordinary, which allowed the extraordinary work of God to be magnified through him. Just as surely as God used Paul’s ordinary affliction and plucked David, an ordinary shepherd boy, from obscurity, He is looking for people today through whom He can show His strength. Second, God uses spiritually focused people. David wrote, “My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!” (Psalm 57:7 NLT). His confidence came from keeping his eyes on God rather than on his circumstances, and he experienced the blessings that come from that kind of faith. God may not give you everything you hope for in life, or He may give you far more than you ever imagined. Either way, your responsibility is to trust Him, leave the results in His hands, and put Him first. That’s exactly what David did. Third, God uses people who are content in Him. As a young boy, David’s primary responsibility was to ensure the safety of sheep. David figured that if watching sheep was what God wanted him to do, then he would do the best job he could. Did he dream of one day doing great things for God? We can’t know for sure, but we do know that David was content in whatever God called him to do. Like David, we are all ordinary people. There’s no shame in that. As long as we’re willing to be faithful in what God has set before us and willing to be content in whatever God asks from us, God will use us. And sometimes He’ll do it in extraordinary ways. Reflection question: How can you make yourself available for God to use? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 NLT) Love is not always a pretty or pleasant thing, especially in its earliest form. No matter how long you’ve been married, you probably still remember the first stirrings of love and passion that you felt for your spouse-to-be. You remember the feelings of butterflies in your stomach that sometimes felt like fighter jets. You remember the loss of appetite. You remember the nervousness and the overwhelming desire to make the best impression possible. For better or worse, those feelings don’t last—at least, not in the intensity of their original form. Passion’s fire cools to smoldering embers that can still be ignited, but they don’t burn as intensely or as continuously as they once did. If given the chance, the wild, unpredictable stirrings of first love can settle into something more substantial, more profound, and more permanent. The problem is that many people don’t understand that. They allow their feelings to dictate their actions. They convince themselves that when the emotional excitement isn’t there on a daily basis, they’ve fallen out of love, and the relationship isn’t working out. “We have irreconcilable differences,” they conclude, “so let’s just end things now.” Then they move on to another relationship because they don’t have a clue as to what real love is. The same thing can happen in our relationship with the Lord. The excitement of first coming to faith—of having our sins forgiven, of being aware of God’s boundless love and mercy, of knowing where we will go when we die—can be overwhelming, in the best possible sense. The feelings can be intense. Over time, however, those feelings subside. And when they do, we may start to question our relationship with the Lord. Instead of drifting apart from Him, we need to double down on our commitment. We need to deepen our relationship with God instead of being guided by our feelings. We need to set a workable pace for our walk with the Lord, to be content to grow gradually every day instead of expecting mountaintop experience after mountaintop experience. The psalmist wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 NLT). Loyalty is the key—being true to the Lord regardless of your feelings. Certainly, there will be times of revival when the embers of your love for God are reignited, and the passion burns intensely again. And we should embrace those moments for the gifts they are. But we must never lose sight of the fact that ours is more than just a journey of feeling; it’s also a journey of faith. So, we must continue to deepen our love for God through daily prayer, Bible study, and other habits that help us draw near to Him. We must remember that we are in it for the long haul. We are running a marathon, not a sprint. And we want to finish the race well. Reflection question: How can you build a relationship with the Lord based on loyalty instead of emotions? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" 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.