Podcasts about nlt

Daily Word God confronts His people for showing Him contempt by offering defiled sacrifices and giving Him their leftovers instead of their best, revealing a lack of honor and respect for Him even though He is their Father and Master. Their actions show they treat worldly authorities with more regard than they treat God, while still expecting His favor. True devotion, however, is not merely about offerings but about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, which is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. When believers serve God halfheartedly or neglect the calling He has given them, they reflect the same contempt Israel showed, but honoring God means giving Him our wholehearted love, obedience, and our very best in every area of life. __________ Malachi 1:6–9 NLT, Matthew 22:36–37 NLT, John 14:15 ESV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: ‘This is what the Lord says: Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’” (2 Kings 20:1 NLT) Over the years, I’ve done a lot of funerals and memorial services. I’ve also visited people who were at death’s door. I can tell you that when life comes to an end, there are three things that really matter: faith, family, and friends. Of number one importance is your faith, your relationship with God. I’ve heard countless people say with deep regret, “I wish I’d spent more time walking closely with God. I wish I’d made more time for spiritual things.” They recognize that they will have to stand before God Almighty and answer for the choices they made and the things they prioritized. How sad it is when people realize that they have squandered their lives. The second-most important priority is your family. It’s a hard thing to get to the end of your life and say, “I wish I’d been a better father” or “I wish I’d been a better mother.” You won’t be concerned about how much money you made or how many possessions you ended up with. You won’t care whether you spent enough time at the office or whether you got enough promotions. Neither your financial portfolio nor your résumé will transfer to Heaven. What matters is the people you leave behind—your spouse, kids, siblings. What matters is whether you fulfilled your God-given responsibilities to them. Whether you gave them the choicest morsels of your time and attention. Whether you live in a way that will inspire, encourage, and guide them when you’re gone. The third-most important priority is friends. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT). The Lord surrounds us with people not just so they can keep us company. Every relationship gives us an opportunity to lift someone up, to be a source of motivation and encouragement, to help that person reach their God-given potential. Realizing at the end of life that we squandered such a precious opportunity is a bitter pill to swallow. When King Hezekiah was close to death, the prophet Isaiah told him, “Set your affairs in order” (2 Kings 20:1 NLT). In other words, prioritize the things that are truly important. His words should resonate with all of God’s people. The reality is that none of us knows for sure how much longer we have to live. But we know what our priorities must be. And as long as we draw breath, we have the opportunity to live those priorities, to pour ourselves into our faith, family, and friends. To make a genuine difference in those areas so that we have no regrets when we find ourselves in King Hezekiah’s position. Are your affairs in order today? Reflection question: What would setting your affairs in order 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.

Jesus plainly told us that following Him would not be easy, that it is a narrow and difficult road. But He also promises that it will lead to life if we continue to follow Him. Listen/watch part two of this series and learn three things you must do to travel on the path that leads to life. Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:13; Jeremiah 14:14 NLT; 1 Peter 4:4-5 NLT

If faith feels heavy with pressure or exhaustion, you may be working for worth without realizing it. This episode explores what happens when identity misalignment enters your spiritual life—and what changes when love becomes the starting point, not the reward.Why do so many capable, responsible adults feel pressure in their faith?Not rebellion.Not unbelief.Pressure.This episode explores a deeply personal question: What happens when work becomes confirmation of worth—even in your relationship with God?Using Colossians 3:23–24 (NLT), we revisit a verse often used to fuel hustle culture and performance spirituality. “Work willingly…” has frequently been interpreted as grind harder. But what if it is actually an invitation to relocate identity?Many high-capacity leaders quietly live with an unspoken belief: I don't know how to be loved without earning it.That belief can shape leadership, parenting, marriage, philanthropy, and spiritual life.You may believe God loves you.But your nervous system still attaches love to performance.And when identity fuses with responsibility, subtle spiritual exhaustion sets in. You work faithfully, serve diligently, lead consistently—but underneath, you may feel:– Tired of being the steady one– Responsible for more than you can name– Quietly resentful that so much depends on you– Uncertain how to rest without presenting something to GodThis is not a crisis of faith. It is identity misalignment within faith.When worth is settled vertically, everything shifts horizontally.Leaders who perform for love create systems that perform for safety.Leaders who know they are loved create cultures that regulate through trust.This episode invites you into Vertical Alignment—not religion, not striving—but reorientation toward the Sovereign who authored identity itself.You are not auditioning.You are adopted.And when that truth becomes embodied, work changes. Leadership changes. Rest changes. Pressure loosens.This is not about doing less.It is about doing from beloved identity.Today's Micro Recalibration:Sit quietly for one minute and say, slowly: “I am loved by God before I produce anything.” Notice what rises—relief, discomfort, resistance. Do not correct it. Simply observe. Let awareness precede resolution.Explore Identity-Level Recalibration → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Learn about The Recalibration Cohort→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Take your listening deeper! Subscribe to The Weekly Recalibration Companion to receive reflections and extensions to each week's podcast episodes. → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things...

Send a textKen Corkins and pastor Rocky Ellison continue their Romans study switching from the NLT to the Revised Standard Version for its academic clarity. Covering Romans 3:1–8, they connect Paul's argument from chapter 2 about who is truly a Jew—those who do God's will—and ask what advantage being Jewish has. Paul's main answer is that Jews were entrusted with the “oracles of God,” meaning God's written words (debated as the whole Old Testament versus the Ten Commandments), and the hosts note “entrusted” implies responsibility to share it. They discuss how God's fairness implies judgment applies to Jews and Gentiles alike, meaning some Jews may not be saved and some Gentiles may be. They then explain Paul's attack on the heresy of antinomianism: the claim that doing more evil makes God look more forgiving, which Paul rejects. Ken notes a one-week break before the next episode.NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock

We've lost the identity we are supposed to carry.2 Corinthians 5:17 NLTThis means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!Your values will follow your identity. Your identity will determine what you seek afterOur old identity MUST surrender to our new identity.We need to fully understand the power of walking in our Christ identity.

The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That's how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with him came a transformation in the hearts of people – a transformation that enabled people to be part of the ongoing transformation of the world. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-14 (NLT)

The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That's how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with him came a transformation in the hearts of people – a transformation that enabled people to be part of the ongoing transformation of the world. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-14 (NLT)

Bible Study The book of Malachi records God confronting Israel after their return from exile, reminding them of His love while exposing how they dishonored Him through halfhearted worship and by offering Him their leftovers instead of their best. Although this message was written to the Jews under their covenant requirements and not directly to us, it was written for us so we can learn from their wrong responses to God. Israel questioned God's love, treated obedience as a burden, and went through religious motions while their hearts were far from Him. Through their failure, we are warned not to approach God with the same attitude. Instead, under our new covenant through Jesus, we are called to give God our whole hearts, live in obedience to His commands, and offer our lives as a pure and genuine offering, learning from Israel's mistakes so that we follow God with sincere devotion rather than empty actions. __________ Malachi 1:1–5 NLT, Malachi 1:6–9 NLT, Matthew 22:36–37 NLT, John 14:15 ESV, Malachi 1:10 NLT, Colossians 3:23–24 NIV, Matthew 15:8–9 NIV, Malachi 1:11 NIV, James 1:27 NLT, Matthew 7:21–23 NLT, Matthew 25:44–46 NLT, Romans 12:1–2 NLT, Malachi 1:12–14 NLT, John 13:34–35 NIV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“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.’” (Judges 6:36–37 NLT) God is multilingual. He can speak to us in any number of ways. He speaks to us through His Word, certainly. He speaks to us through prayer. He speaks to us through our conscience. The Bible records several instances in which God spoke to people through dreams and visions. But God also speaks through circumstances. Although I’m not one to base major life decisions on circumstances alone, there have been times when I’ve sensed that something was the will of God and then had my sense confirmed when things fell into place circumstantially. At other times, circumstances have made it obvious that God was saying no to a particular path or request. A classic example of God’s speaking through circumstances can be found in His calling of Gideon to rescue the people of Israel. Gideon was an extremely humble man, almost to a fault. He didn’t see himself as a rescuer, and he had a hard time wrapping his head around the notion that God saw him in such a light. So, he humbly put God to the test. “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’” (Judges 6:36–37 NLT). God graciously did as Gideon asked. He intervened ever so slightly in the process of condensation to confirm Gideon’s calling. He spoke through circumstances. In the story of Jonah, God spoke to His prophet through circumstances that involved, among other things, a storm at sea (see Jonah 1:4), a giant fish (see 1:17), a leafy plant (see 4:6), and a hungry worm (see 4:7). God still speaks to us through circumstances today. Often, those circumstances involve other people. There have been times when I was listening to someone preach or talking with a friend and suddenly realized that what the person was saying addressed a situation that I was going through—even though the person was completely unaware of my circumstances. It made me realize that God Himself 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 other circumstances. Listen carefully and remember that God will never contradict His Word. Reflection question: How might God be speaking to 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.

“Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.’ (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.” (2 Chronicles 20:2–4 NLT) Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced a desperate dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with other enemies of Israel and were coming to destroy him. This was a worst-case scenario—a seemingly hopeless situation. There was no earthly way that Jehoshaphat could challenge this approaching army with the forces he had. He was far too outnumbered. So, what did Jehoshaphat do? The Bible says that he “begged the Lord for guidance” (2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT). He prayed, “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (verse 12 NLT). The Lord told Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (verses 15, 17 NLT). Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet their enemies, but they put their worship team out front. The Bible says that when they began to sing and praise the Lord, the enemy started fighting among themselves and destroyed each other. There are more than a few takeaways from this story. One is that God stands ready to help His people survive and ultimately thrive in even the worst circumstances. Maybe you’re facing what seems like an impossible situation right now. You may not be able to see a way out. But God can. Call on Him. Then stand still and see what He will do. A second takeaway is that Jehoshaphat enjoyed an advantage that we don’t always have. He knew what was coming his way. And even though it appeared to be an absolute worst-case scenario, he knew how to pray. We don’t always know what the future holds. We don’t know if something potentially devastating is heading our way. But God does. And He knows how to prepare us for it. That’s why it’s essential that we stay in constant contact with Him. That we yield ourselves to His will. That we follow His leading. Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth” (NLT). Call on Him. Reflection question: What does seeking God’s strength and guidance 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.

Daily Word Your way is any way that is planned and implemented without the counsel of God. Most times you have good intentions, because you are walking in God's calling for your life, so it seems like you are in God's will. However, no matter how great your intentions, your way can lead to unnecessary delays and collateral damage to your marriage, friendships, followers, finances, and/or health. __________ Proverbs 19:21 NIV, Joshua 1:8 NIV, Proverbs 10:22 KJV, 2 Samuel 6:1–11 NLT, Numbers 7:9 NLT, Exodus 25:13–14 NLT, 1 Chronicles 15:11–15,25–26 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: ‘Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:13–14 NLT) The book of Esther contains a wonderfully dramatic story of a young Jewish girl named Esther who became queen of Persia after essentially winning a beauty contest. She was taken into the palace of the king, where she enjoyed the finest food, wore the most beautiful clothing, and was given numerous servants to do her bidding. She lived in the lap of luxury. Hers might have been the ultimate feel-good, rags-to-riches story, but for one significant detail. There was a wicked man named Haman who worked for the king. Haman hated the Jewish people. (He didn’t know about Queen Esther’s background.) He hated them so much, in fact, that he devised a plan to exterminate all Jews living in the kingdom. Esther had an uncle named Mordecai, who became aware of Haman’s genocidal plan. Mordecai turned to the only person he knew who was in a position to counter Haman’s influence with the king: his niece, Esther. At first, Esther was understandably afraid to intervene. She had no idea how much clout she actually had. If she miscalculated, she would be putting her own life at risk. So, Mordecai sent this message to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13–14 NLT). His words moved Esther, who intervened with the king and foiled Haman’s plot. The courageous young woman saved her people because she recognized that God had put her in a specific place for a specific reason. Her story serves as an inspiration to all believers. It’s unlikely that any of us will be called by the Lord to avert genocide. But that doesn’t change the fact that we all play key roles in God’s plan—even if we may not fully understand what those roles are. Who’s to say God hasn’t put you where you are right now for such a time as this? In whatever situation you find yourself, seize the moment. Do what you can. That’s what Esther boldly did. God says in Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (NLT). If you are fearlessly faithful to God in the circumstances you find yourself in, He will accomplish amazing things in and through you. Reflection question: Why might God have placed you in your present circumstances? 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.

We step into the scene at the pool of Bethesda in John 5:1–6 (NLT), where crowds of sick people are waiting for healing. Jesus notices one man who has been sick for thirty‑eight years and asks him a piercing question: “Would you like to get well?” Today, we slow down and let that same question search our own hearts.

Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let's be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it's called flesh and spirit.The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in … And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't.  I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 7:18-25 NLT) How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids' behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids' hearts?We get Paul's frustration, don't we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions … Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don't want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don't do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”

Today we listen to Jesus explain why His disciples don't fast like others do (Mark 2:18–22, NLT). With images of a wedding feast, torn cloth, and new wine in new wineskins, Jesus reveals that His presence changes everything. We slow down to ask: Where is Jesus inviting me to become “new wineskin” and make room for what He's doing now?

“So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.” (1 Kings 17:5–7 NLT) God said to the prophet Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food” (1 Kings 17:3–4 NLT). At first glance, it might seem as though God was giving Elijah a vacation—some downtime for services rendered. But this was no leisurely camping trip. The ravens didn’t take Elijah’s order, fly to the local fast-food restaurant, and then deliver his meal. Ravens are scavengers. They brought little bits of meat and bread to Elijah. What’s more, the water in the brook from which he drank would have been somewhat polluted. This wasn’t an easy situation by any stretch of the imagination. Even if it had been, Elijah likely would have tired of it pretty quickly. Based on his biblical profile, Elijah was a man of action—confronting, challenging, moving, doing the Lord’s work. How easily he could have said, “Lord, I don’t want to be in this crummy little place, drinking river water. I like being in front of people. I like the limelight.” But Elijah seems to have understood that the Lord was preparing him for something big, something profoundly impactful. Something that would push him to his physical, emotional, and spiritual limits. Not long after his brookside sojourn, Elijah would be standing on Mount Carmel, singlehandedly challenging hundreds of false prophets to a winner-takes-all showdown (see 1 Kings 18:20–40). His raven-assisted stay by the brook wasn’t downtime. It was preparation time. God gave Elijah the time and space he needed to prepare himself for the battle ahead. Sometimes we don’t like where God has put us. We say, “Lord, I don’t like this situation. I want to do something great for You. I want to make a difference in my world.” But that may be because we’re misreading our situation. We may mistake preparation time for downtime. Or may not recognize the opportunities that surround us. Maybe the Lord wants you to be effective right where you are. Maybe He wants you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and be faithful in the little things. Who knows what God has in store for you? If God has you by some muddy little brook, so to speak, just hang in there. Be faithful, do what He has already told you, and wait on Him and His timing. God will do something wonderful for you or with you. Just be available and open to do what He would have you do. Reflection question: How can you prepare spiritually for what lies ahead? 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 this provocative episode of Unveiling Mormonism, Pastor Bryan challenges the very bedrock of the LDS faith: the necessity of a modern priesthood. By comparing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' definitions of the Aaronic and Melchizedek offices against the biblical text of the NLT, we explore whether Joseph Smith truly restored an ancient order or created a new organizational hierarchy. From the "toll collectors" of religious systems to the liberating New Testament doctrine of the Priesthood of All Believers, this conversation shifts the focus away from human "keys" and back to the finished, unchangeable work of Jesus Christ.Key Discussion PointsThe Hook: The High Stakes of the MiddlemanReligion often positions itself as the "toll collector" on the bridge between humanity and God. In Mormonism, the priesthood is presented as the essential authority required to access the highest heaven. We ask the "edgy" question: Does the bridge still need a middleman?The Aaronic Priesthood: Ritual or Bloodline?An investigation into the Old Testament requirements for the Aaronic Priesthood reveals stark differences from the LDS "preparatory" office for 12-year-olds.Lineage: Biblical priests required specific DNA (descendants of Aaron).Maturity: Service began at age 25–30, not 12.Purpose: The biblical office was defined by animal sacrifice—a "shadow" that pointed toward the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.The Melchizedek Mystery: Who Really Holds the Keys?In the New Testament, the Melchizedek Priesthood isn't a category of office for thousands of men; it is a unique, untransferable ($aparabatos$) office held by Jesus alone. Because Jesus lives forever, He requires no successor or local "holder" of His authority.The Priesthood of All Believers: No More MiddlemenExploring the radical shift in 1 Peter 2:9, where the "royal priesthood" is extended to every believer—regardless of gender, age, or status. The tearing of the Temple veil signaled the end of the religious hierarchy, granting every person direct access to the throne of grace.Closing the Loop: The Finished WorkThe bridge to God isn't built of "worthiness interviews" or human rituals. It was built by the cross. For the follower of Jesus, standing with God is tied to the Savior, not a system.Scriptural Highlights (NLT)Hebrews 7:23-24: "There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever."1 Peter 2:9: "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession."--Keyword: PriesthoodWhy Is The “Priesthood Of All Believers” So Important?What Is the Melchizedek Priesthood in Mormonism?How Does the Mormon Aaronic Priesthood Compare to the Bible?The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now

MAR. 2, 2026Having a Spirit-controlled tongue (2)"The tongue is a flame of fire." Jas 3:6 NLTThe Bible says, "A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And...the tongue is a flame of fire" (vv. 5-6 NLT). People living in hot climates know the danger of ravaging bushfires driven by desert winds and can readily identify with these words: "See how great a forest a little fire kindles!" (v. 5 NKJV). A single spark from a match has started many massive fires. Spreading faster and farther than we might ever imagine, that kind of fire destroys homes and businesses worth millions of dollars, leaving a scorched landscape and devastated lives. Similarly, how many reputations have been ruined by a careless word? The impact of our words spreads far and fast, especially in our digital age. Words published on any social media platform can be shared all over the world in seconds. Like a fire, that word can get out of control and do irreparable damage. Hence James wrote: "No man can tame the tongue" (v. 8 NKJV). But God can. "The fruit of the Spirit is...self-control" (Gal 5:22-23 NKJV).The Holy Spirit can take a tongue that peddles gossip and turn it into one that brings glory to God. He can take a tongue that spews bitterness and turn it into one that speaks blessing. Gossip is saying something behind someone's back that you would never say to that person's face.Flattery is saying something to someone's face that you would never say behind the person's back. And both are wrong. So let's join the Psalmist in praying: "May these words of my mouth...be pleasing in your sight, Lord" (Ps 19:14 NIV).Having a Spirit-controlled tongue Reputations have been ruined by a careless word.Share This DevotionalSend a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

When you feel like you've got nothing left, God asks the same question Elisha asked the widow:“What do you have in the house?”2 Kings 4:2 NLTShe thought she had nothing—but God multiplied the little she offered.Grace doesn't erase effort; it transforms it.Bring God your empty places.Bring Him your need, your jars, your “nothing.”Because in His hands, emptiness becomes overflow,poverty becomes richness,and what you thought wasn't enough becomes more than enough.2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

In this episode, we watch Jesus call Levi, a tax collector, right in the middle of his workday (Mark 2:13–17, NLT). Levi leaves his booth to follow Jesus and then opens his home so that other “disreputable sinners” can meet Him too. Together, we reflect on how Jesus calls us not after we've cleaned up our lives, but in the middle of them—and what it might mean to open our own “table” to others.

Daily Word God gave you a vision to be in your own business or ministry full time. However, in the meantime, what do you do until the vision fully manifests? Is it a lack of faith to do something else while you wait for manifestation? Or maybe you should use your faith to jump directly into the vision?  __________ Samuel 16:13 NLT, Genesis 37:5–7 NLT, Luke 2:46–52 KJV, 1 Kings 17:2–5 KJV, 1 Kings 17:7–9 KJV, 1 Kings 18:1 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“Then the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:9 NLT) Over the next two weeks, we’re going to look at the lives of several Old Testament characters. And we’re going to discover that their experiences are still relevant and applicable to us today. We’re going to start at the beginning with Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve enjoyed a unique relationship with God. Only they could say they knew Him before. That is, before they sinned and altered the course of human history. Before their wrongdoing created a gulf between God and humanity that could be bridged only by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Before their fall, however, Adam and Eve enjoyed a remarkable closeness with God. In fact, they had a standing appointment with Him. Genesis 3:8 says, “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden” (NLT). God strolled through the paradise He created. He visited with Adam and Eve. Imagine their excitement and anticipation as they waited for God’s arrival in the evening. One day Adam and Eve missed that appointment. They had disobeyed Him and eaten from the forbidden tree in the garden. Their shame and guilt kept them from their time with the Lord. So, God called out, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 NLT). I wonder if the Lord would say something similar to people today. “Where are you? I’ve been looking for you. I want to speak to you. I want you to walk with Me, and I want to walk with you.” The Christian life is often referred to as a walk—and for good reason. Amos 3:3 says, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (NLT). The idea is that when two people walk together, they share a common purpose, a connection, a commitment to one another. You must keep an appointment to walk with someone. So, when God walks with us, He’s keeping an appointment. He wants to meet with us on a regular basis. The question is: How often do we keep that appointment? How many times each day does God make Himself available to speak to us, only to be shut out of our appointment book? Imagine Him saying, “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time, but you’re too busy. You won’t make time for Me. You won’t open the Word. You rarely pray. And when you do, it’s one-sided. You won’t listen to Me. You have an appointment with Me. Why don’t you keep it?” Obviously, there is no “good” answer to that question. Whatever feeble excuses we may try to offer pale in comparison to the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe who loves us, wants only the best for us, and knows exactly how we might experience that best. Is there any appointment worth keeping more than the one with Him? Reflection question: How can you keep a regular appointment with 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.

"The Woman Who Does Not Exist" Proverbs 31: A Poetic Picture of Promised Perfection.Stacie Tchividjian | "The Undoing", Part 06Proverbs 31:10-31 NLT

March 2, 2026 Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist and Life Coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, March 2, 2026, and this is episode #5 in Series 2026. This episode is titled, “How to Endure to the End.” Before we get into this week’s message, I’m excited to tell you that my featured book for this week is my popular historical novel set in Italy, The Madonna of Pisano. The Madonna of Pisano is Book 1 in my popular trilogy, The Italian Chronicles. If you’re a fan of Hallmark romance and epic stories set in beautiful, exotic Italy, then you will love The Madonna of Pisano. It is the story of a courageous, single mom fighting for her son in the midst of betrayal, treachery, and deceit. You won’t want to miss this powerful, heart-wrenching story of forgiveness and hope. Get your copy of The Madonna of Pisano at the link below. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930037227 And now let’s dive into this week’s message.The Importance of Enduring to the End Have you been feeling weary lately? As though you can’t go on another day? Have you been troubled by what’s going on in the world and, worse yet, even in your own family? If so, my friend, you are not alone. You may be wondering what is going on. Life isn’t the way it used to be. Something is different. Something has changed, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. All you know is that, lately, you’ve been feeling more anxious than usual, as though the world is falling apart, and you can’t do anything about it. If this describes you, you are at the right place at the right time. Let me shed some light on exactly what is happening and why you feel the way you do. First of all, you have good reason to feel these emotions. In fact, my friend, caring people everywhere are feeling them. Responsible, thoughtful people are feeling them. And for good reason. Let’s look at some of those reasons: 1. The world’s thinking has turned upside down. Good is now called evil, and evil is called good. The Bible warned us of this in Isaiah 5: 20: In that verse, the Lord warns those who no longer think straight. Here is what He says: “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” While these upside-down thinkers may think they’re in good shape with their false thinking, they have a rude awakening coming. If you grew up before the 21st century, you still have some idea of the difference between right and wrong. Why? Because you were taught according to a Judeo-Christian consensus. Moreover, the society in which you grew up more or less still espoused a Judeo-Christian value system. But that is not the case today. Judeo-Christian values are blatantly and brazenly opposed with vehemence and, in many cases, with brutal violence. Christians are being persecuted like never before. Even here in America, we are witnessing increasing opposition to Christians and Jews who believe that the Holy Bible is God’s manual for life. 2. A second reason you are feeling anxious is that the world is being invaded by demonic forces that have been unleashed because of humanity’s increasing love for and obsession with sin. Never in my 80 years on this earth have I witnessed sin without shame as I am witnessing it today. Never have I seen sin celebrated as it is today. I grew up in the fifties and early sixties. Yes, there was sin, but there was also a stigma of shame attached to sin. People did not openly flaunt their sin but hid it because the culture disapproved of sin, and deep down, people knew they were sinning. Today, people proudly flaunt their sin and encourage others to sin with them. Listen to what the Bible predicted about this very behavior thousands of years ago. I’m going to read a passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 1, in the New Living Translation: “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” So, my friend, in the midst of all of this spiritual, mental, physical, and cultural turmoil, how can we endure to the end—that moment in time when Jesus comes to remove us from this sinful world to take us to Heaven? STEPS TO ENDURE TO THE END Let me suggest a few proven tools to help you: 1. Stay n the Word. Read your Bible every day and throughout the day. Keep it open on your desk or on a table so that you can refer to it frequently. 2. Pray. Keep in constant communication with God for wisdom, direction, and the grace to endure. Scripture commands us to “pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5: 17.” In other words, keep a running conversation going with the Lord all day long. 3. Fast. When we fast, we subdue the voice of the flesh so that we can better hear the voice of the Spirit. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth. 4. Fellowship with other believers. Scripture commands us not to forsake the habit of gathering in person with fellow Christians. We draw strength from one another and need to be with one another regularly. Together, we are the Body of Christ, not isolated individuals who can make it on our own. We cannot. To think we can is foolish and dangerous. 5. Embrace suffering. One of the greatest privileges of being a Christ-Follower is to walk in His footsteps. Sometimes we do this through suffering. Romans 8: 17 says this: “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Suffering refines and purifies us. It removes the dross to allow the beauty of our true nature to shine forth. 6. Expect persecution. Persecution may come through betrayal, through lies spoken against us, through legal injustice. We may not know how it will come, but we can be sure that it will, indeed, come. Hatred against Christians is growing. The Bible tells us so in Mark 13: 13: “And you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” 7. Finally, trust in the Lord in the midst of every trial. Trusting in God while we are undergoing suffering builds endurance. And this message is all about endurance. To help you endure, I’ve written a little book titled The Iron Saint: Preparing the Church for Persecution. Based on the principles employed in preparing for the Iron Man Triathlon, The Iron Saint applies those principles to enduring in Christ. You will find a link to The Iron Saint in the show notes. As we approach the end of human history, the days will grow darker. Already, believers are reporting an increase in demonic attacks, not only in frequency but also in intensity. Satan knows his time is short, and he wants to wreak all the havoc he can before our Lord Jesus Christ returns to remove us from this wicked world in the astounding event called the Rapture. My friend, I urge you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Pay attention to what is happening in Israel, for Israel is God’s timepiece. Bible prophecy is unfolding in Israel as we watch the creation of the Board of Peace and the rise of the AntiChrist’s beast system. Most important of all, if you do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ, establish one right now. Do not wait another moment. Only a relationship with Jesus Christ will qualify you to be taken up at the Rapture. Without a relationship with Christ, you will be left behind to suffer the horrors of the Tribulation under the brutal dictatorship of the AntiChrist. Worse than that, without a relationship with Jesus Christ, you will spend eternity in Hell. Jesus alone can save you from that unspeakably horrific fate. If you do not yet know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, pray this simple prayer with me now: Lord Jesus, I want to establish a relationship with you. I want to get to know You. So I invite You into my life and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for dying for me and rising from the dead so that I can live forever in Heaven with You. In Your Name I pray. Amen. In closing, don’t forget to get your copy of The Madonna of Pisano at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y If you would like to donate to this ministry, please send your donation to PayPal.me/drmaryanndiorio. Your donation goes far in helping to keep this ministry afloat. Thank you! Winning with the Word is available on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast venues as well as on YouTube. Check out my YouTube channel at youtube.com/drmaryanndiorio. Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are. Yet, He doesn't want you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD. ________________________________ This week’s featured book isThe Madonna of Pisano, Book 1 in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy. Follow the heart-wrenching saga of Maria Landro as she navigates the uncharted emotional waters of betrayal, hatred, and revenge against the exotic backdrop of late 19th century Sicily. Get your copy at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930037227 « Older Entries Latest Posts PRAYER: The Place of Power The Demon Invasion The Great Deception Have You Lost All Hope? How to Live Forever Archives View the Winning with the Word Archives Other Blogs Winning with the Word Before we get fully into our message, however, I want to tell you about my featured book for this week. It is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer and is available for only $4.99 at the link below or in the show notes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y The Relationship Road Prayer Power will teach you powerful principles of prayer that will get results every single time. If you've been neglecting your prayer life because you haven't gotten the results you've expected from prayer, then this book is for you. If you don't pray but would like to learn how, this book is for you. Get your copy now and learn how to pray with power. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y Now, on to this week's message. What is prayer? Prayer in its simplest definition is a conversation with God. Just as any human relationship requires communication to sustain it, so does a relationship with God. Prayer is the means of communicating with God.Why should I pray? There are many reasons to pray, but here are five of the most important ones: 1. We need help. If you haven't figured it out yet, we cannot navigate this life alone. If we try to, we will eventually discover that there are some problems too big for us to solve. 2) We need the help of Someone more powerful than we who can do the impossible.Some problems in life have no human solutions. It takes God to solve them.  3) We need direction. Prayer helps us to hear from God regarding the big decisions we have to make in life.  4) We need hope. Sometimes life can become overwhelming, filling us with discouragement and despair. It is at such times that prayer is balm to our souls. When we pray, we are looking to God to meet our needs. We are not depending on ourselves. God has an endless supply of whatever we need. Prayer helps us to tap into that supply. 5) We need wisdom. Life is full of choices, and choices have consequences. When we pray, we receive God's wisdom to make wise choices that result in happy consequences.  The Privilege of Prayer Prayer is a privilege. It is the opportunity to talk with the God who made you and who knows everything about you. Just think about that. In prayer, we get to talk with the God who created the universe. This is a mind-blowing truth. So, my friend, are you ready to learn more about prayer? Are you ready to embark on the most exciting journey of communicating with God in the most amazing relationship you will ever have?  You might be thinking, “Dr. MaryAnn, where do I start?” You start by establishing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have not yet established this relationship, you can do so right now by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Pray this simple prayer with me now: Lord Jesus, I want to know You. I want to establish a relationship with You so that I can talk with You every day and have You talk to me. I invite You into my life and receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for sending Jesus so that I could be reconnected with You. In His Name I pray. Amen. In closing, I want to remind you that my featured book for this week is titled Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer. Get your copy now and begin a powerful prayer life that gets results. Just click on the link below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJMT7F3Y Winning with the Word is available on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast venues as well as on YouTube. Check out my YouTube channel at youtube.com/drmaryanndiorio. Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are. Yet, He doesn't want you to stay there. As you walk with Him, He will help you to keep on winning with the Word.________________________________ Copyright 2026 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WINNING WITH THE WORD. ________________________________ Featured Book for This Week: Prayer Power: A Simple Manual on Prayer Get your copy here: PRAYER POWER « Older Entries Latest Posts PRAYER: The Place of Power The Demon Invasion The Great Deception Have You Lost All Hope? How to Live Forever Archives View the Winning with the Word Archives Other Blogs Winning with the Word The Relationship Road

In this episode, we enter the story of friends who refused to let anything keep them from bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus (Luke 5:17–26, NLT). We watch them climb the roof, remove tiles, and lower their friend right in front of Jesus—and we hear how Jesus responds to their faith with forgiveness and healing. Together, we reflect on who we might be called to carry to Jesus, and where we might need to let others carry us.

The covenant of marriage is a living picture of God 's faithful love for us. Key Scriptures: Matthew 19:3-6 NLT; Galatians 6:7-9 NIV Connect with us & let us know you are listening and how we can pray for you... https://www.pursuitnazarene.org/online-connection-card

Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Reacted instead of responded? Ignored that quiet warning in your spirit? In this episode, we talk about the universal struggle of falling short — and the overwhelming mercy of God that meets us there. Drawing from Romans 3 and Romans 7, we’re reminded that even the apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he didn’t want to do. Sin is part of our fallen human condition — but shame and distance from God don’t have to be. This conversation is about repentance, reconciliation, and the loving Father who runs toward us when we turn back to Him. What We Discuss Why we instinctively choose wrong at times Paul’s transparent struggle with sin (Romans 7:14–16) The difference between conviction and condemnation Why guilt often pushes us away from God instead of toward Him The heart of the Father in repentance This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Falling ShortBy: Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Or decided to go against that still small voice warning you not to make a specific choice or take a particular action? If you are anything like me, your answer to these questions is a resounding, disappointed yes. Likely, after you spoke when you should have remained silent, or conducted yourself in a manner that failed to represent Kingdom qualities, your instantaneous response was regret. Why is it that we so often choose what we shouldn’t? Because “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sometimes, it isn’t even a conscious thought-out decision, but rather an instinctive reaction. We just automatically do or say without thinking. Even the apostle Paul, whom many of us esteem as a father in the faith, transparently shared his own struggle with sin when he said: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” (Romans 7:14-16, NLT). It is so easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short, but as Paul shared, we are only human. This is not an excuse for us to sin, but rather an acknowledgement of our fallen state and God’s unfathomable mercy. The Lord knows we will fail again… and again… and again. He knew it from the very beginning when it was decided in the Garden that Christ would come and pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Our Heavenly Father is not asking us to be perfect or to achieve some unattainable standard of Christianity. Instead, He has made a way for us to remain connected to Him despite our sin through the blood of Jesus and the gift of repentance. When our children make poor choices, what is it that we want most from them? We desire repentance and reconciliation. True, there might be consequences for their actions, but our ultimate goal is to retain the relationship and remind them of our unfailing love for them. It is the same with the Lord. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Even if we understand this to be true, somehow, when we know we have done wrong, we end up distancing ourselves from the Lord rather than drawing nearer to Him. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden all of those years ago, we want to cover our shame. We want to hide from an all-seeing God. While logically we know this is impossible, we still somehow think, if we remain in the shadows, it will go unnoticed. However, the awareness of our own thoughts or deeds within our hearts can only be silenced for so long. Regret will eat away at our peace until we finally surrender it to the Lord. What will we find when we reach this point of surrender? A harsh judge ready to issue punishment? No, we will find our loving Father running towards us with open arms, just as we read in the parable of the prodigal son, ready to embrace us (mud, muck, and all). He will wash away all of our sin, put a fresh robe of righteousness upon our backs, and welcome us into communion with him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you still feel the weight of guilt or remorse over a situation when you fell into sin? If so, ask yourself why you are still carrying this regret. Are you distancing yourself from the Lord because you feel unworthy? Or is there another reason you are still struggling with shame? I invite you to take a look at the scripture passages listed in the further reading section. In particular, I encourage you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). May you find relief and reconciliation as you return to the Lord through repentance. He is there waiting for you with open arms. Further Reading:Luke 15:11-32John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

FAILURE TO LAUNCHBig Idea: Spiritual maturity isn't about age; it's about the “launch.” It's the moment you stop being a consumer of the church and start being a contributor to the mission.In 2018, a bizarre story made national headlines. A 30-year-old man named Michael Rotondo was sued by his own parents because he refused to move out of their house. He didn't pay rent. He didn't help with chores. He ignored written eviction notices. Eventually, his parents had to take him to court just to get him to leave. The judge ruled that being a family member doesn't entitle someone to stay indefinitely without contributing. He was ordered to launch.We laugh at stories like that because they feel extreme. But the author of Hebrews delivers a similar rebuke—not to a lazy adult son, but to churchgoers who refused to grow up spiritually.Hebrews 5:11–14 (NLT) says:“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen.You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right.Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”The message is clear: spiritual maturity isn't automatic. It doesn't come with time served in church. It comes with intentional growth.Today we see three marks of spiritual “grown-ups” straight from this text.1. Spiritual grown-ups don't just read — they study.The author rebukes them for still needing “milk.” Milk isn't bad. It's essential for babies. But it's tragic for adults. Milk is predigested. It requires no effort.Spiritually speaking, “milk” is relying only on what others say about God. It's surviving on a weekly sermon and never digging deeper. If your only spiritual intake is 30 minutes on Sunday, you're on a liquid diet.Reading the Bible is good. It's like taking a scenic drive through beautiful country. Studying the Bible is getting out of the car and reading the historical markers. It means slowing down and asking questions.That's where inductive Bible study comes in:Observation: What does the text say?Interpretation: What did it mean to the original audience?Application: How does it apply today?The Bible was written to people in a specific time and culture, but it was written for us. Studying moves us from surface-level familiarity to life-shaping understanding.And this leads naturally to the second mark of maturity.2. Spiritual grown-ups don't just study — they apply.Hebrews 5:13 says an infant “doesn't know how to do what is right.” Knowledge without obedience produces immaturity.You can know Greek word studies. You can debate theology. You can listen to endless podcasts. But if you don't obey, you're spiritually stalled.Verse 14 says mature believers are those who “through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” The word “training” comes from the Greek word gymnazō — where we get “gymnasium.” Growth requires exercise.Application is spiritual training. It's forgiveness when it's hard. It's generosity when it's costly. It's integrity when no one is watching.Information alone doesn't transform. Obedience does.If we only “taste” truth without walking in it, our hearts grow dull. Discernment comes from practiced obedience.3. Spiritual grown-ups don't just apply — they teach.Hebrews 5:12 says, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others.”This is the launch.The goal of maturity isn't self-improvement. It's multiplication.Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) says:“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.”Teaching others stabilizes your own faith. When you pour out, you grow up.There is a shift every believer must make—from consumer to contributor. From audience to ambassador. From “What am I getting?” to “Who am I helping?”The cure for spiritual dullness isn't more consumption. It's contribution.When Michael Rotondo was evicted, he didn't thank his parents. He said he was outraged. He wanted to stay a child forever.God loves us too much to let us stay spiritually rotund—full but unproductive. He calls us out of comfort and into mission.Don't fight the launch. Don't settle for the bottle when God has a feast—and a purpose—waiting for you.Spiritual maturity isn't about how long you've believed. It's about whether you've launched.

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Our Father in heaven, honored be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10 CSB! He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. Colossians 1:13 ESV Fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15 NLT A decision to live in the Kingdom of God is a decision to reject the kingdom of this world.Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world, wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important, has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out, but whoever does what God says is set for eternity. 1 John 2:15-17 MSGDarkness, more than immoral behavior, is living under the influence of the wrong king, culture, and kingdom.Jesus used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the leaven a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Matthew 13:33 NLT`Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. Luke 12:3 ESVAs it relates to which kingdom we're living in and are influenced by, small choices make a huge impact.Rebellion always starts with seemingly insignificant compromise!You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough. Galatians 5:7-9 CSBCompromise has a compounding negative impact on our spiritual well-being and destinyGod's remedy for rebellion is repentance which then leads to redemption and restoration! I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. - All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:16-17 & 20 NLTOur amazing Messiah came to multiply every obedient choice we make for our good and His glory.Surrender your life, including your time, talent and treasure wholeheartedly to the God one choice at a time. The Kingdom of Heaven is like the leaven a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Matthew 13:33 NLTThe impact of living in God's Kingdom will permeate everything about who we are and how we live. -------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Identity War today! We've lost the identity we are supposed to carry.2 Corinthians 5:17 NLTThis means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!Our New Identity in Christ contains all the wealth of God's goodness, that has already been placed in us. We don't strive to attain it, we strive to understand and rest in it.2 Peter 1:3 TPTEverything we could ever need for life and godliness has already been deposited in us by his divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing him who has called us by name and invited us to come to him through a glorious manifestation of his goodness.

“So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.” (1 Kings 17:5–7 NLT) Elijah proclaimed to King Ahab that a drought would strike the land and would continue for years until he, Elijah, called an end to it—at the Lord’s direction, of course. After Elijah made his proclamation, the Lord gave him these instructions: “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food” (1 Kings 17:3–4 NLT). That was quite a turnaround. One day Elijah was boldly issuing a proclamation to a king; the next day he was hiding out by a brook. Elijah “did as the Lord told him” (verse 5 NLT), but he must have been a little bewildered. Elijah made do for a while. “The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land” (verses 6–7 NLT). The brook dried up. Those are ominous words for someone whose survival seemed to depend on the brook. Elijah is certainly not the only Bible character to face such a defining—and potentially defeating—moment. Abraham and Sarah’s “brook dried up” when they found themselves childless in old age. Joseph’s “brook dried up” when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. Moses’ “brook dried up” when he killed an Egyptian official and became a fugitive. The apostle Peter’s “brook dried up” when he denied knowing Jesus three times. The disciples’ “brook dried up” when Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” and gave up His life on the cross. Maybe you’ve had a brook dry up in your life as well. Maybe one day your partner said, “I’m leaving. I don’t want to be with you anymore.” And just like that, your relationship was over. Maybe you got a call from the place you’ve worked for twenty years: “Sorry, we’re downsizing.” And just like that, you’re unemployed. Your brook dried up. But what seems like the end of the world may, in fact, be a new beginning. When God closes one door, He opens another. Elijah was about to discover this fact. God was getting him ready, step by step, challenge by challenge. Big things were coming. The next phase was about to start. It’s the same with you. If you’ve been told to head for the hills and be fed by birds, so to speak, if your brook has dried up, if a door has closed in your life, don’t think God is done with you. Just trust Him. He may be getting you ready for phase two. He may be whipping you into shape for something beyond your wildest dreams. As the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (NLT). Reflection question: How can you keep a proper perspective when a door closes 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.

FEB. 26, 2026Rely on God, not yourself."As a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God." 2Co 1:9 NLTSeveral men went on a mission trip to Haiti where they met a nineteen-year-old young man who loved Christ deeply. So they invited him to visit them in America and paid for his trip. The young Haitian felt as if he were in another world. He'd never slept between sheets, had three meals a day, used indoor plumbing, or tasted a hamburger. When it was time to return to Haiti, they asked him for his impressions of what he'd experienced, and he replied: "I have really enjoyed my time here with you. But I am also very glad to be going home.You have so much in America that I'm beginning to lose my grip on my day-to-day dependency on Christ." Paul spoke of a time of trouble in Asia in which he was "crushed and overwhelmed" (2Co 1:8 NLT). Then he wrote: "As a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God" (v. 9 NLT). And God wants to bring you to that place also. Yes, He wants you to use the gifts and resources He has provided, but His desire is that you rely completely on Him. Only then can He provide everything He desires to give you, because then you will be open, ready, and mature enough to receive it. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear [reverence, respect, obey] the Lord" (Pr 3:5-7 NLT).Rely on God, not yourself"He will show you which path to take."Share This DevotionalSend a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

“Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and married one of his daughters. He brought her to live in the City of David until he could finish building his palace and the Temple of the Lord and the wall around the city.” (1 Kings 3:1 NLT) Solomon’s fall and disillusionment began with a series of compromises, one of which involved marrying the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon did this because he wanted to establish a political alliance with Egypt. It was a strategic move. For all practical purposes, Solomon “yoked” himself unequally with a nonbeliever—something God had forbidden. God had told the Jewish people not to intermarry with other nations. This was not a racial issue; it was a spiritual issue. God didn’t want the Israelites aligning themselves with people who worshipped false gods. He knew how powerful the temptation of idolatry was. He knew that the Israelites’ hearts would turn away from Him if they established relationships with nonbelievers. God’s warning should resonate with His people today as well. We have an enemy who will use anything—including other people—to disrupt our relationship with God. And when those other unbelieving people inspire a romantic attraction in us, their negative impact is magnified. That’s how the devil took down Samson, perhaps the strongest man who ever lived. Samson had a natural attraction to Philistine women, even though they were not only idol worshippers but also enemies of Israel. The devil fanned the flames of attraction until Samson turned his back on his spiritual responsibilities to pursue ill-considered relationships. The race that is set before us as God’s people is difficult. A wise strategy is to run it with a partner who loves the Lord as much as you do. If you are a single person, you should pray for and wait on the godly man or woman that the Lord will bring into your life. You can be sure He would not want you romantically involved with a person who does not believe. The struggles, temptations, and negative influences are simply too great to be ignored. The Bible tells us, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15 NLT). In the race of life, you want to run with someone who is going in the same direction that you are. And if you are Christians, both you and your mate will be running toward the Lord and His plan and purpose for your lives. Solomon did not live by that principle. He teamed up with people who did not share his faith or his God. Be wiser than the wisest man who ever lived. Don’t become a partner with an unbeliever. Reflection question: How can you determine whether someone is going in the same direction as you, spiritually speaking? 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.

“Where are You, God?” If you’ve ever whispered that question through tears, sleepless nights, or silent disappointment, you’re not alone. In this episode, we talk about the painful seasons when God feels distant — when prayers feel unanswered and discouragement makes it hard to even find the words to pray. Yet Scripture tells us something steady and unshakable: Jesus promised He would be with us always. Not sometimes.Not when we feel spiritual.Always. Even in silence. Even in valleys. Even in doubt. What We Discuss Why God can feel distant during hardship How discouragement can drain our ability to pray The truth that God hears even unspoken prayers The danger of believing the lie that God has abandoned us Drawing near to God when emotions say He’s far Finding encouragement through Scripture, worship, and Christian community This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Where Is God? By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NLT) “Where are you, God?” If there was a consistent question I asked God last year, that was it. Little did I know that by the start of this year, God would answer my question in profound ways that proved He hears my every prayer and He is always here with us. It started with simple things that were concerning me, then it snowballed into many other issues and situations that were troubling my heart and keeping me awake at night. Sleepless nights were the norm for me that year. I tried praying my way through it, but at times I was too tired to pray. Have you ever been so discouraged that you can barely talk to God about it? However, God taught me that He knows our hearts and He hears even the prayers we don’t have the energy or capacity to pray. He even considers the tears that roll down our faces when we cry as silent prayers, and He understands our pain before we have words to give voice to it. If you’re looking for someone who knows you better than you know yourself, your Maker (God) fits that bill perfectly. Because we live in a world that is negatively affected by sin, we all may face situations in life that cause us to ask, “God, where are you?” It is then that we are tempted by the enemy to believe that God has forsaken us. But in those moments, we need to believe what the Bible says: God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). When you feel far away from God, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). If you’re having trouble seeking Him, ask God to help you feel His Presence and experience His peace. Remember: He’s always been pursuing a relationship with you before you realized you needed Him and started seeking Him. Now, there’s the fact that God is invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). But the truth is that He is real (Psalm 14:1). Don’t let His invisibility become a barrier to your seeking Him. Over the years, I’ve heard people debate that since we cannot see God, that must mean He doesn’t exist. Well, to that I’d say, we cannot see the air we breathe, but we know that if we don’t have air, we’d be dead. Same with God. We cannot see Him, but we need Him to live. When we are in pain so deep that we can barely get out of bed in the morning and start going about our day, it is important to remember that God is with us in our pain. Soon after the start of this year, God showed me that He had heard my prayers and questions last year. He did this by inspiring a Christian author to ask me if I wanted to read an early copy of her book that is releasing in January 2026. After seeing that the title of the book is “God, Where Are You?”, I knew this was encouragement from God for me. He recommended a whole book (in addition to the Bible) to answer my question. I agreed to read her book and was blessed by it. The author’s name is Dominique Young. The full title of her book is “God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence”. It is advertised on Amazon as “a safe space for your deepest questions and your hidden pain.” It’s for people who have been silently suffering under the heavy weight of anxiety, grief, depression, shame, and spiritual doubt. Through this book, she helps the reader discover how near God is to them through their toughest trials in life. God doesn’t abandon you in the valley lows. He’s with you through it all. And He can heal our brokenness. The author invites the reader to stop pretending they are okay when they are not, face the pain you’ve been hiding, and learn how you are seen by the Almighty God as one He deeply loves. Dominique encourages the reader to remember that even when God is silent, He is near and will not leave you. After reading the first few pages of Dominique’s book, I thanked God for answering my prayers on this topic because it was like He was speaking to me through her messages that were supported with Scripture. I am grateful He used this author’s debut book to encourage me in my faith walk. I believe this book will encourage you, too, if you read it. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to three songs (listed below) that remind us God is here with us and He’s going to stay with us until the end of the world. Song of Reflection #1: “God is with Us” by The Afters. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “I Know You’re There” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that God is right here with you and He’s not going anywhere? Further Reading:Isaiah 41:10Isaiah 43:2Deuteronomy 31:6Psalm 23:4Zephaniah 3:17 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we close out our theme of love for this month, as well as this week as we have been talking about intimacy. We've looked at a level of closeness that God can provide that should affect every relationship we have in life—from our families to the groups of people we associate with. God allowing us to be His temple changes everything as to how we approach all of life and every relationship.In John 17, as Jesus was in the garden knowing the cross was only hours away and all the brutality of sin was about to be placed on Him, He didn't pray for Himself, but for intimacy and unity among the people who would believe in Him—those who were with Him on that day, those throughout the centuries, all the way to us today.Imagine Jesus in the Garden alone in the dark, knowing the soldiers were on their own to take Him to the cross. Hear Him crying out to God through the filter of that reality and listen for how He prays for you …“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-26 NLT)Did you catch the same language as Paul later used as to where God will be?Did you hear His prayer for you?Did you hear His cry for intimacy between you and the Father?Listen once more … this time I'll abbreviate and focus on Jesus' prayer for you and I today …“I am praying … for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. … “O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:20-23, 25 NLT)How should you respond to the Bible passages we have read this week? What did you hear that encouraged you? Challenged you? Convicted you? Intimacy is such an important concept to understand, grasp, an grow in, especially as Christ-followers, because we have no barriers to be able to love as He loves.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me in all my relationships to be a reflection of intimacy with You. I am Your temple and I want the world to see Your life and Your heart through my life and heart. As above, so below.”

When Mango admits that he is afraid to be home alone, Poppy teaches him to praise the Lord. “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ‭‭#kids, #storiesforkids, #biblestoriesforkids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #christiankids, #godinventedpraise, #praisinggodmakesusstrong, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbites4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (Romans 5:6 NLT) In the 1800s in London, a little boy wanted to hear the great American evangelist D. L. Moody, who had come to town to preach. This little street urchin made his way across the entire city of London, risking his very life, with no food or proper shoes. After a long journey, he finally came to the great church where Moody was scheduled to speak. As he made his way up to the door, an old usher scowled at him and asked, “What are you doing, young man?” The boy said, “I am going to go hear the great evangelist D. L. Moody.” “Not looking like that! You are filthy. Go away!” The little boy was crushed. He was sitting on the steps, crying, when a black carriage pulled up in front of the church. Out of it stepped a large man. He saw the sad little boy on the steps and asked, “Young man, what is wrong?” The boy answered, “I came here to hear the great preacher D. L. Moody, but they won’t let me in the church.” “Is that so?” the big man said. “You just put your hand in my hand, and I will see what I can do to help you.” The little boy put his dirty little hand into the man’s big, clean hand. The man led him right down the middle aisle, past the usher who wouldn’t let him in, to the front row. The big guy sat him in a front-row seat. Then the man stepped up to the pulpit. That man was, of course, D. L. Moody. That young boy couldn’t get in on his own, but when he held Moody’s hand, he walked through the front door. So it is with us, because of Jesus. We are filthy in sin. In Psalm 51:5, David wrote, “For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me” (NLT). Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (NLT). The apostle Paul wrote, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT). Because of our sinfulness, we have no hope of entering Heaven on our own. Our only hope is Jesus, who takes our dirty hand in His clean one and leads us to a front-row seat in God’s presence. As Paul puts it in the next two verses of Romans 3: “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood” (verses 24–25 NLT). The frustrating reality for many people trying to establish themselves today is also the glorious reality of salvation: It all depends on who you know. Reflection question: How can you lead someone into Jesus’ 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.

Daily Word God has given you a vision for a business, ministry, or nonprofit. However, cash is running low and the vision currently cannot pay your bills. What do you do? Well, don't quit the vision. Instead, look for an additional source of income. __________ 1 Timothy 5:18 KJV, 1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV, Ecclesiastes 3:13 KJV, Luke 8:3 NLT, Matthew 17:27 KJV, 1 Thessalonians 2:9 NLT, 2 Thessalonians 3:8 ASV, Acts 20:34 ASV, Acts 18:1–3 KJV, 2 Corinthians 11:8 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” (1 John 4:18–19 NLT) I heard a story about a thief who broke into a house. He was looking around in the dark with his flashlight when he heard a voice say, “Jesus is watching you!” The thief nearly jumped out of his skin. He wondered, “Where did that voice come from?” Again, he heard it. “Jesus is watching you!” Now the thief was terrified. He followed the sound of the voice with his flashlight and heaved a sigh of relief when he saw a parrot on a perch, who once again said, “Jesus is watching you!” The thief laughed. Then he looked down, and at the foot of the parrot’s perch was a very large Doberman pinscher, baring his teeth. The parrot looked down at the Doberman and said, “Sic ’em, Jesus.” That’s a joke, of course. But there are people who believe that the Lord is out to get them or, at the very least, that He is against them. It’s a lie, a common strategy of our spiritual enemy. Jesus said, “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NLT). The suggestion that God is against us is an especially brazen lie—one intended to persuade people to keep their distance from the Lord. It’s brazen because it contradicts one of the most important truths of Scripture. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NLT). “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT). “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10 NLT). “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:18–19 NLT). Why would the Lord show such love and sacrifice so much if He were against us? Many Christians refer to their conversion as “the day I found the Lord.” But that’s not quite accurate. The truth is, He wasn’t lost—we were. Certainly, one day we discovered a God who loved us. But God found us before we found Him. He chose us before we chose Him. Jesus sought us out as a shepherd looks for a lost sheep. The truth is, no one is more for us than the Lord. Reflection question: How can you keep from believing that God is against 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.

What if a simple Easter reading turned into a four–year journey to make Scripture clear, warm, and deeply readable? That's the path Dan Parr took, blending his craft as a professional voice actor with a steady, faithful approach to translation so more people can encounter the Bible without tripping over dated language or dense phrasing. Guided by Proverbs 16:3, Dan shares how reluctance gave way to calling, and how prayer plus meticulous research shaped a version that preserves meaning while speaking directly to modern listeners.We dig into the nuts and bolts: starting with the public–domain World English Bible, refining verse by verse, and validating choices against trusted translations like NIV, NLT, RSV, and NET. Dan explains why concision matters for comprehension, how he updates ancient measures and terms, and what it took to tackle challenging books like Corinthians without thinning the theology. As a narrator, he reveals how pacing, tone, and pauses turn text into an immersive, living experience—one reason thousands of hours have already been streamed on Audible.Accessibility sits at the heart of this story. Dan outlines flexible ways to engage Scripture—chronological and traditional orders, start-any-month reading plans, and single-book editions for focused study—so newcomers and seasoned readers alike can find an on-ramp that fits real life. We also look ahead to Dad's Words to Gen Z, a year of short daily devotionals crafted to encourage a generation navigating doubt, purpose, and identity with a steady fatherly voice.If you're curious about how faith and craft can work together to serve readers, or you're searching for a Bible you can actually stick with, this conversation brings practical ideas and heartfelt insight. Listen, share it with someone who's been hesitant to open a Bible, and tell us which passage you want to hear in a fresh voice. Subscribe, leave a review, and help more people discover a clear path back into Scripture.Let me know what you think of this episode? Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSupport the Podcast. https://buymeacoffee.com/dorseyrossSocial Media Links, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dorsey.ross/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DROCKROSS/ My Book Amazon Book Overcomer https://bit.ly/4h7NGIPWant to be a guest on Dorsey Ross Show? Send Dorsey Ross a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1615423845838x127949785844303500 Affiliate Link For Podmatch https://www.joinpodmatch.com/dorseyross

Welcome to Day 2804 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2804 – The Devil Never Made Him Do It – Luke 4:1-13 Putnam Church Message – 01/18/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “The Devil Never Made Him Do It.”    Last week investigated a prophet who was unmatched in all history, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, in a message titled “The Greatest Mortal Who Ever Died.” Today, we begin our study through the ministry of Jesus Christ in a message titled: “The Devil Never Made Him Do It.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 4:1-13, found on page 1595 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. OPENING PRAYER Holy Father, we gather today in the name of Jesus, our victorious Savior. As we open Your Word, teach us to recognize temptation, to discern the lies of the enemy, and to cling to the truth that sets us free. Strengthen our hearts by Your Spirit, steady our minds by Your Scriptures, and shape our lives to reflect the obedience of Christ in the wilderness. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen. Today, we come to a moment in Luke's Gospel that occurs quietly, without crowds, without choirs of angels, without disciples watching in awe. There are no miracles, no sermons, no parables, and no healings. Instead, there is silence, sand, hunger, and a solitary battle in the wilderness. It is here that Jesus faces the enemy of our souls in a way no other human ever has — and He triumphs. And He does so not by leaning on His divine authority, but by walking in obedience as a human filled with and yielded to the Holy Spirit. Our preaching text this morning comes from Luke 4:1–13 (NLT). Luke writes: “Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.” (Luke 4:1–2) Luke wants us to see something right away: Jesus did not accidentally wander into temptation. He did not stumble into a spiritual ambush. He was led there. Led by whom? Led by the Spirit. And with that, Luke invites us into one of Scripture's most profound mysteries: God can lead His children into places of testing for the purpose of strengthening, purifying, and proving them. This is not new. Israel experienced the same. Moses reminded the people in Deuteronomy 8:2 (NLT): “Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you…” Jesus is reliving the story of Israel — but where Israel failed, Jesus prevails.     Context: Between Baptism and Ministry Before we move further, we must notice the timing: Just before the wilderness comes the baptism. Just before the temptation comes the affirmation. Just before the war comes, the voice from heaven. In Luke 3, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father declared: “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (3:22) Immediately after that, Jesus is taken to the desert. This pattern is familiar to anyone who has walked with God: Mountaintops are...

“Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?” (Proverbs 6:27–28 NLT) When I was a kid, I was fascinated by fire. This fascination prompted me to do some stupid things, like taking little green army men and lighting their plastic rifles on fire so that I could watch them melt into little green puddles. Once, however, I was doing this on a piece of newspaper, which also caught on fire. So, I grabbed the newspaper with the burning green army men and threw it all into a wastebasket. The wastebasket, unfortunately, was made of bamboo, and it, too, was set ablaze. Thankfully, I was able to put out the fire. That is how sin works. It starts small, and then it grows out of control. That’s what the author of Proverbs 6 was talking about when he wrote, “Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?” (verses 27–28 NLT). Samson learned that lesson the hard way. He thought he could handle sin. He thought he could keep playing the game. But the devil knows how to package his wares. He knows how to sell his stuff. The devil sized up Samson and figured out that he was a he-man with a she weakness. He couldn’t bring Samson down on the battlefield, so he brought him down in the bedroom. And he found a willing accomplice in Samson, who thought he could handle it. Temptation comes in attractive packages, but for temptation to succeed, we must be willing participants. For temptation to work, there must be desire on our part. James 1:14–15 says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (NLT). For the devil to succeed, we must listen to him, yield to him, and desire what he is offering. The devil can throw anything at us. He offers different kinds of bait. But it isn’t the bait that constitutes sin. It’s the bite. That’s why Jesus warned, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41 NLT). It’s why Paul wrote, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:12–13 NLT). It’s why James advised, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT). Temptation can get the better of us only if we choose to play with spiritual fire. Reflection question: How can you thwart temptation 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.

Inside our theme of love this month, this week we are talking about the importance of intimacy. Intimacy is the word to describe when people get really close, and also when we choose to get close to God. Yesterday, we read that He has made the first move through Jesus and wants to be as close to us as we will allow.Let me remind you of how we defined intimacy yesterday: In-to-me-see. That means allowing someone to see your heart and who you truly are.For most of us, one of the big things that brings us to our knees and helps us choose to reach out to God is when our hearts are broken. When life is going incredible and we're on top of the world, we can fail to see our need for God. But when everything falls apart and goes wrong, we realize we need help, that we cannot do life alone. Especially when people fail us and hurt us, we tend to look up, not out.Listen to today's passage …The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. (Psalm 34:17-19 NLT)How does God hear us? When we call for help.When is He close to us? When we are brokenhearted.Will He keep us from having troubles? No, but He promises to be there when we do.Listen to this same passage in The Message Bible …Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.Have you already discovered this to be true in your relationship with God? Or do you need to test it out for the first time?There aren't a lot of guarantees in this life, but I can say this: God will never let you down. There will be trouble and your heart will be broken, but He will be there when you reach out.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You know what to do with my broken heart. Thank You that You will provide help to me when I need it most. When trouble comes, help me to come to You right away and never wait to try and solve my problems on my own. As above, so below.”

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV) The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” And Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV). Starting strong is overrated. Take sports, for example. Few baseball statisticians keep track of which team was ahead after the first inning. What matters is the final score. Likewise, starting strong is overrated in our spiritual journey. The Bible gives us examples of people who started strong in their service to the Lord, only to falter later. Scripture doesn’t celebrate these early successes; instead, it uses the people’s experiences as cautionary tales for other believers. One of the most memorable of these cautionary tales is that of Samson. Samson had a great beginning. He was blessed with superhuman qualities. Physically, there was no one stronger. We get a sense of his power in Judges 14:5–6: “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat” (NLT). Samson was a one-man army, a judge chosen by God to make a difference on behalf of His people. On one occasion Samson killed thirty Philistines—the enemies of the Israelites—to settle a bet. On another occasion he killed 1,000 Philistine warriors on the battlefield with a bone that he picked up from the ground. He wasn’t a fictitious superhero; he was the real deal. For a time, Samson was a mighty man of God. And for a time, he was even a true world changer. Eventually, however, the world began to change him. Samson turned his back on God. He had an amazing beginning but a tragic ending. One day your life will be summed up in a paragraph or two on a bulletin that will be handed out at your memorial service. No one will care about how much money you made or how much stuff you owned. No one will care how high you climbed in your profession. Instead, they’ll talk about what kind of person you were. We don’t decide the day of our death any more than we decided the day of our birth. But we do determine the spiritual state we’ll be in when we die. God wants us to be close to Him. God wants us in friendship and fellowship and intimacy with Him. But it’s our choice whether to have a relationship with the Lord or not to have a relationship with Him. We must choose wisely so that we finish well. Reflection question: How do you want to finish your walk with the Lord? 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 end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV) The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” And Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV). Starting strong is overrated. Take sports, for example. Few baseball statisticians keep track of which team was ahead after the first inning. What matters is the final score. Likewise, starting strong is overrated in our spiritual journey. The Bible gives us examples of people who started strong in their service to the Lord, only to falter later. Scripture doesn’t celebrate these early successes; instead, it uses the people’s experiences as cautionary tales for other believers. One of the most memorable of these cautionary tales is that of Samson. Samson had a great beginning. He was blessed with superhuman qualities. Physically, there was no one stronger. We get a sense of his power in Judges 14:5–6: “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat” (NLT). Samson was a one-man army, a judge chosen by God to make a difference on behalf of His people. On one occasion Samson killed thirty Philistines—the enemies of the Israelites—to settle a bet. On another occasion he killed 1,000 Philistine warriors on the battlefield with a bone that he picked up from the ground. He wasn’t a fictitious superhero; he was the real deal. For a time, Samson was a mighty man of God. And for a time, he was even a true world changer. Eventually, however, the world began to change him. Samson turned his back on God. He had an amazing beginning but a tragic ending. One day your life will be summed up in a paragraph or two on a bulletin that will be handed out at your memorial service. No one will care about how much money you made or how much stuff you owned. No one will care how high you climbed in your profession. Instead, they’ll talk about what kind of person you were. We don’t decide the day of our death any more than we decided the day of our birth. But we do determine the spiritual state we’ll be in when we die. God wants us to be close to Him. God wants us in friendship and fellowship and intimacy with Him. But it’s our choice whether to have a relationship with the Lord or not to have a relationship with Him. We must choose wisely so that we finish well. Reflection question: How do you want to finish your walk with the Lord? 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.

Daily Word Worrying about your finances is unhealthy as it can lead to depression, stress, and illness. Financial worry is something you should avoid. To eliminate it, you need to address the root cause. Worrying indicates that money has become your master. To remove worry, you must change your master. __________ Matthew 6:24–25 KJV, Matthew 6:31–32 NLT, Ecclesiastes 10:19 KJV, 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV, 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV, Matthew 6:33 KJV, Matthew 17:27 KJV, Matthew 21:1–3 KJV, John 6:5–6 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

For many high-capacity humans, authority has always felt conditional.Granted when you perform well.Withheld when certainty slips.Reviewed through hierarchy, feedback, and approval.In this Sunday episode of The Recalibration, we turn toward what I call Vertical Alignment. This isn't a new stage or a productivity practice. It's an orientation. A resting place for identity beyond effort, striving, or evaluation.This episode flows from my personal faith in Jesus, because for me, real alignment doesn't happen apart from the One who authored identity itself. Vertical Alignment asks a different question than the rest of the week. Not “How do I lead better?” but “Who am I becoming in relationship with God?”We explore what happens when competence reaches its edge. When certainty thins. When the next step isn't visible. For driven, responsible people, these gaps often feel threatening. Like something to fix quickly. But what if the gap isn't a failure? What if it's where authority stops being proven and starts being received?Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), we sit with the truth that grace doesn't replace responsibility. It re-sources it. Authority doesn't flow from having it all together. It flows from being held when you don't.This is not mindset work.It's not spiritual performance.And it's not about becoming passive.Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) begins at the root, not the behavior. When identity is secured vertically, it no longer needs to be defended horizontally. The nervous system rests. Striving softens. Leadership begins to flow from overflow instead of effort.Today's episode is for those who feel capable, faithful, and quietly tired of carrying authority like a task. It's an invitation to let it rest somewhere deeper.Today's Micro Recalibration:When uncertainty appears today, ask quietly:“What if this gap isn't a problem, but a place God meets me?”No forcing belief. No fixing. Just openness.Explore Identity-Level Recalibration → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Learn about The Recalibration Cohort→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Take your listening deeper! Subscribe to The Weekly Recalibration Companion to receive reflections and extensions to each week's podcast episodes. → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things...

Bible Study Clarity in our calling comes through endings. Just as Abram had to leave his country and eventually separate from Lot before he could clearly see the fullness of God's promise, we too must let go of what is not part of our assignment. When we hold onto activities that God did not intend for our future, they become blinders that limit vision. Endings are not failures; they are pathways to seeing clearly what God is calling us to do. __________ Genesis 12:1, 5 NLT, Genesis 13:5–9, 14–15 NLT, 1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT, Proverbs 19:21 AMPC, Deuteronomy 18:21–22 NLT, 1 Timothy 3:1–5 ASV, 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV, Matthew 13:31–32 NLT, 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 NLT, Numbers 20:7–12 NLT, Revelation 2:2–5 NLT, John 15:1–2 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

“There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.” (1 Samuel 9:1–2 NLT) David was in many ways the opposite of King Saul. Saul came from a family that loved him; David came from a family that neglected him. Saul was the most handsome man in all Israel; David was a handsome enough guy, but relatively ordinary. Saul was attractive on the outside, but on the inside, he was vain, shallow, and devoid of true integrity. In contrast, David had a deep spiritual life and an intense devotion to God. If you want to know about David’s spirituality profile, just read some of the psalms he wrote. They are like windows into his soul. For example, in Psalm 23:1–3, he says, “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” (NLT). David was perfectly content in his relationship with the Lord. And in Psalm 139 he says, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. . . . Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (verses 1, 6 nlt). David was in awe of God’s limitless wisdom and knowledge. He felt blessed to be known by the Almighty. And when he sinned against the Lord, David experienced deep guilt and shame. Look at his words in Psalm 51:2–3: “Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night” (NLT). Saul’s problem was that he was full of himself. So, the Lord rejected him. David was full of the Lord. So, God accepted him. As we saw in an earlier devotion this week, the Lord seems to go out of His way to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things. That way, people are more likely to recognize the Lord’s hand at work and give credit to Him rather than to human beings. Just as surely as God plucked David from obscurity, He is looking for men and women whom He can use in these critical days in which we are living. God is looking for people to touch this generation. He is looking for people to change this world. Second Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war” (NLT). What kind of person does He look for? Someone strong? No. He looks for someone He can show His strength through—someone whose heart is turned toward Him. Does that describe you? Is your heart totally turned toward God? If so, He can and will accomplish great things through you. Reflection question: How can you help people see God’s strength 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.