Podcasts about nlt

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8–9 NLT) In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at considering the cost of following Jesus. The first cost we’ll consider is the spiritual enemy we gain when we start to live for Christ. Anyone who has ever experienced the Christian life knows it is the greatest life there is. God takes a life that was empty, aimless, and headed to a certain judgment, and He turns it around and transforms it. He removes all our sin. That’s more than enough right there, but then He puts the righteousness of Jesus Christ into our spiritual bank account. That’s called justification. He removes the guilt that haunted us, fills the emptiness inside us, and takes up residence in our hearts. This all comes as a result of the gospel being believed and followed. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there are some new problems that come along with all of that. You get rid of an old set of problems and inherit new ones. As the great Bible commentator Ray Stedman once remarked, “A Christian is one who is: Completely fearless, Continually cheerful, and Constantly in trouble.” Once you become a Christian, you gain a very aggressive adversary who has set his crosshairs on you. That adversary is the devil, Satan, and he wants to undermine you. He wants to bring you down. The Bible warns that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT). To “suffer persecution” means to be hunted, to be harassed. We need to be aware of this so that we’re not surprised when attacks come. The Christian life isn’t a playground; it’s a battleground. I think a lot of people believe in a watered-down gospel, and thus they have a watered-down faith that isn’t really faith at all. They’ve heard so many sermonettes that they’ve turned into Christianettes. They’re not prepared for spiritual battle. We must not make that mistake. We need to understand who we’re up against. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). There’s no need to panic. But we must come to terms with the reality that if we live a godly life, persecution will follow. We need to prepare ourselves for the inevitable attacks. We need to strengthen our areas of vulnerability. We need to stay close to the Lord through prayer and Bible study. Our enemy is formidable, but he can be resisted. God has equipped us with everything we need to stand strong against the devil. Reflection question: What are the best strategies for standing strong against our spiritual enemy? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

Romans 8:16 anchors the believer’s identity in a powerful truth: through the Holy Spirit, we are affirmed as children of God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin unpacks what it means to live from that identity rather than slipping back into fear, anxiety, and emotional chaos. When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to function as if we are spiritually alone, but Scripture reminds us that believers are fully adopted, fully known, and fully secured in God’s family. Highlights Romans 8:16 confirms believers are children of God through the Spirit. Stress and anxiety often reflect a forgotten identity in Christ. In Christ, believers are adopted, forgiven, and fully secure. God’s love is unshakable and cannot be separated from His children. Identity in Christ replaces an “orphan mindset” with confidence. Believers are complete in Christ, not unfinished projects. Our daily behavior reflects what we believe about God’s care. Living as God’s child produces peace, trust, and spiritual stability. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: No Longer an OrphanBy Cindi McMenaminBible Reading:“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16 NKJV). Do you realize that when we worry and fret and start living a drama-filled life, we are forgetting who we really are? We are, in a sense, starting to live like orphans. After all, when you are trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sin and for eternal life, you have become His adopted child (John 1:12; Romans 8:14-17). And in that relationship as His child, you have a new identity that does not include the corruption or chaos of your past, or the problems in your present, or the fears of your future. Your drama or problems don’t define you either. In your new role, God calls you: His child – John 1:12 says: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” His friend – Jesus said “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). A saint – In Ephesians 1:1, believers in Christ are called saints. Yeah, but I’m not a saint, you may be thinking. Your actions may not always say it. But your position in Him says it. You are seen as perfect by Him because You are covered in the righteousness and goodness of Christ. Forgiven – Colossians 1:14 says you have been redeemed (bought back) and forgiven of all your sins—past, present, and future. So your past sins—or your past wounds—can no longer define you. Your slate is wiped clean. Complete – Do you feel like a “work in progress”? Many people describe themselves this way, referring to how they are not yet what God desires of them. But God’s Word is the final authority, and it says “you are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10). The work has already been done. You just need to live in that truth and wear it. Secure – both eternally and daily, in Him. You are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2), free from condemning charges (Romans 8:31-34), and free from the possibility of abandonment (Hebrews 13:5). Unconditionally loved – Romans 8:35-39 says “nothing” will be able to separate you from the love of God – not death, life, circumstances, sin, poor choices, a season of rebellion, nothing! His temple – that means He lives within you. Your heart is His home. And He dwells with you daily (1Corinthians 6:19). Royalty – He says you are seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). His masterpiece –created in Him for good words which He prepared for you before you were ever born (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). Fully capable by His power –You are able to accomplish “all things” through Christ, who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). His possession –You are not your own, you belong to Him because you were “bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That means He protects you and provides for you as His own. That also means nothing can touch you that hasn’t first gone through His loving hands. Intersecting Faith & Life: So, why do we stress about our needs, our problems, our finances, our health, and our relationships? Is that our way of saying God has forgotten us and He won’t really be a good Father to His child? Through our stress and striving, are we saying to others around us, “I’m on my own because God won’t—or can’t—help me.” How you and I live day to day is evidence of what we truly believe. An orphaned child says, “I am all alone. I have no one to help me.” A child of God lives confidently in the words: “My Father is with me. And He will help me.” The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will reflect your true identity—a loved, well-cared-for child of the Most High God who never needs to stress or worry. Why would you want to live any other way? Further Reading:Romans 8:12-17 For more on living like a loved child of God, see Cindi’s book, Drama Free: Finding Peace When Emotions Overwhelm You. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14 NLT) In our us-versus-them culture, the concept of Hell is reserved almost exclusively for “them.” Many people who believe in Hell believe in it for other people, especially for those who do awful things. They believe Hell is for people who commit horrible crimes without getting caught or punished in this lifetime. People can point to Hell and say, “Well, they’ll get theirs eventually.” They take a comfort of sorts that there will be a final judgment and that evil will be punished forever. However, the people who view Hell in these terms don’t like the prospect of facing judgment themselves. It’s okay for “them” but not for “us.” But the reality is that it won’t be just the master evildoers who are sentenced to Hell. It will be everyone who chooses to go there. And make no mistake, it is a choice. People who end up in Hell do so because they made a strategic decision to be there. Hell is not what God wants. He’s gone to unimaginable lengths to make sure that no one goes there. Yet people still choose to go. Hell is a prison in which the doors are locked from the inside. Well-meaning believers and nonbelievers alike tend to emphasize God’s love and mercy above all His other perfections. As a result, they conclude that Heaven is the default destination of every person. But such is not the case. Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13–14 NLT). We go to Heaven because we make a choice to do so by putting our faith in Christ—and Christ alone. There is no other way to get to Heaven. No one is uniquely qualified to meet God’s righteous demands apart from Christ. No prophet, no guru, no religious system is going to do it. Jesus was fully God, and He was fully man. Thus He, and He alone, was able to stand in the gap for us and pay the price for our sins. That’s why the Bible asks, “So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose” (Hebrews 2:3–4 NLT). If you blow off God’s offer, that’s your choice. But you’re going to face the consequences. What will you choose? Reflection question: How would you explain the concept of Hell to an unbeliever? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

God wants to bless your life. The problem is that people don't always choose to live in ways that God can bless. Listen to this series by Pastor Rick as he walks through Jesus' most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, where he shared the Beatitudes—the conditions for receiving God's blessing on your life. They still apply to your life today!There are many kinds of ministry, but there is one ministry that every follower of Jesus has in common: mercy. In this message series, Pastor Rick shares how to be an agent of mercy in the world and why it's such an important ministry if you want God's blessing on your life.Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT). If you want to experience God's mercy, then you need to learn to be a minister of mercy. In this broadcast, Pastor Rick gives you four reasons God expects you to show mercy. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

ALC recommends: Father's Day this Sunday!“Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”  - Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is a distinction between the public gift of tongues and private prayer in tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is discussing ministry gifts given to different members of the church for the benefit of the body, which is why not everyone is called to speak in tongues publicly, just as not everyone is an apostle, prophet, or teacher. In 1 Corinthians 14, however, Paul describes a personal use of tongues in which believers speak directly to God and edify themselves. While public tongues in a church gathering must be accompanied by interpretation to benefit others, private tongues can be practiced freely as a form of personal prayer and communion with God. __________ 1 Corinthians 12:27–30 NLT, 1 Corinthians 14:18–19 NLT, 1 Corinthians 14:26–28 NLT, 1 Corinthians 14:1–4 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” (Matthew 7:24–25 NLT) While spending time at the beach, I’ve watched people construct some very elaborate sandcastles that took hours and hours to build. I admired their creativity and persistence. But I also knew those impressive structures wouldn’t be around for very long. It was only a matter of time until either a tide came in and swept them away or a toddler appeared out of nowhere and demolished them. The builders could do little to prevent this eventual erosion or destruction because their efforts were doomed from the start. They used sand as their foundation. And though it may seem like an unusual analogy, I’ve seen many married couples make similar mistakes. They build their marriage on “sand,” like those impermanent sandcastles. They build it on fleeting emotions or sex or some other rash impulse. And they discover all too soon that a marriage must be built on something stronger that will sustain it. Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount with an illustration about the importance of building our lives on the right foundation. His illustration can be applied more specifically to the importance of building a marriage on the right foundation. Look at His words: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock” (Matthew 7:24–25 NLT). Jesus didn’t speak of storms as something that might happen. He described them as something that will happen. Marriages go through changes. They go through trials. That’s why it’s essential to build a marriage on the right foundation. Those who do will come to know the truth of Proverbs 18:22: “The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD” (NLT). When Jesus quoted Genesis 2:24, He placed God in His rightful position at the center of the union between a man and a woman: “Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together” (Matthew 19:6 NLT). And notice how many Scripture passages that deal with maintaining and thriving in a relationship all begin with the assumption that the Lord is at the center of it. The apostle Paul wrote, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NLT). He also wrote, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13 NLT). Is your marriage on the Rock of Christ or on the rocks? If it’s built on the Rock, then it will stand the test of time. If it’s built on the Rock, then it will weather the storms. If it’s built on the Rock, then it’s built to last. Reflection question: How can you tell if a marriage is built on a solid foundation? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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 Mount //Week 9// Worry in God's Kingdom Matthew 6:25-27 NIV  25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Learn from the Fowls - Trust God's Provision Matthew 6:26a NIV 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26b-27 NIV Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Ephesians 2:10 NIV  10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NLT 10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Matthew 6:28-29 NIV 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Learn from the Fowls - Trust God's Provision Learn from the Flowers - Trust God's Process Matthew 6:28-29 NIV 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Matthew 6:30-32 NIV  30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Learn from the Fowls  - Trust God's Provision Learn from the Flowers - Trust God's Process Learn from Your Firsts - Trust God's Principles and Practices Matthew 6:33 NIV 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Tzedakah (צדקה): Justice, Generosity, Caring for the poor, Restoring shalom, Living rightly within community. Matthew 6:34 NIV 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Learn from the Fowls  - Trust God's Provision Learn from the Flowers - Trust God's Process Learn from Your Firsts - Trust God's Principles and Practices

Tom Sawyer | Tullian TchividjianB-Side, Part 10 | Psalm 51:1-17 NLT

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave.Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned." (Song of Solomon 8:6-7 NLT).--00:00 Intro00:19 Chapter 102:47 Chapter 205:05 Chapter 306:50 Chapter 409:19 Chapter 511:57 Chapter 614:01 Chapter 715:52 Chapter 818:25 Outro--contact@parableministries.comhttps://www.parableministries.comhttps://www.instagram.com/parable_ministries/--Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi--Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.New Living Translation, NLT, and the New Living Translation logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries.TYNDALE, New Living Translation, NLT, the New Living Translation logo, and Tyndale's Quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

Many of us are carrying burdens God never intended us to carry. We carry worry, fear, anxiety, guilt, and more. Prayer is God's invitation to transfer those burdens from our shoulders to His. The Bible says “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Prayer is not informing God of something He doesn't know. Prayer is inviting God into something we can't handle. Notes: Luke 18 As God’s child, you don’t need a badge to reach Him. Hebrews 10:19 (NLT)And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon. There is a right and a wrong way to pray. Prayer is God’s invitation to transfer those burdens He never intended for us to carry from our shoulders to His. God cares about your problem. 1Peter 5:7 (NKJV)Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Jehosaphat called the people together for prayer.2 Chronicles 20:12 God is bigger than your problem. 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NLT)“O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” Prayer is inviting God into something we can’t handle. God has His perfect timing. Read Luke 18:1–8 We need to be persistent in our prayer.Luke 18:1We all have a choice as to what we will do and to whom we will turn when a crisis hits. We can lose heart or we can pray. We should pray simply because Jesus told us to. We should pray because prayer is God’s appointed way for obtaining things. James 4:2You have not because you ask not. Luke 11:9Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you. Prayer is the way God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Worry is not a virtue but can actually be a sin. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. The judge was the powerful one; the widow was the weaker one. Our loving Father in Heaven is the very opposite of this judge.Luke 18:7 The widowed woman had persistence and a just cause, and that was enough. We have something far greater, a Heavenly Father who already wants to help us. Every prayer is answered:Yes,No,Wait. Read Luke 18:9–14 We look on the outside, God looks on the inside.1 Samuel 16:7 The most religious man in the room went home empty, and the man nobody wanted to sit next to went home justified before God.Some will use prayer as an opportunity to:Brag.Gossip.Impress. Attitude is so very important in prayer. If we pray selfishly, it can hinder our prayers.James 4:2–3 An unforgiving attitude toward another can hinder our prayers.Matthew 6:15 We must confess our sin to God. How do we approach God?Like the widow, with persistence.Like the tax collector, with humility.Like little children. Read Luke 18:15–17 Luke 18:16Let the little children come to me The objective of every parent is to bring their children to Christ. God sees things differently than we do.The weak widow is strong because she prays with persistence.The sinful man’s prayer is heard because he admits his sin.The child is an example for us to follow in approaching God. To be childlike means we come with complete honesty to God. Children come with complete helplessness. We must come in complete dependence on God to be saved and forgiven. Children know how to receive a gift. Come like a child to Jesus right now. Worry is strangling you, guilt is crushing you, and fear won’t let you sleep. Jesus said, “Come unto me all who are burdened with life.” Come to Jesus as you are, a sinner, and become His child. Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us are carrying burdens God never intended us to carry. We carry worry, fear, anxiety, guilt, and more. Prayer is God's invitation to transfer those burdens from our shoulders to His. The Bible says “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Prayer is not informing God of something He doesn't know. Prayer is inviting God into something we can't handle. Notes: Luke 18 As God’s child, you don’t need a badge to reach Him. Hebrews 10:19 (NLT)And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon. There is a right and a wrong way to pray. Prayer is God’s invitation to transfer those burdens He never intended for us to carry from our shoulders to His. God cares about your problem. 1Peter 5:7 (NKJV)Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Jehosaphat called the people together for prayer.2 Chronicles 20:12 God is bigger than your problem. 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NLT)“O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” Prayer is inviting God into something we can’t handle. God has His perfect timing. Read Luke 18:1–8 We need to be persistent in our prayer.Luke 18:1We all have a choice as to what we will do and to whom we will turn when a crisis hits. We can lose heart or we can pray. We should pray simply because Jesus told us to. We should pray because prayer is God’s appointed way for obtaining things. James 4:2You have not because you ask not. Luke 11:9Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you. Prayer is the way God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Worry is not a virtue but can actually be a sin. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. The judge was the powerful one; the widow was the weaker one. Our loving Father in Heaven is the very opposite of this judge.Luke 18:7 The widowed woman had persistence and a just cause, and that was enough. We have something far greater, a Heavenly Father who already wants to help us. Every prayer is answered:Yes,No,Wait. Read Luke 18:9–14 We look on the outside, God looks on the inside.1 Samuel 16:7 The most religious man in the room went home empty, and the man nobody wanted to sit next to went home justified before God.Some will use prayer as an opportunity to:Brag.Gossip.Impress. Attitude is so very important in prayer. If we pray selfishly, it can hinder our prayers.James 4:2–3 An unforgiving attitude toward another can hinder our prayers.Matthew 6:15 We must confess our sin to God. How do we approach God?Like the widow, with persistence.Like the tax collector, with humility.Like little children. Read Luke 18:15–17 Luke 18:16Let the little children come to me The objective of every parent is to bring their children to Christ. God sees things differently than we do.The weak widow is strong because she prays with persistence.The sinful man’s prayer is heard because he admits his sin.The child is an example for us to follow in approaching God. To be childlike means we come with complete honesty to God. Children come with complete helplessness. We must come in complete dependence on God to be saved and forgiven. Children know how to receive a gift. Come like a child to Jesus right now. Worry is strangling you, guilt is crushing you, and fear won’t let you sleep. Jesus said, “Come unto me all who are burdened with life.” Come to Jesus as you are, a sinner, and become His child. Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Joshua preaches a powerful word on the kingdom expectation for stewarding finances, possessions, and the blessings the Lord gives us. Psalm 24:1 (KJV) 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. Principle: Everything you see, feel, or touch belongs to God. He is the owner of everything. Mark 8:36 (NLT) 36 What good is it to gain ... Read More

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NLT) The apostle Paul wrote, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:12–14 NLT) This is a prime example of a person with an undivided heart. Many of us today could say, “I focus on these eight things” or “I focus on these four things,” instead of saying, “I focus on this one thing.” Such is the problem of a divided heart. Jesus emphasized the importance of an undivided heart in His Sermon on the Mount. He said, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NLT). The word pure in this context means “undivided.” In other words, blessed, or happy, are the people who have a singular focus. Happy are the people who strive to maintain a pure heart. Happy are the people who know where they’re going in life, who have priorities and live by them. Happy are the people who aren’t trying to live in two different worlds. The apostle Peter explained why trying to live in two different worlds isn’t an option for believers: “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT). We live in a wicked time, one in which we’re exposed to countless things that are spiritually harmful. This presents a serious problem for believers. As Paul wrote in Romans 16:19, “I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.” Paul makes the case for an undivided heart in Colossians 3:1–4: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory” (NLT). God is offering you true happiness—happiness that’s not contingent on how much you have but on whom you know. If you don’t align your life properly with God, you will always be chasing an elusive dream. But if you do align your life with Him and pursue His will, you’ll find purpose in life. You’ll find the happiness you’re seeking. Reflection question: What would an undivided heart look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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.

Speaking in tongues is one of those Bible concepts that feels a little out there and has many doctrinal interpretations and debates, which cause some Christians to shy away from it. However, speaking in tongues is not complex and is a powerful prayer method for the success of the calling God has given you. __________ 2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV, Romans 8:26–28 NLT, Acts 2:1–4 KJV, Acts 2:5–6 KJV, 1 Corinthians 13:1 KJV, 1 Corinthians 14:14 KJV, 1 Corinthians 14:27–33 KJV, Mark 16:15–18 KJV, Acts 19:1–7 KJV, Mark 9:23 KJV, Hebrews 11:1 KJV, Luke 11:11–13 KJV, 1 Corinthians 12:28–31 KJV     __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV) Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with these words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV). The word translated as poor comes from a verb that means “to shrink, cower, or cringe.” It describes a destitute person or someone who is completely dependent on others for help. You’ll notice, however, that Jesus didn’t just say, “Blessed are the poor.” He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Jesus wasn’t addressing people’s economic situation but rather their spiritual condition. Let’s not miss the implications of His words. Blessed, or happy, are the people who recognize their spiritual poverty apart from God. Blessed, or happy, are those who recognize what they really are in God’s sight: lost, hopeless, and helpless. Apart from Jesus Christ, everyone is spiritually poor. Regardless of our education, accomplishments, or religious knowledge, we’re all spiritually destitute. We may be tempted to look at someone who’s in prison or who’s down and out or who’s struggling with drug addiction and think, “Now, there’s someone who’s spiritually destitute.” We may be tempted to compare ourselves favorably with them. Maybe we’ve lived a relatively refined life. Maybe we have a good education or have accomplished certain things. If so, we may conclude, “I’m not as destitute as that person.” In one sense, that may be true. But in another sense, it isn’t true at all. Before God, all people are spiritually destitute and unable to help themselves. Some people have a hard time admitting this. It’s difficult for us to acknowledge we need to reach out to God and need His forgiveness. We prefer the illusion of being spiritually self-sufficient, of being good enough in and of ourselves. But the Bible doesn’t give us that option. What do we have to offer God—our righteousness? Romans 3:10 says, “No one is righteous—not even one” (NLT). Our good works? Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (NLT). The only thing we can offer God is our sincere humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (NLT). To receive the blessings Jesus talked about, we must embrace our status as being poor in spirit. We were created to bring glory to God, not to ourselves. When we prioritize Him by humbling ourselves, we connect to our original purpose. We find a soul-deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. We discover our spiritual potential when we acknowledge our spiritual poverty. Reflection question: How do you maintain a spirit of humility in your relationship with God? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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.

Forky interrupts Woody as he is talking to someone that Forky cannot see.  It turns out that Woody is praying!  Of course, Forky has so many questions from “What is pray?” to “Who is Jesus?”  Woody enlists the help of his friends Squeakers, the Heavenly Plumber and more… as well as a few keys to help Forky understand how to pray!  “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬#kids, #kidspray, #christiankids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #biblelessonsforkids,  #prayer, #prayinjesusname, #forgivewhenyoupray, #prayertoreceivejesus, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #fishbites4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebbImage by Magnific

Gods will is for you to be holy. [NLT]

Sunday, May 17th 2026 | Pastor Jay Wallace | “A good pastor doesn't just preach to you — he leads you, corrects you, prays for you, and points you back to God in every season of life. A pastor carries the weight of the flock with strength, faithfulness, and love!” - Pastor Jay WallaceHonor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work… Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT) 

Your mistakes may have consequences, but as long as you have life, there is still an opportunity to make things right before those consequences become eternal. Do not let guilt or condemnation keep you from correcting what is wrong. Acknowledge your mistakes, seek forgiveness, and turn away from sin. __________ Exodus 20:14 NLT, 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 NLT, Deuteronomy 22:22–24 NIV, John 8:3–11 NLT, Matthew 19:3–9 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

Forky interrupts Woody as he is talking to someone that Forky cannot see. It turns out that Woody is praying! Of course, Forky has so many questions from “What is pray?” to “Who is Jesus?” Woody enlists the help of his friends Squeakers, the Heavenly Plumber and more… as well as a few keys to help Forky understand how to pray! “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ #kids, #kidspray, #christiankids, #bedtimestoriesforkids, #storiesforchristiankids, #biblelessonsforkids, #prayer, #prayinjesusname, #forgivewhenyoupray, #prayertoreceivejesus, #fishbytesforkids, #fishbytes4kids, #fishbitesforkids, #fishbites4kids, #ronandcarriewebb, #roncarriewebb

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT) The religious leaders of Israel thought that they had eliminated the problem of Jesus when they crucified Him. But instead, they multiplied the problem. His disciples started preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. And so He had—in the hearts and lives of His people. This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. New believers are ideal advertisements for the Christian faith because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle, like the lame man whom Peter and John healed. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT). Even if you don’t tell people that you’re a Christian, they will sense something different about you, and they will watch you. As a representative of Christ, you’re like a walking lightbulb. If you’re being the kind of follower of Jesus that God wants you to be, if you’re being a “salty” Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment you can get is when people want to know more, when they approach you and say, “What is it about you?” That’s your opportunity to “turn on the light.” One paraphrase of Scripture puts it this way: “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15 MSG). Are you ready? Reflection question: What does being salt and light look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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.

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:21–22 NLT) “You must not murder” (Exodus 20:13 NLT). At first glance, this seems like the easiest commandment in all of Scripture to obey. Most people can say, “I may not be a saint, but at least I’ve never killed anyone.” But in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reframed the idea of murder and brought it closer to home—maybe a little closer than most people are comfortable with. Look at His words: “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell” (Matthew 5:21–22 NLT). That’s quite an expansion of the concept of murder. It’s not simply an act of physical violence; it also involves thoughts that are less than wholesome. Jesus was saying, “I’m not just telling you that it’s wrong to kill someone; I’m saying that it’s wrong to hate someone. I’m saying that it’s wrong to hold anger in your heart toward someone.” With those words, Jesus turned one of the easiest commandments to obey into one of the most challenging. Is there anyone you hate? Is there anyone who could cause your blood pressure to spike just by walking into a room? Is there anyone who, though you may not wish them dead, you would not mourn if they did die? If so, then as Jesus said, “You are in danger.” You’re violating God’s commandment. You’re committing a sin for which you need to repent. That doesn’t mean simply confessing the sin; it also means turning away from it. The apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (Ephesians 4:31 NLT). A spirit of love is evidence of our Christian faith. Love toward our fellow believers. Love toward our enemies. The fact that showing love toward certain people seems next to impossible doesn’t relieve us of the responsibility. The apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NLT). That’s the key. The love we show others doesn’t come from us; it comes from God. We love people who are unlovable because God loved us when we were unlovable. When we choose love over hate, we strengthen our relationship with others as well as our relationship with God. Reflection question: How can you show love to someone you’re tempted to hate? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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.

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”- ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT

We can use faith to receive healing and overcome life's challenges. However, God's original design for faith was to create. This is especially interesting because, as entrepreneurs, our very work is to create and bring new things to the marketplace. This means our primary tool for success is faith. __________ Hebrews 11:3 KJV, John 1:14–15 KJV, John 1:1–3 KJV, Genesis 1:1 KJV, Genesis 1:3–5 NLT, Genesis 1:27–28 KJV, Romans 12:3 KJV, Hebrews 11:7 KJV, Genesis 6:14–16 NLT, Mark 9:23 NKJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10 NLT) The great preacher John Wesley was riding his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed since he’d been persecuted in any way. In that time, not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He’d not been hit by even a single egg. He stopped his horse and said out loud, “Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?” Slipping down from his mount, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually. A man who disliked Wesley happened by and saw him kneeling in prayer. The man picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, “Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence.” Is it any wonder that Wesley was such a powerful preacher? The takeaway from this story isn’t that we should pray for bricks to be thrown our way. The takeaway is that opposition and persecution are often signs that we’re doing something right, spiritually speaking. There’s no reason for our spiritual enemy to attack ineffective believers. But believers who have the potential to make a difference for God’s kingdom scare him. So, he hauls out the big gun of persecution to try to silence them. If you’re a follower of Christ, your very presence will bother some people. You don’t even have to say anything to arouse their opposition. Your presence is like a bright light shining in a dark place. And for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jesus said, “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil” (John 3:19 NLT). The persecution we experience because of our beliefs aligns us with the One in whom we believe. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18–19 NLT). To be treated in the same way that Jesus was treated is an honor and a blessing. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10 NLT). Sometimes persecution shows itself as a brick coming our way—that is, as some kind of physical harm, or perhaps even death. Other times, it shows itself in the form of mockery or rejection and causes us to lose friends or perhaps even a job. Whatever form it takes, the reality is this: If you’re living a godly life, then you will face persecution. If you endure and thrive in the face of that persecution, you’ll forge a powerful testimony that impacts people more than words ever could. Reflection question: What would enduring and thriving in the face of persecution look like in your life? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — 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.

God desires for us to win every fight of faith and walk perfectly in our calling. However, He knew we would have faith shortcomings that would cause us to lose a few faith fights and take a few wrong turns along the journey of our calling. With this foreknowledge, before He called you, He made provisions for your faith shortcomings so you would still win in the end. __________ Luke 22:31–34 NLT, Luke 22:54–62 NLT, Matthew 13:23 KJV, Romans 12:2 KJV, Matthew 14:25–31 KJV, John 21:15–19 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44 NLT) In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on one of the most beloved and most challenging passages in all of Scripture: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Specifically, we’re going to look at some of the people Jesus singled out. And we’re going to start with enemies. As our culture becomes more and more fractured, it seems that enemies can be found everywhere. In fact, it seems people are actively looking for reasons to separate from others. They tend to focus on differences and areas of disagreement instead of common ground. They define themselves by the people they oppose as much as by the people they embrace. Even in the church today, believers tend to write off a lot of people, sometimes even their fellow believers. These people seem to live by the slogan, “Us four and no more.” Believers divide over minutiae and allow second-tier and third-tier issues to bring unnecessary division to our ranks. I’ve had people criticize me for the groups and organizations we work with in our Harvest Crusades. I hear things like, “Why do you let that church come? If that church is coming, then our church isn’t going to participate.” Or “Why did you let that pastor pray at the crusade? I don’t agree with that pastor because in one of his books he quoted someone who once had coffee with someone else, and it’s guilt by association. I want nothing to do with any of this.” My response to these critics is this: “Look at the essential areas in which we’re in agreement. Even though we have some minor differences in our beliefs, we can still get together for the sake of the gospel of Christ. That’s all I’m trying to do.” If people still want to withdraw over their sticking points, then I guess that’s what will happen. But I’m going to keep doing what I do and keep preaching the gospel and trying to get as many people to join me as possible. And I want to join many others who are doing this, too. We mustn’t allow our tendency to separate and oppose to creep into our evangelism. It may be that we avoid sharing the gospel message with certain people. If we’re honest, bringing them to Christ isn’t high on our priority list. In fact, withholding the gospel from them may give us a measure of satisfaction—or at least a sense of payback. But Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44 don’t give us that option: “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (NLT). Our enemies and persecutors are the target audience for our gospel message. Believers are called to build bridges, not burn them. Reflection question: How can you build bridges, instead of burning them, with other believers and enemies? Harvest Crusade tickets are available now—and going fast. Invite someone today and grab your tickets before they're gone! — 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.

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic | Tullian Tchividjian"The Police" / B-Side, Part 09 / Matthew 26:31-35; 69-75 NLT

Matthew 5:4 says, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (NLT). Because earth is not heaven, you will face defeats and disappointments in this life. Through this message series, Pastor Rick explains why you first have to mourn your losses so that you can receive God's comfort and blessing.Everyone will experience loss in their lives. You don't just get over a loss, and you can't go under it or around it. You've got to go through the grief. In this broadcast, Pastor Rick shares six ways God blesses and heals a broken heart. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Genesis 18:17 NLT - "Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the LORD asked.

Matthew Week 139   Matthew 25:14-30 ESV   14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'       2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV   8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.       Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV   8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.       Colossians 3:23-25 ESV   23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.       Hebrews 11:1-6 ESV   Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.       John 15:10-11 ESV   10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.       Romans 12:9-13 NASB95   9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.       Romans 12:11 NLT   11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  

Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name. Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.” — Mark 12:18–23 NLT Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. v. 24 For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. v. 25 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven't you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.”vv. 26-27 I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. v. 26b So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.” vv. 27 The resurrection gives us hope for tomorrow and power for today. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. — Ephesians 1:18 NLT I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead… — Ephesians 1:19–20a NLT …when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. — Ephesians 1:13 NLT “The point of the resurrection … is that the present bodily life is not valueless just because it will die. God will raise it to new life. What you do with your body in the present matters because God has a great future in store for it.” “What you do in the present—by painting, preaching, singing, sewing, praying, teaching, building hospitals, digging wells, campaigning for justice, writing poems, caring for the needy, loving your neighbor as yourself—will last into God's future.” The resurrection gives us hope for tomorrow and power for today.

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:14–16 NLT) Have you ever eaten something that tasted sweet going down but made you sick later? Let me restate the question: Have you ever eaten eight Krispy Kreme doughnuts in one sitting? I have. I got a little carried away. They were great going down. But less than 10 minutes later, I was asking, “What have I done?” My gastronomical mistake reminds me of an unforgettable image from the apostle John’s vision in Revelation 10. In his vision, John asked an angel for a small scroll. When the angel gave him the scroll, he told John, “Yes, take it and eat it . . . It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!” (verse 9 NLT). John continued, “So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach. Then I was told, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings’” (verses 10–11 NLT). The message that we believe as Christians may seem sweet to us, but it’s bitter to others. We recognize it as God’s Word. We consume it as spiritual nourishment. Job said, “I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23:12 NLT). For Christians, a Bible study is like a feast. We love it. But for others, it’s misery and torment. They dislike it intensely. The apostle Paul used another of the five senses to communicate a similar message: “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:14–16 NLT) Some people will hear the gospel message and say, “I love that. I believe it. I want Jesus in my life.” Other people will hear it and say, “Not only do I not like it, I hate it. And I hate you for saying it.” Of course, we as believers have no way of knowing how someone will respond. So, we must share the gospel with as many people as we can. Whether they embrace it or reject it is up to them. Reflection question: What are some things that make people react negatively to the gospel message? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

(Bilingual) このメッセージではシヴァ牧師が「助け合うコミュニティーには喜びが溢れる！」について以下の4つのポイントから話します。ディスカッション用の質問はノートの最後に確認できます。In this message Ps Shiva talks about “A COMMUNITY THAT HELPS EACH OTHER OVERFLOWS WITH JOY” in these 4 points:Check the questions for discussion at the end of the note.ローマ 12:15a ERV / Romans 12:15a NLTマルコ 2:3-4 JCB / Mark 2:3-4 NLTマルコ 2:5 JCB / Mark 2:5 NLTマルコ 2:9-11 / Mark 2:9-11 NLT1 ペテロ 2:24 JCB / 1 Peter 2:24 NLTマルコ 2:12 JCB / Mark 2:12 NLT使徒 2:47b JCB / Acts 2:47b NLT1.イエスはあなたの信仰を愛している！JESUS LOVES YOUR FAITH2.奇跡を起こすことができるのはイエスJESUS CAN DO A MIRACLE3.地域教会こそが、世界の希望！THE LOCAL CHURCH IS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD4.ミッション声明：神様を敬う、信じる者を整える、最高な知らせを伝えるMission Statement: Honor God, Equip Believers, Share Good NewsQUESTIONS(質問) : ・How can you help your friends, like the four men who helped the paralyzed man in the story?Why is it important to celebrate when other people are blessed?・What are some of the dangers of isolating yourself instead of staying connected to a church community?・When you are going through a hard time, you may want to hide, but what's a good way to ask for help or stay connected?・物語に出てきた中風の人を助けた4人のように、あなたは周りの人をどう支えることができる？・他の人が祝福された時に、一緒に喜ぶことは大切なぜだと思う？・教会のコミュニティーから離れて、孤立化してしまうときにどんな危険があるかな？・大変な時ほど人を避けたくなることもある。でも、そんな時に助けを求めたり、人との繋がりを保つためにできることはある？ Connect with us:Web: mylifehouse.comInstagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobalVideo Messages: ビデオメッセージ: youtube.com/LifehouseTokyoOther Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages?Lifehouse Messages (English): https://lifehousemessages.captivate.fm/listenLifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

“Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.” (Psalm 19:9 NLT) Our customization culture tells us that we can have just about anything, exactly as we want it, as long as we’re willing to shell out the necessary dough. Unfortunately, many people try to carry that sense of privilege into their spiritual lives. They try to customize God. They say things like, “I believe in a God who loves us, not in a God who judges us.” They act as though God can be reduced to a single attribute, as if all His perfections cannot exist in perfect harmony. Those words sound good, especially to other would-be spiritual customizers. But they’re not grounded in biblical truth. When people say, “I believe in a nonjudgmental god,” what they’re really saying is, “I believe in a god who doesn’t care about right and wrong.” To put it more bluntly, they’re saying they believe in a god they just made up in their heads. They believe in a wish-fulfillment god. The reality is that if God really is loving, then He also will be just. That’s what the Bible tells us. God’s perfect love makes Him a righteous judge. It cannot be separated from His perfect justice. The psalmist wrote, “Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair” (Psalm 19:9 NLT). There is no legitimate excuse for disobeying the Lord or for ignoring His gracious plan of salvation. Know this: No one in Heaven deserves to be there. The apostle Paul wrote, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8–9 NLT). Likewise, no one will be in Hell who does not deserve to be there. Just as no one will be in Heaven who went there unwillingly, no one will be in Hell who didn’t go there willingly. God won’t force anyone into eternal life with Him. He won’t say, “Get up to Heaven right now!” You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. And He won’t violate His perfect justice to make exceptions for people who willingly choose to go to Hell. I like the way J. I. Packer summed it up: “Scripture sees hell as self-chosen. . . . hell appears as God’s gesture of respect for human choice. All receive what they actually chose, either to be with God forever, worshipping him, or without God forever, worshipping themselves.” How could a God of love send people to Hell? God does not desire that anyone perish, but people end up in Hell because they reject His offer of salvation. But if you ask God to forgive you of your sin, He will remove it from you and bring real change and transformation to your life. You will be born again. Reflection question: How would you explain to an unbeliever that a person’s eternal destination is self-chosen? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

God wants to bless your life. The problem is that people don't always choose to live in ways that God can bless. Listen to this series by Pastor Rick as he walks through Jesus' most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, where he shared the Beatitudes—the conditions for receiving God's blessing on your life. They still apply to your life today!Matthew 5:4 says, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (NLT). Because earth is not heaven, you will face defeats and disappointments in this life. Through this message series, Pastor Rick explains why you first have to mourn your losses so that you can receive God's comfort and blessing.Life is full of losses. The world is broken, and nothing—including your relationships—works perfectly. Pastor Rick uses this message to help you understand a couple truths that will provide perspective as you face inevitable losses in life and trust God through them. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

“Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.’” (Jonah 3:1–2 NLT) Most believers have reasons not to evangelize. Some of these reasons might even seem compelling or legitimate. “I don’t want to make the friendship weird or awkward.” “I’m afraid I won’t be able to answer people’s questions.” “I don’t want to become a person that other people avoid.” The Old Testament prophet Jonah had some pretty compelling reasons not to evangelize. At least, he thought they were compelling. He’d been given an assignment that no prophet in his day would have been excited about. God had called him to preach His Word in Nineveh, which was one of the most wicked cities on earth. The Ninevites were the enemies of Israel. Other prophets had warned Israel that one day the Assyrians would overtake them, and Nineveh just happened to be the capital of Assyria. Jonah likely reasoned, “Wait a second! If I go and preach to them, they might repent. And if they repent, then God will spare them, and they will conquer us. But if I don’t preach to them, they won’t repent, and God will judge them. That will be one less enemy we have to deal with.” So, Jonah tried to go in the opposite direction. He went down to Joppa, boarded a ship, and set sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. He would have saved himself a lot of trouble if he had remembered the words of David, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (Psalm 139:7 NLT). You probably know the rest of the story. God sent a great storm that threatened the lives of everyone aboard the vessel. Jonah admitted that he was the cause of the storm and was tossed overboard: “The LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17 NLT). Jonah repented, and the great fish—likely a whale—vomited him up on shore. “Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you’” (Jonah 3:1–2 NLT). This time, Jonah did what God had called him to do. God helped him recognize what all believers need to understand: The work of evangelism is far more important and pressing than any discomfort we may experience or any objections we may have. We’ve been called to share the gospel, even with people we may not like. Nonbelievers aren’t the enemy; they’ve been taken captive by the god of this world to do what he wants them to do (see 2 Timothy 2:26). Until the end of our lives or until the Lord returns, our job is to reach them with the Good News of Christ. Let’s embrace the work God’s given us so that others may experience His forgiveness, salvation, and love. Reflection question: What seemingly compelling reasons might keep you from sharing the gospel? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He [Jesus] rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Silence Be still [NLT]

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” (Romans 5:1–2 NLT) The arithmetic of the gospel is fascinating. If you’re born once, you’ll die twice. If you’re born twice, you’ll die once. If that seems confusing to you, you’re in good company. Nicodemus, a notable Jewish scholar and leader in Jesus’ day, asked, “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” (John 3:4 NLT). By “born once,” I mean the physical birth. By “born twice,” I mean a physical birth as well as a spiritual birth in which you’re born again, after having put your faith in Christ. Just as there are two births, the Bible teaches that there are two deaths: One is physical, and the other is spiritual. Jesus warned that we are to fear the second death more than the first one. Revelation 20:14 tells us, “Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death” (NLT). The second death is mentioned again in Revelation 21:8, which says, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (NLT). The second death is Hell. It has been said, “The second death is the continuance of spiritual death in another and timeless existence.” Thomas Watson wrote, “Eternity to the godly is a day that has no sunset; eternity to the wicked is a night that has no sunrise.” Jesus spoke of Hell in a very specific way. He warned of the fire of Hell (see Matthew 5:22). He warned about our bodies being thrown into Hell (see Matthew 5:29). And He warned of the soul and the body being destroyed in Hell (see Matthew 10:28). The Bible teaches that all Christians—that is, sinners who have been forgiven and saved because they put their faith in Jesus Christ—will be in Heaven. And that offer of forgiveness and salvation is extended to everyone. The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory” (Romans 5:1–2 NLT). Your eternal destination is really your choice. Not everyone will be saved in the end—only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. That’s the message God has entrusted to every believer. It’s a message we must spread. Reflection question: In your circle of acquaintances, who needs to hear about the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus offers? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

Picture a cowboy riding away from you — tall in the saddle, but his shoulders are down and his jaw is set, the weight of the world on him. He’s leaving the place where his dream died. That’s two men on the road to Emmaus, three days after the cross… and the risen Jesus rides up alongside them, and they don’t know it’s Him. In Week 8 of The Story of God, Kevin Weatherby opens Luke 24 and walks the whole arc of Scripture the way Jesus did on that seven-mile road — Genesis 22, Isaiah 61, and Psalm 22 — landing on the one truth that changes everything: you don’t have to see it to believe it, but you’ve got to believe it before you’ll ever see it. In this message: Why God shut their eyes on purpose, and what that says about the seasons you can’t see Him working How Abraham, Isaac, and “the Lord will provide” (Jehovah Jireh) were pointing at the cross 2,000 years early What Isaiah 61 says Jesus came to do — and what Psalm 22 says it cost Him The one thing the blood of Christ will not cover Why faith means saddling up and riding the way God said before you can see where the trail goes Scripture: Luke 24:13–45 · Genesis 22:8 · Isaiah 61:1–2 · Luke 4:21 · Psalm 22:1 · 1 Corinthians 15:20 (NLT; Psalm 22 NIV) Grab the free 5-day Bible study, “Jesus in the Old Testament”: download here. Watch the full sermon on YouTube @KevinWeatherby. Read the Simplified Cowboy Version at simplifiedcowboyversion.com. Ride for the brand with the Long X Ranch Cowboys at lxranch.org. Give at savethecowboy.org. Save the Cowboy — meat and taters Gospel. No frills. Just the truth. Kiowa, Colorado.

Thank you for joining us for Christian Faith Center's Sermon of the week. This message is from our Nampa Location. Pastor Jordan continues our message series "THE MOUNT"Matthew 5:3 NLT: "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."We are taught to build our "spiritual resume" with good deeds and moral behavior. Jesus isn't talking about being "a little bit humble." He's talking about being spiritually bankrupt. You don't get into the Kingdom by bringing something to God. You get in by admitting you have nothing to bring. In the Kingdom of God, if you are overqualified (full of yourself), you are disqualified.

“And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27–28 NLT) One of the biggest obstacles many people face when it comes to evangelism is a reluctance to talk about the unpleasant parts of the gospel message. They’re happy to share that “the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NLT). It’s the first part of Romans 6:23, “the wages of sin is death,” that trips them up (NLT). But we must not lose sight of the fact that Jesus talked a lot about Hell. In fact, He talked about Hell more than any other preacher in the Bible. Therefore, we don’t want to steer clear of the subject. Instead, we want a biblical understanding of what the Bible says so that we can share this information with others. The apostle Paul concluded his message on Mars Hill with these words: “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30–31 NLT). The author of Hebrews certainly didn’t shy away from the topic of judgment: “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27–28 NLT). We need to talk about it, too. Of course, in order to do that, we must have a proper understanding of God’s judgment—what it is and what it isn’t. Some people say that it isn’t loving to talk about such things, that it’s resorting to scare tactics. But I couldn’t disagree more. I think talking about these subjects is the most loving thing we can do. Imagine that I see a house on fire. And through a window I see that there’s a person inside who doesn’t seem to know the house is on fire. Would it be a loving thing for me to kick down the door, grab him, and lead him out of the burning house? Of course it would. On the other hand, it wouldn’t be a loving thing for me to walk by and say, “Oh, that house is on fire! Very interesting. Oh, well, let me be on my way.” That wouldn’t be loving at all. If we really believe there’s an afterlife—and more specifically, a final judgment—and if we really believe we’ll be held accountable for the things we say and do, then it will affect the way we live. So, we need to give others the opportunity to hear and respond to the truth about God’s judgment. Don’t avoid the topic of judgment. It may be instrumental in changing people’s lives. Reflection question: What’s the best way to talk about God’s judgment with unbelievers? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

Welcome to "UNFORGIVENESS Is DESTROYING YOU…And YOU Don't Even Know It." Today, Pastor Sean invites you to receive a word that will expose something that may be silently destroying your health, your peace, your relationships, and your connection with God — because Matthew 18:21-35 reveals the most dangerous thing about unforgiveness. It does not imprison the person you will not forgive. It imprisons YOU.Peter came to Jesus and asked — "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" Jesus replied —"No, not seven times, but seventy times seven!" — Matthew 18:22 (NLT)Let these words resonate within your heart today. Seventy times seven is not a mathematical limit. It is the declaration that forgiveness has no ceiling. Jesus was not giving Peter a number — He was abolishing the concept of a limit altogether. Take comfort in this — the God who asks you to forgive without limit is the same God who forgave YOUR debt without limit. And that is exactly the lesson the servant in this parable forgot."Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'" — Matthew 18:32-33 (NLT)"Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart." — Matthew 18:34-35 (NLT)The torture in this parable is not a future punishment alone. Every person holding unforgiveness is already experiencing its torture — sleepless nights, bitterness, health issues, broken relationships, blocked prayers. UNFORGIVENESS is DESTROYING YOU — and most people never connect the destruction to the root.May this powerful teaching from Matthew 18:21-35 fill your heart with the courage to release what you have been holding — and remind you that forgiveness is not for the person who hurt you. It is for YOU. Thank you for joining me today. Subscribe for daily teachings, morning prayer broadcasts, and live services.

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:18–21 NLT) In my travels, I’ve found that certain people are more open to the gospel than others. But identifying who will be receptive isn’t always easy. Because I never know how things are going to play out, I just share the Word of God as often as possible and invite everyone to come to Christ. The apostle Paul used a similar strategy. The book of Acts tells us that he received three reactions to the gospel when he preached it: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ . . . However, some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17:32, 34 NKJV). Two thousand years later, those three reactions to the gospel are still pretty common. Some people mock. The word mocked used in Acts 17 also could be translated as “sneered” or “burst out laughing.” In other words, “Are you serious? You actually believe that?” To these educated fools, the Good News of Christ seemed silly and unbelievable. But this very mockery was an indication that they were going to perish. As Paul wrote, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT). Some will mock, while others will delay: “We will hear you again on this matter” (Acts 17:32 NKJV). This is a very common reaction. What it means is, “I really don’t want to decide right now.” The devil uses this tactic to great effect: “Don’t worry about it now. Deal with it later.” The good news is that some people believed. They repented and changed their minds. Among them was Dionysius the Areopagite, who was a judge, an intellectual, and a ruler of the city. After his words in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul wrote, “As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (verses 19–21 NLT) I’ve come to realize that conversion is God’s job, not mine. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an unbeliever. God holds us responsible for proclaiming the truth, even if it seems like “foolish preaching” to others. The rest is up to Him. Reflection question: What are the most common responses you get when you share the gospel? The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

Have you been exhausted and wondered if something is wrong with you? Have you looked at others who seem to be holding it together and concluded that your struggle means you lack faith? I want you to stop right now and receive this truth — because the weight you are carrying is not evidence of weakness. It is evidence that you have been holding something God has been asking you to throw onto Him."Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." — Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)Let these words resonate within your heart today. The word CAST in Hebrew is shalak — it does not mean gently place. It does not mean carefully hand over. It means to throw with force. To hurl. God is not asking you to politely lay your burden down. He is asking you to throw it onto Him with everything you have left. Take comfort in this — the moment you throw it, He catches it. And not only does He catch it — He sustains you. He holds you up so you do not fall."Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." — Psalm 55:22 (NLT)Understand this — He will not permit the righteous to be moved. You may feel like you are about to collapse. You may feel like the weight is finally going to take you down. But God has placed a limit on how far you can fall. He will not permit it. The burden was never yours to carry permanently. It was yours to carry to Him — and then throw it at His feet and leave it there.May this powerful teaching from Psalm 55:22 fill your heart with permission to stop carrying what was never yours to hold — and remind you that you are not WEAK, you are simply carrying TOO MUCH. Thank you for joining me today. Subscribe for daily teachings, morning prayer broadcasts, and live services.

“I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT) Sometimes as believers we tend to be spiritual lightweights. At the first indication of a hardship or difficulty, we fall like a house of cards. We say, “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t want difficulty; I just want to get along with everyone.” But if you’re a true follower of Christ, there will be suffering in your life. The apostle Paul was certainly a true follower. And here’s how he described his experience: “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT). You’ll find no trace of self-pity or resentment in his words. Paul understood the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers. The harsh reality is this: If you’re going to be used of God, then you’re going to be attacked. If you live as a real Christian, you will find yourself at odds with the world around you. You’ll face opposition, some of it intense. Think of suffering as a spiritual badge of honor. In fact, if you don’t experience at least occasional suffering or hardship in your life, you might want to examine your Christian walk. And keep this in mind: The life that Christ offers is well worth any hardship. Reflection question: How can you develop a proper perspective toward suffering? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

Many people desire to start their business, ministry, or  non-profit off with a bang and grow it quickly. However, that desire is not the culture of the Kingdom. In the Kingdom of God, our culture is that God starts us small and then grows us slowly. __________ Matthew 6:33 AMPC, Luke 16:10 KJV, Mark 4:30–32 NLT, Deuteronomy 7:22 KJV, Exodus 23:29–30 KJV, Proverbs 13:11 NLT, Exodus 13:17–18 KJV, Jeremiah 29:4–11 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

“So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:6–9 NLT) What happens to us as believers when we die? We go straight into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote that when we are “away from these earthly bodies . . . then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). There’s no waiting period or shipping delays. The moment our time on earth ends, our time in God’s presence begins. That’s why Paul wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:21–24 NLT). He wanted to continue his work on earth, but the thought of Heaven was irresistible. When Stephen was being martyred for his faith, he was given a glimpse of glory, which he then described to the people who were putting him to death. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’” (Acts 7:55–56 NLT). According to Acts 6:15, “Everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s” (NLT). Because Stephen was seeing the other side, his face radiated God’s glory. When the great evangelist D. L. Moody was on his deathbed, his last words were, “Is this dying? Why, this is bliss. There is no valley. I have been within the gates. Earth is receding; Heaven is opening; God is calling; I must go.” After saying this, Moody soon breathed his last breath and passed into eternity. It comforts me to think that when my son Christopher left this world, he was carried by angels into God’s presence. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe that’s true of all Christians when their lives on earth come to an end. When we leave this world, we’ll be carried by angels into the presence of the Lord, where we’ll stay forever, filled with utter peace, fulfillment, joy, and awe. If we, too, could see how glorious Heaven is, I’m sure that it would change everything about how we view death. Enjoy this life while you can but never lose sight of what lies beyond it. Reflection question: What are you most excited about when it comes to Heaven? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NLT) If you ask people to list the top priorities in their lives, you’ll probably get a lot of thoughtful and inspirational answers. But if you really want to know what their top priorities are, you have to look at their financial records. The way people use their money is one of the best indicators of where their priorities lie. Jesus explained it this way: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34 NLT). The reality is that we all invest in our passions. If you want to find out what people are truly passionate about, follow the money. God certainly does. Not because He needs our money, but because everything we have ultimately comes from Him. Not only does He supply our needs, but He also expects us to be wise stewards of our resources, which are actually His resources. The apostle Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT). The author of Proverbs wrote, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT). The message is consistent throughout Scripture. We need to take what God has given us and be wise stewards of it, investing generously in the work of the kingdom of God. God will generously bless those who heed the message. The apostle Paul wrote, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NLT). Some people may say, “I can’t afford to give.” Really? I can’t afford not to give. Giving isn’t just for rich people; it’s for all people. Everyone should invest in God’s kingdom. Here’s something to consider: If you’re having financial struggles, maybe one of the reasons is that you’re not honoring the Lord in your giving. I’m not saying that if you give, God will make you rich. But there’s no denying that the Bible makes a connection between giving and receiving. Paul follows up his words in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 with this statement: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (verse 8 NLT). Make God’s work your passion and then invest accordingly. See what happens in your life. Reflection question: What would cheerful giving look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — 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.