Podcasts about pastor greg laurie

When we have something enjoyable to look forward to tomorrow, it makes the stresses of today a little easier to take. Have you noticed that? It’s all about perspective. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us adopt a biblical perspective on the challenges of today. It’s a message called “Why Do Christians Have to Suffer?” We’ll look ahead to our everlasting reward, and let that give us encouragement for the temporary pain and opposition we face today. — 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.

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

Have you ever seen your child face something pretty tough? Maybe it was an important medical procedure that was quite painful. You knew it was necessary and helpful in the long term, but your child just focused on the suffering. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us trust our Heavenly Father to know what’s best – even when there’s pain in the present. We’ll learn the encouragement that comes when we focus on the future benefit, and the present presence of God in our lives. — 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.

Have you ever seen your child face something pretty tough? Maybe it was an important medical procedure that was quite painful. You knew it was necessary and helpful in the long term, but your child just focused on the suffering. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us trust our Heavenly Father to know what’s best – even when there’s pain in the present. We’ll learn the encouragement that comes when we focus on the future benefit, and the present presence of God in our lives. — 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.

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

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, people heard Jesus teach, watched Him perform miracles, and saw firsthand who He was. But again and again, they were faced with a deeper question: Would they actually follow Him? Pastor Jonathan Laurie looks at how Pilate, Herod, and Barabbas each had very different reactions when they encountered Jesus Christ face-to-face. — 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.

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, people heard Jesus teach, watched Him perform miracles, and saw firsthand who He was. But again and again, they were faced with a deeper question: Would they actually follow Him? Pastor Jonathan Laurie looks at how Pilate, Herod, and Barabbas each had very different reactions when they encountered Jesus Christ face-to-face. — 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.

Boomers: When was the last time you invited a young person into your life? There's an entire generation—Gen Z—out their waiting to be seen, looking for godly mentors, hoping to find someone who can guide them in life and faith... Yet the older generation isn't doing their part in inviting them in! Greg Laurie talks with Ruslan KD on Gen Z's spiritual hunger, what makes them unique, and their real need for direction from those seasoned in life—even recalling a defining moment in his own youth when an older man invited him to dinner. Listen to the full conversation on The Greg Laurie Show, where you'll hear more on Gen Z and other topics. — 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.

Boomers: When was the last time you invited a young person into your life? There's an entire generation—Gen Z—out their waiting to be seen, looking for godly mentors, hoping to find someone who can guide them in life and faith... Yet the older generation isn't doing their part in inviting them in! Greg Laurie talks with Ruslan KD on Gen Z's spiritual hunger, what makes them unique, and their real need for direction from those seasoned in life—even recalling a defining moment in his own youth when an older man invited him to dinner. Listen to the full conversation on The Greg Laurie Show, where you'll hear more on Gen Z and other topics. — 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.

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

The Gospel can be an uncomfortable message. It’s a message of sin and its consequences . . . but of course the remedy found in the Lord’s sacrifice. But that discussion can be so effective in an atmosphere of encouragement. It’s what their heart needs wrapped in what their heart wants. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to be an encourager in the tradition of Barnabas. As we study the book of Acts today, we’ll see how we can follow in his reassuring footsteps. — 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.

The Gospel can be an uncomfortable message. It’s a message of sin and its consequences . . . but of course the remedy found in the Lord’s sacrifice. But that discussion can be so effective in an atmosphere of encouragement. It’s what their heart needs wrapped in what their heart wants. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to be an encourager in the tradition of Barnabas. As we study the book of Acts today, we’ll see how we can follow in his reassuring footsteps. — 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.

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

Someone can brighten our day with just a smile . . . or a kind word. Others seem to steal the sunshine and rain on our parade. Isn’t it interesting that other people have that kind of influence on us? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we should take that to heart and learn to have a positive influence on others. It’s not that hard to do, and the rewards are wonderful. You’ve joined us for a study in the book of Acts Pastor Greg has called The Upside-Down Life. — 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.

Someone can brighten our day with just a smile . . . or a kind word. Others seem to steal the sunshine and rain on our parade. Isn’t it interesting that other people have that kind of influence on us? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we should take that to heart and learn to have a positive influence on others. It’s not that hard to do, and the rewards are wonderful. You’ve joined us for a study in the book of Acts Pastor Greg has called The Upside-Down Life. — 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.

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

Some people seem to dabble at prayer. “Lord, bless everybody everywhere, amen.” Others get on their knees and pray earnestly, whole-heartedly, passionately. Prayer can actually energize our faith . . . and faith can energize our prayers. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us move to a more immersive, more rewarding experience in talking with God. We’ll learn some important principles that’ll take us there. It’s a good time to take notes. — 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.

Some people seem to dabble at prayer. “Lord, bless everybody everywhere, amen.” Others get on their knees and pray earnestly, whole-heartedly, passionately. Prayer can actually energize our faith . . . and faith can energize our prayers. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us move to a more immersive, more rewarding experience in talking with God. We’ll learn some important principles that’ll take us there. It’s a good time to take notes. — 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.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” (Psalm 139:7–10 NLT) One of God’s perfections is His omnipresence. He is present everywhere all the time. The psalmist captured the essence and implications of God’s omnipresence when he wrote, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me” (Psalm 139:7–10 NLT). If we extend that line of reasoning, it’s not hard to see that the omnipresence of God can be comforting or frightening, depending on your perspective. If you’re not right with God and you’re trying to get away from Him, His omnipresence creates a huge obstacle. The Old Testament prophet Jonah could testify to that. God gave Jonah an assignment that Jonah found distasteful. The Lord wanted Jonah to warn the Ninevites that His judgment was coming if they didn’t repent. Jonah balked at the mission because the Ninevites were the enemies of Israel. He didn’t want them to repent. He was rooting for God’s judgment on them. So, he went down to Joppa and boarded a ship headed for Tarshish, away from Nineveh and presumably away from God. But you know how the story ends. Jonah recognized the error of his ways and repented in the belly of a giant fish. Because God was there, too. There’s an obvious lesson in there for anyone who’s trying to run from God. That is, you’re wasting your time and energy. It can’t be done. No matter where you go, God will be waiting for you. You can’t escape His presence. On the other hand, if you’re walking with God, you’ll find great comfort in the knowledge that you’re never alone. When you face fiery trials, when you go through times of difficulty, when you have to weather life’s storms, God is with you every step of the way. David memorably celebrated God’s presence in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (verses 1–4 NLT). You never need feel lost, scared, abandoned, or alone. If you’re walking with God, He will never leave you. Reflection question: When do you most appreciate God’s presence? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever lose your electricity at home? It’s surprising how much we depend on it. We know the power’s out but, when we walk into a room, what do we automatically reach for? The light switch. Muscle memory. We take that connection for granted. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the connection we each have with God through prayer. And when we ignore that connection, it starts to feel like the lights are out in our faith. Good encouragement coming from the book of Acts today. — 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.

Ever lose your electricity at home? It’s surprising how much we depend on it. We know the power’s out but, when we walk into a room, what do we automatically reach for? The light switch. Muscle memory. We take that connection for granted. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the connection we each have with God through prayer. And when we ignore that connection, it starts to feel like the lights are out in our faith. Good encouragement coming from the book of Acts today. — 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.

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

Have you ever been to an auction, or seen one on TV . . . maybe classic cars . . . or farm animals. As you’re sitting there, you have to be very quiet and very still. You scratch your head at the wrong moment and you’ll suddenly own a 1500 lb Texas Longhorn! (Sfx) Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll see we need to be careful in our speech and attitude toward the Lord. Pastor Greg Laurie points out how our behavior should draw people to the Lord, not stand in the way of that decision. — 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.

Have you ever been to an auction, or seen one on TV . . . maybe classic cars . . . or farm animals. As you’re sitting there, you have to be very quiet and very still. You scratch your head at the wrong moment and you’ll suddenly own a 1500 lb Texas Longhorn! (Sfx) Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll see we need to be careful in our speech and attitude toward the Lord. Pastor Greg Laurie points out how our behavior should draw people to the Lord, not stand in the way of that decision. — 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.

“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NLT) You’ve probably heard the old saying that a Bible that’s falling apart is usually the sign of a life that isn’t. I must admit that I like to see beat-up, marked-up Bibles that are coming apart, because it tells me that they’ve seen heavy use. Their pages are well-worn. Favorite passages can be located immediately because of familiar breaks in the spine. Every scribbled note, every underlined passage tells a story. I’ve often said that there should be a Bible produced especially for preachers. In fact, I’ve mentioned the idea to people who actually publish Bibles. I told them, “Make a preacher’s Bible. Give it a steel binding.” After all, preachers really use their Bibles. As we’re speaking, we do things like shake it, hold it up, and point to it. Why we do that, I don’t really know. Of course, as believers, we shouldn’t simply shake our Bibles or hold them up or point to them. We need to read God’s Word. We need to memorize it. We need to follow the example of the psalmist who said, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 NLT). A purse or a briefcase may serve as a handy carrier for God’s Word, but our heart is an even better one. Jesus kept God’s Word in His heart. When the devil tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus quoted Scripture to counter him. Three times the devil did his worst. And three times he was rebuffed by the Word of God. Matthew 4:11 says simply, “Then the devil went away” (NLT). He was no match for God’s Word. Scripture can serve a similar purpose in our lives. We have no way of knowing when and how the devil is going to tempt us. But we do know that God’s Word will thwart his plans. So, it’s important that we carry it with us wherever we go. That way, we can deploy it when we need to. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts also helps us fulfill the Great Commission. The apostle Paul wrote of unbelievers, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14–15 NLT). The more quickly and effectively we can access the Good News, the more powerful our witness will be. Being able to draw from what’s stored in our heart is a tremendous advantage. God’s Word is a powerful tool, and a powerful weapon against our enemy, whether we hold it in our hands or in our heart. Reflection question: What would hiding God’s Word in your heart look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody backslides overnight. It’s neglect here, a missed prayer there, a compromise in another area—and before you know it, you’re sinking.That’s exactly what happened to Simon Peter. The night before the cross, he boasted he’d never abandon Jesus, even if everyone else did. Within hours he’d fallen asleep when he should’ve been praying, swung a sword when he should’ve trusted God, followed at a distance instead of staying close, and warmed himself by the wrong fire with the wrong crowd. When a servant girl recognized him, Peter cursed and swore he didn’t even know Jesus. Immediately, the rooster crowed—and Jesus turned and looked at him.But that wasn’t the end of his story. Three days later, an angel gave the women at the tomb a message with two words that still carry grace: “and Peter.” Weeks later, the same man who denied Jesus three times stood up and preached the sermon that led three thousand people to faith.Fallen? Yes. Finished? No.If you’ve fallen, hear this: God doesn’t run from failure. He restores it. Your failure isn’t final when you belong to Jesus. Run to Him, not from Him. Listen in for more on this topic from Greg Laurie. Notes: Luke 22 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. One sign that points to Christ’s return is that some people will fall away spiritually. If we are not moving forward, we are naturally going backward.There is no standing still spiritually. We are either progressing or regressing. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. After you have fallen, you may wonder if you can be forgiven. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. The fall of Simon Peter is the anatomy of backsliding. Read Luke 22:31–34 Satan himself targeted the big fisherman. It is unlikely any of us has personally been tempted by the devil himself. Satan had to ask God first.He can do nothing in the life of a child of God without our Father’s permission. Even when Satan attacked Job, he was under divine restraint. Jesus is saying to Peter, “Simon, I know you better than you know yourself.” Jesus is interceding for us.Romans 8:34–35 Jesus added a very important detail.Peter’s lapse will be temporary.Peter will return and be stronger for it.Luke 22:32 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)After you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. The trial you are going through has a beginning, a middle, and an end. God has a purpose for your life.Psalm 30:5 Satan targeted Peter because he could see that Peter was a spiritual leader who could shake his world. The devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Peter’s first step down was self-confidence.Matthew 26:33 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Read Luke 22: 39–46 Peter’s second step down was prayerlessness. All Jesus asked of Peter, James, and John was to be with Him and pray. Peter, James, and John were not watching and praying.Instead, they are slumbering and sleeping. Peter had no idea the storm was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 Peter’s third step down was self-reliance. Read Luke 22:47–51 Peter was boasting when he should have been listening.Sleeping when he should have been praying.Now he was fighting when he should have been trusting. Peter was fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 Peter’s fourth step down was following at a distance.Luke 22:54–55 Peter’s fifth step down was wrong associations. Read Luke 22:55–61 It was not the end but a new beginning. Peter’s sixth step down was his denial. Curse was a very strong term pronouncing death on oneself by the hand of God if they were lying. Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God. Read Luke 22:59–62 Peter would be able to use his failure as a way to encourage others who had failed. Nobody is above falling into sin. Simon Peter:fallen but forgiven,broken but not abandoned. Jesus restored Peter. The same Peter, who cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus, stood up weeks later and preached a sermon on Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 coming to faith. God gives second chances. Your failure is not final when you belong to Jesus.He can restore you as he did Peter.Jeremiah 3:22 — 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.

Nobody backslides overnight. It’s neglect here, a missed prayer there, a compromise in another area—and before you know it, you’re sinking.That’s exactly what happened to Simon Peter. The night before the cross, he boasted he’d never abandon Jesus, even if everyone else did. Within hours he’d fallen asleep when he should’ve been praying, swung a sword when he should’ve trusted God, followed at a distance instead of staying close, and warmed himself by the wrong fire with the wrong crowd. When a servant girl recognized him, Peter cursed and swore he didn’t even know Jesus. Immediately, the rooster crowed—and Jesus turned and looked at him.But that wasn’t the end of his story. Three days later, an angel gave the women at the tomb a message with two words that still carry grace: “and Peter.” Weeks later, the same man who denied Jesus three times stood up and preached the sermon that led three thousand people to faith.Fallen? Yes. Finished? No.If you’ve fallen, hear this: God doesn’t run from failure. He restores it. Your failure isn’t final when you belong to Jesus. Run to Him, not from Him. Listen in for more on this topic from Greg Laurie. Notes: Luke 22 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. One sign that points to Christ’s return is that some people will fall away spiritually. If we are not moving forward, we are naturally going backward.There is no standing still spiritually. We are either progressing or regressing. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. After you have fallen, you may wonder if you can be forgiven. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. The fall of Simon Peter is the anatomy of backsliding. Read Luke 22:31–34 Satan himself targeted the big fisherman. It is unlikely any of us has personally been tempted by the devil himself. Satan had to ask God first.He can do nothing in the life of a child of God without our Father’s permission. Even when Satan attacked Job, he was under divine restraint. Jesus is saying to Peter, “Simon, I know you better than you know yourself.” Jesus is interceding for us.Romans 8:34–35 Jesus added a very important detail.Peter’s lapse will be temporary.Peter will return and be stronger for it.Luke 22:32 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)After you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. The trial you are going through has a beginning, a middle, and an end. God has a purpose for your life.Psalm 30:5 Satan targeted Peter because he could see that Peter was a spiritual leader who could shake his world. The devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Peter’s first step down was self-confidence.Matthew 26:33 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Read Luke 22: 39–46 Peter’s second step down was prayerlessness. All Jesus asked of Peter, James, and John was to be with Him and pray. Peter, James, and John were not watching and praying.Instead, they are slumbering and sleeping. Peter had no idea the storm was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 Peter’s third step down was self-reliance. Read Luke 22:47–51 Peter was boasting when he should have been listening.Sleeping when he should have been praying.Now he was fighting when he should have been trusting. Peter was fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 Peter’s fourth step down was following at a distance.Luke 22:54–55 Peter’s fifth step down was wrong associations. Read Luke 22:55–61 It was not the end but a new beginning. Peter’s sixth step down was his denial. Curse was a very strong term pronouncing death on oneself by the hand of God if they were lying. Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God. Read Luke 22:59–62 Peter would be able to use his failure as a way to encourage others who had failed. Nobody is above falling into sin. Simon Peter:fallen but forgiven,broken but not abandoned. Jesus restored Peter. The same Peter, who cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus, stood up weeks later and preached a sermon on Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 coming to faith. God gives second chances. Your failure is not final when you belong to Jesus.He can restore you as he did Peter.Jeremiah 3:22 — 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.

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

If you find a great restaurant, or see a good movie, chances are you’re not shy in mentioning it to someone else. We like to pass along helpful suggestions. But so many of us just don’t feel comfortable in suggesting someone consider the hope of the Gospel. We’ll talk about that reluctance today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his studies in the book of Acts. We’ll learn to follow the example of our First Century forefathers and discover the thrill of spreading the Good News. — 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.

If you find a great restaurant, or see a good movie, chances are you’re not shy in mentioning it to someone else. We like to pass along helpful suggestions. But so many of us just don’t feel comfortable in suggesting someone consider the hope of the Gospel. We’ll talk about that reluctance today on A NEW BEGINNING as Pastor Greg Laurie continues his studies in the book of Acts. We’ll learn to follow the example of our First Century forefathers and discover the thrill of spreading the Good News. — 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.

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

In spite of the fact that eternal life is a free gift from God, paid for by Jesus’ death at Calvary, some accept that gift and some don’t. That’s startling to believers: “heaven or hell, take your pick.” “Yeah, I just don’t think heaven’s the right fit for me.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll take a look at that choice and how people each make the choices that lead to life or death. Pastor Greg Laurie is presenting an enlightening series in the book of Acts called The Upside-Down Life. — 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.

In spite of the fact that eternal life is a free gift from God, paid for by Jesus’ death at Calvary, some accept that gift and some don’t. That’s startling to believers: “heaven or hell, take your pick.” “Yeah, I just don’t think heaven’s the right fit for me.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we’ll take a look at that choice and how people each make the choices that lead to life or death. Pastor Greg Laurie is presenting an enlightening series in the book of Acts called The Upside-Down Life. — 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.

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

There are several groups of people who used to say they’d never become religious, never darken the door of a church building, never be caught carrying a Bible. Today, we call one of those groups “believers” . . . another of those groups “pastors” . . . and another group “evangelists.” Pastor Greg Laurie is a member of all three groups! And today on A NEW BEGINNING, he brings us good encouragement about sharing the Good News with people who need to hear some good news. — 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.

There are several groups of people who used to say they’d never become religious, never darken the door of a church building, never be caught carrying a Bible. Today, we call one of those groups “believers” . . . another of those groups “pastors” . . . and another group “evangelists.” Pastor Greg Laurie is a member of all three groups! And today on A NEW BEGINNING, he brings us good encouragement about sharing the Good News with people who need to hear some good news. — 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.

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

We’re on an inspiring journey through the book of Acts here on A NEW BEGINNING. Pastor Greg Laurie is helping us learn from our spiritual forefathers and see how “The Acts of the Apostles” show us how to live more rewarding lives here and now, 20 centuries later. Today, in a message called A Life Well-Lived, Pastor Greg helps us consider the story of a young man in Acts chapter 7 that set a strong example for other believers to follow. It was an inspiring life, right up to the very end. — 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.

We’re on an inspiring journey through the book of Acts here on A NEW BEGINNING. Pastor Greg Laurie is helping us learn from our spiritual forefathers and see how “The Acts of the Apostles” show us how to live more rewarding lives here and now, 20 centuries later. Today, in a message called A Life Well-Lived, Pastor Greg helps us consider the story of a young man in Acts chapter 7 that set a strong example for other believers to follow. It was an inspiring life, right up to the very end. — 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.

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

Remember back to your school years. You’re in class, paying attention to the teacher, but the cut-up in the front row, the class clown, starts to...perform. He’s miming what the teacher is saying. You try not to look, but you can’t help yourself. Distractions are powerful, aren’t they? And they’re everywhere. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. It’s the pathway of a life well-lived. — 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.

Remember back to your school years. You’re in class, paying attention to the teacher, but the cut-up in the front row, the class clown, starts to...perform. He’s miming what the teacher is saying. You try not to look, but you can’t help yourself. Distractions are powerful, aren’t they? And they’re everywhere. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. It’s the pathway of a life well-lived. — 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.

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

Bible prophecy is not meant to scare us, but to prepare us. In this message, explore what Jesus shared about His return. Learn about the signs to watch for, what to do in preparation, and what it means to "watch and pray" as we live with expectancy. The future isn't uncertain for God's people. We've read the final chapter, and we know the outcome: Jesus wins. — 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.

Bible prophecy is not meant to scare us, but to prepare us. In this message, explore what Jesus shared about His return. Learn about the signs to watch for, what to do in preparation, and what it means to "watch and pray" as we live with expectancy. The future isn't uncertain for God's people. We've read the final chapter, and we know the outcome: Jesus wins. — 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.

Have you ever wondered how God could use you? There are some things I learned very early in my life and ministry that helped me develop the gifts God had given me and, most importantly, learn how to use them in His service. I think what you're about to hear will inspire you—and you may even have a laugh or two along the way! — 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.

In the movie industry, they talk about the “suspension of disbelief.” It’s all make- believe, right? But they try to make the costumes, and the special effects, and the acting so convincing that it suspends our disbelief. They hope we forget it’s fake. Or fiction, if you prefer. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that some people sort of act their way through life. They try to suspend our disbelief about how they’re really living. We’ll see that’s a fruitless pursuit. — 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.

When we hide behind a facade, a false-front, trying to pretend we’re someone we’re not, we’re not fooling God, right? He knows who we really are. In fact, He knows us better than we know ourselves. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out the peril of living an imitation life. It’s a disappointment to the Lord, and our act may not be believable to those around us either. It’s a good opportunity for a reset, and to live a life of transparent honesty going forward. — 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.

Jesus warned us that we may face persecution for our faith. It doesn’t mean we’re doing something wrong, in fact it may be an indication that we’re right with the Lord. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points to that characteristic and several others that show us how we’re doing. If we’re walking closely with the Lord, these traits will be obvious. It’s good insight, and a good opportunity to take some notes. Pastor Greg is in the book of Acts today, reading from the New Living Translation. — 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.

When we spend some serious time out in the sun, it’s pretty obvious. People can see it all over our face. “You got some sun, didn’t you?” Well today, we’ll see when we spend some time with the Son – S-O-N – it may be just as obvious. People will wonder what’s different about us. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie continues our studies of the Church of the First Century in the book of Acts. It’s a series called The Upside-Down Life. Let’s see how to show we’ve been with Jesus. — 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.