Podcasts about pastor greg laurie

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NLT) The first four commandments have to do with our relationship with God. The final six deal with our relationships with people. In the commandments that follow this one, we find “You must not murder.” “You must not commit adultery.” “You must not steal.” “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” “You must not covet.” Before God deals with other human relationships, however, He begins with the family. “Honor your father and your mother.” The family is very important to God. Few things can bring us as much pleasure in life as our families. And few things can bring us as much pain in life as our families. Kids have problems with parents. Parents have problems with kids. Kids have problems with one another. Parents have problems with one another. Often at the same time. But we must never lose sight of the family’s importance. God created the family dynamic. Our very existence as a society is contingent on the success of the family. As I’ve said before, a family can survive without the nation, but a nation cannot survive without the family. Maybe that’s why Satan hates it so much and does everything he can to undermine it. Tragically, in today’s twisted times, mothers and fathers often are not even around to honor. Especially fathers. A man and a woman faithfully raising their children together is becoming less and less the norm. I remember that I moved around a lot when I was a kid. I came from a divorced home, and it caused a little bit of scandal each time we relocated. “He’s from a broken home,” people would whisper. It was a bit of a rarity in those days. Today, coming from a stable home is almost as rare. “What? Your mom and dad are still together? What’s with that?” We tamper with God’s order at our own peril. The fifth commandment isn’t simply a reminder to kids; it’s a call to action for all God’s people to prioritize the cornerstone institution He created. You don’t need to see the latest statistics and studies to tell you the impact of broken homes and dishonored families. You can see it in your neighborhood. You can see it in your church. You can see it in your local schools. Maybe you can see it in your own family, extended or nuclear. The fifth commandment is a reminder to put the best interests of our spouse, our kids, and our parents ahead of our own desires and wants. It’s a reminder to honor our commitments to the people closest to us, especially when things get rocky. It’s a reminder to embrace the responsibilities of parenthood. It’s a reminder to forgive the people whose closeness to us makes it easier for them to hurt us. It’s a reminder to swallow our pride and take the necessary steps of reconciliation. When we honor our father and mother, we honor the family. And when we honor the family, we honor God. Reflection question: How can you honor your father and mother? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some do many great things, but talk very little about them. Some do few great things, but talk a lot about them. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie presents a contrast between Mordecai and another man named Haaman. They both appear in the story of Esther. One is a good man and gets little recognition – the other, an evil man who’s angling for great recognition. But today, as the story continues, the winds of change blow, and these men get their “just desserts.” Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some do many great things, but talk very little about them. Some do few great things, but talk a lot about them. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie presents a contrast between Mordecai and another man named Haaman. They both appear in the story of Esther. One is a good man and gets little recognition – the other, an evil man who’s angling for great recognition. But today, as the story continues, the winds of change blow, and these men get their “just desserts.” Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” (Exodus 20:8–11 NLT) The fourth commandment has produced more confusion, misunderstanding, and hard feelings than any of the others. Let’s find out what it is and what it is not. It should be noted that this commandment was given specifically to Jewish people. The Sabbath—the seventh day of the week, Saturday—was to be a day of total rest. This command does not really apply in its literal form to a Christian living under the New Covenant. Let me give you a few fast facts about the fourth commandment to help explain why. Number one, it is the only commandment that is not repeated in the New Testament. Every other commandment is repeated; breaking the Sabbath is never mentioned. Number two, Jesus never taught anyone to keep the Sabbath. In fact, He Himself was accused of violating the Sabbath. That’s one of the reasons that He was crucified. The religious leaders had so perverted and twisted the meaning of the Sabbath that it was turned into a miserable religious mess. Because Jesus healed people on the Sabbath, those leaders accused Him of breaking the fourth commandment. Number three, the Sabbath was fulfilled in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. In Hebrews 4, we read, “So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest” (verses 9–11 NLT). The Sabbath foreshadowed what Christ would accomplish on the cross. All other world religions essentially say, “Do.” Christianity says, “Done.” Enter into that rest. Enter into the finished work of Jesus Christ. So, for Christians, the Sabbath is a day set apart for God and our relationship with Him. A day when we unplug from the distractions of life and recharge ourselves spiritually. A day to focus on who God is. A day to spend at church with family and friends. A day to think of the things of the Lord. When we “remember the Sabbath,” not only do we honor the Lord, but we also grow in our relationship with Him. Reflection question: What does observing the Sabbath—or the Lord’s Day—look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genealogy is big business these days. And now more than 40 million people have taken DNA tests to learn more about their lineage – maybe hoping they’re related to royalty! But today on A NEW BEGINNING, as we study the life of Esther, Pastor Greg Laurie points out there’s a lineage that extends beyond the earthly. We’ll see, spiritually-speaking, we’ve been adopted into God’s family through Christ. Indeed, we are related to royalty. We’re chosen sons and daughters of the King. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genealogy is big business these days. And now more than 40 million people have taken DNA tests to learn more about their lineage – maybe hoping they’re related to royalty! But today on A NEW BEGINNING, as we study the life of Esther, Pastor Greg Laurie points out there’s a lineage that extends beyond the earthly. We’ll see, spiritually-speaking, we’ve been adopted into God’s family through Christ. Indeed, we are related to royalty. We’re chosen sons and daughters of the King. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.” (Exodus 20:7 NLT) God’s name is important to Him. There is power in His name. Anyone who tries to diminish that power by taking it lightly or using it in a way that dishonors Him is breaking the third commandment. One way people misuse the name of the Lord is by swearing by it. As in, “I swear to God, I’m telling you the truth.” People who swear to God often do so because their own word—their own name—isn’t reliable. They’re known to make commitments they don’t keep or to say things that aren’t true. This misuse comes into sharp focus in a marriage ceremony. If we commit ourselves to our spouses with vows that invoke God’s name, we must honor those vows. If we bail on the relationship we vowed to uphold, we’re misusing God’s name. Another way we misuse the Lord’s name is by saying, “Oh, my God” or “Oh, God.” When we drop those words into casual conversation—or any conversation—we’re treating God’s name like any other exclamation. We’re ignoring the importance God places on His name and using it simply as a thoughtless sentence filler. We’re not actually calling for Him. We’re not praying to or worshiping Him. We’re simply borrowing His name for our own conversational purposes. Some people misuse God’s name by leveraging it for personal gain. They market themselves as Christian business owners, or Christian salespeople, or Christian service providers, hoping to attract Christians as clients. They wear their faith on their sleeve to set themselves apart in the marketplace. That’s a misuse of God’s name and His work in our lives. And that brings us to what I believe is the worst way of misusing the name of the Lord: hypocrisy. If you claim to be a follower of God, if you call His Son Savior and Lord, people can and should expect to see Christ in you. In the way you talk. In the decisions you make. In the priorities you demonstrate. In the way you interact with others. In your business dealings. In the way you treat your enemies. If they don’t see Christ in you, if instead they see someone very much like the unbelievers they know, they will rightly question your faith. They will double down on their doubts. They will lean harder into their cynicism. Christian hypocrisy creates a huge stumbling block for unbelievers. It makes them question the power of God to change lives. If you claim God as your heavenly Father with your words but deny Him with your actions, you are misusing His name. Honor the name of the Lord—not just with the things you say, but also with the way you live. Reflection question: What’s the biggest challenge for you when it comes to not misusing the name of the Lord? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People often ask one of the big questions. Why are we here? What’s the purpose of life? Ask a dozen people, and you’ll get a couple of dozen answers. But God put us here, and He knows exactly why we’re here. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we’re to know God and to make Him known. And today, we’ll follow one of the great dramatic stories of the Bible where a person’s heart for God and the providence of God come together in spectacular fashion. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People often ask one of the big questions. Why are we here? What’s the purpose of life? Ask a dozen people, and you’ll get a couple of dozen answers. But God put us here, and He knows exactly why we’re here. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out we’re to know God and to make Him known. And today, we’ll follow one of the great dramatic stories of the Bible where a person’s heart for God and the providence of God come together in spectacular fashion. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” (Exodus 20:4 NLT) The second commandment must have resonated powerfully with the Israelites because when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, the people were worshiping a golden calf—an idol they had created while Moses was away. Understanding their mindset helps us understand the importance of the second commandment. The first thing we need to recognize is that before they started worshiping the golden calf, the people had a feast dedicated to the Lord that included peace offerings and burnt offerings. They mingled what was right with what was wrong. Essentially, they were saying, “This godliness of Moses is too high for us. We want a spirituality that we can relate to. Something we can see and touch. Something that appeals to the senses. We don’t want to feel guilty if we don’t do what God says. So, we will just make up our own version.” That describes the spirituality of many people today. But what if we applied the same logic to other areas? Imagine an airline pilot saying, “I’m tired of all these charts, buttons, lights, and gauges. Let’s just take off and go with the flow.” Or a surgeon saying, “I don’t know what this artery or this section of the brain does. Just give me a scalpel, and let’s see what happens.” Or a person saying, “Traffic laws are your truth, not mine. You’re free to believe that red means stop, but you must also respect my belief that red means go.” We recognize that there are absolute truths that we all must live by—in aviation, in medicine, and on the road. But instead of recognizing that there are absolute truths about God, people try to give Him a twenty-first-century makeover. People say, “My god would never judge a person” or “My god would never send a person to Hell.” That’s the spirit of idolatry—substituting a concept of God that appeals to us for the God who makes Himself known in His Word. The goal is not to conform God and the teachings of Scripture to the shifting winds of culture. The goal is to try to bend the culture back to the teaching of the Word of God. The same principle applies to rituals or religious tchotchkes that take the place of genuine worship and prayer. You don’t need a picture of Jesus or a crucifix or any other icon to get close to God. Any object or ritual that works its way into your relationship with the Lord has the potential to become an idol. If you have a personal relationship with Christ, and if you have a Bible, you have everything you need to worship and serve God. Celebrate the true God. Don’t let facsimiles take His place in your life. Reflection question: What facsimiles of faith do you see in the lives of people around you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know you're related to royalty? Thursday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that, as believers, we're children of the King! We've been adopted into God's family. How should that change the way we live? Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone said if the only tool you have is a hammer, it’s tempting to treat every problem as if it were a nail. It’s always best to have the right tool for the job. And each of us is a unique instrument in the hands of God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues our studies in Esther, we’ll see how Esther was uniquely equipped and chosen to prevent a catastrophic annihilation of her people. And we’ll see how we may be uniquely equipped to serve God in a special way in our time. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone said if the only tool you have is a hammer, it’s tempting to treat every problem as if it were a nail. It’s always best to have the right tool for the job. And each of us is a unique instrument in the hands of God. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie continues our studies in Esther, we’ll see how Esther was uniquely equipped and chosen to prevent a catastrophic annihilation of her people. And we’ll see how we may be uniquely equipped to serve God in a special way in our time. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me.” (Exodus 20:2–3 NLT) “You must not have any other god but me.” God placed this commandment first because it gets to the heart of the matter. If God isn’t first in your life, everything else is going to break down. A man once asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said, “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” The Bible tells us that the man “went away sad, for he had many possessions” (see Mark 10:17–22 NLT). This was not about the man’s possessions; this was about his heart. Jesus could tell that the man was in love with things, and that they were more important than God to him. He had another god before the true God and refused to give it up. That’s why he went away sad. Everyone has a god. Everyone bows at some altar. Everyone worships someone or something. For some, it’s possessions or money. For others, it’s physical appearance. For others, it’s success or fame. Your god is what you spend your time pursuing. The problem is, if your god is anything but God, the result of your pursuit will be emptiness. No other god can bring you genuine joy, fulfillment, or purpose. God isn’t an aloof deity who simply demands exclusive claim on our lives. Look at His words in Exodus 20:2: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery” (NLT). The words “I am the Lord” convey a profound and fundamental truth about God. With these words, He is refuting all other belief systems. He is revealing His personal nature. He is, in essence, saying, “I feel. I think. I act.” To the pantheists who believe that everything is God, the Lord says, “No, I am God. Nothing else is.” To the polytheists who believe in many different gods, God doesn’t say, “We are the Lord your gods”; He says, “I am the Lord.” Singular. To the deists who believe that God is indifferent to His creation, that He has no plan or purpose for our lives, the Lord says, “I rescued you from slavery.” He is the God who sees, hears, and cares. He leads, protects, and blesses His people. In the first commandment, God is saying, “I love you. You belong to Me. I brought you out of bondage. And because I’ve done all that for you, I expect that you will want to serve Me. I want an exclusive relationship with you, and you can have one with Me as well. I did these things for you. Now you should respond in kind. So, have no other gods before Me.” We all worship someone or something. At what altar do you bow? Reflection question: What might become a god for you if you’re not careful? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie says you are uniquely equipped for service, with tools given to you by the hand of God. And He has a plan for how those tools can be used. Tuesday on A NEW BEGINNING, we'll see what God can do when His providence meets a divine opportunity. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Lord reach people without us? Pastor Greg Laurie says, ???Yes, but He would rather reach people through people.??? Wednesday on A NEW BEGINNING, an inspiring look at our part in taking God's message of hope to those around us. It's part of the reason we're here. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of young girls wish they could look like the models they see on magazine covers. Here’s a little secret. The models themselves wish they looked like what they see on magazine covers. The pictures have been “enhanced” by a graphic artist. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us all set our sights on what’s real. We’ll look to a real-life example of beauty, grace and godliness as we study the book of Esther. And Pastor Greg also reflects on the life of Dr. Billy Graham. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of young girls wish they could look like the models they see on magazine covers. Here’s a little secret. The models themselves wish they looked like what they see on magazine covers. The pictures have been “enhanced” by a graphic artist. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us all set our sights on what’s real. We’ll look to a real-life example of beauty, grace and godliness as we study the book of Esther. And Pastor Greg also reflects on the life of Dr. Billy Graham. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then God gave the people all these instructions.” (Exodus 20:1 NLT) Years ago, I was looking out the window into our backyard and noticed that my German shepherd was staring intently at something. There, nestled deeply in the grass, was a brightly colored little bird. Not the kind of bird you would normally see in the wild. It looked more like something you would get from a pet shop. I went out to investigate and found this pretty little finch shaking in fright as my dog eyed it. The bird was fearing for its life. And justly so because I think my dog was looking at it as lunch. I stooped down and held out my index finger, and the little bird hopped right on. So, I thought, “This is someone’s pet that got away.” I walked into the kitchen where my wife was making lunch. I said, “Cathe, look what I just found in the backyard.” She stared at the beautiful little bird, still very nervous, sitting on my finger. We didn’t know what to do with it. We knew it probably belonged to someone, but we didn’t know who. My son Jonathan recalled that there was a little girl down the street whose pet bird had died and who still had its cage. He ran down the street, came back with the cage, and set it on the counter. I opened the door and very carefully brought my finger next to it. The bird immediately jumped in. The moment that bird was in the safety of the cage, he started acting like he was home. He chirped cheerfully. He moved from perch to perch. He was happy. And then it dawned on me what was going on. This was a bird of captivity, one that was most comfortable living in a cage. Some people might say, “Oh, that’s so cruel. Don’t put animals in cages. Set them free.” This bird was fearing for his life. He didn’t look at those bars as a prison keeping him in. He saw them as walls of protection keeping his enemies, like my dog, out. He found security in the safety of that little cage. That brings me to the topic that we will be covering next in these devotions. God has given us His absolute truth—in the Ten Commandments, among other places. These commandments let us know what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s true and what’s false, what’s up and what’s down. They create a framework for our lives—a spiritual cage, of sorts. But their purpose is not to trap us or keep us in bondage. Instead, they provide a barrier of protection to keep evil out. Our enemy, the devil, tries to chip away at it. He downplays the effects of disobeying God or ignoring His commands. He tries to convince us that our protective barrier keeps us from a more exciting, fulfilling life. In other words, he lies. Over the next ten days, we’re going to examine each of God’s Ten Commandments so that you will see the life-giving truth behind each one. Reflection question: What impact do God’s commands in Scripture have in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not easy to maintain a godly value system in the midst of an ungodly culture. And Monday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us learn some valuable lessons from a young woman named Esther. At a dangerous moment in history, she stepped forward courageously. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie helps us discover the most powerful spiritual weapons every Christian can wield to defeat the devil. See how you can fight the spiritual battle now. -- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie helps us discover the most powerful spiritual weapons every Christian can wield to defeat the devil. See how you can fight the spiritual battle now. -- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NLT) When I was a kid, I attended Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach. We would have mandatory chapel every Sunday. Not being raised in a Christian home, I can recall it was the only time, for the most part, that I was ever in a church service. I remember one of the songs we sang in chapel was “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” At the time, I was experiencing a storm of my own because of the way my mom lived as an alcoholic. I remember singing, “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of the lark. Walk on through the wind. Walk on through the rain.” The problem was that there was no mention of God in those lyrics. As we sang, “Walk on with hope in your heart, and you’ll never walk alone,” I thought, “Who is with me? The lark that we’re singing about? Who is here?” As Christians, we do walk through storms in life. But we can hold our heads high—not because of some bird singing but because the Lord is with us. He was with me as a little boy, though I hadn’t yet put my faith in Him completely. God was there as I cried out to Him. God was there when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow down to an idol. King Nebuchadnezzar, who ordered that the sentence be carried out, expected to see their incineration. Instead, he saw something amazing. “‘Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!’” (Daniel 3:25 NLT). God was there when Daniel was thrown into a lions’ den for faithfully praying to Him. When King Darius (Nebuchadnezzar’s successor) came to check on him, Daniel said, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22 NLT). God was there when Jonah—who tried to get away from Him by boarding a boat—was thrown overboard in the middle of a terrible storm and swallowed by a great fish. Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah” (NLT). These stories and countless others in Scripture reinforce an important lesson. We’re safer with God in a storm than anywhere else without Him. I would rather be with Jesus in a storm than in the plushest, most luxurious place on earth without Him. The Bible tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NLT). Sometimes God will calm or even stop the storms, but He is always with us through them. Reflection question: When have you gotten the sense that you were not walking alone through a storm in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard the phrase “for such a time as this.” Today, we begin a study of where it comes from. Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING today as Pastor Greg Laurie begins a study of courage in the face of danger, and of God’s providence when the odds are stacked against us. It concerns a young woman named Esther who was chosen to be queen . . . but more importantly how God chose her to help bring deliverance to the Jewish people. It’s a fascinating study of a true biblical hero. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard the phrase “for such a time as this.” Today, we begin a study of where it comes from. Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING today as Pastor Greg Laurie begins a study of courage in the face of danger, and of God’s providence when the odds are stacked against us. It concerns a young woman named Esther who was chosen to be queen . . . but more importantly how God chose her to help bring deliverance to the Jewish people. It’s a fascinating study of a true biblical hero. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.’” (Psalm 91:14–15 NLT) An old sea captain who was quite vocal about his atheism was washed overboard one night during a storm. His men heard him crying out to God for help. After his rescue, someone said, “I thought you didn’t believe in God.” He replied, “Well, if there isn’t a God, there ought to be for times like this.” Some people must hit rock bottom before they will cry out to God. C. S. Lewis wrote, “The atheist too has his moments of shuddering misgiving, of an all but irresistible suspicion that old tales may after all be true.” Sometimes the hardships of life are the very things that bring us to God. I remember a letter from someone who made a commitment to Christ at a Harvest Crusade. Her husband had a stroke, and she also was having problems with her mother. This woman became upset with God as all these things hit at once. Then her eight-year-old daughter heard about the Harvest Crusade and wanted to go. She wrote, “When the invitation was given, my daughter wanted to go forward, so I went with her. But little did I know that God was sending me down, too.” She went on to say, “After a few minutes, I fell on my knees, and I felt His love. I knew that He loves me and has forgiven me. You have saved my life, not only my soul.” That is a beautiful letter from someone who had hit rock bottom. Some people recognize rock bottom immediately. They can tell that their situation is far beyond their ability to do anything about it. So, they cry out in desperation. Other people refuse to surrender. Their pride won’t let them. They struggle and struggle, convinced that they can change their circumstances through sheer force of will. They want to claim credit for their own salvation, not realizing that they’re only prolonging their misery. Proverbs 29:23 says, “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor” (NLT). And James 4:6–7 says, “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ So humble yourselves before God” (NLT). Once they let go of their pride, they discover something infinitely more valuable: God’s presence. In Psalm 91:14–15, God says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them” (NLT). In the midst of our storms, we need to cry out to Jesus. Reflection question: What happened the last time you cried out to God in the midst of a storm in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever searched YouTube for how-to help and found some guy fixing a leaky faucet with nothing but a sock and a taco shell? Somehow, it worked, and you watched the whole thing. Why? Because we learn by watching someone else do it first. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie explains it’s the same with the Christian life. We help people find Jesus, and show them how to follow Him. Think of this as your spiritual “how-to” video… no taco shell required. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever searched YouTube for how-to help and found some guy fixing a leaky faucet with nothing but a sock and a taco shell? Somehow, it worked, and you watched the whole thing. Why? Because we learn by watching someone else do it first. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie explains it’s the same with the Christian life. We help people find Jesus, and show them how to follow Him. Think of this as your spiritual “how-to” video… no taco shell required. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’” (Matthew 8:23–25 NIV) The film The Perfect Storm tells the story of an actual storm off the coast of Massachusetts in 1991—in fact, the strongest storm in recorded history. This so-called perfect storm was the result of three storms that combined into one, creating an almost apocalyptic situation in the Atlantic Ocean. Two existing storms were hit by a hurricane, ironically dubbed Hurricane Grace. The combination of these three weather elements produced a monstrous, two-thousand-mile-wide hurricane that triggered one-hundred-foot waves. In Matthew 8 we find a story of Jesus’ disciples facing what could be described as a Hurricane Grace of their own. We are told that Jesus “got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping” (verses 23–24 NIV). Notice that verse 23 says, “His disciples followed him” (NIV). And where did that lead? Right into a storm. This storm came because the disciples obeyed the Lord, not because they disobeyed Him. Sometimes when troubles come, we say that it’s a result of disobedience. But it may be that the storm is a result of obedience. God can use the storms in our lives to accomplish His purposes. As the saying goes, the same hammer that shatters glass also forges steel. Sometimes it seems as though it would be better if we never went through a storm. We think life always should be easy. But there are things we learn in storms. There are things we learn in hardships and crises that we don’t learn anywhere else. For one thing, we learn what we’re capable of—or, more specifically, what God is capable of, working through us. Until we’re faced with a crisis, we can only guess at our potential. In the eye of the storm, our potential is realized. We expand our concept of what our faith can accomplish. For another, we learn what genuine dependency on God feels like. Many people approach the Christian faith cautiously. They’re not as apt as Peter to jump out of a boat onto a choppy sea to walk with Jesus. Instead, they prefer to keep at least one foot in their comfort zone. Storms have a way of obliterating our comfort zone. We have no choice but to rely completely on God. And for another, we learn how to help others who are struggling. Our storm-tossed struggles give us experience and legitimacy. Instead of offering sympathy, we can offer empathy. We can be valuable to others because we know what they need. Where there are no trials in life, there are no triumphs. God has His purposes in the storms. And just as Jesus was with His disciples, He will be with us, too. Reflection question: What have you learned from storms in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are times in life when we sense God's presence ??? and other times when we wonder if He's abandoned us. Friday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie reassures us that God never leaves us nor forsakes us. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number one reason believers don’t share their faith is fear: “What if I offend that person? What if it changes the relationship?” Would we be concerned about that if their home was on fire and they were in danger? Well, the Gospel saves people from a very real eternal danger. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see how Jesus Himself directed us to spread the word far and wide. Someone’s eternity could literally hang in the balance if we don’t. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number one reason believers don’t share their faith is fear: “What if I offend that person? What if it changes the relationship?” Would we be concerned about that if their home was on fire and they were in danger? Well, the Gospel saves people from a very real eternal danger. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see how Jesus Himself directed us to spread the word far and wide. Someone’s eternity could literally hang in the balance if we don’t. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT) Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was in trouble. The armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir had joined forces to attack their common enemy, Judah. Military strategy, no matter how brilliant or daring, would not be able to overcome the size differential of the fighting forces. The armies that were descending on Judah had the potential to annihilate. King Jehoshaphat recognized that this was no time for false bravado. All he could do was pray and trust in God’s mercy and strength. In 2 Chronicles 20, we find him standing with his men, along with their families and children, praying, “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (verse 12 NLT). God’s answer came through Jahaziel, one of the men standing with the king. “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15 NLT). I love that scene. Humanly speaking, it is a picture of weakness. King Jehoshaphat was saying, in effect, “Lord, here we are. We have the kids. We have an army coming toward us. What am I going to do here? Our eyes are on You.” That is a good thing to pray. God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer, intervened, and rescued the people of Judah. In the New Testament, we read of a time when there was a storm at sea, and the disciples were calling out to God for help. Jesus finally showed up, walking toward them on the water. He had arrived during the fourth watch of the night, which is the last part of the night, right before the sun begins to rise. Technically, it’s the morning, but it still feels like it’s night. This means the disciples had been toiling at sea for hours, trying to get through that storm, and Jesus came along at the last possible moment. The point is that He did come to them. And He will do the same for you and me. He always will—when the time is right. We need to just trust Him. God’s reckoning of time is much more accurate than ours is. He is eternal. He can see past, present, and future with perfect clarity. He knows the ripple effect of every action. He also knows how to bring good from any situation. He is the perfect Consultant—One who wants only the best for us and knows when and how that best can be achieved. Remember this: He loves us with an everlasting love. That love is not fickle. That love doesn’t change. That love is persistent. That love is consistent. We are loved by God. Reflection question: When have you experienced God’s amazing timing? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the greatest joys we can have as believers is to bring someone to Christ, and then show them how to walk with Christ. It's evangelism, and discipleship. And Thursday on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps with both of those privileges. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus was arrested and subjected to unjust trials before the Jewish leaders and Roman governor Pilate. Though found innocent, He was sentenced to death to appease the crowd. Jesus was scourged, mocked, and forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. There, He was crucified between two criminals, ultimately dying to pay the penalty for our sin. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us it all began with betrayal ... by one of His own disciples. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus was arrested and subjected to unjust trials before the Jewish leaders and Roman governor Pilate. Though found innocent, He was sentenced to death to appease the crowd. Jesus was scourged, mocked, and forced to carry His cross to Golgotha. There, He was crucified between two criminals, ultimately dying to pay the penalty for our sin. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us it all began with betrayal ... by one of His own disciples. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2–3 NLT) Have you ever gone through a hard time and wondered where God was? I can tell you where He was: He was right there with you. Not only that, but He will be with you tomorrow and the day after. And He will be with you on the day you leave this earth for Heaven. In Isaiah 43:2–3, God says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (NLT). You’ll notice that He doesn’t say, “I will keep you in the shallow end.” He doesn’t say, “I will make sure that you stay on the riverbank.” He doesn’t say, “I will keep you a safe distance from the fire.” God doesn’t promise comfort. The paths He lays out for us aren’t always smooth and level. He doesn’t guarantee a life free from failure, devastation, pain, anxiety, loneliness, or doubt. He guarantees that you will never face any of those things alone. You will never have to rely solely on your own strength to endure any of them. The psalmist David wrote, “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” (Psalm 23:4 NLT). God is with you. He will be with you. You don’t have to fear evil. God will be with you on your good days and on your bad days. He will be with you in your grief of a lost loved one and in your joy of a baby’s birth. You don’t have to be afraid. Jesus said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5 NLT). Also, the Bible tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT). There will never come a time when He changes His mind and leaves you. Sometimes when we pray, it may seem as though God is late in answering. Sometimes when God comes through for us, it is later than we expected. God is never late. His delays are delays of love. Even God’s silence can be a silence of love. He wants us to pour our hearts out to Him. He will enter into that pain with us. He will answer in the way He chooses. Call on Him. Reflection question: What does it mean to you that God is always present in the midst of pain, suffering, and struggle? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all heard of ???the Great Commission.??? What is it, and what difference does it make? Pastor Greg Laurie answers that question head-on Wednesday on A NEW BEGINNING. We'll see the Lord has entrusted us with his message of hope. He reaches people THROUGH people. Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Someone who seems harmless and pleasant, maybe even trustworthy, but who really is a hidden danger. These kind of people can be anywhere – classmates, co-workers, church members. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us understand these people, and be on our guard. We’ll consider one such individual who wound up in the Lord’s inner circle. He was a fake, a fraud . . . but also an Apostle. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Someone who seems harmless and pleasant, maybe even trustworthy, but who really is a hidden danger. These kind of people can be anywhere – classmates, co-workers, church members. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us understand these people, and be on our guard. We’ll consider one such individual who wound up in the Lord’s inner circle. He was a fake, a fraud . . . but also an Apostle. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3–4 NLT) Years ago, I had a friend who was very sick and asked me to pray for him. I did. He got worse. He said, “I don’t ever want you to pray for me again.” In our estimation, sometimes things go the wrong way. We may pray, “Lord, heal this person. Be glorified through this.” But the Lord might say, “I will be glorified, but I’m not going to do it the way you want Me to. I’m going to do this other thing instead.” Sometimes God will remove the affliction. Sometimes God will heal the illness. Sometimes God will take away the cancer. But sometimes the person will get worse. We usually don’t like that. But it is in these times that God can be glorified. Everyone suffers in life. Christians suffer, too. When a Christian is suffering and can still glorify God, that is a powerful testimony to a lost world. When non-Christians see us honoring the Lord through our suffering, it shows them how real our faith is. And guess what? It shows us how real our faith is, too. Do you think your faith would get stronger if everything were easy in life? No, your faith will get stronger through hardship. Here’s something that might surprise you: You will develop even more hope through tribulation. Romans 5:3–4 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (NLT). We must remember that as steel is tempered to make it stronger, God is tempering us to give us strength. Hebrews 4:16 says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (NLT). But that boldness must also be tempered with a sense of humility, recognizing that we don’t know what’s best in a given situation. So, instead of offering suggestions as to how God might relieve our suffering, a better approach is to ask Him for the strength, courage, and faith to endure. Ask Him for the wisdom and discernment to recognize the lessons in our predicament. We must learn to look at every circumstance as an opportunity to grow and to understand the Lord better. Hope grows in the garden of pain. It doesn’t grow without challenges or difficulty. It grows in hard times. It’s sort of like building muscle. You build it up by breaking it down. Then, as you keep working out, that muscle will get stronger. You develop strength through your weaknesses. This is true of Christians in their spiritual lives as well. Reflection question: What would it look like for you to glorify God when you’re suffering? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does prayer really make a difference in times of crisis? Those who criticize prayer could not be more mistaken. Even through the heartbreak of life, prayer is important and holds power—Jesus Himself prayed as He was crucified! In today's podcast, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to Acts 12, a time the church faced a real threat from Herod and responded with prayer. See how we can follow their lead, whether facing a personal or national crisis. -- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does prayer really make a difference in times of crisis? Those who criticize prayer could not be more mistaken. Even through the heartbreak of life, prayer is important and holds power—Jesus Himself prayed as He was crucified! In today's podcast, Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to Acts 12, a time the church faced a real threat from Herod and responded with prayer. See how we can follow their lead, whether facing a personal or national crisis. -- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT) Revival is necessary because sometimes our Christian faith becomes routine. It loses its spark. If this “routineness” continues, it can lead to backsliding—that is, a turning away from God and His will to pursue the pleasures of this world. If you’ve experienced it or seen it happen firsthand, you know that backsliding doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t call up your mature Christian friend and say, “Hey, do you want to backslide tonight? Seriously? Okay, I’ll pick you up at seven.” Backsliding usually starts with tolerating something that’s sinful, something you never would have gone near before. Maybe it’s curiosity, maybe it’s the influence of other people, but instead of rejecting it out of hand and making sure to avoid it, you open your mind to it. You sort of put up with it and maybe even play around with it, thinking, “This isn’t going to hurt me. I’m too strong, too mature in my faith. I’ve walked with the Lord for a long time. I could recite a half dozen Bible verses about resisting temptation and making wise decisions.” All the while, the devil is grinning as he watches you justify your shift in thinking and blur some of the lines you previously refused to cross. And then he does whatever he can to facilitate the process. Feeding the urge to backslide is one of his most potent battlefield maneuvers. Have you ever seen a baby rattlesnake? As you would imagine, it has little fangs and a little tail and a little rattle. You might even call it cute if you’re into that sort of thing. Until it bites you. Did you know that the venom of a baby rattlesnake is more potent than that of an adult rattlesnake? In the same way, the subtle shifts away from God and His will may seem harmless at first. Backsliding starts with accommodating. You turn a blind eye to something. Then you give in to it and legitimize it. And then you start making excuses for it and defending it. The next thing you know, you embrace it as a normal lifestyle. But that’s not the behavior of a real saint, of a real follower of Jesus. If you want to finish well in the race of life and live joyfully, if you want God to complete the work He has begun in you, then you need to press on as a follower of Christ. He will give you the strength to do it. But you need to ask for that strength every day. Reflection question: What are you being tempted to turn a blind eye to? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The more we believe a warning, the more it changes our actions. If the car makes a funny noise, we think, “Hmm, that’s odd.” Now, the elevator makes a funny noise and our adrenaline immediately starts flowing. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us words of insight and warning about what’s to come during God’s Last Days plan. It’s information that gets us excited, but it’s information that some may ignore to their peril. Let’s listen and check ourselves. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The more we believe a warning, the more it changes our actions. If the car makes a funny noise, we think, “Hmm, that’s odd.” Now, the elevator makes a funny noise and our adrenaline immediately starts flowing. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us words of insight and warning about what’s to come during God’s Last Days plan. It’s information that gets us excited, but it’s information that some may ignore to their peril. Let’s listen and check ourselves. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of big things have happened in our world recently. In the last weeks, months, and even a few years, we’ve seen earth-shaking developments, many of which seemed to pop up overnight. Well, God’s Word tells us about some changes coming that we can’t even imagine. It’ll be a time of Great Tribulation! And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie answers our questions and gives us the reassurance we need. We’ll see God has a plan, and that plan includes us. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a question baked in to the human condition. People have been asking it for millennia: “What happens after we die?” So many contemplate, speculate, postulate, and hyperventilate over the topic. Today, Pastor Greg Laurie simply extrapolates what God has already told us on the subject. Glad you’re along for A NEW BEGINNING as we pull back the curtain to see what’s waiting for us in eternity. Comforting insight, especially if you have loved ones already there. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever look at a puzzle piece and try to guess the whole picture? It’s nearly impossible, until you step back and see the top of the box. So it is with life. We see a just piece (often a painful piece) but God sees the big picture. His perspective is higher, and His timing is better. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows how to trust God even when life doesn’t make sense. If you’ve ever felt stuck or confused, clarity and hope are just ahead. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people treat prayer like it’s a game of chance. Like Bingo. They bring their petition to the Lord and then wait to see if they “get lucky.” “You win some, you lose some.” Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how to pray with more confidence. It’s not up to luck, it’s up to the Lord . . . the Lord who loves us, and cares for us, and told us to keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking. Practical prayer instruction is just ahead. Listen on harvest.org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.org A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.