devotionals

Abandoned Sandals - Eileen Rife

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:52:00 GMT

A Sometimes Christian

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:35:00 GMT

Photo: The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:34:00 GMT

"The Overcomers" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/23/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.
	—Hebrews 10:19-20

How do we overcome the devil? In the book of Revelation we are introduced to a group of believers who are able to do that: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death" (Revelation 12:11)

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. The next time the devil tempts you to think that you are not worthy to approach God, here is what I advise: Agree. Say, "You are right. I am not worthy to approach God. I never was worthy to approach God. I never will be worthy to approach God. My access to God's presence is not based on my worthiness, it is based on what Christ did for me on the cross."

Sometimes we get into the mentality as Christians that if we are doing well spiritually, then we can approach God in prayer. If we get up in the morning, read four chapters from the Bible, give thanks for our meals, and share our faith with someone, then we think we can approach God. But if the next day we sleep in and don't read the Bible, if we forgot to say grace over our meals and didn't share our faith, then we think we are not worthy to approach Him.

While doing those things is important, the point I am making is this: Your access to God is there unconditionally. If you have done well, then great. Approach God. But if you have sinned, then approach God and say, "Lord, I have sinned. This is why I need the blood of the Lamb."

The devil always will try to keep you away from the Cross. But the Holy Spirit always will bring you to it.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith Equals Waiting on God, Part 3

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Everyone who waits for God is always so glad that they did. Everyone who launches out on their own, refusing to wait for God, always regrets that decision in the end. Are you in God’s waiting room? Let this Word from God as taught by James MacDonald encourage you to trust God in the waiting.

Why We Miss God’s Will

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

While the Sun Shines

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:17:00 GMT

5 Ways We Grow - Tim Challies

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:16:00 GMT

"The Accuser" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/22/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down."
	—Revelation 12:10

Novelist Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables, said, "A good general must penetrate the brain of his enemy."

It is good for us to know how the devil works. Paul the apostle said, "For we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).

The devil attacks primarily through accusation. We read in Revelation 12:10, "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down' " (emphasis added).

The devil is the accuser of the brethren. First he comes to you with the temptation. All of a sudden, an ungodly, horrible thought is placed in front of you. You think, I can't believe this! Whoa! Where did that come from?

Then the devil says, "You are so twisted! What's your problem? Why would you think such a horrible thought? And you call yourself a Christian! What kind of a Christian are you?"

That is how the devil works. But your defense against his accusations is the intercession of Jesus on your behalf. Jesus is standing in the gap for you. He once said to Peter, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). But then He went on to say, "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail . . ." (verse 32).

Romans 8:34 tells us, "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." The next time you are tempted, remember this: Jesus is interceding for you in heaven.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith Equals Waiting on God, Part 2

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Missing God’s Will

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

Second Chance

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:01:00 GMT

"A Short Time" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/21/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	"Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
	—Revelation 12:12

During the Korean War, Marines in the Baker Company found themselves cut off while enemy forces advanced. For several hours, no word was heard from them. Finally a faint signal came through. Straining to hear each word, the radio operator asked, "Do you read me?"

"This is Baker Company," came the reply.

"What is your situation?"

"The enemy is to the east of us. The enemy is to the west of us. The enemy is to the south of us and to the north of us. . . ." The soldier then paused briefly and continued, "And we are not going to let them escape this time!"

That is the attitude we should have when the devil seems to be hitting us from every side. As Bible commentator John Phillips wrote, "Satan is now like a caged lion, enraged beyond words by the limitations now placed upon his freedom. He picks himself up from the dust of the earth, shakes his fist at the sky, and glares around, choking with fury for ways to vent his hatred and spite upon humankind."

The devil does not want you to know that he is doomed. Revelation 12:12 tells us, "The devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." The phrase for "great wrath" refers to a violent outburst of rage. It depicts a turbulent emotional fury rather than rational anger.

Even if some don't believe it, the devil knows that Jesus Christ is coming back. Until then, his objective is to wreak as much havoc as he can.

Sometimes it seems as though everywhere we turn, there is an attack. There is temptation. There is a problem. There is an issue. But listen: God will give us the strength to get through.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith Equals Waiting on God, Part 1

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Building Solid Friendships

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

Sin Bugs

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:58:00 GMT

"Permission Required" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/20/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.
	—Job 1:6

The devil can do nothing in the life of the Christian without God's permission.

This may come as a surprise, but the devil does have some access to heaven. Periodically the devil is called into the presence of God. We have a behind-the-scenes look at this in the book of Job:

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?"

So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." (Job 1:6–7)

What a perfect description of Satan—just roaming about like a lion, checking everything out, looking for prey.

Then God said, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" (verse 8).

Loosely paraphrased, the devil said, "Give me a break! Does Job fear You for nothing? He fears you because You have put a hedge of protection around him."

The devil wanted to attack Job, but he recognized there was protection around God's servant.

And there is protection around us as well. When the devil comes our way, he has to first get permission from God. He cannot just run through our lives willy-nilly. And know this: Whatever God allows in your life, He allows for a purpose.

Sometimes we wonder why the Lord allows tragedies in our lives. While we can't answer that, what we do know is this: God will never give us more than we can handle. And when we are tempted, there is always a way out.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith—What’s It Look Like? Part 2

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Open your Bible to Hebrews 11 and learn how to make faith the core of your walk with Christ. After all, faith is not a part of the Christian life, it’s the whole thing! Discover how to please God with your life of faith.

Saving Troubled Friendships

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"Why Did I Just Say That?" -- Harvest Weekend Devotion for 5/18/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Sat, 18 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:. . .A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
	—Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7

I can think of so many times when I should have kept silent, but I just had to speak. On more than one occasion I have said something, and the moment it left my lips, I thought, "Why did I just say that?" And I have found myself instantly wishing I could have those words back.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say the perfect thing, but instead, you ended up saying the lamest thing possible?

It reminds me of when Peter, along with James and John, witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. What an awesome privilege these three men had been given! Their eyes were the only ones who got to see Jesus' face and clothes suddenly becoming shining like the sun. And then they had the privilege of having a front row seat as Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus about His upcoming trials. Even as this conversation was taking place, however, Peter blurted out, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. . ." (Mark 9:5). Mark includes this interesting commentary: "He did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid" (verse 6).

But Peter wasn't quite finished. He said, "Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" (verse 5). I wonder if Moses turned to Jesus and asked, "Who is that guy?"

"Oh, that's Rock. Never mind."

How easily thoughts can jump into our minds, and we just say them without thinking. But how much better it is to think about it a moment and ask ourselves, "Is this the right thing to say? Would this be an appropriate statement to make? Would this glorify the Lord?"

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

If we applied that filter to our conversations—"Will this comment build this person up? Will these words benefit this person?"—imagine what a difference there would be in the content of our words.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Benefits of Having the Holy Spirit

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"No Equal to God" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/17/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
	—Revelation 12:7

In Revelation 12, we find a battle in heaven where Michael the archangel and the devil are fighting it out. These two powerful angels are warring against each other, which is ironic because they once served on the same side.

It is not unlike the Civil War, when General Grant led the Union forces, and General Lee led the Confederate forces. Prior to that, they both attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. They both served their nation in the Mexican-American War. But then they found themselves on opposite sides during the Civil War. And ultimately General Grant prevailed over General Lee.

In the same way, we find the archangel Michael prevailing over Lucifer. And here is the thing we need to know: Satan is nowhere to being the equal of God.

Here is what we know about God: He is omnipotent, which means that He has unlimited power. He is omniscient, which means that He has unlimited knowledge. And He is omnipresent, which means that He is present everywhere.

The devil is not equal to that. The devil certainly is not omnipotent. He has a lot of power, but nowhere to being equal with the power of God. He is not omniscient. Satan knows quite a few things, but he doesn't know all things like God. He is not omnipresent. He can only be in one place at one time. So when we say the devil was tempting us, the fact is, it probably was one of the demons doing his dirty work. He has a well-organized network of fallen angels, also known as demons, that do his bidding.

Satan is nowhere near to being the equal of God. Satan is mighty, but God is almighty. Satan is a destroyer, but God ultimately will destroy the destroyer.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith—What’s It Look Like? Part 1

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

How to Reach Your Goals

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"A Different Kind of Battle" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/16/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
	—Ephesians 6:12

Captain Scotty Smiley has served his country with great courage, but he also has had to face great adversity. A U.S. Army Ranger and a combat diver-qualified infantryman, Captain Smiley is also the Army's first active-duty blind officer and its first blind company commander. In April, 2006, Captain Smiley lost both of his eyes when a suicide bomber blew himself up 30 meters away from his vehicle.

He has faced this adversity with great faith and courage, an example to anyone dealing with a disability. Since losing his eyesight, he has climbed Mount Rainier, completed a triathlon, skied, skydived, and earned an M.B.A. He was named Soldier of the Year in 2007 and has written his story in a book called Hope Unseen. Captain Smiley is a fantastic model of bravery and courage on the battlefield.

As Christians, we, too, are in a battle, but it's a battle of a different kind. It is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one—and it is just as real. The Bible tells us that we are "fighting against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). It would blow our minds if God were to pull back the curtain and enable us to see into the spiritual world—the world of God and Satan, the world of angels and demons, the world of heaven and hell.

As I have often said, the Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. So here is our choice: Either we are going to win or lose in this battle. Either we are going to gain ground or lose ground. Either we are going to advance or retreat.

Which will it be? It's a decision we all need to make.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Step Up: Faith Defined

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

No more sad, silent, static Christians—are you with us? James MacDonald calls you to step up and get everything that’s yours in Christ. That’s where we’re going in this new series from Hebrews. Come and get it! It’s for you. So step up.

The Advantages of Goal Setting

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

Just Like Dorcas

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:24:00 GMT

"The Remedy for Our Sins" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/15/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws.
	—James 2:10

Only one has walked this earth who kept the Ten Commandments perfectly, and that was Jesus. Everyone else has fallen short.

We have broken the Ten Commandments in more ways than we realize. We have taken the Lord's name in vain. We have had other gods before Him. We have lied. Perhaps we have stolen or have committed adultery or even murder. At the very least, we have lusted or hated. Yet the Bible says that if we stumble in one point of the law, we are guilty of all of it (see James 2:10).

Why, then, did God give us these commandments? They were not given to make us righteous. They were given to show us that we are not righteous. They were given to show us that we fall short of God's standards. They were given to show us that we need help. The commandments drive us into the open arms of Jesus, who died on the cross for all our sins.

The Bible says, "He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). What that means is Jesus took the penalty of the commandments that say, "The person who sins is the one who will die" (Ezekiel 18:20). He died in our place and absorbed God's wrath that should have come upon me and upon you.

Maybe you need to repent of some sin. God will forgive you—but you have to admit your sin, stop making excuses for it, and turn from it. The Bible says, "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:9).

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Salvation Evidence, Part 2

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

So you think you're saved. It's not a question to wonder about. You don't want to say you believe only to flunk the genuine-faith test when it really matters. Listen and learn the definitive way to judge—and find out if you have the kind of belief that counts for eternity.

Goal Setting: The Key to Success

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

Encouragement in these times of despair in our culture - Eddie Williams

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:35:00 GMT

""You Shall Not Covet"" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/14/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	"You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."
	—Exodus 20:17

A Roman Catholic priest who had heard the confessions of 2,000 people said that he had heard every kind of sin and iniquity confessed—even murder—with one exception. He had never heard anyone confess to committing the sin of covetousness.

I think that is because we don't really know what coveting is. Yet we do it all the time.

What does it mean to covet? Coveting is wanting something that never will be yours, should never be yours, and, in fact, belongs to someone else. The literal definition of the word means to set your heart on something. A better translation would be "to pant after something"—sort of like a predator pursuing its prey.

The apostle Paul said that of all the commandments, this was the one he struggled with the most. Why? Because all the other commandments involve external actions—"You shall not commit adultery" . . . "You shall not kill" . . . "You shall not take the Lord's name in vain."

But then there is "You shall not covet." That is more difficult to figure out. It is internal. It is wanting something that belongs to someone else and deciding you are going to get it, no matter what.

We read in Colossians 3:5, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

It is not a sin to admire something. It is not a sin to want to be successful in business or to make a good living. But if you become obsessed with it and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it, when that is the most important thing in life to you, that can become coveting and idolatry.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Salvation Evidence, Part 1

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Effective Witnesses

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

Monday is for Missiology: Disciple Making - Ed Stetzer

no_email@example.com (christianheadlines) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:50:00 GMT

"THINK before You Speak" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/13/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
	—Exodus 20:16

The ninth commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," can be a little harder to keep than the others. We are not to lie. There are bald-faced lies, of course. (I resent that term, by the way.). But there are times when you don't want to tell the truth because you know it will hurt someone.

In fact, when a survey was done in which people were asked their reasons for lying, the number one explanation given was the fear of offending someone.

Maybe you were invited to someone's home for a meal, and it was awful. After the meal, you felt completely nauseated. Then the person who prepared it asked, "How did you like the meal?"

"Well, I have never seen those particular ingredients put together in such a way!"

You didn't want to say what is true, so maybe you said something else.

We tell these little white lies, so called, every day. When someone calls your house and you don't want to talk, you tell your spouse or child or roommate, "I'm not home." Or you say, "I love your outfit" when you don't. Or, "The check is in the mail" when it isn't. Or, "I was just getting ready to call you" when you weren't. Or, "I forgot" when you didn't.

Gossip is another way we can lie. Gossip topples governments, wrecks marriages, ruins careers, destroys reputations, causes nightmares, spawns suspicions, and generates grief. Even speaking the very word makes a hissing sound like a serpent.

Apply the THINK principle before you repeat something: Is it truthful? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

THINK before you speak. And if it doesn't pass this test, then don't say it.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

The Greatest Verse in the Bible, Part 3

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

It’s the most referenced Bible verse in popular culture. What exactly is so special about John 3:16? This message points out a dozen unique and amazing reasons why it’s the greatest verse in the Bible—and how you can embrace all the benefits of the truth it holds.

Jesus: The Only Way to Heaven

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"Bring Your Flowers Now!" -- Harvest Weekend Devotion for 5/11/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

My granddaughter Stella loves to pick flowers. She will come to me and, with a smile of her beautiful face, say, "These are for you, Papa!" It always warms my heart.

There is a story in the Bible of a woman named Mary who understood what Jesus meant when He said He was going to die. Though it somehow did not seem to penetrate the minds of His own hand-picked disciples who had spent their every waking hour with Him for three years, Mary understood.

One night, Jesus and His friends were gathered at the house of Simon in Bethany. She listened as the Lord quietly spoke to the audience gathered. But with intuition inherent in women, she saw and heard something else. She saw the lines etching His face, and read aright the problems reflected in His eyes. An inner sense told her that the disciples were wrong in expecting a kingdom. The Master meant what He had said, and said what He meant: He was literally going to Jerusalem to be crucified.

She could not grasp something so terrible, but accepted it because He said it. She had to do something. She would not wait to give some floral tribute at His funeral. She would bring her flowers now! She would give the very best she possibly could!

So Mary took some very expensive perfume that was probably a family heirloom and poured it on the head of Jesus. Some were angry at her and criticized her for such a waste, as the street value of such a perfume was around $25,000. But in Mary's mind, nothing was too good for Jesus, and she wanted to show her love to Him.

Jesus was impressed and even commended her for it. He said "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" (Matthew 26:13). Nothing is ever wasted if it is given with a right heart for God's glory.

That's a good thing to remember about people you love—people who have impacted you as a Christian. Don't wait until their funeral to say it. Say it now.

Go to them, or write them a letter or an e-mail or even a text and tell them what they mean to you—your husband, wife, child, friend, a spiritual leader—because you never know when you will have your last conversation with them.

So bring your flowers now, not later.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Do You Honor Your Mother?

Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"A Widespread Problem" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/10/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
	—Ephesians 4:28

Stealing is such a widespread problem in our culture today. And among those who know stealing is wrong, it is interesting why they think it is wrong. A study was done among those who stole or thought about stealing, and the question was asked, "Why don't you steal?" The number one reason given was, "I might get caught." Number two was, "The other person might try to get even." And reason number three? "I might not need the item."

How about this reason? God says it is a sin.

Here's what the Bible has to say about stealing: "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (Ephesians 4:28).

"Steal no longer." It's a no-brainer. Don't steal. If you have stolen, stop. If you took something from someone, give it back. Don't just confess your sin of stealing and then keep what you took. Give it back. It's called making restitution.

"Rather let him labor, working with his hands. . . ." Do something useful. God wants you to go out and be responsible and work for a living. The Bible says that whoever doesn't work shouldn't eat (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10). News flash: The world doesn't owe you a living. The government doesn't owe you a living. Be responsible and work if you can.

"That he may have something to give to him who has need . . ." Share what you have so that you may share with those who are in need. When you work hard and save your money, you are able to help others.

"You shall not steal"—it's one of the Ten Commandments. Don't take things that don't belong to you.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

The Greatest Verse in the Bible, Part 2

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The Service of Motherhood

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daily audio devotional from Charles Stanley's InTouch Ministries.

"Not That Bad?" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/9/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	"You must not commit adultery."
	—Exodus 20:14

Can you imagine what our culture would be like if we obeyed the single commandment, "You shall not commit adultery"? Can you imagine how different our world would be? How many divorces would have been avoided? How many families would still be together? How many fathers would be home to raise their children?

Most social ills can be traced to the breakdown of the family and specifically to the absence of the father in the home. And often marriages fall apart because of the sin of adultery. What is adultery? It is sex with someone besides your spouse.

God has established marriage for there to be fulfillment and a oneness between a man and a woman. Sex is not some toy that we play with to satisfy our desires. The Bible says, "Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery" (Hebrews 13:4).

Yet this sin is committed so often. Some will say, "Come on, it is not that bad! It was just a one-night stand. We were just having a little fun! As long as it is between two consenting adults, why is it wrong?" Because when a man and a woman come together sexually, a oneness takes place—even when someone comes together with a prostitute.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:15–16, "Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don't you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, 'The two are united into one.' "

Adultery hurts you. And it hurts others as well.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

"What about Hate?" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/8/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
	—Ephesians 4:31-32

"You shall not murder." If ever there was one of the Ten Commandments that was ignored, it was this one. This commandment forbids the taking of another human life for no justifiable reason. Yet we live in a violent world. Our culture is awash in violence and killing. Two million people a year become violent crime statistics in the United States.

You might be feeling okay about yourself because at least, to your knowledge, you have never murdered anyone. But Jesus took this command a step further in the Sermon on the Mount:

"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." (Matthew 5:21–22)

Jesus was talking about a person who has anger and hatred toward another person. He was saying, "I am not just telling you it is wrong to murder; I am saying it is wrong to hate."

Is there anyone you hate? If a certain person were to walk into a room where you happened to be, would your blood pressure go up? Honestly, do you wish that person were dead? Then you need to repent because that is a sin.

Sometimes we will say of someone, "I would never kill them." But we will assassinate their character. The Bible tells us, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior" (Ephesians 4:31).

We as believers are not to hate. Rather, we are to love our enemies.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

"Knowledge and Responsibility" -- Harvest Daily Devotion for 5/7/2013

no_email@example.com (Greg Laurie) — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 GMT

	But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."
	—Acts 5:29

There is a movement afoot in our country to redefine marriage and family. Media and modern culture are pushing for same-sex marriage. The normalization of homosexuality is also gaining momentum, illustrated by television programs such as Modern Family and The New Normal.

With the emphasis on gay marriage and homosexuality in general, you would think a huge percentage of today's population must be gay. Some advocates say it is as high as 25 percent. Many accept the premise that it is at least 10 percent. But an extensive survey, the largest of its kind, was recently completed by the Gallup polling agency. The survey, which interviewed 120,000 Americans, revealed that 3.4 percent of the U.S. population is gay. That includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans. Even though it represents a small percentage of the population, it has become a major topic, and it has come right to the doorstep of the church.

People like to portray Christians as gay bashers. But that is not the case at all. We don't see this as a worse sin, necessarily, than any other sin. I don't see the Bible distinguishing the sin of homosexuality as the greatest of all sins. In fact the Bible does talk about greater and lesser sins, but it would appear that the worst sin would be to sin against the light.

Let me illustrate. Jesus said to Pontius Pilate, a hardened, pagan, Roman man, "The one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin" (John 19:11). What would be a greater sin than sending Jesus to be executed after he had been scourged, as Pilate had done? A greater sin was committed by the high priest Caiaphas, who should have known better. He is the one who sent Jesus to Pilate. That was the greater sin.

Knowledge brings responsibility. And if the Bible says something is a sin, then it is a sin.

--------------------

This Harvest Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie is also available online by clicking here. You can also sign up for these free daily devotions via e-mail here.

©2013 Harvest Ministries; All Rights Reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000