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Luke 22:31 October 30

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:10:12 +0000

	today’s reading
	Luke 22:31–32

WHEN SATAN SIFTS

Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. Luke 22:31

EVER FEEL LIKE you’ve been run through the ringer? Ever get to the end of the day and collapse in bed, glad to finally have a minute’s peace and dreading the next morning when you know you’ll have to get up and deal with it all again? Ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of life and work and worry, wondering when (and if) it’s ever going to end?

If so, then you can be sure that what you are experiencing is but a fraction of what Satan would like to do with you. Rest in the fact that your trials are nothing compared to what the enemy intended for you. If he had his way, you’d have been dead long ago—and so would I.

“Simon, Simon,” says Jesus to his apostle Peter, “Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail” (Luke 22:31–32). The enemy couldn’t wait to get his grimy paws on Jesus’ followers, but Jesus tightened the leash. Satan wanted to destroy them all, but Jesus only allowed him to taunt them. The devil wanted a banquet, but all he got was a handful of crumbs.

Interesting that Satan had to ask God’s permission, isn’t it? Many Christians are in the business of fearing Satan as much as they trust Jesus. Their prayers are more consumed with thoughts of “binding the enemy” than they are in praising God. They spend more time worrying about spiritual strongholds than they do listening for God’s voice. But Satan isn’t worth the effort we spend on him. He is under God’s authority just as we are. He can do no more harm than God allows him to do.

That’s not to say that we won’t feel his hand at work. God allows him to sift us from time to time, just as he did Peter and the apostles. But it is always on God’s terms and for God’s purposes. When temptations and trials come our way, it is because God wants to teach us something. When Satan’s hand comes against us, it is because Jesus is at work. When life gets stressful and confusing, it is only because God decided to allow the stress and confusion. And knowing that truth makes all the difference in how we react to it. It changes our perspective to know that God is in control, even when it seems that he isn’t.

reflection

How do you normally react during times of turmoil and stress? Does it change your perspective to know that God allows those times to happen for a reason?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 317). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Psalm 101:3 October 29

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:01:51 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 101:3; Colossians 3:5–10

CHANGING YOUR TASTES

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. Psalm 101:3

HAVE YOU NOTICED that the closer you get to God, the less appealing the things of this world become? Isn’t it true that the more you learn about God’s will for your life and the deeper you go into his Spirit, the less interested you are in worldly endeavors or possessions? Many of the things that once held your attention now seem boring and useless. The little sins and vices that you once took for granted and felt were rather harmless now feel like weights around your neck. The jokes you used to chuckle at don’t seem funny anymore. The movies you used to watch have completely lost their appeal. Some of the celebrities you used to admire are people that you now pity. You notice things that you never noticed before. Your heart is broken over things that you never gave a second thought before. You find yourself more sensitive to sin, more in tune to goodness, and less likely to be taken in by Satan’s lies and deceit.

That’s how discipleship is supposed to be. As you grow closer to your Master, you grow further from the world. Your heart changes, and your interests change with it. Your vision becomes clearer than ever. With King David, you find yourself saying, “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar” (Psalm 101:3). And that’s a sign that you are on the right track.

Often I will happen upon a movie on TV that I remember watching in my twenties. I love this movie, I’ll think to myself. I haven’t seen it in years. I’ll settle in to watch it, and within minutes find myself completely repulsed by the language or the vulgar behavior of the characters. The film’s message insults my faith and my intelligence. I begin to wonder how I could have developed fond memories of such an immoral film. I discover that my tastes have changed as I have grown closer to God.

That’s what happens when God’s Spirit takes hold in your heart. That’s when you know that you are becoming more in step with Jesus. And that’s a good thing to strive for. I would be worried if my taste for worldly things was the same today as it was in my youth. I would have to wonder about the depth of my faith if I hadn’t grown more sensitive to sin through the years. If my appetite for earthly pleasures hadn’t matured, it would mean that my Christian walk was stagnant and immature as well.

This is the truest test we have of Christian growth. It is the surest way to tell if we are drawing nearer to Christ or simply coasting through life.

reflection

Do you find yourself growing more sensitive to sin? What is it in your Christian walk that has made the most difference?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 316). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

John 15:18 October 28

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:29:45 +0000

	today’s reading
	John 15:18–21

A HOME NOT OUR OWN

When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. John 15:18

“Now I was an outcast in my own home. My men were devout enough Jews to resist Carpathia, but they were not ready for Messiah.… I had had enough of their rejection and ridicule.”

Armageddon, 349

RIGHT NOW there is a war going on outside my bedroom window.

It started about three weeks ago when a handful of pesky wasps decided to make their nest in one corner of our house. Our home is made of cedar, and they found a small opening in the frame just above our bedroom window. I can’t get to the nest, but I see the wasps come and go. I’ve done everything I can to discourage them. I’ve poked at the hole with a long stick, swatted them with a broom, sprayed them with the water hose and depleted several cans of wasp killer, yet still they persist.

They’ve suffered a lot of persecution at my hands over the last few weeks. Many have died to protect their mission, yet still they seem undaunted. I don’t plan to give up because if I leave them alone, the nest will only get bigger. And I don’t want my children to get stung. Still, I respect their perseverance in the face of persecution. And down deep inside, I wonder if I have the same level of resolve and commitment.

You and I have a lot in common with those wasps. We, too, are in the business of making our home in the corner of a house that doesn’t belong to us. We, too, are pesky and unwelcome visitors in a place that isn’t ours. We’re the ones who bring a sense of threat to the house’s owners.

“When the world hates you,” Jesus says, “remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don’t.… Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:18–20). It’s tough living where you’re not welcome. But it’s comforting to know that the battle is not in vain. Those in the world are threatened by us for good reason. Our presence brings with it the sting of conviction. This is their home, and we don’t belong here. And the greater our numbers grow, the more menacing we become to their way of life.

This is our lot in life, and it’s a noble one. Someday we will have a home of our own in a place reserved just for us. That’s why we persist in spite of the resentment and persecution.

reflection

When was the last time you felt unwelcome and persecuted because of your faith? How does today’s lesson give you greater comfort and strength?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 315). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Numbers 12:3 October 27

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 23:02:55 +0000

	today’s reading
	Numbers 12:3–7

TRUE HUMILITY

Moses was more humble than any other person on earth. Numbers 12:3

DID YOU HEAR about the guy who won an award for being the humblest person on the planet? They took it away because he accepted it.

That’s how humility is, isn’t it? If you think you’ve got it, you probably don’t. At least that’s how we often look at it. But if that’s the standard, where does it leave Moses?

In Numbers 12:3, Scripture records, “Moses was more humble than any other person on earth.” We nod in agreement because we’ve seen his humility played out in the pages of the Bible. But then we realize that it was Moses who wrote these words about himself. It was his own pen that recorded the glowing reference for generations to come.

So what gives a man the right to make such a claim? Who made Moses the “king of humility”? Why does he think he deserves such an honor? Because it wasn’t his idea, it was God’s. God is the One who laid the words on his heart and gave him the title. God saw Moses for who he was, and because of it, he developed a special relationship with his most humble servant.

“Even with prophets, I the Lord communicate by visions and dreams,” God says. “But that is not how I communicate with my servant Moses. He is entrusted with my entire house. I speak to him face to face, directly and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is” (12:6–8).

This is how God responds to true humility. This is how he sees a man who lives in complete dependence and brokenness before him. This is what gives Moses the right to call himself the most humble man on earth. He was allowed to see the Lord, but only because the Lord first saw his humble heart.

If you want to see God for who he is, you approach his throne in humility. No haughty heart has ever pleased him. No humble spirit has ever gone unnoticed.

reflection

Would God consider you to have a humble spirit? In what ways do you struggle with pride and haughtiness?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 314). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Matthew 3:17 October 26

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 20:37:40 +0000

	today’s reading
	Matthew 3:17; John 14:6

ONE QUESTION

This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Matthew 3:17

“My wife said she prayed for me every day that I would find Jesus Christ before it was too late.… I still have the letters in which she warned me that I might die before finding the one true God, or that Jesus could return for those who loved him, and I would be left behind.”

Assassins, 102

LARRY KING has made a career of asking the tough questions. Those who know him understand that he considers himself a confirmed agnostic. He’s made no attempt to conceal his doubts about God. But one time the tables were turned, and the questions were aimed at him. Bryant Gumbel interviewed the famous interviewer and concluded his program by asking King, “What questions would you ask God if he were a guest on your show?”

King answered without missing a beat. “Do you have a Son?” he said.

Larry King understood that if you’re going to deal with the question of God’s existence, you have to deal with the person of Jesus. You can’t separate the two. Jesus claimed to be One with the Creator of the universe, and the Bible points to Jesus as God’s only Son. It’s a package deal. Believe in one, and you must believe in the other.

“After his baptism,” records Matthew, “as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him’ ” (3:16–17). There are many today who claim a belief in God, yet haven’t quite settled the divinity of Jesus in their hearts. They see the wonder of creation and instinctively understand that it points to a grand Creator. God’s existence is real to them. Yet they haven’t taken the time to investigate the claims of Jesus. Their faith is sincere but not yet complete because the question of salvation pivots on the person of Jesus, not on belief in God. Even Satan knows that God is real, but that won’t save his soul.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life,” says Jesus. “No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Apart from the person of Jesus there is no salvation. It’s that simple. Believing in a Creator won’t lead you to him. Acknowledging his works won’t save your soul. Only Jesus can lead us to the gates of heaven.

For all that Larry King gets wrong, he got this one right. The most critical question that any of us could ask God is, “Do you have a Son?” We know the answer. The only question left is, Are we going to trust him?

reflection

What do you think of the person of Jesus? If you haven’t dealt with him, why not begin today investigating his claims further?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 313). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Mark 8:35 October 25

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:01:49 +0000

	today’s reading
	Matthew 6:1–3; Mark 8:35–36

UNKNOWN SOLDIERS

If you give up your life for my sake … you will find true life. Mark 8:35

LAST YEAR during a business trip to Washington, DC, I had the chance to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. I have a picture of the tombstone in a photo album. The inscription beneath it reads: “Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.” Beneath the shrine lies the remains of an unidentified soldier from World War I, but the marker stands as a tribute to the thousands of unknown soldiers who have lost their lives serving this country.

Seeing the memorial makes you wonder about the person buried beneath. You try to imagine who he was, what he was like, how he died, and what sort of sacrifices he made for his country before paying the ultimate price. You reflect on all the soldiers who have died in battle without recognition. You wonder what it must be like to give everything for a cause and then die in anonymity. It’s one thing to die and be remembered as a hero, but it’s another thing to live and die as a hero and have no one know your name.

As Christians, we are called to make that same level of commitment. The Christian faith may hold that same fate. Many followers of Christ live their lives in quiet service to God, daily sacrificing on behalf of Jesus, and they will pass away without ever being recognized for the things they did. They are the unknown soldiers for Christ.

Ever spend a sleepless night praying for someone who needs Jesus? Ever spent a day in prayer and fasting for someone going through a trying time in their lives? Ever give sacrificially to a cause even though you could have used the extra money yourself? Then you know what it’s like to be an unknown soldier. You know that true service often comes without thanks or acknowledgment.

Every day people give quietly and thanklessly to the cause of Christ, and many will die without fanfare. No one may know about the things they did in service to their King. But that doesn’t mean they will go unrewarded. God knows their sacrifice. He knows the names of every soldier in his service, and he has no intention of letting them go unnoticed. His may be the only praise they ever receive, but that’s okay. Because it’s the only praise that truly matters.

reflection

Are you willing to be the unknown soldier in the body of Christ?

In what ways have you served Christ in anonymity?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 312). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Mark 8:35 October 24

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 22:49:33 +0000

	today’s reading
	Mark 8:34–35; John 12:24–26

FINDING BY LOSING

If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. Mark 8:35

HAVE YOU NOTICED that the most miserable people you find are those who live only for themselves? They are seldom fun to have as friends and are usually the unhappiest people on the planet. No one wants to be around them.

They are the people who think only of their own happiness. Everything they do is about them. They live to protect their personal interests and agendas. When making a decision, they think only of the consequences to their own life and circumstances. When setting their schedule, they set it according to their own wants and needs. In business transactions they think only of how the deal will impact their financial situation. They are selfish and single-minded.

Self-centeredness is a cancer that eats away at the core of a person’s heart and completely sucks the joy out of life. It kills relationships quicker than any other human condition and usually repels those who are closest. There’s nothing quite as sad as that person who becomes isolated from friends and family because of his or her selfish ambitions.

Worst of all, self-centeredness tears us away from God. Jesus says, “If any of you wants to be my follower, … you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life” (Mark 8:34–35).

Those who live only for themselves live in vain. But those who put their own interests and desires aside for the good of Jesus find true life. The only road to happiness is to live for something greater and nobler than yourself. To become a giver, not a taker. To live for Jesus, not our own desires. To pour ourselves out in God’s service, not to wear ourselves out trying to get our own way.

That’s the kind of disciple that Jesus is looking for.

reflection

Would those closest to you characterize you as “selfless” or “self-centered”?

In what ways are you living for yourself instead of God?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 311). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

1 Kings 15:11 October 23

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:28:14 +0000

	today’s reading
	1 Kings 15:11–15

A LIFE WORTH REMEMBERING

Asa did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. 1 Kings 15:11

“Rayford had no fear of death itself or of the afterlife. Providing heaven for his people was a small feat for the God who now manifested himself miraculously every day.”

The Remnant, 2

Not all epitaphs are as sad as the one given to king Solomon by God. Some people have a great sense of humor about their death.

Dr. James Dobson once asked his mother what she’d like to have written on her gravestone, and she jokingly answered, “I Told You I Was Sick!”

Spend some time browsing through cemeteries, and you’ll be surprised at some of the funny things people have recorded on their gravestones. Johnny Yeast was buried in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and his gravestone reads: “Pardon Me for Not Rising.” Bonnie Anderson had a similar sense of humor. Her grave is in Los Angeles, California, and the headstone reads: “I Don’t Want to Talk about It Now.”

But one of my favorite headstones is that of Thomas Murphy, in Vancouver, British Columbia. His simply says: “Sh-h-h.”

You get the feeling that some people aren’t as worried about death as the rest of us. It’s a good sign when you can leave life on a laughing note. Maybe that’s a sign of someone who understands that death is just a passageway to a better life. Those who know that their eternal fate is secure in God’s hands.

King Asa was such a person. He became king of Judah after his father, Abijam, died. His first order of business was to undo the evil policies of his predecessors. Asa was a man who feared God and understood that life was too short to waste in sinful pursuits. He had his sights set on eternity, and it kept his life in perspective. At the end of Asa’s life, God gave him a glowing final epitaph: “Asa did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, as his ancestor David had done.… Asa remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life” (1 Kings 15:11, 14).

Now that’s a legacy worth leaving. Imagine getting to the end of your life and hearing God say about you, “He remained faithful to me throughout his life.” Who wouldn’t want that kind of letter of reference waiting for them at the pearly gates? God loves to honor those who have honored him with their lives. Such lives do not go unnoticed—in heaven or on earth.

reflection

How did king Asa honor God in today’s reading?

Are you living in a way that honors God?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 310). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

1 Kings 11:33 October 22

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:28:53 +0000

	today’s reading
	1 Kings 11:31–36

FINAL EPITAPHS

Solomon has abandoned me. 1 Kings 11:33

HOW WOULD YOU like to be remembered after your death? Have you considered what the epitaph on your gravestone might read?

You can learn a lot about a person’s life from reading what people wrote about them after they died. It’s sobering to see what people come up with when faced with the task of summing up an entire lifetime in just a few words.

One headstone in Ribbesford, England, marking the grave of a woman named Anna Wallace, reads: “The children of Israel wanted bread, and the Lord sent them manna. Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, and the Devil sent him Anna.”

Not the final words Anna expected, I’m sure. But as always, those she left behind got the last word.

You have to cringe and wonder when you see the gravestone of a man from Plymouth, Massachusetts, named John McMahon. It says: “He Was a Failure As a Husband and Father.”

How would you like that as your legacy?

But the saddest epitaph of all isn’t found on a tombstone; it’s found in the pages of Scripture. When faced with the task of memorializing the wise king Solomon, God had some sobering words. “Solomon has abandoned me and worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians; Chemosh, the god of Moab; and Molech, the god of the Ammonites. He has not followed my ways and done what is pleasing in my sight. He has not obeyed my laws and regulations as his father, David, did” (1 Kings 11:33). Solomon was buried in the city of David, and in spite of all the good things he did, he will forever be remembered as the king who turned his back on God.

How sad to live a life in God’s blessing and favor only to turn away from him late in life. To die completely estranged from the One who most loved him. Can you imagine a sadder way to end your life? Can you think of a worse epitaph to be remembered by?

We would all do well to ask ourselves a simple question: If God were to write my obituary, what would he record?

reflection

Reflect on how you would most like to be remembered by those around you.

Are you living a life worthy of such a legacy?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 309). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Hebrews 13:6 October 21

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:34:44 +0000

	today’s reading
	Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 13:5–6

SECURE IN SALVATION

I will not be afraid. Hebrews 13:6

A COUPLE ONCE confided in me that they had spent the first ten years of their faith worried about their salvation. Reading the Bible for them was more of an exercise in guilt than an expression of love for Jesus. A passage would convict them of sin, and they would cry out to God for forgiveness. They would often get together in the evening hours and repeat the Lord’s Prayer together, just to make sure that they were in good standing with the Lord. They even took turns baptizing each other in their large bathtub in hopes that God would see the sincerity of their repentance. They put their faith in Jesus, but they still lived with a nagging sense of insecurity before the Lord.

Perhaps you understand what they were going through. Maybe you struggle with some of those same feelings. Maybe you, too, lie awake at night, wondering if you’ve done all the right things. Hoping you haven’t somehow displeased God and made him turn his back on you. Dreading the day that you will stand before Jesus in judgment.

If so, take heart. And then learn to relax in the arms of Jesus. Forget your fears, and find comfort instead in the words of the writer of Hebrews: “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’ That is why we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid’ ” (13:5–6).

For those who trust in Jesus for their salvation, there is no more fear to deal with. God’s promises are real and irrevocable. The blood of Jesus is the only covering your sins need. Your salvation is secure with Jesus on your side.

Fear and insecurity are simply Satan’s attempts to drive a wedge between God and his people. If he can get us to doubt God’s promises, he’s just one step away from getting us to doubt God himself. If he can keep us in worry, he can keep us from living the full life that Jesus intends for us. Don’t let yourself fall prey to Satan’s evil agenda. Trust the promises of Jesus and live with joy and certainty. Have faith that your fate is securely sealed forever.

reflection

How has Satan made you doubt your standing before God?

How can you remain secure in your salvation?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 308). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Hebrews 12:24 October 20

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:02:17 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 125:1–2; Hebrews 12:18–24

APPROACHING MOUNT ZION

You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people. Hebrews 12:24

“Jesus has already paid the penalty. The work has been done.”

Nicolae, 314

HAVE YOU EVER known someone who lived with an insecure faith before God? They want to believe that they are saved, but they struggle with a nagging sense of doubt and worry. Everything they know about Jesus tells them that their sins are covered by his blood. They know the promises of Scripture, and they’ve put their trust in Christ for salvation. Yet still a feeling of fear remains.

Maybe it’s because they are approaching God on the wrong mountain.

Israel approached God at Mount Sinai, and they had good reason to be afraid. “Be sure they are ready on the third day,” God commanded Moses, “for I will come down upon Mount Sinai as all the people watch. Set boundary lines that the people may not pass. Warn them, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Those who do will certainly die!’ ” (Exodus 19:11–12).

That’s how many people see God today. They’re afraid to draw near for fear of his wrath. But Jesus ushered in a new covenant, and with it, a new relationship with God.

“You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.… No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to thousands of angels in joyful assembly.… You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did” (Hebrews 12:18, 22, 24).

God has not changed, but the relationship we are able to have with him has. Those who have put their faith in Jesus no longer have to approach God with fear and trembling. We no longer have to struggle with a sense of insecurity before his throne. Because of Jesus, we can approach God from Mount Zion—a mountain built on grace and covered with the blood of Jesus. It’s not a mountain of fire and earthquakes but of relationship, peace, and safety. A place of refuge, not wrath.

reflection

Which mountain have you been approaching God from? How does today’s message change your view of God?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 307). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Matthew 9:28October 19

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 22:04:15 +0000

	today’s reading
	Matthew 9:27–29

DO YOU BELIEVE?

Do you believe that I am able to do this? Matthew 9:28, niv

RONALD PINKERTON found himself in a frightening situation. He was in a glider and somehow caught a burst of unexpected wind. It carried him to a height of over forty-two hundred feet before turning him loose. Suddenly Pinkerton was descending too quickly and began to lose control of his plane. Out of nowhere a powerful blast of air sent his glider plummeting toward the ground. Here’s how he records the ordeal:

I was falling at an alarming rate. Trapped in an airborne riptide, I was going to crash! Then I saw him—a red-tailed hawk. He was six feet off my right wingtip, fighting the same gust I was.… I looked down: 300 feet from the ground and still falling. The trees below seemed like menacing pikes.

I looked at the hawk again. Suddenly he banked and flew straight downwind. Downwind! If the right air is anywhere, it’s upwind! The hawk was committing suicide.

Everything Pinkerton knew about flight told him that the hawk was making a grave mistake. It went completely against his better senses. Yet he also knew that hawks were masters of the sky and that this one must understand something that he didn’t. Pinkerton had no other options, so he did the unthinkable.

I followed the hawk. One hundred feet. Suddenly the hawk gained altitude. For a split second I seemed to be suspended motionless in space. Then a warm surge of air started pushing the glider upward. I was stunned. Nothing I knew as a pilot could explain this phenomenon. But it was true: I was rising.

Pinkerton was forced to look past his own instincts and experiences and trust in something other than himself. Sometimes you and I have to do the same thing. Faith demands that we abandon our own judgment and follow Jesus.

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Jesus asks two blind men who were asking to be healed (Matthew 9:28, niv). There was nothing in their life experiences that would make them think that such a miracle could be performed. It didn’t make sense, but they reached out to him in faith, and that’s exactly what he did.

What is it in your life that you need Jesus to do? Do you believe that he is able to do it?

reflection

When was the last time you reached out to Jesus in blind faith and asked for a miracle? What was the result?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 306). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Psalm 141:3 October 18

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:03:32 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 141:3; Matthew 12:36–37

A CONTROLLED TONGUE

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed. Psalm 141:3

“IF YOU CAN’T say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” goes the old axiom. And like a lot of great sayings, this one hits the nail right on the head. The phrase didn’t come out of Scripture, but it could have.

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed,” writes King David (Psalm 141:3). He knew that left to his own devices, he would inevitably say the wrong thing most of the time, so he asked God to take charge. “If I can’t make myself shut up, please do it for me,” he basically says to God. It’s a good thought for you and me as well.

“And I tell you this,” says Jesus, “that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36–37).

Have you ever considered that your fate is dependent largely on your tongue? Ever thought that the words you speak control your destiny? Ever imagined that such a small thing could have such a large impact on your future? The tongue can create more problems, start more fights, break up more relationships, and cause more trouble than any single part of your body. Wars have been started, marriages have ended, children have been damaged, and lives have been lost all due to a few simple but careless words spoken in haste. Is there another weapon on the planet with such power and might?

Words can also do more good than any other tool. The right words can heal relationships, bring countries together, save the hearts of children, and solve the biggest problems of humanity. A kind word carefully spoken can do more good than all the intentions on earth. And more important, sincere words from a contrite heart can bring us back to God forever.

Allow God to control your tongue, and he will use it to shape your future. Let him stop you from speaking at the wrong times, put words in your mouth at the right times, and you’ve made him the author of your fate. Put your mouth under God’s control, and see how he uses it to reshape your heart and life.

reflection

When did you allow your tongue to cause problems in your life? What is the first step you need to take in allowing God to control your words?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 305). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Psalm 141:2 October 17

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:28:21 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 141:1–2; 1 Timothy 2:8

SURRENDER IN WORSHIP

Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering. Psalm 141:2

“Bruce suggested they pray on their knees—something each had done privately, but not as a group. Bruce brought his chair to the other side of the desk, and the four of them turned and knelt.”

Tribulation Force, 240

“I WANT MEN to pray with holy hands lifted up to God,” the apostle Paul writes in his first letter to Timothy (2:8). His words appear to be more of a command than an encouragement, yet we seldom take them as such. Any other statement made so definitively in Scripture would be taught as a direct mandate, yet this one is often passed off as a suggestion at best. “There’s nothing wrong with lifting your hands—it’s just not my style of worship,” we say. And we keep our hands in our lap and our emotions in check, never once feeling guilty or disobedient.

I was raised in a conservative church and was well into my thirties before I ever saw people lift their hands to God in worship or prayer. I remember feeling uncomfortable the first time I sat in a service where the worship was free and expressive. It was an awkward experience. I’ve since come to completely embrace the joy and freedom of singing and praying to God with abandon. I no longer feel the need to remain staid and serious when expressing my love for Jesus. I no longer worry about what those around me might think. I’ve come to understand the beauty of Paul’s command to Timothy and the reason he told his young protégé to have everyone lift holy hands to God when they pray.

It takes tremendous humility to bow before your King and to open your arms in reverence. It takes courage to surrender yourself so openly to God’s majesty and authority over your life. When you open your hands before him, you are saying, “Here I am Lord! I stand before you in complete and total surrender. My heart and life belong completely to you. I hold nothing back. I’m not embarrassed to submit myself to your glory. My hands are free from sin and open to your bidding.”

“Accept my prayer as incense offered to you,” says King David, “and my upraised hands as an evening offering” (Psalm 141:2). David understood that an abandon of the heart begins with an abandon of the body. When you hold back your emotions, you hold back a critical part of your life and spirit. David wasn’t afraid to dance and sing before God, no matter who might be watching, and we should have that same attitude. We should be willing to worship God with all our heart, mind, strength … and body.

reflection

How have you let others set the tone for how you worship? Do you have the courage and humility to pray with open hands and bended knee before God?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 304). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Psalm 139:23

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:35:58 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 139:23–24

A BOLD PRAYER

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Psalm 139:23

“SEARCH ME, O God, and know my heart,” prays King David in Psalm 139. “Test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24).

Is there a bolder prayer that we can possibly lift up to the Savior? Is there a greater act of submission and humility that we can show? Is there a petition that pleases God any more than this one?

The greatest thing a disciple can ask of his master is to take a microscope to his or her life and see if there is any unhealthy thought or habit that needs to be dealt with. To have him look deep into our heart and soul and detect any hint of offensive behavior. To show us whatever might be keeping us from a greater level of servanthood.

David understood that in order to grow closer to God he needed to be rid of hindrances to the relationship. He knew that the way to God’s heart was through surrender and sacrifice. He understood that God could only do through him what he allowed God to do within him. He wanted no hidden sins or agendas in his heart that might keep him from fulfilling God’s purposes.

What about you? How deep into God’s will do you want to go? How close do you want to get to God’s heart? How serious are you about wanting God’s glory fulfilled in your life? Are you willing to pray the boldest of prayers? Are you willing to let God reach inside of the deepest parts of your being and reveal any hidden sins or agendas? Are you ready for such a relationship with the only One who can change you? If so, why not pray this prayer today?

Father, search my heart. Expose the crevices of my inmost being. Shine your light into the cavity of my soul and see if there is anything there that offends you. Test my thoughts, my words, my motives, and my actions. Reveal any hidden sins or agendas. Show me what I need to change, and then do whatever it takes to help me do so. I give you complete and unreserved access to my mind and heart. Shape my character so that I can draw nearer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

reflection

As you pray this prayer of true discipleship, spend some time meditating on the words and listening for God’s voice. Allow him to speak to your spirit and reveal his will.

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (pp. 303–304). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Psalm 139:16 October 15

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:52:21 +0000

	today’s reading
	Psalm 139:14–16

WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?

You saw me before I was born. Psalm 139:16

SO WHEN DOES life begin? It’s one of the most debated legal questions of our day. The dispute has spread so wide and far and created so much division, that the U.S. Supreme Court has been forced to weigh in on it. Every state has had to deal with the issue when passing and enforcing laws. Every country has had to decide where it stands on the matter of what to do with a life inside of a mother’s womb.

When does life begin? Only when we answer this critical question can we know how to answer the abortion debate.

For believers the question takes on a different form. We need to ask ourselves, Where does God stand on the issue? And that question is dealt with definitively in Scripture.

“You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:15–16, italics mine).

According to God’s holy Word, life begins at conception. Your life began before your mother and father knew they were going to have a child. Your days were numbered before you were a twinkle in your daddy’s eye. God knew your soul before he decided to place it into a body.

The debate on life is really nothing more than a question on the authority of God. If you believe that God created us and that Scripture is his inspired Word, the question has already been answered. There is nothing left to talk about. God weighed in on the debate before it ever became a debate. We simply have to ask ourselves whether we’re going to take his Word as truth or continue arguing our opinions.

How much easier to simply leave it to God to answer the big questions of life and concentrate instead on trusting what he says.

reflection

What has confused you about the question of when life begins?

Why not allow yourself to take God’s Word as your standard?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 302). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Haggai 1:14 October 14

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 22:00:30 +0000

	today’s reading
	Haggai 1:12–14

IN NEED OF REVIVAL

So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of … the whole remnant of God’s people. Haggai 1:14

“Dozens waited to tell their stories, to say where they had been on their spiritual journey.… Their stories were moving and hardly anyone left, even when the clock swept past noon and forty or fifty more still stood in line.”

Left Behind, 220

SO HOW DO WE GO about rebuilding the Lord’s temple? When we realize that we haven’t spent the time we should have taken tending to God’s home in our heart, how do we go about turning things around? What does it take to begin a revival in our spirit?

Those are questions the Israelites had to deal with once the message of Haggai brought them to conviction. God was angry that they had allowed his Temple to lie in ruins, and he sent his prophet to warn them of his anger. Israel got the message and set out to obey the Lord’s command. But what would it take to rebuild it?

It would take an empowering by God’s Spirit. The Israelites began by repenting of their sin and worshiping God with all they had. They pleaded for his help, and he didn’t let them down. “I am with you,” the Lord told them. Then he “sparked” the spirits of Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and “the whole remnant of God’s people” (Haggai 1:13–14). The Temple was rebuilt but only because God empowered Israel to do it.

Revival must begin with God—otherwise it will fail. Rebuilding God’s home takes supernatural intervention from God himself. If we want to reignite our soul for Christ, we start by looking to God’s holy fire.

Like Israel, we begin with true repentance and worship. We turn our heart away from sin and toward the Cross, acknowledging our helplessness before the throne and God’s sovereignty over our life. We praise God for who he is, not for what he can give us. Then we go to God in prayer, pleading for empowerment. Asking him to spark our spirit and to give us the strength and wisdom to rebuild his temple.

Too often we believe that spiritual revival can be orchestrated through our own efforts. We think we can “will” ourselves into a deeper relationship with God. But revival only happens when our spirit taps into his. He is the One who reinvigorates our heart and reignites our soul. It begins through conviction and obedience to his will, but it always ends with God.

reflection

When was the last time you pleaded for spiritual revival from the Lord?

Do you need to go before the Lord today in humility and worship, pleading for spiritual revival?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 301). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Haggi1:4 October 13

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:03:23 +0000

	today’s reading
	Haggai 1:2–4

KEEPING GOD’S HOUSE

Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? Haggai 1:4

GOD SEES how you keep your house. Do you see how you’re keeping his house?

God sees how you live for yourself. Do you see how you live for God? He knows how much time you spend educating yourself for your job. But how much time have you spent educating yourself about God? He sees the effort you put into earthly relationships. Have you put that same effort into your relationship with him?

There is our house, and there is God’s house. And God sees the time and effort we put into each one. Our house represents those things we do for ourselves. It is often characterized by self-love and indulgence. We fill it with all the things we think we need to feel secure and independent. The halls are garnished with PhDs and achievements, high-powered friendships, and impressive stock portfolios. The rooms are lined with books we’ve read or written and souvenirs of trips we’ve made around the world.

God’s house represents those things we’ve done solely for him. Within its rooms are the times we’ve spent seeking to draw nearer. The prayers we’ve lifted up on behalf of others. The souls we’ve reached out to. The quiet and painful sacrifices we’ve made in God’s service. Our humility before the throne. Our obedience in the most trying of circumstances. The condition of our heart.

Only God can see inside these two separate homes, and he knows the effort we put into keeping them. “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?” God asks Israel through the prophet Haggai (1:4). The question could have just as easily been posed to you and me. The Israelites were so busy with their own concerns that they never bothered to rebuild God’s Temple. Too often you and I allow God’s temple in our heart to lie in ruins as well. The homes we build for ourselves seldom go without, but God’s home is frequently sparse and barren.

God sees how you keep your house. Let him see that you keep his house with the same zeal and effort.

reflection

Are you giving God an adequate share of your time, energy, and resources?

How would he have you live in light of today’s reading?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 300). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Ephesians 6:18 October 12

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:02:56 +0000

	today’s reading
	Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6

COVERED BY PRAYER

Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:18

ALL THE SPIRITUAL armor in the world won’t keep you safe from the enemy without the covering of prayer. You can take up the full uniform of God’s protective covering in your war against Satan, but unless you are plugged into Jesus, you’ll likely fall to the enemy’s sword.

Imagine a soldier enlisting in the army and being issued all the tools he needs. He gets a uniform that identifies which troop he belongs to. He gets his weapons and supplies and protective artillery. He’s dressed for war and ready to go.

Now imagine his commander sending him out onto the battlefield alone. He has no radio and no backup troops. No one tells him what his mission is or where he is supposed to go. He simply assumes he’ll fight the enemies wherever he finds them. So he goes with no instruction, no communication with his superiors, no training, and no fellow soldiers by his side. How absurd does that sound? Would any commander do such a thing? Would any soldier survive the ordeal? Of course he wouldn’t.

It’s just as absurd to think that we could go to war with Satan without daily communication from our Commander and the support of our fellow troops. We need to know our assignment, and we need help in carrying it out. We need the camaraderie that comes from being part of God’s army. We need the spiritual, physical, and emotional support of our fellow soldiers in Christ.

“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit,” Paul reminds us. “Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18). A good soldier is one who stays in touch with his commander, who follows orders, and who knows that he is part of a unit. He supports others and allows others to support him.

I have a group of friends who pray for me regularly. When working on a writing project, I keep them informed of the progress and tell them when I am struggling. I know that I can depend on them to lift me up when they pray. I can feel their prayers as I write. They also depend on my prayers for them. The bond we share comes from being co-soldiers in Christ, and it is as strong a connection as I’ve ever experienced. Everyone on a battlefield needs that kind of support and camaraderie. Without it we could never survive.

reflection

Do you stay in touch with your commanding officer daily?

Are you getting the support you need from your fellow troops?

Are you giving them the support they need?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 299). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Hebrews 4:12 October 11

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:02:08 +0000

	today’s reading
	Matthew 4:1–11; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

“I thanked God over and over for his Word, for his truth, for answering my prayer and revealing himself to me.”

The Mark, 116

“FOR THE WORD of God is living and active,” says the writer of Hebrews. “Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (4:12, niv).

When was the last time you felt the blade of God’s sword pierce your heart? Can you remember a time when the steel ripped your conscience to conviction, bringing you to your knees in repentance? Can you still feel the piercing sting of remorse? Did the blade make an indelible mark on your spirit? If so, then you understand the power of God’s Word. You know why the writer of Hebrews would describe it as a “double-edged sword.” You also understand why it would be the only weapon we need against Satan and the fury of hell that he brings to battle.

“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” writes Paul (Ephesians 6:17). It is the only piece of armor on his list that isn’t meant for defense. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation—all are meant to protect the heart, mind, and soul. All are intended to keep the soldier alive and fresh and ready for battle. All are critical pieces of armor in the fight against evil.

But the sword of the Spirit is different. It doesn’t protect; it maims. It isn’t passive; it’s active. It is intended for combat—a weapon for frontline spiritual warfare.

When the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, the enemy came to do battle. “If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread,” Satan taunted him. And Jesus charged forward with the Word of God. “The Scriptures say, ‘People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.”

Two more times Satan mounted an attack, and each time Jesus wielded the sword of the Spirit (see Matthew 4:1–11).

Never underestimate the power of God’s mighty Word. Hide it in your heart, and wield it with confidence and authority. Satan will not be able to withstand its fury.

reflection

What can you do to know God’s Word well enough to wield it as a weapon?

How can you better prepare yourself for spiritual battle?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 298). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Ephesians 6:17 October 10

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 23:02:39 +0000

today’s reading

Genesis 3:1–5; Ephesians 6:17

The Helmet of Salvation

Put on salvation as your helmet. Ephesians 6:17

EVER HAVE an argument between your head and your heart? Ever know in your heart that something is real, only to have your mind tell you it’s not? Ever questioned a fact because of a feeling? Then you understand why Paul encourages us to “put on salvation” as a “helmet” (Ephesians 6:17).

Paul is warning us to guard our mind against thoughts of doubt and confusion. He is encouraging us to shield our head from Satan’s bombarding arrows of uncertainty and disbelief. He is telling us to keep our thoughts in line with what our heart already knows to be true.

Eve forgot this simple lesson when approached by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” the sleazy snake asked her. Eve explained that there was only one tree that God told them not to eat from, and the serpent persisted in trying to confuse her. “ ‘You won’t die!’ the serpent hissed. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil’ ” (see Genesis 3:1–4). Eve fell for his lies and ate the fruit. And so began humanity’s great fall from grace.

Did Eve really believe that she would become like God? How was she so easily duped into believing something so absurd? Her greatest sin was letting her head win the argument with her heart. She already knew who the Creator was, and she was well aware that she wasn’t on the same par; yet somehow she allowed Satan to confuse her. It only took a second, and it only took a little doubt, but the result was deadly.

The enemy hasn’t changed his methods much. Mostly because he hasn’t needed to. People still fall for the oldest trick in the book. “Did God really say that? Surely you won’t die if you take just a little bite.” Our heart knows better, but his words sound so convincing. We allow ourselves to be taken in by confusion and doubt.

The helmet of salvation does more than keep our mind shielded from doubt. It keeps us centered on what’s really true. It reminds us of the grace that brought us into God’s garden in the first place. It covers our head with eternal thoughts, not self-serving ones. It is our greatest weapon against Satan’s oldest tricks.

reflection

What lies has Satan whispered into your ears? What does it mean to you to put on the helmet of salvation?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (pp. 297–298). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Ephesians 6:16 October 9

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:58:43 +0000

	today’s reading
	Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:16

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Ephesians 6:16

“Buck needed a miracle, but his faith was weak. He knew it shouldn’t be. He had seen enough from God in three and a half years that he should never again doubt for an instant.”

The Indwelling, 85

A SAFARI HUNTER was once stopped in his tracks by a curious scene in the jungle. A bird was dancing around her nest of eggs as a huge snake made its way toward them up the trunk of the tree. The bird screeched and flailed in vain as the hungry snake drew closer by the second. Her eggs were in mortal danger. Suddenly the bird flew away, as if running from the snake. But within a few seconds she returned with a small leaf in her mouth. She reached the nest just as the snake was about to strike. Quickly the mother bird draped the leaf over her eggs and then flew away to a nearby branch. The hunter was shocked to see the snake hesitate. It froze as if it had encountered a deadly foe. Slowly it recoiled from the nest and went away.

The hunter was puzzled by this curious scene and later asked some natives about it. They laughed and explained that the leaf the mother bird used to cover her eggs was poisonous to the deadly snake. The serpent knew instinctively to back away. The shield was small and flimsy, but it was the one thing that the snake most feared.

“In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan,” writes Paul (Ephesians 6:16). It’s naìve to believe that the enemy is a dormant foe who minds his own business. He is a cunning and crafty adversary who will do anything to catch us off guard and bring us down. His arrows are sharp and sure, and his aim is deadly. He attacks when we least expect it and will try to devour the thing that we most cherish—our relationship with God.

Faith is the shield that keeps his arrows at bay. It is the guard that we hold before us to protect us from the fire of his wrath. Without it, we have no hope of survival.

And what is this life-saving faith made of? It consists of a deep belief in God’s promises and a trust in his words of truth. We believe that God’s purposes are higher than our frailties. We trust that even in the midst of battle, his will is being fulfilled. We have faith that someday the war will end, and we will be brought home to eternal glory.

reflection

When did your faith withstand the blows of the enemy? When was your faith not strong enough? How can you allow God to strengthen your shield for battle?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 296). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Ephesians 6:15 October 8

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:47:47 +0000

	today’s reading
	Isaiah 52:6–7; Ephesians 6:15

THE SHOES OF READINESS

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15

I HAVE A PAIR of shoes that don’t fit. They’re nice shoes, and I can’t seem to make myself get rid of them. They’re the right size, and when I first put them on, they seem fine. But if I keep them on for more than an hour or so, they start to rub against the sides of my toes and pinch them. The arch is in the wrong place, so the bottom of my feet start to ache. Before long I am miserable and have to take them off.

I didn’t know this fact when I first bought them. I picked them up the day before leaving on a business trip. I knew that I would be doing a great deal of standing and walking, and I wanted a good pair of shoes for the task. Little did I know that these shoes would wear blisters on my feet and make the trip a nightmare. By the time I arrived home, my feet were sore and swollen and blistered in several places.

A critical part of any good soldier’s wardrobe is a pair of comfortable and good-fitting shoes. God’s army is on the move, and his soldiers need to stay ready at all times. The banner we carry is emblazoned with the Good News of the gospel, and it’s important that we carry it proudly and high. And that we’re able to keep up with the great General as he leads us into battle.

Tight shoes make for sorry soldiers. You can’t keep your mind on battle when you spend your days looking for a place to sit down and rest your feet. It’s hard to keep from stumbling along the road when your shoes don’t fit properly. That’s why God offers the perfect footwear for those who follow him. They are made from the peace of Christ, sewed with threads of God’s good news. They were fashioned from the finest cloth heaven could find and tailored by the Savior himself. They are guaranteed to keep your feet warm and dry and stable. As long as you wear them, your steps will be sure and your gait unfettered.

The enemy will try to make you stumble, so be on your guard. Watch your step. Keep your eyes peeled. And make sure your shoes are tied and secure. It’s a long journey, and good shoes make all the difference.

reflection

When have you been prone to stumble along the road to battle?

How can you better protect your feet with the shoes of readiness?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 295). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

Proverbs 4:23 October 7

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:40:55 +0000

	today’s reading
	Proverbs 4:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 6:14

THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Stand your ground, putting on … the body armor of God’s righteousness. Ephesians 6:14

“GOD MADE HIM who had no sin to be sin for us,” writes Paul, “so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21, niv). Through his death on the cross, Jesus exchanged our sins for God’s righteousness. He conquered sin so that sin would no longer be the covering of our heart. In Paul’s words, we have actually “become the righteousness of God.”

How sad that we so often take that truth with such disregard. If we understand what God has done in and through us in order to cleanse our heart, would we still treat it with such disrespect? Would we still be so apathetic toward the things we expose our heart and mind to? When the blood of Jesus lines the walls of your heart, you have an obligation to guard it carefully. And God’s righteousness is the only breastplate that can do so.

And what are we protecting our heart from? The things that vie for our heart’s affections and turn us away from God. You and I know well what those things are and how Satan uses them. I experienced just such an assault this past weekend.

I dropped my son off at church for a special youth event and had an hour or so to kill before picking him up, so I decided to take a drive in the country and pray. The winding roads proved to be a perfect place to clear my mind and focus on God as I lifted up some concerns and petitions. But soon I found myself on a road surrounded by huge, beautiful houses with perfect lawns and large circular driveways. I found myself dreaming of what it would be like to live in such a place—to have a mansion with a large library and a huge cherry desk in the center to practice my craft. To have more money than I knew what to do with. To be able to travel around the world on a whim. To maybe have a vacation home in Hawaii, and a loft in Austria. To have …

You get the picture. In short, I found myself lusting after the things of this world. The things that look good and promise happiness yet have little value in God’s economy. I found my heart unguarded and under assault, and for a moment I drifted into the sin of lust and envy. Satan is a good aim, and even the slightest opening in our armor gives him a shot at our heart. The key to protection is to keep the righteousness of God girded tightly at all times and in all places.

reflection

How does it affect your view of yourself to know that your sin has been traded for God’s righteousness? How can you guard your heart with that truth?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 294). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.

John 8:32 October 6

court@leadoflove.com (@leadoflove) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:03:33 +0000

	today’s reading
	John 8:32; Ephesians 6:13–14

THE BELT OF TRUTH

Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14

“I feel so new to this, so ignorant of the truth. I know the gospel, but it seems I need to know much more if I’m going to be a bold evangelist.”

Soul Harvest, 234

“YOU WILL KNOW the truth, and the truth will set you free,” says Jesus (John 8:32). But what will the truth set us free from?

First of all, it sets us free from the snares of deception. When people know the truth, they can’t be taken in by a lie. When a person knows what is real, he won’t be fooled by counterfeits. You can’t convince people to believe in something that they know in their hearts and minds is false. An art critic who has studied the works of Picasso for years will be able to recognize one of his paintings at a glance. He’ll look at the strokes and flair of the painting and know instinctively if they hold true to Picasso’s style. He’ll recognize by the colors and shapes whether it is something that Picasso would have done. He knows an original from a fake, and he can’t easily be fooled.

So it is with someone who understands the teachings of Jesus. She understands the Master’s heart and soul, and she’ll know a false teaching when she hears one. She’ll pick out a counterfeit doctrine at a glance. She won’t easily be taken in by a lie, or duped into believing a spiritual falsehood.

The truth will also set you free from guilt and shame. When you’ve held tightly to the truth, you don’t have to worry about a lie coming back to haunt you. You’re not bound by the fear of being found out. You don’t spend your nights lying awake wondering what words of deception might trap and ensnare you. You are free to live with a clean conscience and an innocent heart.

Finally, the truth sets you free from judgment. When you trust in the truth of Jesus, you have no more fear of death—physical or spiritual. You know his promises to be true and his words to be life-giving. You can no longer be bound by Satan’s lies.

“Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth,” writes Paul (Ephesians 6:14). The belt of truth is the strap that holds together the entire armor of God. It is what supports the rest of the uniform and holds it all in place. The truth is the most critical garment a believer can wear. Without it, everything else would fall away and Satan would have an open target to your heart. So take the truth of Christ, and latch it firmly around your waist. Let it set you free!

reflection

Have you secured your life by the truth of Christ? In what ways are you still bound by fear and guilt and shame due to falsehood in your life?

LaHaye, T., Jenkins, J. B., & Martin, F. M. (2004). Embracing Eternity: living each day with a heart toward heaven (p. 293). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale.