“Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.” (Matthew 2:7 NLT)   We can prepare our hearts for Christmas not just by reading God’s Word, but also by reflecting on it. We can celebrate the fact that Jesus’ coming fulfilled prophecies that had been announced centuries earlier. We can lean into the trustworthiness of its promises. We can anticipate the coming glory of God’s kingdom. If King Herod had reflected more on God’s Word, his story would have had a much different ending. Instead, he’s known today as the man who tried to stop the first Christmas. His efforts resulted in a spectacular failure and fall. With all his wealth and power, he came to complete ruin. Historical writings tell us that in the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease. Ironically, Herod pretended to be a worshipper. He said to the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” (Matthew 2:8 NLT). Yet Herod was a false worshipper. There are people like him today. They say they believe in God, but they live a life that contradicts what the Scriptures teach. Herod wanted to be the king of his own life, but he really was a slave. He ended up being not the King of the Jews but the king of fools. Herod ended up on the ash heap of history like dictators before and after him, reminding us that those who live wicked lives eventually will reap what they sow. Adolf Hitler went into his bunker and shot himself as his nation crumbled around him. Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a hole and was eventually executed by his own people. Muammar Gaddafi was hunted down by his own people, beaten, and shot to death. All those who blaspheme God, fight with God, or try to stop the work of God eventually will fail. Yet God’s Word and His plan ultimately will prevail. Philippians 2:9–10 says, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (NLT). The glorification of Jesus is as inevitable as His birth. God gives us a choice. We can humble ourselves, submit to Christ, and enjoy His blessings. James endorsed this option. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (James 4:10 NLT). So did Peter. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6 NLT). Or we can be humbled. One day, everyone—every man, every woman, every believer, and every nonbeliever—will bow before Jesus Christ. It’s inevitable.   Reflection question: How can you elevate Christ in the way you live, the choices you make, and the things you prioritize? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)   If the Christmas story—the well-known narratives of Matthew 2 and Luke 2—is so familiar to you that you can practically recite it from memory, try considering it from a different perspective. Try thinking of it as the successful end to a long search. The arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem likely created quite a stir. These were strange men with a strange question, asking for the King of the Jews. As wise as they were, they were also a little naïve, politically speaking. They didn’t realize that they were triggering an extremely volatile man. In effect, they were saying to King Herod, “We’re looking for the King of the Jews—and clearly you’re not him.” This is why we’re told in Matthew 2:3, “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem” (NLT). The word disturbed used here could be translated “to shake violently”—like a washing machine in the spin phase. That was Herod. And when Herod was agitated, everyone was agitated. When he was mad, everyone was afraid of what would happen next. So, Herod called in the leading priests and teachers of religious law, men who had committed themselves to studying Scripture. Without missing a beat, they went right to Micah 5:2: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (NLT). These scholars had steeped themselves in the writings of the prophets. They understood how to interpret the words of Micah. They knew that the Messiah, when He came, would be born in Bethlehem. But that information was academic to them. It hadn’t penetrated their hearts and souls to the point that they could recognize the signs of the Messiah’s arrival. So, they weren’t searching for the Savior. God, in His infinite and mysterious wisdom, used wise men from eastern lands to announce the arrival of Jesus the King of the Jews to Herod the king of the Jews and his Jewish experts. The wise men were pagans who were steeped in the occult. Yet God reached them in a way that they understood. He came to them by a star. The end of their search, as recorded in Matthew 2:9–12, has implications for everyone who seeks answers or meaning or purpose or assurance or direction or anything else. The Lord says that those who seek Him will find Him. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8 NLT). He doesn’t offer details because the discovery process is different for everyone. To educated men and women, He will come in a way they can understand. And to little children, He will appear in a way they can understand. I believe that if people are truly seeking God, He will reveal Himself to them.   Reflection question: How can you help people find the Lord? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross." —Colossians 1:19–20 One sobering way to prepare for Christmas is to remember that our spiritual enemy doesn’t take the holidays off. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT). Christmas is a season of giving, a season of hope, and a season of joy. But by its very nature, it’s also a season of spiritual battle—and has been ever since the need for Christ’s coming first arose. The war has been won. Jesus defeated sin and death once and for all. He paid the sacrifice for our sin once and for all. Red is the color of Christmas—not because Santa suits are red or because we wrap packages in red. Red is the color of Christmas because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed. By the shedding of His blood, He made eternal life possible for everyone who believes in Him. Though the devil has been defeated, he refuses to give up the battle. We see that battle being played out in our culture today. It is the God of the Bible, the true and living God, versus all contenders. This battle goes back to the first Messianic verse in Scripture when, after the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin, God said to him, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NLT). The cradle of Christ was pointing to the cross. The Incarnation was necessary for atonement. The purpose behind the birth of Jesus was the death of Jesus. This is New Testament Christianity. It’s the division between light and darkness, between righteousness and unrighteousness, between good and evil, and between right and wrong. Here’s something else to ponder this Christmas season: It’s through conflict that we find real peace. Those who challenge us as believers do so for reasons that have little to do with us. Christ’s arrival in the world changed everything. His light illuminated the darkness. But some people prefer the dark. They don’t want their sins to be known. So, when they see people who live in the light, it creates conflict within them—conflict that spills out in their reaction to us. But we can trust that through this conflict, ultimate unity will come. Our responsibility is to hold our ground and pray. Pray that these people will think about their souls, consider the claims of Christ, and then ultimately turn their lives over to the Lord. What a Christmas gift that would be. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10–12 NLT)   As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we need to recognize that the season inspires different feelings in different people—and that not all those feelings are pleasant. That was certainly true of the very first Christmas. When the angel delivered his heavenly announcement to the shepherds, he started with the words, “Don’t be afraid!” But the shepherds, along with all of Israel, lived in frightening times. They were under the reign of King Herod, who was a murderous tyrant. Their land was under Roman occupation. There was a pervasive dread about the future. Would Rome ever leave? Would the people of Israel ever be free? Would the Messiah ever come? And when the good news finally came, that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived, it was delivered by an angel: first one, and then a vast host of others. The angel’s greeting of “Don’t be afraid!” was easier said than done, even though it was followed by “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT). Angels are awe-inspiring—and fear-inspiring—beings. Obviously, the shepherds had never seen anything like them. So, their first reaction was fear. But the angels wanted them to focus on their message and not their appearance. Christmas is cause for joy, not fear. Joy not just for a single day, but for a lifetime, for those who trust in the One who came to save us. The apostle Paul wrote, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NLT). Many people today find it difficult to have joy because we’re surrounded by such sadness. With all the conflict, tragedies, and problems in the world, how can we have good tidings of great joy? The answer is this: “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:11 NLT). No matter what happens in life, remember this: You have a Savior. As a Christian, you have been saved from death. You have been saved from eternal punishment and Hell. You have the hope that when you die, you’ll go straight to Heaven. That’s the most important thing about the Christian life. There is a Heaven waiting for you. The fear, sadness, and pain of this world are temporary. Three decades after His birth in the manger, Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).   Reflection question: How can you find joy when you’re surrounded by sadness, anger, and disillusionment? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.” (Luke 2:8–9 NLT)   One way to prepare for Christmas is to reflect on the news of Jesus’ coming. What did it mean to the people who first received it? What does it mean to us? We can start by considering the first people to receive the Good News—and why God chose them to be the first recipients. If it had been up to me, I would have dispatched an angel to the court of Caesar Augustus with a carefully worded message. “You call yourself the savior of the world, Caesar? Well, now you’ve been exposed as a fraud. The real Savior of the world has just been born! And His kingdom will make your empire pale in comparison!” Another option would have been to send an angel to the Jewish high priest, scribes, and scholars to announce the news that their long-awaited Messiah had come—and that He was nothing like they thought He would be. Instead, God chose to deliver His message to shepherds who were “staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep” (Luke 2:8 nlt). To be a shepherd in that culture was to be at the bottom of the social ladder. Shepherds were despised—so much so that the testimony of a shepherd wasn’t allowed in a court of law. Shepherds basically did the work that no one else wanted to do. They had dirt under their fingernails. They were hardworking. And they probably felt right at home when they learned that this baby was born in lowly circumstances. They would have related to this. God was speaking their language. This became the modus operandi of Christ throughout His ministry. He went to the outcasts, to the hurting, to the ordinary people. He went to people like the woman at the well who had been ostracized because of her multiple marriages and divorces. He went to people like the tax collector Zacchaeus who was perceived by his fellow Jews as a traitor. Our Lord always had time for people like that. Jesus was well aware of His reputation for siding with people whom others rejected. He said, “The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” (Luke 7:34–35 NLT). The Lord’s compassion for outcasts began with the shepherds and extended to the criminal who was crucified next to Him. But it didn’t stop there. It continues through us. Proverbs 19:17 says, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (NLT). We can prepare for Christmas by reaching out to people in need, by noticing those who slip through the cracks, and by loving those who are hard to love. In other words, by doing what Jesus would do.   Reflection question: What would welcoming outcasts and people in need look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

This Giving Tuesday, help us meet the spiritual moment! Give now. “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT)   One way to prepare our hearts for Christmas and foster a spirit of genuine gratitude is to consider what Jesus laid aside, for our sake, when He came to earth. His is not a rags-to-riches story; it’s a riches-to-rags story. The apostle Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT). We may not be able to wrap our minds around the glory of Heaven. But we can imagine the pure joy of being in God’s presence. We can guess at what it’s like to be worshipped nonstop by adoring angels. Yet Jesus set those things aside to squeeze His infinite presence into a container of flesh and make Himself vulnerable to the people He created. Let’s also consider the existence that Jesus embraced when He came. He could have been born in the most elegant mansion on the ritziest boulevard in Rome. He could have had aristocratic parents who boasted of their pedigree. He could have had the finest clothes from the most exclusive shops. He could have had legions of servants to respond to His every whim. But He chose none of that. Instead, Jesus humbled Himself. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote, “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT). God came into our world—not as an all-powerful deity, but as a baby, born to humble parents in a humble setting. The Creator of the universe was born in a stable in Bethlehem. Like many other aspects of the Christmas story, we have romanticized the environment of Jesus’ birth. We decorate our homes with nativity sets that make the scene seem cozy, comfortable, and heartwarming. We see the baby Jesus surrounded not only by His loving parents but also by His shepherd friends, His wise men friends, and His animal friends. But in sanitizing the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, we lose the raw, powerful meaning behind them. The stable or barn (or maybe even cave) where Christ was born was cold and damp. It also would have smelled. God incarnate was born on a dirt floor used by animals. Our Savior came not as a monarch draped in gold and silk, but as a baby wrapped in rags. Jesus went from being a sovereign to a servant. He went from the glory of God to a stable filled with animals. It has been said that history swings on the hinge of the door of a stable in Bethlehem. As you prepare for Christmas, think about what Jesus left behind to dwell among us. Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in Heaven.   Reflection question: How can we, as Jesus’ followers, humble ourselves for His sake? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:9 NLT)   “Let every heart prepare Him room.” These lyrics from “Joy to the World” remind us to embrace the fullness of the Christmas season. To be proactive in getting ourselves ready for the blessings and opportunities that are unique to this time of year. A good way to start preparing our hearts is to widen our focus from the familiar narrative of Luke 2 to the bigger story that starts in Genesis 3. There, we find a tree. Not a Christmas tree with brightly colored lights and ornaments, but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden. After God created Adam and Eve and placed them in a literal paradise, He gave them one restriction: Don’t eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You know how the story unfolds after that. The serpent tempted Eve. Eve ate the forbidden fruit. She gave the fruit to Adam. He ate it, too. They disobeyed God and lost their perfect fellowship with Him. In Genesis 3:15, we find the first Christmas verse in the Bible. God said to the serpent, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (NLT). Sin created a gulf between humankind and God—one that we can do nothing to bridge. Our only hope is a Savior, One sent by God who would live a sinless life, sacrifice Himself to pay the price for our sin, and then conquer death so that we might live forever. This is God’s plan of salvation. Yet just as our enemy interfered with God’s original plan, he also does everything he can to keep people from coming to salvation. That’s where the hostility of Genesis 3:15 comes in. The devil knew that a Messiah would come. He did everything in his power to stop it from taking place. Yet his power was a drop in a bucket compared to that of the Messiah who came. Before there was a world, before there were planets, before there was light and darkness, before there was matter, before there was anything but the Godhead, there was Jesus—coequal, coeternal, and coexistent with the Father and Holy Spirit. He was with God. He was God. Jesus Christ became human without ceasing to be God. He did not become identical to us, but He became identified with us. The birth that we celebrate this season is that of God Himself, who came to this earth to live among us. To conquer sin and death. To show us how to live. To give His life so that we might live forever.   Reflection question: What difference does it make, in your life and in your prayers, that Jesus knows what it’s like to be human? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NLT)   God loves you. Those words are so simple and so familiar that they might be mistaken for a cliché if they weren’t also so profound. The fact that God loves you gives you immeasurable worth. It also gives you context for your entire life. Nothing in this world, good or bad, can begin to compare to God’s love for you. No grief or trouble can overwhelm you because God loves you too much to let it happen. No difficult circumstance can defeat you because God loves you. No struggles are too difficult for you because God loves you. So, when grief, trouble, difficult circumstances, or struggles come, you can put them in perspective by remembering and being thankful for God’s love for you. The apostle Paul wrote, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NLT). God’s love lasts forever. Paul also wrote, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38 NLT). Because God loves you, He is always looking for your eternal benefit. God is wiser than you are. So, if He tells you to do something or not to do something, He does so for good reason. The devil doesn’t want you to believe that. He will whisper in your ear, “God hates you. God wants to ruin your life. All those rules in the Bible are just there to make life miserable. You Christians serve an oppressive God who doesn’t want you to have any fun.” What a bunch of nonsense. I’ve lived apart from Christ. I’ve had the so-called fun this world has to offer, and it wasn’t fun at all. I’ve also found that a life with Christ is a life of fulfillment and purpose. Let us never lose our spirit of thankfulness for the fact that God loves us and is always looking out for our eternal benefit, even if what we’re presently going through is difficult.   Reflection question: How can you keep the devil from interfering with your relationship with the Lord? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)   Of the many beautiful psalms David wrote, one of my favorites is Psalm 63: “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy” (verses 3–5 NLT). These are obviously the words of someone enjoying the best day of his life, with not a trouble or care in sight. Except they aren’t. David wrote the words of Psalm 63 while he was in exile. He was running for his life from his own son, Absalom. Absalom had led a rebellion against him and was trying to take David’s throne. David’s kingdom and family were crumbling. Not only that, but David was also an elderly man by this time. He was in extreme anguish and personal pain. How, then, was he able to write such sincere words of praise and gratitude to God? David understood that a spirit of thankfulness doesn’t depend on circumstances. We can and should be thankful in all seasons of life. The truth is, we can’t fully understand what good times are and what bad times are—not on this side of Heaven anyway. We may know how certain circumstances make us feel, but our feelings don’t always tell the whole story. For example, when we’re younger, we convince ourselves that success is always good and hardship is always bad. And our feelings react accordingly. As we get older and develop more maturity, however, we realize that success can be bad for some people and hardship can be good for others. We begin to look at things differently. Some of the things we thought were really good turn out to be bad. And some of the things that we thought were bad turn out to be really good. Through it all, we can and should be thankful to God. Because though our circumstances may change, and though our feelings toward those circumstances may change, God never does. He stays committed to His promises to us. According to Romans 8:28, the Lord can take all things, bad or good, and work them “together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). So there’s always something to be thankful for. What are your circumstances right now? If you’re enjoying God’s obvious blessings or if you’ve received a long-awaited answer to prayer or if you and your loved ones are in a good place, you have reason to give thanks. On the other hand, if you’re struggling or if a prayer hasn’t been answered yet or if you’re concerned about your loved ones’ well-being, you also have reason to give thanks. Because the Lord will work all things together for good.   Reflection question: How can you maintain a spirit of praise and thankfulness even when circumstances are less than good? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:4–7 NLT)   It seems as though merchants today don’t really know what to do with this holiday called Thanksgiving. When it comes to other observances, such as the Fourth of July and Halloween, they make a lot of money from their marketing efforts. And, of course, Christmas is a financial windfall. But Thanksgiving? Aside from selling more turkeys and cranberry dressing than they normally do, there’s nothing that makes the holiday especially important from a retailer’s perspective. Merchants have had more than 160 years to get it right. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated November 26 as a day of national Thanksgiving. Our nation celebrated it annually on that day until 1942, when President Franklin Roosevelt designated Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. And that’s just the official government designation. The celebration of Thanksgiving on this continent stretches back at least another 250-plus years to 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia. And just so we aren’t fuzzy about which God we should give thanks to, this is what the pilgrims wrote in the Mayflower Compact in 1620: “We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia. . . .” They were not just coming to our fair shores to simply bring European civilization; they were coming to bring the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s very easy during our feasting to forget about the One whom we are celebrating. Yet His goodness is what makes it possible for us to celebrate. The Bible writers celebrated God’s goodness. First Chronicles 16:34 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever” (NLT). And Psalm 145:4–7 says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness” (NLT). The primary reason we are put on this earth is to glorify God and to give Him thanks. The Bible doesn’t say to give thanks to the Lord because we feel good. Rather, it says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT). We give thanks to God because He is worthy of our praise. God makes it easy for us by giving us so much to be thankful for.   Reflection question: What will you praise God for on this Thanksgiving Day? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)   God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Think of the time when a giant Philistine was taunting the armies of Israel. Everyone was paralyzed with fear. So, whom did God select? He chose a shepherd boy who had been sent by his father to take food to his brothers on the front lines. This young shepherd went out to face the heavily armored giant with a few stones and a sling—and more importantly, with faith in God. David was the person God used to turn the tide of battle and give Israel victory. At another time in Israel’s history, when the people were immobilized by fear because of their enemies, God found a man threshing wheat. His name was Gideon, and he was convinced that God had called up the wrong guy. But God selected him because he didn’t trust in his own ability. Gideon had to trust in God. He, too, won an unlikely victory for his people. In 1 Samuel 16:7, we read these words: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (NLT). It’s a simple yet extremely effective strategy. If God were to choose the people we would expect—the strong, the powerful, the talented, the ones who look like they just walked out of central casting for a spiritual hero role—to accomplish His work, our focus would be on them. Instead, God favors the small, the humble, the unlikely, so that we can more clearly see His hand at work. After God refused to remove a physical affliction from the apostle Paul, Paul wrote, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NLT). If you have faith in God, if you believe that He can use you, and if you’re willing to take a step of faith here and there, then God can do incredible things through you. He is not looking for ability but availability. He can give you ability in time. But God is looking for someone to say, “I would like to make a difference where I am. Lord, I am available.” And in this season of thanksgiving, let’s praise God not only for using ordinary people like us to accomplish extraordinary things but also for making us aware of the potential we possess through Him.   Reflection question: What can God accomplish through you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.” (Romans 1:21 NLT)   A man was nailing down a loose shingle on his roof when he lost his footing and began to slip. Working three stories above ground, he was terrified at the thought of falling to his death. He shouted, “God, help me! I’m falling! Do something!” Just as he came to the edge of the roof, his belt loop caught on a nail and stopped him long enough for him to grab hold of the roof and pull himself to safety. He shouted, “Never mind, God! The nail stopped my fall.” How many times have we been guilty of the same kind of obliviousness in our own prayers? We cry out to God in a moment of distress. He answers our cry by working through the situation to relieve our distress. Then we say, “Never mind, God! Everything worked out by itself.” A better solution is to examine our circumstances to see where God intervened so that we can give Him the praise and gratitude He deserves. The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). We can’t always see the work He does, but we can be certain that when things work together for the good, it’s because God orchestrated it. So, we need to put as much zeal into thanking God for what He’s done as we put into pleading with God when we’re in need. I heard about a hospital chaplain who kept a record of some two thousand patients whom he had visited, all of whom were in grave condition and showed signs of repentance. Among those restored to health, he felt that only two showed a marked change in their spiritual lives after their recovery. In other words, when these people thought they were dying, they repented. But when they recovered, they forgot about God. Paul warned what happens when people fall into this trap: “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused” (Romans 1:21 NLT). Is it possible to have a genuine relationship when one person constantly asks something of the other but never offers a word of thanks in return? The more thankful we are toward God, the deeper we can grow in our relationship with Him. So, in this holiday season, let’s cling to the words of Psalm 100:4–5: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation” (NLT).   Reflection question: How can you be proactive in giving thanks to God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)   We have so much to be thankful for, it can be difficult to know where to start offering our praise and gratitude to our heavenly Father. Certainly, we all have stories of how God came through for us during a major crisis in our life. But there are countless “minor” blessings that we enjoy every day that shouldn’t go unnoticed—or unmentioned in our prayers of thankfulness. In her remarkable book The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom relates an amazing story about the importance of being thankful. Corrie and her sister Betsie were held in a concentration camp known as Ravensbrück, where they lived in barracks that were plagued by fleas. Fleas were everywhere—in their beds, in their clothes, in their hair, and on their bodies. One day Betsie told Corrie that they needed to give thanks for the fleas. Corrie thought Betsie had gone too far. She couldn’t imagine thanking God for fleas. But Betsie insisted, reminding her sister that the Bible says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). Still, Corrie didn’t want to thank God for the fleas. But as it turned out, Corrie and Betsie were trying to reach the other women in their barracks with the message of the gospel. They had been holding Bible studies, which was forbidden in the camp. They found out later that because of the fleas, the guards would not go into their barracks. That allowed the sisters to hold their Bible studies with no fear of being discovered. As a result, they had the freedom to minister to their fellow prisoners. One obvious takeaway from this story is that God can use even fleas to accomplish His work. A less obvious takeaway is that we should do a major expansion of our concept of things to give thanks for. If the Bible said, “In some things give thanks,” I would say, “No problem there!” But it says, “In every thing give thanks.” And that’s not an easy thing to do. We’re conditioned to say thank you for things that obviously benefit us. We treat gratitude as part of a transaction. You do something nice for me, and I say something nice to you. But that’s not what God is looking for. That’s not what the apostle Paul is saying in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. God wants us to maintain a spirit of thankfulness that isn’t dimmed when things don’t go our way. He wants us to recognize the endless supply of things we can and should be grateful for. The verse doesn’t say we should give thanks for every thing; it says we should give thanks in every thing. We don’t have to be glad or thankful that tragedies occur. But we can be thankful that, in spite of the tragedy, God is still on the throne, and He is still in control of all circumstances that surround our lives.   Reflection question: What common, daily blessings are you thankful for? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:19 NLT)   God is faithful. As with some of His other attributes, His faithfulness isn’t always apparent to us. Sometimes His ways seem harsh, but if we trust in Him, eventually, we will recognize the unshakable faithfulness behind them. “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8–9 NLT). We can’t always trust our feelings when it comes to God’s faithfulness. What seems like callousness may in fact be evidence of God’s commitment to us and to our spiritual well-being. God doesn’t promise to make our lives free from pain and struggle. He promises to make our lives spiritually fruitful if we remain faithful to Him. I heard a story about some fish suppliers who were having problems shipping cod from the East Coast. By the time it reached the West, it was spoiled. They froze it, but by the time it arrived, it was mushy. So, they decided to send it alive, but it arrived dead. They tried sending it alive again, but with one difference: They included a catfish in each tank. You see, catfish are the natural enemies of cod. By the time the cod arrived, they were alive and well because they had spent their trip fleeing the catfish. Maybe God has put a catfish in your tank to keep you alive and well spiritually. He’s faithful that way. Maybe there’s a person at work who always has eight hard questions for you every morning regarding spiritual things. Maybe it’s that neighbor who is giving you a hard time for your faith in Jesus. Maybe it’s a spouse or a family member who doesn’t believe. You are wondering why this is happening. It’s like that catfish. That person is keeping you alert. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples, “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:19 NLT). God will allow persecution in the life of a believer. If you’re experiencing persecution, here are two things to remember: First, persecution confirms that you are a child of God. Second, persecution causes you to cling more tightly to Jesus. That’s God’s faithfulness at work. Embrace it. Give thanks for it. And when you’re suffering persecution for your faith, remember, this world isn’t your real home anyway. If you persevere with a steady, peaceful spirit, trusting in Jesus to help you, your welcome into Heaven will be more glorious than you can imagine. You can depend on it because God is faithful.   Reflection question: When have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Then the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (Genesis 3:9 NLT)   God is always present, everywhere, all the time. David celebrated—and explored the implications of—God’s constant presence in Psalm 139:7–12: “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you” (NLT). He personalized God’s presence just as the prophet Amos did. “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3 NLT). God said to Amos’ fellow prophet Zephaniah, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT). The point is that God is present with His people, and He wants His people to be present with Him. He wants us to keep appointments with Him, to meet with Him on a regular basis. He wants us to prioritize our relationship with Him. He wants us to make the necessary sacrifices to keep that relationship active and growing. I wonder how many times each day God wants to speak to us but can’t get a word in edgewise. I wonder if He might say, “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time, but you’re too busy. This morning I wanted to talk to you, but you didn’t have any time for Me. Instead, you read the newspaper, watched TV, and talked on the phone. You never opened My Word. You never prayed. At lunch I tried to say something, but your prayer was too fast. You have an appointment with Me. Why don’t you keep it?” The book of Genesis tells us that Adam had an appointment with God every day in the Garden of Eden. Adam would hear the voice of the Lord in the Garden in the cool of the evening. One day Adam missed that appointment because of sin. Genesis 3:9 says, “Then the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” (NLT). I wonder if the Lord would say that to some of us each day: “Where are you? I’ve been looking for you. I want to speak to you. I want you to walk with Me, and I want to walk with you.” Just imagine, the Creator of the universe wants to spend time with you! Is there any appointment that’s worth keeping more than this one?   Reflection question: How do you experience God’s presence in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."   All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3 NLT)   God is holy, which means not only that He is sinless and perfect, but also that He is distinct and set apart from all other beings. His holiness dictates our relationship with Him. He will not bend His rules or change His character to get closer to us. He demands that we pursue holiness so that we can get closer to Him. And for that, we can praise Him. Because the pursuit of holiness is what brings genuine joy and fulfillment to our lives. When we lose sight of that pursuit, things tend to go awry. I had a German shepherd that was a former guide dog for the blind. Because he had slight hip dysplasia, he was put up for adoption. When we got him, he was perfectly trained. We could take him anywhere. He was happy to sit next to us. Another dog would walk by, and he couldn’t have cared less. Then I got ahold of him. I would unleash him and let him run around in the park. Day by day his behavior started getting worse. The next thing you know, he was lunging at dogs and taking off after cats and rabbits and squirrels. I called the people we got him from and asked what went wrong. They told me I couldn’t let him do all that “dog stuff.” I couldn’t let him stop and sniff where he wanted to sniff. I couldn’t let him chase rabbits. They gave me a little muzzle-like device to put on him. Gaining control of his muzzle meant that he would obey because it would hurt to pull away. When I finally took the device off him, he was in sync with me again. My dog’s actions were reminiscent of our behavior with our holy God. If we see an opportunity to run around, go crazy, and do what we want to do, we often take it. We chase sin and selfish pleasure. The Lord has to pull us back in line because He wants us to walk with Him. To walk with our holy God means that we must get into harmony with Him. We must go the direction that He wants us to go. As the prophet Amos asked, “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3 NLT). The apostle Peter made clear how that agreement is reached: “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (1 Peter 1:15 NLT). We can be thankful that God is holy—that He is set apart from everything that is imperfect, tenuous, and unreliable. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (NIV). God’s holiness never wavers. His promises can always be trusted. Are you walking with God today? Are you pursuing holiness? Or are you pulling against Him, trying to do things your own way? If so, then it’s time to stop, ask God’s forgiveness, and get in sync with Him once again.   Reflection question: What does pursuing holiness look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8 NLT)   God is omniscient, which means He knows all things. Nothing can surprise Him. There is no unexpected occurrence with Him. That’s important to keep in mind, especially when we pray. In fact, a great way to begin any prayer is to give praise and thanks to God for His omniscience. Celebrating the fact that He knows everything puts us in the proper frame of mind to bring our requests to Him. Otherwise, we may start to doubt when our prayer requests seem to go unanswered. The reality is that God answers every prayer—in His way, for His glory, in His time. Revelation 5:8 gives us an interesting detail about Heaven: “And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people” (NLT). When we’re in Heaven, standing before God’s throne, and those golden bowls, full of prayers, are brought before us, we’ll realize that God heard every little prayer that we prayed. And I think we also will understand that His answer to each one was far better than what we asked for in the moment. We will realize that God overruled something we asked for because it wasn’t the best prayer. What we don’t realize today is that this hardship, or this tragedy, or this inexplicable event will ultimately lead to a chain reaction of events that touches the lives of so many others and changes the course of the future in ways we could never imagine. It is a butterfly effect that leads to glorify God’s plan for us. When we pray, we can see only one part of that chain reaction—the one that immediately affects us. We need to trust God to accomplish the bigger picture. We need to accept that the thing we want to go away, or the circumstance that looms so large in our life, is there to give God glory. We may not be able to see how, so we must trust the Lord, knowing that it all will be revealed in Heaven when we stand before Him. Some prayers are answered right away. And we can be thankful for that. On the other hand, some prayers are answered long after they’re prayed. And we can thank God for that, too. Because He knows everything. He sees every possible contingency. He sees every possible outcome. He knows precisely when to act in order to bring about ultimate good. His timing is always perfect. So, instead of praying for God to work according to our imperfect understanding of things, according to our imperfect timetable, we can leave our requests with Him and trust Him to answer them in His perfect knowledge and in His perfect time.   Reflection question: What difference does it make in your life that God knows all things? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.” (Psalm 119:91 NLT)   In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at God’s perfections. Our goal is not only to get to know Him better but also to prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving. The more we understand about who God is, the more our gratitude will grow. We’re going to start by looking at God’s sovereignty. The fact that God is sovereign means that He has the power and authority to do anything He chooses with His creation. He answers to no one. Luke’s Gospel tells the story of ten men with leprosy who needed Jesus’ touch. Leprosy was an incurable disease. Without Jesus’ intervention, the men had no hope. They asked Jesus for healing, and He extended it to them. But out of the ten, only one returned to give Him thanks. We read, “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15–16 NLT). Earlier, he had prayed loudly for a healing, and then he was loud with his praise. I love the fact that the original language uses two words from which we get our English word megaphone. The man was loud in thanking Jesus for what He had done for him. As Christians, we should give thanks to God because we recognize that He is in control of all circumstances surrounding our lives. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (NLT). Because God is sovereign, He is able to do what He pleases with whomever He chooses whenever He wishes. Some people bristle at that truth. Control—or even the idea of control—is a difficult thing to surrender. They prefer to operate under the illusion that they control their own destiny. The Bible writers held no such illusions. In fact, they saw God’s sovereignty as something to celebrate—something to be thankful for. The prophet Jeremiah said, “I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course” (Jeremiah 10:23 NLT). And we read in Proverbs 20:24, “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (NLT). That’s the sovereignty of God. But what about when bad things happen? Is God still in control? Yes. And the Bible tells us that despite the bad things that happen, which many times are inexplicable, God can work all things together for good for those who love Him (see Romans 8:28). As the psalmist wrote, “Everything serves plans” (Psalm 119:91 NLT). That’s cause for thanksgiving because God’s plans put us exactly where we need to be. We never have to wonder whether we’re doing the right thing when we submit to God. Because He is sovereign, we can trust Him as our ultimate authority.   Reflection question: What difference does God’s sovereignty make in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)   A flock of wild geese was flying south for the winter. One goose looked down and noticed a group of domestic geese by a little pond near a farm. He noticed that the domestic geese had plenty of grain to eat. Life seemed relatively easy for them. So, he flew down and hung out with the geese until spring. He enjoyed their food, their company, and their leisurely pace. His plan was to rejoin his flock of geese when they flew north again. When spring came, he heard his flock overhead and flew up to join them. But he had grown a bit fat from all the seed he had eaten. Flying was difficult for him. So, he decided to spend one more season on the farm and then rejoin his flock on its next winter migration. When the geese flew south the following fall, the goose flapped his wings a little, but he just kept eating his grain. He had simply lost interest. This is an ideal illustration of how the world influences believers. Usually, there’s no single dramatic event that transforms us. The process doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it occurs gradually. Like the goose, we may be going about our business, doing what we’re supposed to do, when something catches our eye. Something that looks more appealing. Something that requires less effort. We get distracted. We temporarily suspend what we’re supposed to be doing to investigate. And we like what we see—often because it appeals to our old nature. And if we start to feel guilty about abandoning what we’re supposed to be doing, we rationalize. We tell ourselves that the sidetrack is only temporary—that we’ll soon return to what we’re supposed to be doing. Unfortunately, our best intentions get lost in the convenience or excitement of the sidetrack. Soon, the things of God—the things we’re supposed to be doing—become less appealing to us, and the things of this world become more appealing. After a while, we lose all interest in the things of God. The apostle Paul understood this process all too well. He saw it happen to one of his trusted Christian companions. In his last letter to Timothy, he wrote, “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life” (2 Timothy 4:10 NLT). That’s why Paul warned the believers in Rome, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT). We have a choice: Either we will be conformed to this world, or we will be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It’s one or the other. The question is, which way will you go?   Reflection question: Which worldly influences present the biggest challenge for you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT)   When I first became a Christian, I decided that I would somehow find a way to live in two different worlds. I was planning to hang out with my old friends and still be a Christian. For a time, I felt as though I were in a state of suspended animation. I wasn’t comfortable with my old buddies, but I wasn’t quite comfortable with the Christians, either. So, I decided to be Mr. Solo Christian. I even said to my friends, “Don’t worry about me. You’re thinking that I’ll become a fanatic and carry a Bible and say, ‘Praise the Lord.’ It will never happen. I’m going to be cool about this. I won’t embarrass you, but I’m going to believe in God now.” However, as God became more real to me and I began to follow Him more closely, He changed my life and my outlook. As a result, my priorities began to change. On your Christian journey, you’ll find that there are people who will discourage you from growing spiritually. They’ll say things like, “I think it’s good that you’re a Christian. I go to church too—at Christmas and Easter and for weddings. But you’re getting a little too fanatical. You brought a Bible to work the other day. That’s going a little too far. We were so embarrassed. You’re no fun anymore. We’re glad you’ve made changes in your life, but we’re afraid that you’re going to become too extreme.” When you’re faced with people like this, you have the choice either to do what God wants you to do or to go with the flow. You’ll find that there are consequences for each option. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (NLT). Choosing life includes choosing people who encourage you to live the life God offers. The apostle Paul’s instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 are clear: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (NLT). The believers who take those instructions to heart are the ones we should be surrounding ourselves with. The Christian life is a challenge. The people who recognize that and offer words of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement along the way are extremely valuable resources. They counteract the negativity and discouragement that others throw our way. Are you going to let people hold you back? Are you going to let people discourage you from wholehearted commitment to Jesus Christ?   Reflection question: Where can you find encouragement and support in your walk with Christ? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:6 NLT)   When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food each morning and evening, it doesn’t mean that they took his order, flew through the local fast-food restaurant, and then delivered his meal. Ravens are scavengers. They brought little bits of meat and bread to Elijah. What’s more, the water in the brook from which he drank would have been somewhat polluted. So, Elijah didn’t enjoy an idyllic situation by any stretch of the imagination. How easily Elijah could have said, “Well, Lord, I don’t really want to be in this crummy little place, drinking river water. I kind of like being in front of people. I like the limelight.” But the Lord was preparing Elijah for something beyond his wildest dreams. Not long after his sojourn by the brook, Elijah found himself standing on Mount Carmel, engaged in a great showdown with the false prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:20–40). Sometimes we don’t like where God has put us. We say, “Lord, I don’t like this situation. I don’t like where I am. I want to do something great for You. I want to make a difference in my world.” Maybe the Lord wants you to be effective right where you are. Maybe He wants you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and be faithful in the little things. Who knows what God has in store for you? One theme that works its way through Scripture is that God’s people are blessed when they trust in His timing and plan. The author of Proverbs advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT). God Himself said, “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28–31 NLT). The apostle Paul offered this reminder: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). And the author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT). If God has you by some muddy little brook, so to speak, just hang in there. Make the most of the season you’re in. Be faithful, do what He has already told you, and wait on Him and His timing. God will do something wonderful for you or with you. Just be available and open to do what He would have you do.   Reflection question: How can you thrive in the place you are right now? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:13–14 NLT)   We all know what it’s like to be tempted. But where does temptation come from? It does not come from God. James 1:13–14 says, “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (NLT). We play a key role in our own temptation. It’s like the scorpion who wanted to cross a pond. Scorpions can’t swim, of course, so he needed a ride. He walked up to a rather unsuspecting turtle and said, “I was wondering if you might give me a lift across this little pond.” The turtle said, “Are you joking? You will sting me, and we’ll both drown.” The scorpion said, “My dear turtle, if I were to sting you, I would go down with you. Where would the logic be in that?” As they made their way across the little pond, however, the scorpion pulled out his stinger and gave the turtle a mighty sting. As they both sank to the bottom, the turtle turned to the scorpion and said, “There was no logic in stinging me. Why in the world did you do it?” The scorpion replied, “It has nothing to do with logic. It’s just my nature.” This is a good point for Christians to remember. When we give in to temptation, it has nothing to do with logic. It’s just our nature. We like to say, “The devil made me do it,” or “Circumstances overwhelmed me,” or “I couldn’t control myself.” But in reality, it’s just our sinful nature. Let’s be clear here. We don’t have to give in to our old nature. The only power it has over us is the power we give it. The apostle Paul wrote, “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin” (Romans 6:6–7 NLT). We have everything we need to resist our old nature. We can turn to God for help. We can find comfort, strength, wisdom, and encouragement in His Word. We can talk to other believers. If we ignore these resources, we give our old nature a foothold in our lives. God’s Word urges us to be strong and steadfast. To opt for something better when our old nature rears its head. As Paul wrote, “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14 NIV).   Reflection question: How do you resist the pull of your old nature? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:7–10 NLT)   A successful building contractor called in one of his employees, a skilled carpenter, and told him that he was putting him in charge of the next house the company was building. He instructed the carpenter to order all the materials and oversee the entire process from the ground up. The carpenter excitedly accepted his assignment. It was his first opportunity to oversee an entire building project. He studied the blueprints and checked every measurement. Then he thought, “If I’m really in charge, why can’t I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials, and put the extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? After we paint the place, no one would be able to tell.” The carpenter set about with his scheme. He used second-grade lumber and ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation. He put in cheap wiring. He cut every corner he possibly could but reported the use of higher-quality building materials. When the home was completed, he asked his boss to come and see it. His boss looked it over and said, “This is incredible. You did a fantastic job. You have been such a good and faithful worker and have been so honest all these years that I am showing my gratitude by giving you this house.” We will reap what we sow. Just as we can’t plant weeds and reap flowers, we can’t sin and reap righteousness. There are reactions to our actions. The apostle warned, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:7–10 NLT). Every day, we either live to please the Spirit or live to satisfy our sinful nature. The seeds we plant determine the results we get. What kind of seeds will you sow today?   Reflection question: What does living to please the Spirit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.” (Job 27:6 NLT)   If your relationship with Christ is strong, it will be evident in the way you live. Your life will be marked by integrity—in the choices you make, the things you prioritize, the way you interact with others, and in your daily routine. I heard the story of a pastor who boarded a bus one morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes later, he realized that the driver had given him too much change. Some people might have put it in their pocket and said, “Lord, thank You for Your provision.” But this pastor knew that would be wrong. At the next stop, he walked to the front of the bus with the extra change and said to the driver, “Excuse me, sir, you gave me too much change, and I wanted to return it to you because obviously you made a mistake.” The driver said, “Pastor, I didn’t make a mistake. I was at your church last night and heard you preach on honesty. I wanted to see if you practiced what you preached.” Fortunately, he did. People are watching you as a Christian, virtually scrutinizing your every move. You should know that they aren’t hoping that you’ll be a godly witness. They’re hoping that you’ll slip up so that they’ll have something on which to conveniently hang their doubts and unbelief. Humorist Will Rogers said, “So live that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.” That’s the idea of integrity: having nothing in our lives to be ashamed of. Personal integrity is something we develop daily with every thought we think and every action we take. We are either building up character or tearing it down. The author of Proverbs had a lot to say on the subject. “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed” (Proverbs 10:9 NLT). “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people” (Proverbs 11:3 NLT). “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them” (Proverbs 20:7 NLT). “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich” (Proverbs 28:6 NLT). Job got to the heart of the matter when he said, “I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live” (Job 27:6 NLT). And the apostle Peter wrote, “Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:16 NLT). Some people cling to the notion that what a person does in private is no one else’s business because it affects no one else. But that’s just wishful thinking. The person you are in private is the real you. That’s who God sees. And, whether we like it or not, that’s who others see as well. So, as believers, we must act with integrity, honesty, and compassion in everything we do.   Reflection question: What does integrity look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward.” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT)   My dog used to practice selective listening. When he didn’t like what I was saying, he acted as though he didn’t understand me. If he was in my room at bedtime and I told him to leave, he would look at me as if to say, “What?” It was as though his hearing was gone. On the other hand, he could have been asleep behind closed doors, and if I went downstairs, opened the cupboard, and pulled out his leash, he suddenly had supersonic hearing. He was right there at my side. When he liked what I wanted him to do, he heard and obeyed me. But when he didn’t like what I wanted him to do, he didn’t hear or obey. Sometimes we do the same thing with God. When He tells us to do something we like, we say, “Yes, Lord!” But when He tells us to stop doing something we like, we say, “God, I think You’re cutting out on me. There’s too much static. I’m not hearing You clearly.” Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14 NLT). He didn’t say, “You are My friends if you do the things that you personally agree with.” God has told us in His Word how we’re to live. It’s not for us to pick and choose sections of the Bible that we like and toss the rest aside. When the urge to practice selective listening hits us, we need to remind ourselves of who’s doing the instructing. After all, God knows everything. He knows what’s ultimately good for us and what’s ultimately destructive to us. He loves us beyond comprehension and wants only what’s best for us. So, obeying Him is never a bad idea. In fact, it’s the best idea in any situation. Obedience brings us closer to God. It strengthens our relationship with Him. It brings us a sense of joy and purpose. And it makes us a valuable resource to others who may be struggling spiritually. The Bible makes it clear that God blesses us when we obey Him. Psalm 128:1 says, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways” (nlt). And in Jeremiah 7:23, God Himself says, “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” (NLT). The takeaway is that if God tells you to do something, He says it for good reason, and you need to obey Him. If God says not to do something, He also says it for good reason. Even if you don’t understand it, obey Him. You will always be glad that you did.   Reflection question: What would complete obedience to God look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.” (Revelation 2:4–5 NLT)   One way to keep your Christian faith vibrant and impactful is to maintain and nurture your first love—that is, the passion and excitement for Christ’s work that you felt when you first began your relationship with Him. I once knew a guy who was always in the best shape. I would run into him a couple of times a year, and he always made a point of reminding me that he was in much better shape than I was. He would tell me, “Feel my arm!” “That’s hard,” I would comment. “That’s right!” he would say. But he was a stressed-out and very intense kind of guy. One day, I received the sad news that he had died of a heart attack. This guy had it all together on the outside. He was in great shape. But inside, his heart was in trouble. You may have the greatest physique—bulging biceps and rippling abs. You may have incredible stamina and energy. But what good is all of that if you have heart disease? This story serves as a warning not only about our physical health but also about our spiritual health. You might be able to flex your spiritual muscles in front of other people. You might say, “Look at my schedule! Look at all that I’m doing for God. Look at what I’ve done. Listen to my accomplishments.” That’s good as far as it goes. But it falls short of revealing the whole picture. When Jesus told the believers at Ephesus that they had left their first love, He was getting to the heart of the matter, the root of success or failure in the Christian life. He was saying, “You are leaving this first love. You are neglecting these basic things.” The Ephesians, like many Christians, were emphasizing things other than the essentials of the faith. They were bogging themselves down with human expectations. That’s when the Christian life becomes drudgery. That’s when you start saying, “There are so many rules. There are so many restrictions. I want to live as I please. I want to be free.” When you begin to think like that, you’re leaving your first love—and the joy and fulfillment that come with it. Jesus said of His followers, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). A rich and satisfying life is one that is marked by joyful and humble service, a spirit of gratitude, a hunger for God’s Word, and a passion for the gospel. Jesus died to make such a life possible for those who believe in Him. That’s our first love. That’s what we must never lose.   Reflection question: How do you maintain and nurture your first love? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10 NLT)   Pride and self-sufficiency are two big obstacles to spiritual growth. A good way to overcome them is to cry out to God when you need help. The Bible tells the story of Simon Peter, who had the extraordinary experience of walking on water with Jesus. When the impossibility of the situation began to dawn on him, however, his faith faltered. He cried out, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30 NLT). How easily Jesus could have said, “Where is your faith, Peter? You made your bed; now lie on it. Try swimming.” But the Bible says, “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him” (Matthew 14:31 NLT). Immediately. I like that. When you begin to sink and cry out, “Lord, save me!” He will immediately reach out. But you must cry out for His help. And that’s hard for some people to do. As a kid, I spent a lot of time at the beach. When I was out bodysurfing one day, a big set of waves started coming in. So, I did what I was supposed to do: I swam toward the waves and went under them. When I looked up, there was another set. I swam under those, too. One set after another came. In time, I drifted so far out that the people on the beach looked like little ants to me. Suddenly, I felt exhausted—with no strength left and nothing to hold onto. In that moment, I knew I was in trouble. I realized I had two choices. I could cry, “Help!” and the lifeguard would come running with his life preserver. When we got to shore, my friends would laugh, and I would never live it down. Or I could drown with dignity. I cried out! A lot of us don’t want to admit our need. We don’t want to cry out to God. We want to maintain our dignity. To get the proper perspective on what to do in times of need, we need to look to God’s Word. Jonah cried out to God after he was swallowed by a giant fish (see Jonah 2:1–9). Hannah cried out to God for a son. First Samuel 1:10 says she “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (NLT). King David was under tremendous stress when he wrote, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1 NLT). Jesus quoted the words of Psalm 22 when He cried out to God from the cross (see Matthew 27:46). If Jesus wasn’t too proud to cry out to God, neither should we be. There are only so many things we can do to help ourselves. Crying out to God frees us from our own limitations. It opens a whole world of possibilities. God can bring ultimate good from any situation. All we have to do is cry out to Him for help. Every day of my life, I need the best God has to offer. And you do, too.   Reflection question: What do you need to cry out to God about in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” (Matthew 26:13 NLT)   First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (NLT). Romans 15:2 says, “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord” (NLT). As believers, encouragement, praise, and kindness are essential to our relationship with others—and with the Lord. The more we incorporate them into our interactions, the deeper we will grow in our faith. My granddaughter Stella used to love to pick flowers. She would come to me with a smile on her beautiful face and say, “These are for you, Papa!” It always warmed my heart that she brought me flowers so that I could appreciate them. There is a story in the Bible of a woman named Mary who warmed Jesus’ heart at a crucial moment in His life. Mary understood what Jesus meant when He said He was going to die. Though Jesus’ message didn’t seem to penetrate the minds of His own handpicked 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. Mary listened as the Lord quietly spoke to the audience gathered. But 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 said and said what He meant: He literally was going to Jerusalem to be crucified. She couldn’t begin to 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, “I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Matthew 26:13 NLT). 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. Thank them for their influence. Let them know just how much you love and respect them. Bring your flowers now.   Reflection question: Who needs to receive encouragement, praise, or kindness from you right now? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:4–6 NKJV)   If you’re serious about becoming a strong and mature believer, you need to be plugged into your church in a meaningful way. Sometimes people treat churches like restaurants—with a consumer mentality. “There’s no reason to go to that church. We just went there two weeks ago. Let’s try another one instead.”But the church is not a restaurant. The church is a family, and you need to be a part of the family. You also need to engage. Maybe one of the reasons some people feel as though they aren’t getting enough out of church is that they attend intermittently and don’t commit themselves. But if they would settle in and become a part of what God is doing, it would change for them. If you’ve been attending a church for more than a couple of years, then you ought to be involved in a ministry of some kind. You may not be called to preach, but there are lots of other things to do. There is something for everyone. The Bible tells us, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:4–6 NKJV). It’s fine to come and be served in the church. But there must come a point when you grow up, spiritually speaking, and decide to start serving. To be more active and less passive in your approach to church. If you do, you’ll find that your church experience changes dramatically for the better. And not just for you, but also for your fellow church members. Whether you realize it or not, you have something important to contribute to your local body of Christ. God has blessed you with a unique set of skills. If you don’t use them, it’s not fair to Him. It’s not fair to yourself. And it’s not fair to the people in your church who would be blessed by them. You can make a difference in your church, so you should make a difference. If you want to grow in your relationship with Christ, don’t think of the church as them;think of it as us. Be a part of the family. Take the gifts that God has given you, develop them, and use them for His glory. Church will completely change for you if you stop coming as a spectator and instead join the team.   Reflection question: How can you become more engaged and involved in your church? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ ‘We’ll come, too,’ they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.” (John 21:3 NLT)   One way to strengthen your Christian faith is to keep a proper perspective on failure. The Gospels describe two similar encounters between Jesus and His disciples that illustrate the importance of not giving failure the final word. The first is found in Luke 5:1–11. To get some distance from the crowd that clamored to hear Him, Jesus boarded Peter’s boat and spoke to His followers a short distance from the shore. When He was done, He instructed Peter, who was a fisherman by trade, to head for deep waters to catch some fish. Peter explained to Jesus that he and his companions had been fishing all night but had failed to catch anything. Still, he obeyed the Lord’s command. And when he let down his nets, he caught so many fish that he could barely get them on board. The second encounter, found in John 21, takes place after Jesus’ resurrection. The Lord had already appeared to some of the disciples. But He had given them no clear marching orders, so some of them went back to what they knew how to do: fish. They had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee and hadn’t caught anything. It was early in the morning, probably still dark, when they saw a figure standing on the shore. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” (verse 5 NLT). Throughout the Bible, God often asked probing questions when He wanted a confession. In the same way, Jesus was asking His disciples, “Did you catch anything? Have you been successful? Have things gone the way you had hoped they would go? Are you satisfied?” Jesus knew the answer, of course. So, why did He want them to admit their failure? So that He could bring them to the place where they needed to be. When they cast the net on the right side of the boat as Jesus told them to, their net became so heavy with fish that they couldn’t pull it in. The Lord was teaching the disciples an important lesson: Failure is often the doorway to real success. It’s a lesson that believers today need to learn as well. We need to come to a point in our lives where we recognize that what we’re doing isn’t working. We need to say, “Lord, I’m not satisfied with the way my life is going. I’m tired of doing things my way. I want to do things Your way.” If you approach God in that way, He will extend His forgiveness to you. Then He will transform your life in ways you can’t imagine. If you want to deepen your relationship with the Lord, admit your failures and hand the reins of your life to Him.   Reflection question: What failure or dissatisfaction would you like the Lord to transform in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, ‘The Scriptures declare, “My Temple will be a house of prayer,” but you have turned it into a den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45–46 NLT)   In our next set of devotions, we’re going to look at ways to “tune up” our spiritual lives—ways to strengthen and mature our relationship with the Lord. And we’re going to start with some early spring cleaning. My wife, Cathe, and I are polar opposites when it comes to cleaning. My approach can be summed up by the procrastinator’s motto: Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Cathe’s approach is to constantly clean and organize so that over time, little messes don’t become big ones. Obviously, her approach is the better one. In Luke 19 we find the story of Jesus’ cleaning the house of God as He went into the temple and drove out the moneychangers. These temple merchants were taking advantage of people and keeping them from God, and this angered Jesus. This is the second time in Scripture that Jesus cleaned the temple. In John 2:13–17, we read that He used a whip to drive out the moneychangers. Little messes turn into big messes, so Jesus arrived to clean house again. I believe there is a parallel to our own lives. When we come to Christ initially, we ask for His forgiveness, and He pardons us of all our wrongdoing. In fact, we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT). What a wonderful thing it is to realize that God has forgiven us of all our sin. We are cleansed. But as time passes, sometimes some of our old sins find their way back into our lives. Maybe they start small. But they don’t stay that way. They begin to grow and take up bigger and bigger parts of our life until they become a serious problem. The longer we wait to address them, the harder the cleanup is. That’s why we must frequently examine our lives and deal with what we find instead of trying to excuse it. We must ask God to make us aware of things we may not see. We must also find accountability partners who will lovingly confront us when they see things in our lives that go against our Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23–24 NLT). Does your temple need cleansing? Are there some things in your life that shouldn’t be there? Are there some vices, some bad habits that have found their way back into your life? If so, deal with them now. Don’t let little messes turn into big ones.   Reflection question: What are some little messes that you need to clean up in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him.” (1 John 3:21–22 NLT)   God answers every prayer. That’s important to understand. Some people say, “I’ve been asking God to grant my request for years, but He still hasn’t answered me.” Chances are, He has answered. And His answer is no. No is as much of an answer as yes. It’s just not the answer we want. Here’s something to keep in mind: If the request is wrong, God says, “No.” If the timing is wrong, God says, “Slow.” If we are wrong, God says, “Grow.” But if the request is right, the timing is right, and we are right, God says, “Go.” One of the amazing things you discover as you grow in the Lord is that some of your greatest answered prayers are those to which God said no. With a little spiritual maturity, you realize that what you wanted so desperately was the worst thing that possibly could have happened to you. That raises an obvious question. What can we do to receive yes answers to our prayer requests? Let’s look at what God’s Word says. “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for” (1 John 5:14–15 NLT). “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (John 14:13–14 NLT). Ask for anything that pleases Him. Ask for anything in His name. Those are the quickest ways to get a yes from God. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave them these words: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 ESV). And when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest and crucifixion, He said, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine!” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). You can never go wrong when you pray for God’s will to be done. That may seem like legal fine print in a too-good-to-be-true offer: “God will give you anything you ask for! (As long as you ask for what He wants to give you.)” But it’s something much deeper than that. It’s God’s way of making sure that our will and our priorities align with His. If they do, the sky’s the limit where our prayer requests are concerned. If they don’t, we need to make some adjustments. So, all our prayers should contain this spoken or unspoken sentiment: “Lord, here’s the way I see things with my limited understanding. I think You should do this. If I’m asking for something outside Your will, I ask You to overrule my request. You know all things, so I ask for Your will to be done.”   Reflection question: When has God said no to you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT)   We pray because it’s what Jesus instructed us to do. We pray because it’s God’s appointed way for us to obtain things from Him. And, thirdly, we pray because it’s the way by which God helps us overcome our anxiety and worry. Struggles with anxiety have reached a crisis point in our culture. Our media thrive on bad news and dire predictions. So, if you’re paying attention, you can find something to worry about every day concerning your health, your safety, your family, and your finances. The relentless assault of these troubles and pseudo-troubles can take a toll on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Someone once said, “If your knees are shaking, kneel on them.” That’s a simplification of the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6–7: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). That’s not just good spiritual advice; it’s also good practical advice. Worrying doesn’t help anything. It’s a complete waste of time. In fact, the word worry comes from an old English word that means “to strangle” or “to choke.” That’s what worry does. It chokes you. It cuts the air off. There’s no good in it. Someone once said, “Worry is interest paid on troubles that seldom come due.” One of the things that makes worry and anxiety such formidable foes is that we don’t always know when they’re going to strike. We jolt awake at three in the morning, suddenly panicking over something that had barely registered before. Instead of allowing that panic to build, try saying a quick prayer. “Lord, there’s nothing I can do about this situation right now. So, I’m giving it to you. This is your problem. I’m going back to sleep. I’ll talk to you when I get up.” The apostle Peter wrote, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). Yes, God is all-knowing and all-powerful. He can see the perfect solution to every problem, and He has the power to implement any strategy, even if it seems impossible. But what makes Him the perfect Ally against worry and anxiety is that He cares about us. And not just in a general “God loves everyone” sense. He knows everything about us and cares about us individually. He wants the very best for us. So, don’t worry about anything; pray about everything.   Reflection question: What worries or cares do you need to give to God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT)   Jesus made it clear that prayer is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. He prioritized prayer during His time on earth, and He expects us to prioritize it as well. That’s the first reason to pray. The second reason is found in James 4:2: “You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (NLT). Prayer is God’s appointed way for us to obtain things from Him. “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” Have you ever considered that there are things God wants to do in your life that haven’t happened simply because you’ve failed to ask Him? Sometimes we make the mistake of viewing prayer as a last resort, the option to consider when nothing else works. If we’re struggling with a physical ailment, we try home remedies, doctors, prescriptions, and specialists. It’s only when the diagnosis turns bleak that we turn to God. Yet the Gospels are filled with stories of people who were healed because they reached out to Jesus. The same goes for financial problems. We exhaust every possible option for loans or guidance before we pray about the crisis. Even though the Bible promises, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NLT). Whether you’re struggling in your relationship, worrying about a prodigal child, dealing with mental health issues, or looking for answers, God wants to be involved. He wants to be your first call. Give the situation to Him in prayer and let Him guide you. Asking God for what you want is no guarantee that you will get it. And that’s a good thing. God sees the big picture. He understands that what seems like the best solution or course of action in the short term isn’t always best. So, when we ask Him for something, He can help us see the better alternative. Even if He doesn’t reveal His answer right away, you’ll feel a sense of relief and hope simply by involving Him. So, if there’s something you want from God, ask Him. Not just once or twice, but until you get an answer from Him.   Reflection question: What are some things in your life that might fall into the category of “you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it”? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT)   We’ve talked about the how and when of prayer, but what about the why? Why should we pray?  The short answer is that Jesus told us to. In Luke 18:1, He shows His followers that “they should always pray and never give up” (NLT). Is there any better reason than that? Doctors recommend certain things for our health. We may not always understand why they’re beneficial—only that they are. The same thing goes for Jesus’ instruction to pray. We may not know why or how, but good things happen when we pray. It’s important to note, too, that Jesus wasn’t a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do type of guy. Though He was God in human form, He maintained a very active prayer life. Before He fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people” (John 6:11 NLT). Matthew 19:13 says, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them” (NLT). Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me’” (John 11:41–42 NLT). When His arrest was at hand, Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane. “He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine’” (Luke 22:41–42 NLT). On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NLT); “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT); and “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46 NLT). Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT). He was refreshed and reenergized by the time He spent in fellowship and conversation with God. If Jesus felt the need to pray, we should, too. We could point out that praying is not a difficult task. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30 NLT). We could point out that Jesus gave us the instructions we need to establish and maintain an active, vital prayer life when He taught His disciples to pray in Luke 11:1–13. We could point out that He modeled prayer for us throughout the Gospels. But all we need to know is that Jesus instructed us to pray. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23–24 NLT). That’s all the reason we need to pray.   Reflection question: When do you feel the need to pray? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)   When should we pray? According to the apostle Paul, “at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT). That pretty much covers everything. You pray in the morning. You pray in the afternoon. You pray in the evening. The idea here isn’t a nonstop monologue morning, noon, and night. The idea is to keep an open line to God, calling on Him frequently throughout the day. When the beauty of nature fills your senses while you’re taking a walk, praise God for His creation. When you read breaking news about a natural disaster, ask God to ease the suffering. When your kids greet you after work, thank God for your family—and then ask Him for the wisdom and patience to settle the dispute that’s been brewing since lunchtime. Any time is a good time to pray; no time is a bad time to pray. The prophet Daniel perfectly illustrated this point. Daniel was a trusted advisor to King Darius. The king’s other advisors grew jealous of Daniel and schemed to bring him down. The problem was, Daniel was squeaky clean. He had no skeletons in his closet. The only thing he was guilty of was being faithful to God. Three times a day, Daniel went to his house, opened all the windows, got down on his knees, and prayed. Daniel’s enemies convinced the king to sign a decree that outlawed praying to any god but the king. Anyone who disobeyed the decree would be thrown to the lions. If ever there was a bad time to pray, this was it. Daniel knew all about the king’s decree. And he had several options. He could have taken a sabbatical from prayer until the decree expired. He could have found a more private place to pray. He could have journaled his prayers instead of saying them aloud. But his prayer routine meant too much to him. Daniel 6:10 says, “He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God” (NLT). He didn’t pray for a miraculous escape from the death penalty. He didn’t pray for revenge against his enemies. He gave thanks to God. Daniel understood that when we see God for who He is, we see our challenges, problems, and needs for what they are. This was a man who knew how to pray. So was Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes when the people of Israel lived in exile in Persia. Nehemiah used his influence to make the king aware of the plight of the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The king asked Nehemiah, “Well, how can I help you?” (Nehemiah 2:4 NLT). Look at the words that follow: “With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied …” (Nehemiah 2:4–5 NLT). During perhaps the most consequential conversation of his life, Nehemiah saw a good time to pray. And if we keep our prayer line open, we will recognize equally good times to pray—whether it’s for the strength to endure one of life’s storms or the words to present the gospel to an unbeliever. Any time is a good time to pray; no time is a bad time to pray.   Reflection question: When were some good times to pray in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Matthew 6:7–8 NLT)   We’re going to look at prayer over the next few days. To be a growing Christian, you must have an active prayer life. You must communicate with and listen to God regularly. Some church traditions suggest that there are proper and improper ways to pray. That God prefers us to be formal, dignified, and reverent, and to use precise and proper words in a precise and proper cadence. But that’s not necessarily so. Prayer is a conversation. Like other conversations, it can be formal or informal. Certainly, we can’t help but be reverent when we find ourselves in God’s presence, but that doesn’t mean we have to be formal, dignified, proper, or precise. It’s not like one prayer method or posture is more legitimate than another. You can pray in any position at any time in any place. Sometimes we may feel as though the Lord will respond to our prayers more quickly if we pray in a church sanctuary. But that’s not true at all. Daniel prayed in a lion’s den. David prayed in a field. Peter prayed while he walked on water—and then a few moments later when he was underwater. Jonah prayed from even greater depths from the belly of a large fish. God will hear your prayers wherever you are. Your prayers can and should fit your circumstances. You can pray publicly. You can pray privately. You can pray verbally. You can pray silently. You can pray while kneeling, standing, sitting, lying down, or even driving. You can lift your eyes to Heaven and pray. You can close your eyes and pray—as long as you’re not driving. Your prayers don’t have to impress anyone. They don’t have to inspire “Amens” from the congregation. They don’t have to show off your biblical knowledge or vocabulary. In addition to His warning in Matthew 6:7–8 against praying as the Gentiles do, Jesus also said, “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get” (Matthew 6:5 NLT). Your goal should be to create prayer habits that work for you—ones that deepen your unique relationship with your heavenly Father. If you prefer to be active, pray while you walk. If you prefer not to be distracted, pray in a private place. If you don’t like long conversations, pray in short bursts throughout the day. Incorporate the words of the psalmists or the lyrics of your favorite worship songs into your prayers. Create a dynamic prayer routine that challenges you, opens your heart to God’s leading, and works for your personality and your circumstances. Discover how prayer can change your life.   Reflection question: How would you describe your prayer habits? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4 NLT)   You will not find the hope that you need in people or things. You will not find it in a politician or political cause, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on. You will not find it in technology or science or in a relationship or in an accomplishment. Job 8:13–15 says, “The hopes of the godless evaporate. Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web. They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last. They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure” (NLT). In contrast, Psalm 42:5 says, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!” (NLT). This is the hope that gives us the strength to go on in life. This hope is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is quiet confidence. It is a supernatural certainty. We find this hope in the pages of Scripture. True and lasting hope comes from God and His Word. The apostle Paul wrote, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4 NLT). Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope” (NLT). So, if hope seems in short supply in your life, you can replenish it by spending time in God’s Word. There will be times when you need to replenish because things don’t always work out well in this life. Not all marriages survive. Not all prodigal children return. Not all medical tests have benign results. Not all crises end happily. That’s when you need to embrace the reality that whatever happens in this life, be it wonderful or painful, is only temporary. We make so much of this life because it’s the only one we’ve known. But it comes and goes rather quickly. First Chronicles 29:15 says, “We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace” (NLT). Heaven—our ultimate hope—is forever. In Heaven, God will right all wrongs. He will answer all questions. He will ease all pain. He will replace our tears with laughter and joy. In Heaven, our losses will be more than compensated for. That’s why Paul wrote, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:1–2 NLT). Heaven is where our ultimate hope is found, so Heaven is where our thoughts should be when we struggle here on earth.   Reflection question: What would setting your sights on the realities of Heaven look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NLT)   When I was young, I had a parakeet named Popcorn. He was a fantastic bird. I would stand a few feet away from his cage, open the little door, and call his name, and he would fly and land on my shoulder. I would walk around the house with him on my shoulder. One day on Balboa Island, I saw a guy walking around with a parrot on his shoulder. So, I went home, put Popcorn on my shoulder, and walked outside. Popcorn flew off, and I never saw him again. It’s one thing to lose a parakeet, but it’s quite another to lose a child. When my son Jonathan was about five years old, he got in a hotel elevator before I could get to it. I almost had a heart attack as the doors closed between us. I waited for what seemed like hours for the next elevator. I started at the lobby and searched every floor until I found him. Parenting is an awesome responsibility. And one of the greatest joys of Christian parents is seeing our kids walk with the Lord. The apostle John wrote, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth” (3 John 1:4 NLT). When kids are young, they’re receptive to our leading. They’re compliant and, for the most part, obedient. As they get older, especially when they enter their teenage years, they start to push back and think for themselves. Sometimes they start to question their faith. If that’s happened in your family, don’t panic. Solomon wrote, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NLT). Children are a gift. We don’t own them. They belong to God. They are not ours to mold but to unfold. To nurture and to raise in the way of the Lord. The apostle Paul offers some direction in Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord” (NLT). One way to provoke children is to show favoritism. Another is to withhold affirmation and compliments. We bring them up by choosing the right path for ourselves—by walking the walk. We do it by spending a lot of time with them, helping them understand the things of God in our daily interactions. We do it by instilling in them a Christian worldview that will serve them in the world outside your door. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (NLT). In other words, create a thirst for spiritual things in your child. If your children follow that path for their entire lives, you can thank God for it. If they don’t, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a failure as a parent. The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that a seemingly worst-case scenario can result in a child making a deeper commitment to the Lord. As parents, we must stay true to our beliefs. And we must never give up on our kids. We can’t see their spiritual journey. Only God can do that. But we can be ready when that journey leads them back to us.   Reflection question: What encouragement would you offer to the parent of a prodigal child? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)   It’s a day like any other. You get out of bed. You take a shower. You brush your teeth. You eat breakfast. You read your Bible and pray. You commit your day to the Lord. And then it happens. A visit from a police officer who tells you there’s been an accident. A call from a doctor who informs you that you need to come in immediately because of something he found in your test. A note from your spouse who says they’re done with your marriage. A pain in your body that you’ve never felt before. Crisis hits hard and fast. Job’s world came crashing down in one day. An impulsive act by his brothers changed the course of Joseph’s life. When crisis hits, the natural tendency is to look inward and ask, “How am I going to get through this? Is there any hope for me?” But a better—and, admittedly, much more difficult—option is to look for opportunity in the midst of crisis. God allows adversity and crisis in our lives for important reasons. If we focus on those reasons, we can grow spiritually, even in the worst of circumstances. One reason God allows adversity is to keep us humble. Prosperity and success tend to make people proud and self-sufficient. We lose sight of our need for God. Adversity and crisis remind us just how much we need Him. God allows adversity to teach us eternal truths that we would not otherwise learn. The faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted. God wants us to toughen up and mature as believers. Adversity helps accomplish that. Adversity gives us a new compassion for others who are in pain. Paul wrote, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT). When you endure adversity, you’re positioned to help others endure it. You can help them navigate the difficult terrain. You can offer specific encouragement. You can say, “I’ve been through this. Here’s what I did. Let me pray for you.” It’s essential that we keep our adversity in perspective. Paul wrote, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT). Instead of focusing on the troubles we see now, we must focus on the joys to come that will last forever. God’s people are better off eternally because they suffer temporarily. Adversity ultimately brings us closer to God. Psalm 46:1–3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” (NLT). No matter what shape our adversity takes, God will walk with us through it.   Reflection question: When have you experienced God’s presence in the midst of a crisis? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Then Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 NLT)   Jesus arrived at the home of Martha and Mary four days after their brother Lazarus died. The mourners were consumed by grief. Jesus’ plan all along was to raise Lazarus from the dead—to demonstrate His power and give His followers hope in the resurrection. So, His reaction in John 11:35—the shortest verse in the Bible—is telling: “Then Jesus wept” (NLT). Jesus weeps with us in our time of pain. Jesus was God with all His power and glory. But He was also a man—a man who felt our pain and sorrows. Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (NLT). Hebrews 2:17–18 explains why. “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested” (NLT). If something breaks your heart, it breaks His heart as well. But sadness wasn’t the only emotion He experienced. John 11:33 says, “When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled” (NLT). He wasn’t angry at the mourners; He was angry at death. Death and suffering are aberrations. They were not part of God’s original plan. They were part of the curse after mankind’s Fall. That’s what Jesus was angry about. Jesus demonstrated His power over death by bringing Lazarus back to life. And God was glorified. The obvious takeaway is that God is glorified when an affliction is removed. So, if you’re healed from an illness or declared cancer-free, praise Him for it. Celebrate the fact that He is ultimately in control. Sometimes, though, the surgery doesn’t go as hoped. Sometimes the illness isn’t healed. Sometimes the problem isn’t taken away. And here’s the not-so-obvious takeaway: God can be glorified through the enduring of an affliction as well. The apostle Paul wrote, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3–5 NLT). Hope comes through hardship. When a Christian suffers and still glorifies God, it reassures others that there will never be a valley so deep that God will not get us through it. It also reminds us that physical death is not the end; it’s just a change in the state of existence. The tomb is the entrance to life. Heaven is the earthly life of the believer, glorified and perfected. When believers die, they go into God’s presence. That is the ultimate hope. Put your hope in God. He will never let you down.   Reflection question: When have you seen God glorified by the endurance of an affliction? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“The people who were standing nearby said, ‘See how much he loved him!’” (John 11:36 NLT)   Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were siblings and friends of Jesus. When Lazarus got deathly ill, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, your dear friend is very sick” (John 11:3 NLT). Theirs is a story of hope, although that’s not immediately apparent in the biblical narrative. In our last devotion, we saw that the first takeaway from the story is that life involves pain, sorrow, and death. The second takeaway is spelled out by Lazarus’ mourners in verse 36: “See how much he loved him!” (NLT). The Lord loves us. God describes His love in Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself” (NLT). Whatever God does or allows to happen in our lives is motivated by His everlasting love for us. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus loved them—and that He loved Lazarus. That’s why they sent for Him. They reacted perfectly when crisis hit. They took their troubles to Jesus. Look at the basis for their appeal. They didn’t say, “Lord, You owe us. We fed You. You and Your friends crashed at our house.” They didn’t base their appeal on their love for Him; they based it on His love for them: “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” Our love is fickle; it fluctuates. The Lord’s love for us never changes. John 11:5–­6 reveals Jesus’ response to Mary and Martha’s message. “So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days” (NLT). When Jesus finally arrived, things were bleak. Lazarus was no longer sick; he was dead—and had been for four days. His body was decomposing. Not only did Jesus not heal His friend, but He also missed the funeral. If that seems like a less-than-loving response, it’s because we can’t grasp the depth of the Lord’s love. Jesus wanted Mary and Martha to see the bigger picture. He wanted them to understand that because they trusted in Him, death was no longer their enemy. He wanted them to embrace the hope of resurrection. Neither Martha nor Mary could see the big picture at first, so they focused on the smaller picture—on what seemed like Jesus’ callous disregard. Both sisters confronted Jesus with the words, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died” (verses 21, 32 NLT). Again, they took their problems to Jesus. And that’s what you need to do when suffering and trials come your way. Some people say, “Don’t ever ask God why.” I say ask God “why” as much as you want. Just don’t always expect an answer. Be honest with Him when you pray. Say, “God, I’m not happy right now. I don’t understand this. I’m hurting. This doesn’t make sense. Why did You let this happen?” Jesus Himself said from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT). In the end, though, we live on promises, not explanations. Along with asking “why,” we should ask “what”—as in, what am I supposed to do? The answer is, turn to the Lord with your pain and grief because He loves you.   Reflection question: When do you need to be reminded of God’s love for you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, ‘Lord, your dear friend is very sick.’” (John 11:3 NLT)   In our next series of devotions, we’re going to talk about hope for people in difficult circumstances. And we’re going to start with hope for people who have lost loved ones. What I’m going to share doesn’t come from an ivory tower of theory. It comes from the valley of the shadow of death, where I’ve personally found the hope promised to us in Scripture. Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope” (NLT). Romans 15:4 says, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (NLT). It’s been said that man can live forty days without food, three days without water, eight minutes without air, and about one second without hope. We all need hope in life to get through. To have hope doesn’t mean that you have a smile permanently plastered on your face. Nor does it mean that you’ve had some kind of spiritual lobotomy so that you don’t feel what other people feel. Nor does it mean that you have a naive expectation that things will get better. The grim reality is that things can get worse. Our hope is not in circumstances but in God. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (NLT). In other words, there will be an outcome, a completion in your life. God will tie up the loose ends—if not in this world, then in the next. John 11 tells the story of people who had lost hope after the death of a loved one. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were siblings and friends of Jesus. When Lazarus got deathly ill, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, your dear friend is very sick” (John 11:3 NLT). We’ll be looking at lessons from this story in the next few devotions, but I want to start with the obvious one. Life involves pain, sorrow, and death. Some people try to convince themselves that they’re going to make it through life unscathed, without experiencing a major devastation or illness and without losing a loved one. The Bible suggests otherwise. The apostle Peter wrote, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 NLT). Don’t be surprised. It happens to everyone, and it’s going to happen to you. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33 NLT). Mortality will rear its head. It may start with the death of your grandparents. And then your parents. And so on. Through it all, though, you have hope—if your hope is in God. He promises Heaven, where there are no trials or sorrows.   Reflection question: What does hope in God look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8 NLT)   The Bible gives us several different examples of well-lived lives. One is found in Acts 6, in the story of Stephen, the first known Christian martyr. Though he did not live long, Stephen demonstrated several qualities that are necessary for a well-lived life—qualities that allowed him to be used powerfully by God. First, he had a good reputation. Acts 6:3 says that Stephen was selected to lead a ministry because he was “well respected.” He had personal integrity. He fit the apostle Paul’s description in 1 Timothy 3:6–7: “A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap” (NLT). A well-lived life is marked by a good reputation. Second, he was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5 NLT). Stephen lived a Spirit-controlled life. He yielded to the working of the Holy Spirit every day. A well-lived life is one that faithfully follows the Holy Spirit’s leading. Third, he was filled with wisdom, according to verse 3. We see his wisdom on display in Acts 7 as he quotes from Scripture in presenting the gospel to the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council. Keep in mind that it’s possible to have knowledge and not wisdom. There are many very learned people who lack wisdom. They are unable to translate their knowledge into God-honoring application. A well-lived life is one that prioritizes wisdom. Fourth, he was faithful in the little things. He diligently performed the tasks that were set before him without considering whether the jobs were “beneath him.” He was willing to humble himself and do whatever was necessary to accomplish God’s work. You can never be too small for God to use. Only too big. If you say, “I’m willing to do whatever you want me to do, Lord, and I will be faithful in that,” you’ll be amazed at what God will accomplish through you. A well-lived life starts at the bottom, from a human perspective. Fifth, he looked for opportunities and seized them. Stephen was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. He was accused of blasphemy, but his real crime was serving the Lord faithfully. He surely understood that his life hung in the balance. But Stephen saw an opportunity to speak the gospel truth to people who needed to hear it. So, he seized the moment and delivered one of the most powerful sermons recorded in Scripture. The consequences didn’t matter to him; what mattered was the opportunity to serve Christ and share His message. A well-lived life is one in which opportunities are recognized and seized upon. Luke, the author of Acts, described Stephen as being “full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8 NLT). That is also the ideal description of a well-lived life.   Reflection question: Which quality of Stephen do you most want to strengthen in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.” (Romans 2:14–15 NLT)   A well-lived life is one that is guided by a Spirit-controlled conscience. Someone once said, “Conscience is that inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking.” Someone else said, “Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.” And someone else said, “Conscience doesn’t always keep you from doing wrong, but it does keep you from enjoying it.” Apparently, the idea of a conscience triggers the cynical instincts of certain people. Everyone has a conscience. The apostle Paul wrote, “Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (Romans 2:14–15 NLT). The conscience acts as an alarm. And like a car alarm or a smoke alarm, it can be disabled—or at least quieted. If you ignore your conscience long enough, its “chirping” will become less and less noticeable to you. In time, it will fade into background noise, something you pay no attention to. The Bible warns us against allowing this to happen. The apostle Paul wrote, “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead” (1 Timothy 4:1–2 NLT). A deactivated or dead conscience makes us susceptible to all kinds of evil. To live well, spiritually speaking, you must keep your conscience functioning at a high level. Keep in mind that your conscience is not infallible. Sometimes it will try to condemn you for something that’s not actually wrong. The apostle John wrote, “Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything” (1 John 3:20 NLT). Similarly, there will be times when your conscience refuses to condemn you after you do something wrong. It will try to justify your actions or downplay their seriousness. So, it’s important to teach your conscience how to function properly. You do that by placing it under the control of the Holy Spirit. Spend time in God’s Word, learning everything you can about how God wants you to live. Then pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompts so that you’ll know when to make changes in your life. Martin Luther said, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.” If you effectively educate your conscience to do what it’s supposed to do as designed by the Lord, you will have the foundation in place for a well-lived life.   Reflection question: What does a Spirit-controlled conscience look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5–6 NLT)   The Christian life is full of difficult questions. Many of them begin with “Why, Lord?” or some variation thereof. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk asked, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! ‘Violence is everywhere!’ I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight” (Habakkuk 1:2–3 NLT). The psalmist Asaph asked, “Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7–9 NLT). I have my questions for God that I’ve asked many times. I’m sure that you have yours, too. But we must see these questions for what they are: temporary sources of pain, discouragement, or confusion. The apostle Paul wrote, “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT). Our earthly perspective and understanding are limited. All our questions will be answered someday. God answered Habakkuk. “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it” (Habakkuk 1:5 NLT). And passages such as Ecclesiastes 3 give us context for our questions. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance” (verses 1, 4 NLT). A well-lived life is one in which we keep our questions in proper perspective. One in which we refuse to allow them to cause bitterness or resentment toward God—or to live “out of season,” in the context of Ecclesiastes 3. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul recounts praying for God to remove a “thorn” in his flesh—some kind of affliction that caused him difficulties. God chose not to. Paul didn’t understand why, but he didn’t let it slow him down. A well-lived life is one that embraces the challenge of faith—that is, trusting God without having all the answers. A well-lived life is one in which we cling to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 42:5–6: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (NLT).   Reflection question: What will you do with your unanswered questions for God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.” (Psalm 146:4 NLT)   A well-lived life is one in which we keep death in perspective. Death is a reality because of our sin. The apostle Paul wrote, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Romans 5:12 NLT). Death is a ticking clock. We know that our time on earth is limited. James 4:14 says, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (NLT). Psalm 146:4 says, “When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them” (NLT). The time of our death is known to God, as is everything. Our death will come at the appointed time—not a moment before, not a moment after. And there’s nothing we can do to prolong our life beyond the time God has allotted for us. I’m sorry, but all that wheat germ and tofu isn’t going to extend your life. It may give you a better quality of life. (Then again, it may not.) But it certainly will not prolong it. You have no guarantee that you’ll live a long life, only that you’ll live the life God has given to you. As believers, we have no reason to fear death. Jesus made our eternal life possible. We have no reason to fear the specter of death. David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 ESV). But the reality of death—that is, of the limited time we have on this earth—adds urgency to our work as Christ’s disciples. We have only so much time to share the gospel with people for whom death is an enemy. We have only so much time to plant spiritual seeds in the lives of others. We may never see those seeds cultivated. We may never see the fruit that grows from them. But we can plant the seeds and trust God to bring them to fruition. The reality of death also adds an immediacy to our relationships. Paul wrote, “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27 NLT). He urged believers to resolve conflicts and forgive one another quickly. The time is too short to do otherwise. Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23–24 NLT). In other words, drop what you’re doing in order to be reconciled because there’s no guarantee that you’ll get another chance. The reality of death adds urgency to our Christian service and gives us the necessary perspective for a well-lived life.   Reflection question: What does keeping death in perspective look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)   A well-lived life is a project to start early. The younger you start, the more of an advantage you’ll have. We can see this principle at work in Solomon’s advice to parents in Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” When you’re young, you make decisions that will impact the rest of your life. Decisions about your career. Decisions about marriage. Decisions about how you interact with family and friends. Decisions about how you spend your time. Decisions about what you embrace and what you reject. Decisions about how you deal with temptation. When you’re young, you also establish habits and patterns that will shape your life for years to come. So, it’s vital that you make the right decisions as early in life as possible. As you get older, you get set in your ways. You start to prefer routines. You listen to the same stations on the radio—usually oldies or talk. You go to the same restaurant, sit in the same booth, and order the same meal again and again and again. You guide your day by your routines. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—as long as your routine is beneficial. That’s especially important in your spiritual life. If you have youth on your side, you can develop the discipline to study the Bible every day. You can develop the discipline to pray and listen to God every day. You can develop the discipline to faithfully offer your finances to support the Lord’s work. You can develop the discipline to share your faith with others. The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come’” (1 Timothy 4:7–8 NLT). The apostle Peter wrote, “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5–8 NLT). The earlier you begin prioritizing these things, the more deeply they will become ingrained in your life. But starting early on a well-lived life isn’t always possible. Jesus’ disciples were well into adulthood when they started. So was the apostle Paul. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too late to begin pursuing a well-lived life.   Reflection question: What would a well-lived life look like for you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15–17 NLT)   Over the next few days, we’re going to talk about a life well-lived. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (ESV). We may not have much say in when our life starts or when it stops, but we have a whole lot of say in what happens in between. Are you living your life well? That’s an important question because you never know when your life will end. Of course, for Christians, life will never end. We will live forever in the Lord’s presence. Even so, the life we live in this world is connected to the life we will live in the next. God will reward us for faithful service—for lives well-lived. So, we need to put a lot of thought into how we live our lives. That starts with establishing guiding principles. If we know the principles we want to live by, we can shape our decision-making, our interactions with others, our priorities, and our daily routines to fit those principles. As believers, principles such as godliness, obedience, integrity, and faithfulness should be at the top of our list. We embrace godliness by staying close to the Lord through prayer and Bible study, working to understand His ways and His will. We embrace obedience by following His commands, especially when it’s difficult to do. We embrace integrity by living by godly principles—when people are watching and when they aren’t. We embrace faithfulness by seeking to grow every day in our relationship with the Lord. A life well-lived is one in which we recognize and welcome God’s chosen path for us. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the apostle Peter to restore Peter after the disciple had denied knowing Him. During their conversation, Jesus revealed to Peter that he would die for his faith. Peter pointed to the apostle John and asked, “What about him, Lord?” (John 21:21 NLT). Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me” (verse 22 NLT). In other words, don’t worry about what God has planned for someone else; focus on what He has planned for you. Celebrate the resources God has blessed you with. Use the spiritual gifts He’s given you. Blaze the trails He’s laid out for you. Make a difference in the lives of people in your orbit. Grow in your relationship with Him, in your own way and at your own pace. Prioritize the things that matter; let go of the things that don’t. Understand your weaknesses so that you can resist the temptations that are aimed at them. Make the most of your strengths. That’s what a well-lived life looks like.   Reflection question: How can you better live your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” (John 3:3 NLT)   Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. If you’re going to take a trip, you must book a flight. You must secure a ticket. You can’t just walk into an airport and board a plane. In the same way, if you want to go to Heaven, you must secure a ticket. You may ask, “How much will it cost?” The answer is, you couldn’t afford it. But the good news is that Jesus Christ came to this earth, died on a cross for your sin, and rose again from the dead. In doing so, He, in effect, purchased your ticket for eternal life. There are no other flights or means of transportation that can get you there. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). He also said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3 NLT). Some people claim that all spiritual paths lead to God and Heaven—or at least some version of Heaven. They argue that what you believe isn’t necessarily important, as long as you’re sincere in your beliefs. But that thinking is dangerously wrong. God sent His Son for the express purpose of providing the only path to eternal life. No other beliefs will take you to Heaven. If you want to receive the ticket for eternal life that Jesus purchased for you, here’s what you need to do. Say, “Lord, I accept the gift that You have offered to me. I turn from my sin, and I put my faith in You.” Have you done that? Some people see it as an end-of-life matter. They reason that they can live their lives however they want and then, as the end approaches, settle their spiritual accounts and make the necessary decisions. There are several problems with that strategy, but the most problematic is that none of us knows when life is going to end. James 4:14 says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (ESV). This is a decision to be made sooner rather than later. If the Lord gives you many years of life, you’ll live them for His glory and enjoy His blessings. If He doesn’t give you many years of life, you’ll experience His glory up close and personal. The point is, either way you’re ready. This is not a decision to put off. If you’ve already accepted Christ as Savior and Lord and know that you’re going to Heaven, help others understand the urgency of making the same decision. Give your friends, loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances the chance to know that they, too, will go to Heaven when they die.   Reflection question: How do you know that you will go to Heaven when you die? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT)   If you get your theology from popular culture, you might imagine Heaven as a place where people sit on clouds and strum harps for eternity. But the truth is much more exciting. The Bible offers a glimpse of a few of the things we’ll do in Heaven. The first is worship. In describing his vision of Heaven, the apostle John wrote, “I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations’” (Revelation 15:2–3 NLT). We’ll be doing much more than singing a hymn. We’ll be fulfilling the purpose for which we were created: to bring honor and glory to God. We’ll be doing it in His presence, with countless other believers, all filled with joy and awe at the privilege. We’ll sing in perfect harmony—a sound of unimaginable beauty. We also will be busy doing our Father’s business in Heaven. The Bible doesn’t offer a lot of details, but John wrote of those he saw in Heaven, “They stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple” (Revelation 7:15 NLT). Is it possible that in Heaven we’ll finish tasks that were left uncompleted on earth? Or fulfill dreams that were shattered on earth? Who’s to say that God won’t allow us to accomplish our meaningful earthly goals in Heaven? After all, death for the believer is not the end of life but a continuation of it in another place. We’ll also eat in Heaven. John wrote, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9 NLT). Imagine the food that’s served in Heaven. And then imagine enjoying it for eternity. But the main event of Heaven will be the Lord Himself. Jesus said, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:3 NLT). The apostle Paul said, “I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me” (Philippians 1:23 NLT). D. L. Moody wrote, “It will not be the jasper walls and the pearly gates that will make heaven attractive. It is our being with God.” But these are just glimpses. There’s no way our finite minds can conceive of all that we will do in Heaven. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him’” (NLT).   Reflection question: What do you look forward to doing in Heaven? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)   Will we recognize one another in Heaven? The short answer is yes, absolutely. Why would we know less in Heaven than we know on earth? In Heaven, we are perfected. We are glorified. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (NLT). In Heaven, there will be no more mysteries. No more questions. Everything will be resolved. Everything will be known. You will still love your family and friends. In fact, you will love them with a stronger, purer, and sweeter love. Death may break our bonds on earth, but God restores them in Heaven. We don’t change identities in Heaven. We’ll be the same people there that we are on earth. I’ll still be me. You’ll still be you. But we’ll be perfected versions of ourselves. Without the flaws. Without the shortcomings. Without the sinful tendencies. We’ll be glorified in the presence of God. And we’ll know all things that Scripture says. Matthew 17 records the Transfiguration of Jesus. He took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, where they saw Him in His glory. Verse 3 says, “Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus” (NLT). But how did anyone know that it was Moses and Elijah? Those men lived centuries before the events of the New Testament. Do you think Moses was holding two commandment tablets and saying, “Hi, I’m Moses. Recognize these?” Do you think Elijah was calling down fire from Heaven so that he’d be more recognizable? Do you think they were wearing name tags? “Hi! My name is Moses.” I don’t think so. The point is that even after being called back from glory momentarily to appear with Christ, Moses and Elijah were recognizable. Just as we will be recognizable when we get to Heaven. And it won’t be just your appearance that’s familiar. You’ll have the same thoughts, feelings, and desires that you had on earth. But they’ll all be perfected. You will be the purest version of you in Heaven. So, the people who love you will love you even more. When Jesus appeared to His frightened disciples after His resurrection, He said, “Why are you frightened? . . . Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do” (Luke 24:38–39 NLT). In other words, “You know who I am.” One of the countless joys of Heaven will be reuniting with our Christian loved ones. One of the challenges of earth is making sure that our loved ones will be in Heaven.   Reflection question: Who are you eager to reunite with in Heaven? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies.” (1 Corinthians 15:43–44 NLT)   When you get to Heaven, God will give you a brand-new body. But the blueprint for your glorified body is in the body you now possess. In other words, there will be a connection between the you of earth and the you of Heaven. The apostle Paul wrote, “Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies” (1 Corinthians 15:43–44 NLT). That means our new bodies will, in some ways, be the same as our old bodies, but at the same time, they will be different. Without question, they will be radically improved. No more physical disabilities. No signs of age. No sinful tendencies. Joni Eareckson Tada, who was left a quadriplegic after a diving accident, wrote a book called Heaven: Your Real Home. In it, she talked about the new bodies we will receive. “No more bulging middles or balding tops. No varicose veins or crow’s feet. No more cellulite or support hose. Forget the thunder thighs and the highway hips. Just a quick leapfrog over the tombstone and it is a body you have always dreamed of. Fit and trim. Smooth and sleek.” Our new resurrection bodies will resemble the resurrection body of Jesus Christ. Jesus appeared to His disciples in the flesh after He rose from the dead. He ate. He invited Thomas to touch the wounds from His crucifixion. Yet He could appear in a room without using the door. And He ascended to glory. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether we’ll be able to do the same things. But it does say, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2 NLT). That’s an exciting prospect. And Paul wrote, “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:1–4 NLT). In other words, our heavenly body will be familiar, yet amazingly different from our current body.   Reflection question: What do you look forward to most about your heavenly body? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)   One question people ask when a loved one dies is whether the person will still be aware of what’s happening on earth. The Bible suggests that the answer is yes, although not in the ways some people believe. Some grieving people cling to the belief that their departed loved ones watch over them, guide them, and even communicate with them. But that’s not what the Bible tells us. What the Bible does suggest is that people in Heaven are aware of loved ones who aren’t saved. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a poor man named Lazarus and a rich man. Both men died. Lazarus went to a place of comfort where he sat beside Abraham at a heavenly banquet. The rich man went to a place of torment. The rich man was fully aware of the people he had left behind. He asked Abraham to send the righteous Lazarus on a mission to them. “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment’” (verses 27–28 NLT). The Bible also suggests that when people on earth receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, it becomes public knowledge in Heaven. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about a lost sheep and a parable about a lost coin. When that which was lost is found—that is, when those who were lost come to Christ—there is great rejoicing. Jesus said, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (verse 7 NLT). He also said, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents” (verse 10 NLT). The Bible suggests that people in Heaven may be aware of the time and place of earthly events. Revelation 6 talks about a group of believers who are martyred for their faith. “They shouted to the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?’” (verse 10 NLT). The martyrs know that they were killed for following Christ on earth. They’re aware of the passing of time. And in verse 11, they’re aware that other people on earth will join them. Finally, Hebrews 12:1 suggests that people in Heaven are cheering us on. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (NLT). Your Christian loved ones have a vested interest in your spiritual well-being; death will not change that.   Reflection question: What do you want your loved ones in Heaven to see? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT)   Manx shearwaters are seabirds that nest off the coast of Wales. To study the birds’ homing instincts, scientists tagged and transported several Manx shearwaters to various points around the globe. They released the birds to see if they could make their way back to the coast of Wales in just twelve days. Each one did. One bird, which was released in Boston, traveled 250 miles a day from a place it had never been before to get back home. So, the next time someone calls you a birdbrain, take it as a compliment. God has placed a homing instinct in us as well. Call it a homesickness for Heaven. We long for a place we’ve never been before. That’s how we’re wired. The author of Ecclesiastes said that God “has planted eternity in the human heart” (3:11 NLT). In our next set of devotions, we’re going to explore what the Bible says about Heaven, the beacon for our homing instinct. Some people tend to go mystical when they talk about the afterlife. They describe Heaven as a state of mind rather than an actual place. The Bible, on the other hand, describes Heaven as a real place. Jesus told His followers, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 NLT). The author of Hebrews described Heaven as a city. “But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16 NLT). Jesus identified Heaven as the dwelling place of God when He began the Lord’s Prayer with the words “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9 NLT). Luke identified it as the dwelling place of angels. “When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2:15 NLT). Hebrews 12:23 identifies Heaven as the dwelling place of believers who have died. “You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect” (NLT). Our brief time on earth is a pale imitation—a sneak preview—of what awaits us in Heaven. C. S. Lewis wrote, “All the things that have ever deeply possessed your soul have been hints of heaven—tantalising glimpses, promises never quite fulfilled, echoes that died away just as they caught your ear.” Lewis also wrote , “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is I was made for another world…Earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy but to arouse, to suggest, the real thing.” Heaven is the real thing that we long for.   Reflection question: How can you tell that you have eternity planted in your heart? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 NLT)   The Holy Spirit dwells within every believer. He bears witness with us that we are children of God. He seals us. Jesus’ disciples experienced His indwelling. When Jesus appeared to His followers after His resurrection, “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22 NLT). So, when Jesus spoke to them again in Acts 1:8, He wasn’t talking about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He was talking about something different. The Greek word dunamis, which is translated as power in Acts 1:8, has an interesting history. In 1867, a chemist and inventor named Alfred Nobel discovered a power greater than anything the world had known before. It was an explosive element that he created in a laboratory. Looking for a name for his invention, Nobel consulted a friend who was a Greek scholar. By changing a few letters in dunamis, the Greek word for explosive power, Nobel came up with the word dynamite. That’s the idea that Jesus conveyed in Acts 1:8. He was saying to His disciples, “You will receive explosive dynamite power when the Spirit has come upon you.” The power to be a witness. The power to share your faith. The power to speak up and be counted. The power to turn your world upside down. The power of the Holy Spirit transformed the lives of first-century believers. Prior to receiving it, the apostle Peter couldn’t stand up for his faith when strangers asked him if he was a follower of Jesus. After he received it, Peter boldly preached the gospel to a crowd of thousands. Prior to receiving the Holy Spirit’s power, the apostle Paul was an enemy of the Christian faith. After receiving it, he became one of its greatest champions. The same power is available to us today. The power to be a witness. The power to boldly approach someone you don’t know and tell them about Jesus Christ. The power to lovingly confront someone about their sin. The power to initiate a life-changing conversation. The power to tell people about what Jesus has done for you. My question to you is this: Do you have this power in your life right now? Has your prayer life become dry and one-dimensional? Do you feel less than engaged with God’s Word? Do you feel as though there’s something lacking in your spiritual walk? Are you stricken with fear at the very idea of sharing your faith? If so, then you, my friend, are a candidate for the empowering of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is pray. Ask God to empower you with His Spirit. Ask Him to help you feel the Spirit’s presence in your life, guiding and encouraging you to grow and share your faith in ways that transform the world around you.   Reflection question: What would the “dynamite power” of the Holy Spirit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 NLT)   Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit’s biblical intervention? Maybe you were struggling in a certain area of your life. Or you were facing a difficult temptation. Or you were unsure of what to do in a situation. Then suddenly, a passage of Scripture jumped into your mind—one that spoke clearly to your circumstances. And—here’s the amazing part—one that you don’t remember memorizing. It may have been a passage you heard in a sermon a few months earlier or one that you talked about in a Bible study ten years ago. If, in that moment, you wondered where that passage came from, Jesus offers the answer in John 14:26: “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” (NLT). The Holy Spirit reminds you what you need to know when you need to know it. That work extends to other areas as well. The apostle Peter wrote, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15 NLT). Sometimes that’s not possible. Sometimes people ask questions that you can’t answer immediately. Sometimes you draw a blank when you’re asked to explain some aspect of your faith. That’s when the Holy Spirit intervenes. Thoughts come to you. Answers that you didn’t know you had. You start sharing, and the words that come out are so good that you want to take notes on yourself. You say to yourself, “This is good stuff. Where did it come from?” It didn’t come from you. It came from the Holy Spirit. He’s reminding you of what you know. Of course, that doesn’t excuse you from the discipline of Bible study. You can’t just hold your Bible up and say, “I pray that all of these things will go into my brain right now.” You still must discipline yourself to read, study, and memorize Scripture. You must put in the work to know and understand what God’s Word says. If you do that, you can trust the Holy Spirit to remind you of what you know at crucial moments. That’s why, before you study Scripture, it’s important to pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate what you read. Paul wrote, “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10 NLT). Once those secrets have been shown to you, they can be recalled again and again. The Holy Spirit will bring them to mind to strengthen and guide you when you need them.   Reflection question: In what area of Bible study do you need the Holy Spirit’s assistance? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26–27 NLT)   There will be times when you don’t know what or how to pray. You may be overwhelmed with a burden. You may be discouraged. You may be depressed. You may be afraid. That’s when the Holy Spirit steps in to help you. Referring to the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you” (John 14:16 NLT). The word Advocate also can be translated as Comforter. It comes from the Greek word parakletos, which means “called alongside to help.” The Holy Spirit comes alongside you to assist you in your prayer. He serves as an advocate in interceding for you and pleading your cause before the Father. Let’s face it, some prayer requests are too complex to put into words. Some situations are beyond your ability to fully grasp. Some cause you to confront your self-interests in uncomfortable ways, requiring you to choose between what’s easiest for you in the short term and what’s best for you in the long term. In situations like these, arranging your thoughts and emotions into coherent sentences may seem next to impossible. The good news is that sometimes the most profound prayers are nothing more than a sigh or a groan—an emotional SOS, signaling that you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to say. I can attest. After my son died, I struggled to come to grips with the reality of his being gone. I prayed to God, but I didn’t always know what to pray. So, sometimes I just said, “Oh, Lord.” Sometimes I just groaned. Sometimes I just cried. Sometimes I just sighed. But that was all I needed to do because I wasn’t crying out against God; I was crying out to Him for help. And His Holy Spirit was ready to assist. The apostle Paul wrote, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:26–27 NLT). Don’t let a lack of words keep you from praying. No matter what you’re experiencing, take it to the Lord. Give Him your sighs, your groans, your tears, your anxiety, your rage. Even if you can muster no more than “God, please,” it’s enough for the Holy Spirit to work with. He will make your needs known to the One who can bring ultimate good from any situation.   Reflection question: When have you needed the Holy Spirit’s assistance with a prayer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22–23 NLT)   How do I know if you’re a Christian? For that matter, how do you know if I’m a Christian? You can’t see my heart. You can’t see my faith. But you can see the results of my faith. Jesus said, “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions” (Matthew 7:20 NLT). I can’t determine if you’re a follower of Jesus merely by your profession; I need to see evidence in you. And that evidence is spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit doesn’t grow overnight; it takes time. Sometimes the best judge of the growth in your life is another person. You may be introspective and ask, “Have I become more like Jesus in the last twenty-four hours?” But that’s like trying to watch your kids grow. The growth is too subtle to notice in real time. But someone who hasn’t seen your kids in months may say, “Wow, they’ve really grown!” Similarly, you may not see spiritual growth in your own life. But someone else might say, “You’ve really changed!” That’s the work of the Holy Spirit in you. And that’s important because Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” (John 15:16 NLT). Jesus wants to see spiritual fruit in your life. The apostle Paul identifies the fruit in Galatians 5:22–23. It starts with love—love for God and for others. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15 NLT). We bear spiritual fruit when we show our love for the Lord. We show our love for the Lord by doing what He says. The Holy Spirit helps produce spiritual fruit by reminding us of God’s commands. Jesus also said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT). We bear spiritual fruit when we show love to others—especially to people who are hard to love. The Holy Spirit helps in this area by reminding us of the love that God has shown us. We express that love by maintaining a spirit of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Another translation of Galatians 5:22–23 puts it this way: “Things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (MSG). How do you bring forth this fruit? Jesus said, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT). You remain in Christ. You sink your roots deeply in the soil of God’s Word. You get your nourishment from it. You stand strong when conditions get bad. You invite the Holy Spirit to cut away the dead or unhealthy branches in your life. That’s how you produce spiritual fruit.   Reflection question: What does spiritual fruit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And because of what Christ did, all you others too, who heard the Good News about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. His presence within us is God’s guarantee that he really will give us all that he promised; and the Spirit’s seal upon us means that God has already purchased us and that he guarantees to bring us to himself. This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.” (Ephesians 1:13–14 TLB)   In biblical times, when goods were shipped from one place to another, they were stamped with a waxed seal and imprinted with a signet ring bearing a unique mark of ownership. Important royal documents were sealed in wax and imprinted with the royal seal. No one other than the intended recipients would dare open them. That’s the context for the apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:13–14. The Holy Spirit seals us. That means God has put His imprint on the lives of all believers. So, the devil comes along, ready to ruin a life—until he sees the imprint that reads, “Property of the Lord Jesus Christ.” And suddenly his options are limited. There’s only so much he can do to someone who’s been sealed with the Holy Spirit. You’ll also notice that Paul says the Holy Spirit’s “presence within us is God’s guarantee” (Ephesians 1:14 TLB). The Holy Spirit’s presence in our life guarantees our inheritance until we actually claim it. Think of it in terms of a deposit. Let’s say you want to buy a car. You find the model you want to buy. To get it, you must put down a deposit. A deposit is a show of good faith—evidence that your intent to buy is real. Now let’s look at it in terms of salvation. God says, “Because you believe, you will go to Heaven when you die.” You say, “Well, that’s great. But it’s hard to fully grasp.” So, God says, “I want you to know that I’m serious, so I’m going to give you the Holy Spirit as a down payment guaranteeing your inheritance.” It’s called proof. We all want proof that God is at work in our lives. It’s great if someone else has proof, but we all want personal proof to know that God is working in us. If you’ve received Christ as Savior and Lord, God has placed the Holy Spirit in your life. Has your life changed for the better since you began your personal relationship with Christ? Do you sense the Holy Spirit’s presence in you, giving you strength that you never had before? Do you have a peace in your life that you’ve never known before? If so, you have proof that God’s Holy Spirit is at work in your life. And you have assurance that your inheritance is waiting.   Reflection question: What proof do you see that God is at work in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63 NLT)   When you became a Christian, you did not do so by your own act of will. Yes, you believed. But it was the Holy Spirit who convicted you. The Holy Spirit showed you your need for Jesus. And the Holy Spirit ultimately converted you. That’s why Jesus said, “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63 nlt). And it’s why He said, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life” (John 3:5–6 NLT). Because the work of the Holy Spirit is so vital, the devil targets it in his attacks against us. More specifically, he tries to make us question the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He tries to make us doubt what we know to be true. He tries to make us ask, “Was I really converted?” Unfortunately for us, the devil’s timing is usually impeccable. He prowls around after we’ve made a regrettable decision or given in to a troublesome temptation. He’ll try to make us feel like frauds, “pretend Christians.” He’ll raise doubts in our minds about whether the Holy Spirit really worked in our lives. He also tries to make our Christian faith feel like a burden or an obligation, or tries to make us believe that we’ve outgrown our faith—that it’s something that belongs in our past. Anything to distance us from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We need to recognize the devil’s strategies and the lies behind them. The apostle Paul wrote, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39 NLT). The Holy Spirit personally gives us the assurance that Christ has come into our lives. Paul also wrote, “For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we really are God’s children” (Romans 8:16 TLB). That is the wonderful inner conviction and witness of the Holy Spirit. You just know that you belong to Christ. It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. But it’s as real as the breath you’re drawing right now. I have that conviction in my heart. Do you? Has the Holy Spirit given you the inner conviction that, yes, you are a child of God?   Reflection question: How did the Holy Spirit convert you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.” (John 16:13 NLT)   “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” One of the core truths that the Holy Spirit guides us into involves righteousness. If you were to ask a random assortment of people whether they consider themselves righteous, most would probably say yes. Most people like to think of themselves as good, relatively speaking. Most people also recognize that there are certain plateaus of goodness. At the top are the saints who sacrifice almost everything to help others. Their goodness puts everyone else to shame, although they would be much too humble to ever acknowledge that. Most of us resign ourselves to the fact that we will never reach their level of righteousness. So, we settle for good enough. We say things like, “I may not always be an angel, but I’m not a devil either,” or “At least I’m not as bad as certain other people,” or “I may not be perfect, but I have a good heart.” We treat righteousness like the cut line in a golf tournament. We just have to be good enough—or just a little better than others. The problem is that, when it comes to righteousness, perfection is the cut line. That’s the truth the Holy Spirit guides us into. The apostle Paul wrote, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT). In Jesus’ day, the scribes and Pharisees were revered for their righteousness. They spent their days contemplating and debating the smallest details of God’s law. They observed every ritual. They held themselves to the highest religious standards. Yet Jesus said, “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Matthew 5:20 NLT). I remember the first time I read that as a young Christian. I thought, “Now wait a second. Weren’t the Pharisees extremely devout men? How could my righteousness exceed theirs?” Here’s how: Theirs was a false righteousness. Theirs was a self-righteousness. Even their best efforts fell far short of God’s standard of perfection. The Holy Spirit says, “You are not righteous enough on your own. You need the righteousness of Christ imputed into your account because you are a sinner. But if you will trust in Jesus, this righteousness will be given to you.” If we repent, ask God to forgive our sins, and receive Christ as Savior and Lord, we receive His righteousness. So, when God looks at us, He sees the perfect righteousness of His Son. And He welcomes us into His presence forever. That’s the truth the Holy Spirit guides us into.   Reflection question: How would you respond to someone who said, “I’m going to Heaven when I die because I’m a good person”? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” (John 16:8–9 NLT)   Over the next few days, we’re going to look at the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, one of God’s greatest gifts to us. The Holy Spirit performs vital duties in this world. Yet many of them go unnoticed because we simply take them for granted. But it’s important for God’s people to understand and celebrate His work. So, let’s start with this one: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me” (John 16:8–9 nlt). The Holy Spirit shows us that we are sinners. He communicates the amazing truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He shows us that we need to turn to God. Without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, none of us ever would have come to Jesus. That’s why, when I pray for a nonbeliever, I say, “Lord, convict them by Your Holy Spirit.” If I tell someone that Jesus has made my life fuller and better, and that I have joy and peace, they will think, “Well, that’s fine for you.” But what they need to realize is that they’re a sinner in need of a Savior. And that’s the work of the Spirit. The Spirit convicts us of our sin—not to drive us to despair, but to send us into the open arms of Jesus. On the Day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter delivered a sermon. Some of the people in the audience were culpable in Jesus’ crucifixion. Acts 2:37 says, “Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” (NLT). The Holy Spirit was doing the piercing. The idea of piercing someone’s heart may be a little unsettling—if you imagine the act as an attack with a knife. But what if the blade is a scalpel? And the one wielding it is a highly trained surgeon? And the piercing is a necessary procedure to remove a cancerous tumor? Suddenly the scenario is reframed as a life-giving act of mercy. So it is with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. He reveals the ugly truth—that we are sinners, powerless to save ourselves. He reveals the dire consequences—that we face God’s eternal judgment. And then He reveals the life-giving truth—that God made salvation possible through the sacrifice of His Son. The Holy Spirit pierces our hearts—not to weaken us or destroy us, but to save us. He shows us just how much we need Jesus.   Reflection question: What did the convicting work of the Holy Spirit look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)   This is a go-to scenario for people trying to poke holes in Christian logic: A person from a remote region, who’s never had any exposure to Christianity or the Bible, dies. What will happen to that person? I believe that God will judge us according to the light we have received. We will not be held accountable for what we do not know. That, however, does not excuse us from all responsibility. Otherwise, we might say ignorance is bliss. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God “has planted eternity in the human heart” (NLT). He has hardwired us to know Him. That means from the day we’re born, we’re on a quest, a search to find meaning and purpose in life. God put that restless desire inside us. We were created in His image. We were born with a soul—and an inner emptiness that only He can fill. And though our internal compass points us toward God, we still go our own way. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:19–20, “They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (NLT). Some people may say, “I have my own standards that I live by.” But I would venture to guess that you probably don’t even live up to your own standards. You violate the rules you think are right. Others might say, “I’m a sincere seeker of truth. I just haven’t found what I’m looking for.” If you’re a sincere seeker of truth, I believe that you will find your way to Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT). God will make Himself real to you if you really want to know Him. Don’t worry so much about the person who’s never heard the gospel. Think about yourself because you have heard the gospel. And knowledge brings responsibility. For the record, here’s the gospel in a nutshell. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short of God’s standards. There is nothing we can do to meet the righteous requirements of God. God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ, who was fully God and fully man, to die on the cross for our sin. He bodily rose again from the dead. If we will turn from our sin and put our faith in Christ, we will be forgiven. We can know that we will go to Heaven when we die. And we can find the meaning and purpose we’ve been looking for in this life. That’s the gospel truth. Now that you understand it, you’re responsible for responding to it.   Reflection question: How can you make sure that the people around you understand the gospel? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” (Ezekiel 33:11 NLT)   How can a loving God send someone to Hell? The short answer is that God doesn’t send anyone to Hell. People send themselves there by the choices they make. The last thing that God wants is for any man or woman uniquely created in His image to spend eternity separated from Him in a place of torment. Hell was not created for people. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus says, “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons’” (NLT). Hell was created for the beings who rebelled against God in Heaven and who work to ruin His plan on earth. God doesn’t want anyone to go there. That’s why He says in Ezekiel 33:11, “As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?” (NLT). Why do you think God sent Jesus to be murdered in cold blood? Because there was no other way that His perfect holiness and justice could be satisfied. Sin cannot exist in God’s presence. We have all sinned. Hell is the place where God has removed His presence. So, when we die, the only place we can go is to Hell, according to God’s righteous standards. The only way to satisfy those standards and save us from Hell was to send a perfect sacrifice, a sinless person to take the punishment we deserve, suffer and die in our place, and then rise from the dead to conquer death once and for all. God sacrificed His own Son so that we would not have to go to Hell. Everyone who receives Christ as Savior and Lord is given eternal life in Heaven, in God’s presence forever. They are saved from Hell. That is our spiritual reality. Anyone who winds up in Hell will be there because they made the choice to go there. No one will end up in Hell accidentally. Likewise, no one becomes a Christian accidentally. You don’t just wake up one morning and say, “Whoa, I’m a Christian! Praise God! I can’t believe I just said, ‘Praise God.’ I suddenly have this strange desire to read the Bible. It must have happened when I cut through that church parking lot last night.” You become a Christian because you make a choice to believe in Jesus. Those who go to Hell do so because they made a choice to reject Christ. No one goes to Heaven deservingly, and no one goes to Hell unwillingly. If you end up in that place on that final day, you will have no one to blame but yourself. And you will have to practically climb over Jesus to get there. No, friend, you don’t have to go to Hell. God wants you to join Him for all eternity in Heaven.   Reflection question: How can you explain the reality of Hell to an unbelieving friend? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NLT)   You’ve probably heard more than a few objections to the inevitable answer to this question. “How can Christians say that Jesus is the only way to God?” “Are you saying that if someone doesn’t believe in Jesus, then they’re going to Hell?” “Do you understand how narrow-minded that thinking is?” “Why are you so intolerant of other people’s beliefs?” “Why can’t you be more inclusive?” Let’s get one thing straight. The only reason I say that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father is because Jesus Himself said it. Look again at those words in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (NLT). In Acts 4:12, the apostle Peter put it this way: “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (NLT). Why? Because only Jesus Christ was qualified to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus Christ—not just a good man, but the God-Man—died in our place and took the full wrath of the Father upon Himself because there was no other way that we could settle the debt that we owed God. Only Jesus Christ could conquer sin and death and make it possible for us to live forever with Him. Such exclusivity is hard for a lot of people to embrace. Some say, “I choose to believe that whatever religion you want to follow is fine. As long as you sincerely believe, God will let you into Heaven.” The problem with that reasoning is that Adolf Hitler probably believed in his heart that what he was doing was right. Does anyone want to suggest that his sincere belief should earn him a place in Heaven? Others say, “I don’t believe that Jesus was God. I believe that He was an influential philosopher and a great moral teacher, but nothing more than that.” C. S. Lewis responded to that kind of thinking with these words: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell.” Lewis concluded, “You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” Jesus is the only way to God. The Christian faith is built on that truth.   Reflection question: What would you say to someone who believes that all paths lead to God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” (Psalm 119:67 NIV)   If God is good, why does He allow suffering? Chances are good that you’ve heard—and asked—that question before. You may be asking it now if you’re struggling with health issues. Or if you’ve lost a loved one. Or if your marriage is falling apart. Or if you’re having financial difficulties. Or if you’ve watched a natural disaster unfold. Maybe you’ve personalized the question and asked, “Why did God allow that to happen to me?” Our human intellect and notions of fairness reject the apparent contradiction between a loving God and a world of hate, pain, and misery. The classic statement of the problem goes like this: Either God is all-powerful but not all good and therefore doesn’t stop evil, or He is all good but not all-powerful and therefore can’t stop evil. Whichever way you come down on the issue, the general tendency is to blame God for all the bad things that happen in the world. The reality is that, in a broad sense, sickness, suffering, disabilities, misery, and even death are the results of sin. Not necessarily the results of a personal sin that someone commits, but the results of the existence of sin. You see, God’s original plan was that these bodies of ours would never wear out. They would never wrinkle….I would still have hair on my head. But because sin entered the world, we have aging and diminished abilities. We have disease and death. Bad things happen when people make the wrong choices. We might ask why God didn’t make us so that we couldn’t sin. The answer is that He gave us free will to make our own decisions. In many ways, free will is our greatest blessing and our greatest curse, depending on what we do with it. But God doesn’t want us to love Him in a pre-programmed way. Love isn’t genuine if there’s no other option. God wants us to choose to love Him. The flip side is that we have the option to make the wrong choice. We can choose to reject God and pursue sin. God will make us aware of our wrong choices. He will show us the paths He would have us travel. But He will allow us to do what we choose. In Deuteronomy 30:19–20, He says, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life” (NLT). When we choose something other than life, as described in this passage, we open the door to suffering—in our lives and in the world around us. But in His mercy and wisdom, God uses suffering to get our attention and direct us back to Him and the life He offers. The psalmist wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word” (Psalm 119:67 NIV). C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” God works through our suffering to remind us how much we need Him.   Reflection question: How has God worked through suffering in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT)   Over the next few days, we’re going to address some frequently asked questions about the Christian faith. It’s likely that none of these questions will be new to you. You’ve probably heard them—or maybe even asked them yourself—more than once. I want to emphasize that these questions are valid. They often indicate a thoughtful approach to the Christian faith. But sometimes questions are nothing more than a smokescreen—a way of deflecting the truth of the gospel. They are excuses for not making a decision for Christ. With that in mind, let’s proceed. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, “Come now, and let us reason together” (NKJV). Christianity is a logical faith. It was only after I became a Christian that the world began to make sense to me. Prior to becoming a believer, I thought that mankind was basically good. And I really struggled with the horrible things that people did to people. But after I became a believer and discovered that the Bible teaches that mankind is sinful, I began to understand. I also discovered that God can change the human heart. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean you have to check your brain at the door. Bring your questions, even the tough ones. Find out what God says in His Word. Of course, if we’re going to search for answers in God’s Word, we need to be able to trust it. So, our first question is: How do we know the Bible is true? We can point to its amazing origin. The Bible is actually sixty-six different books written over a span of 1,500 years by some forty different authors from every walk of life, including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars. Yet every one of them wrote about the same theme, God’s redemption of mankind. Because God Himself directed their words. We can point to archaeology. For many years, scholars used archaeology to argue that the Bible was unreliable. They could find no evidence of certain names, places, and events mentioned in Scripture. As archaeologists uncover more and more of the ancient world, however, they are discovering that the Bible is quite accurate. We can point to prophecy, specifically prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies—including being born of a virgin, being born in Bethlehem, and being crucified—centuries after the prophecies were made. Perhaps most importantly, we can point to what the Bible says about how to know God and how to live in these troubled, crazy times. It’s the only book that speaks with authority in this realm. And it’s the only book whose promises resonate deep within us. Ultimately, the best way to discover that the Bible is true is to experience its truths in your own life.   Reflection question: How have you experienced the Bible truths in your own life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17 NLT)   The tenth and final commandment stands apart. While the other commandments, to a large extent, deal with what we do outwardly, this one deals with what we do inwardly. While the other commandments deal primarily with actions, this one deals with a state of mind and heart. A Roman Catholic priest who heard the confessions of thousands of people said he listened to folks admit to sins of almost every kind, including adultery and even murder. But he could not recall even one person who confessed to the sin of coveting. Maybe that’s because no one knew what it was. Coveting is looking at something, admiring it, and essentially taking it. For instance, let’s say your friend has a car. You say, “I like that car.” That’s not coveting. You say, “I want a car like it.” Still not coveting. You say, “I’m going to buy a car just like it.” Still not coveting. You say, “I want your car.” That is a problem. You say, “I’m taking your car.” That’s coveting—and grand theft auto, in this case. It is taking something that belongs to another. Something that was never meant to be yours. You’ll notice that the commandment says, “You must not covet your neighbor’s wife.” It’s not wrong to want a wife or a husband, but it is wrong to want someone else’s wife or husband. Second Samuel 11 tells the story of King David and Bathsheba. David saw Bathsheba bathing, asked about her, and discovered that she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David’s loyal soldiers. David demanded that Bathsheba be brought to him. He coveted her—and thus began his downfall. He committed adultery with her. He arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. He tried to cover it up by lying. David set in motion a series of broken commandments when he coveted. He, like everyone else, discovered that keeping the Ten Commandments is practically impossible. And that’s the point of them. How many of the Ten Commandments have you broken? Have you misused God’s name? Have you failed to honor your father and mother? Have you stolen anything? Have you lied? Have you committed adultery? Have you coveted? If so, you experienced the need to repent and ask God for forgiveness. The Ten Commandments aren’t intended to frustrate us or make us miserable. They’re intended to show us our need for repentance and forgiveness. The Ten Commandments weren’t given to try to make us holy. They were given to show us that we can’t be holy through our own ability. We are all guilty before God. The good news is that when Christ died on the cross, He atoned for every broken commandment. He took our penalty and our punishment on Himself. He died in our place so that we can be forgiven.   Reflection question: How would you explain the Ten Commandments to someone who doesn’t know much about them? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16 NLT)   Strictly speaking, this commandment originally focused on perjuring yourself in a judicial trial. Yet it certainly applies to lying in general—something the Bible addresses in no uncertain terms. In Proverbs 6:16–19, God says, “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family” (NLT). Of the seven things God hates, two of them involve lying and falsehood. Why does God hate them? Because lying is incredibly destructive. Proverbs 25:18 says, “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow” (NLT). Lying is insidious because we can convince ourselves that it’s a victimless crime. We lie to save face. We lie to keep from offending others. We lie because it’s more convenient than telling the messy, complicated truth. But those can’t be harmless offenses because they violate God’s ninth commandment. That commandment also covers gossip and backbiting. Gossip topples governments. It wrecks marriages. It ruins careers. It destroys reputations. It causes nightmares. It spawns suspicions. It generates grief. That’s why Proverbs 20:19 warns, “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers” (NLT). That includes seemingly well-meaning Christians who share details about other people’s lives and say, “This is just so we know how to pray for them.” The commandment covers flattery, one of the most subtle forms of deceit. Someone once said that flattery is saying things to a person’s face that you would never say behind their back. It’s tempting to use flattery to get something from someone. But if you don’t sincerely mean what you say, it’s just another form of lying. The commandment applies to exaggeration. Some people argue that exaggeration is simply a storyteller’s tool—a harmless trick to make the mundane seem a little more interesting. In other words, never let the truth get in the way of a good story. The problem with exaggeration is that if we can’t be trusted to be accurate and truthful in the minor details, how can we be trusted when it comes to the major ones? The ninth commandment presents a challenge for many people because it involves the tongue. James wrote, “We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:3–8 NLT). But that should never stop us from trying—especially where the ninth commandment is concerned.   Reflection question: Which of the areas covered by the ninth commandment presents the biggest challenge to you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You must not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 NLT)   Several years ago, I got a call from my credit card company. They said, “Mr. Laurie, have you been in India lately making any purchases?” I said, “No, I have never been to India.” It seems that someone had gotten my credit card number and gone on a spending spree. Later, it was determined that the theft was an inside job. Someone who worked for the credit card company had given my information to someone else. We’re living in a world of theft. Of course, some people are better at it than others. A man in Miami tried to rob a deli, but the owner broke his nose by hitting him with a giant salami. The man fled the scene and hid in the trunk of a parked car. The car belonged to an undercover police team that was trailing a different criminal. After five days, the officers heard the man whimpering in the trunk and arrested him. A teenager in Belmont, New Hampshire, robbed a local convenience store and got away with a pocketful of change. He didn’t realize that there were holes in his pockets. Police officers followed the trail of coins leading to his front door and arrested him. Police in Wichita, Kansas, arrested a twenty-two-year-old man in an airport hotel after he tried to pass two counterfeit $16 bills. The apostle Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 4:28 would have been helpful to these would-be criminal masterminds. “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (NLT). In other words, stop taking and start giving. Jesus gave similar counsel to Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was a Jewish man who worked as a tax collector for the hated Romans. (You can imagine how popular he was among his fellow Jews.) Not only did Zacchaeus collect the exorbitant taxes demanded by Rome, but he also tacked on extra fees to line his own pockets. And no one could do anything about it because he had the power of Rome to protect him. One day as Jesus was passing through Zacchaeus’ hometown of Jericho, He spotted the tax collector. Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home. That displeased the good people of Jericho, who didn’t think Jesus should mingle with such a notorious thief. But after spending some time with Jesus, Zacchaeus made a public announcement. “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” (verse 8 NLT). From this story and Paul’s words to the Ephesians, we find the ideal response to the eighth commandment. One, don’t steal anymore. Two, do something useful. God honors honest, hard-working people. Three, share with others. “You must not steal” is only the starting point. The way you define what’s “yours” will go a long way toward determining the way you live out your Christian faith. And in that sense, giving is always better than taking.   Reflection question: What would doing something useful and sharing with others look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You must not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14 NLT)   What is adultery? The writers of the New Testament use the Greek word porneia, which translates to “pornographic” or “immorality.” The word refers to adultery, which is extramarital sex. It refers to fornication, which is premarital sex. It refers to homosexuality. It refers to incest, molestation, and even bestiality. All these things figure into the seventh commandment. God is saying, “You must not do this.” Imagine what kind of world we would live in today if this single commandment was obeyed. How many marriages would still be intact? How many fathers would still be at home? How many divorces would have been averted? I believe that historians and sociologists looking back on our era one hundred years from now will say that we were a culture obsessed with sex. Having said that, though, I must also emphasize that sex is not sinful in and of itself. Remember, God created sex. But why? Some would say for procreation. Period. That childbearing is its only purpose. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. The Bible makes it clear that God gave us this wonderful, pleasurable expression of love to be made from a man to a woman and from a woman to a man within the safety of a marriage relationship. Any other variation of it is wrong. When a man and woman have sexual relations together, a oneness takes place. Paul wrote about it in 1 Corinthians 6:15–18: “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.’ But the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body” (NLT). So, no one can say, “It was just a one-night fling. It didn’t mean anything to me.” That’s not what the Bible says. No one can say, “As long as it’s between two consenting adults, no one gets hurt.” The Bible teaches that every time we commit sexual sin, someone else gets hurt. One day, if you live a long life, you may be sitting in a rocker on the front porch of a retirement home, thinking back on your days. In that moment, I don’t think that you’ll care all that much about how successful your career was, or what your income level was, or how great your accomplishments were. But you will celebrate the fact that you were faithful to your spouse and that your marriage stood the test of time. And in that moment, you’ll know why God gave you the seventh commandment: “You must not commit adultery.”   Reflection question: What steps do you take to stay faithful in your relationship? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“You must not murder.” (Exodus 20:13 NLT)   In some translations of the Bible, this verse reads, “Thou shalt not kill.” And that leaves it open to a wide range of interpretations. The commandment obviously forbids the taking of another human life for no justifiable reason. Some people try to stretch that to include any kind of killing. They say all war is wrong. All use of force is wrong. Even the killing of an animal is wrong. But that’s not what this verse is saying. The best translation is, “Thou shall not murder.” Numbers 35 plainly states the difference that God establishes between killing and murder. All murder, of course, is killing, but all killing is not necessarily murder. There are times when death is permissible, though not desirable. We can debate the nuances of the commandment all we like. But the words of Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount bring it home to us in a very real way. Look at what He said in Matthew 5:21–22: “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” (NLT). “If you are even angry with someone”? That’s a pretty wide net. Many people, in the depths of their hearts, have anger and hatred to such a degree that their true desire is for someone to be dead. And that brings me to this question: Do you feel that way about anyone right now? You might say, “Well, actually, I do. But, Greg, you don’t know what this person did to me. You don’t know. It’s unforgivable.” The problem with that justification is that if you say anything is unforgivable, then we are all in deep trouble. As believers, we put a lot of hope in the fact that every sin is forgivable. And we do so justly. God poured His wrath on Jesus as punishment for every sin that has ever been committed so that we can be forgiven of every wrong that we have ever done. You may be unmoved by that argument. You may say, “No, my hatred is justified. The person deserves to die.” And that may be true in your estimation. But let me add this. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (NIV). It is not for us to hate. Our vengeance is flawed; it brings no lasting satisfaction or closure. God’s judgment is perfect. He offers a better alternative to holding on to our hate. In Ephesians 4:31–32, the apostle Paul wrote, “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” (NLT).   Reflection question: Who do you need to forgive instead of hating any longer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT)   Even if prayer were a difficult thing to do, which it is not, or an unpleasant thing to do, which it is not, we still would have every reason to pray because we are commanded in Scripture to do so. The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT). And Luke 18:1 tells us that Jesus used a story to show His followers “that they should always pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1 NLT). Prayer is God’s appointed way for us to obtain things. This doesn’t mean that God is like some big Santa in Heaven. He’s not standing by, ready to grant our every wish. Prayer concerns something much more important: our needs. God invites us to take our every need to Him. We see it in Paul’s words in Philippians 4. We see it in David’s psalms. We see it in Jesus’ alone time with His Father. We see it in the lives of countless Bible characters. Whatever was on their minds, whatever was in their path, whatever was impacting their lives, God wanted them to involve Him in it. Jesus said, “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need” (Matthew 6:9–11 NLT). If you need it, God wants you to tell Him about it. Do you have needs right now? Pray about it. Do you need His provision? Pray about it. Do you need His healing touch? Pray about it. Go to God with your requests, and your heavenly Father, who knows you need these things, will hear you. James wrote, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2 NIV). Think about that. You might ask, “Why is it that I never know what the will of God is for my life?” Answer: You do not have because you do not ask God. You might ask, “Why is it that I never have the opportunity to lead people to the Lord?” Answer: You do not have because you do not ask God. You might ask, “Why don’t I feel more confident when I face spiritual battles?” Answer: You do not have because you do not ask God. I wonder how many answers to prayer would be waiting for us if we were to just pray about things. What would happen if we just said, “Lord, I’ve never actually brought this before You, but I’m praying about it now.” The worst-case scenario is that God will say no. But what if God says yes?   Reflection question: What need will you take to God in prayer today? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:15–16 NLT)   When hardship strikes some people, they will turn away from God. If something bad happens to them that doesn’t make sense, they conclude there can’t be a God—or that if there is a God, He doesn’t care about them. So, they turn against Him and essentially find a belief system that accommodates their feelings. It should come as no surprise that the devil does some of his most effective work during times of hardship and suffering. Given half a chance, he’ll turn our attention away from the big picture of God’s plan to strengthen, nurture, and care for us through our struggles and difficulties. Instead, the devil tries to shift our focus to the smaller picture of our immediate circumstances. He’ll appeal to our sense of privilege. “Why should I have to face any hardship or suffering? Why doesn’t God do something about it?” But God isn’t to blame for our difficulties and struggles. Trials and hardship are the byproducts of a fallen world. We suffer because we sinned. God is the One who gives us hope amid our suffering. Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). To give us that hope, God had to suffer, too. Jesus Christ was God incarnate, and no one ever suffered like Jesus. Not only did He endure the physical pain of being whipped, beaten, and crucified, but He also bore the sins of the world on Himself as He hung on Calvary’s cross and cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT). When you’re suffering, you need to know that you’re talking to a God who knows what you’re going through. You’ll find in Jesus a merciful High Priest and a faithful friend who feels your pain. Hebrews 4:15 says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT). We can’t live in a pain-free world, as much as we would like to try. When trouble comes (and it will come), when crisis knocks at your door (and it will knock), you can either become angry at God or turn to Him and trust in Him. Here’s your choice in life: You can become better or bitter. It’s usually one or the other. When something bad happens, you can say, “I’m mad at God. I’m bitter with God.” Okay. That’s your choice. But you can also say, “I’m going to trust in God. I’m going to cling to God.” And you will become better as a result. It’s really up to you.   Reflection question: What situation in your life right now has the potential to make you either better or bitter? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” (John 5:24 NLT)   One question that I’m often asked is, can Christians lose their salvation? People are afraid of this, and I think it’s for good reason. New believers often experience moments of doubt, and so do Christians who have known the Lord for many years. In fact, the first temptation the serpent presented in the Garden of Eden was to doubt God. He said to Eve, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 NLT). In other words, “Did God really say what you thought He said?” The strategy worked so well in the Garden that the devil has been using it ever since. Causing God’s people to question God’s Word and God’s faithfulness is one of his favorite battlefield maneuvers. If he can shake your foundation, he gains an advantage over you. And, for believers, the most foundational belief of all is that if we’ve received Jesus as Savior and Lord, then we’ve been forgiven of our sins, we’ve been given the righteousness of Christ, and we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. If the devil can get you to question those things, he can shake your foundation and open cracks in your faith. When you have thoughts like, “Maybe I’m not saved; maybe the Holy Spirit really isn’t living inside of me,” you need to stand on the Word of God, and not on your emotions. Emotions will fluctuate; the Word of God never will. Here are a few Scriptures to remind you of God’s faithfulness and prevent the devil from shaking your beliefs. “All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true” (1 John 5:10 NLT). “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16 NLT). “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life” (John 5:24 NLT). “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13 NLT). “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39 NLT). During His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus responded to each of the devil’s three challenges with the words, “It is written,” followed by a quote from Scripture. Jesus stood on ground that we, too, can occupy. When we quote Scripture, we not only bolster our faith, but we also keep the devil at a disadvantage. So, any time you start to question or doubt your salvation, turn to the Word of God—or, better yet, recite it from memory. The devil hates that.   Reflection question: What would you say to a fellow believer who was afraid of losing their salvation? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12–13 NIV)   Some people are really into exercise. They love to work up a sweat, go on a run, or lift weights. I hate all of it. And I know I’m not alone in that. But the fact of the matter is that we really need to exercise. We can’t hire someone to work out for us. It’s something we have to do for ourselves. In Philippians 2:12–13, the apostle Paul addresses a similar spiritual reality. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (niv). Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote those words. He was experiencing anxiety over the fact that he was separated from his fellow believers, whom he cared so much about. Effectively Paul was saying, “Look, guys, I can’t be with you right now. I wish I were there to offer you guidance and to be a good example for you, but I can’t do it. But don’t forget: It’s God who works in you, and not Paul.” The believers in Philippi may have been thinking, “We can’t live the Christian life without Paul around.” But the reality was, they could. And the same goes for believers today. If pastors and spiritual leaders are doing their jobs properly, they will get you up on your own feet, spiritually speaking, so that you’re not dependent on them. This is especially important in the heat of spiritual battle. Some Christians may be hesitant to engage the enemy without the direction, encouragement, and motivation of their spiritual leaders. They don’t trust themselves. And the devil is quick to take advantage of that. Paul speaks for all sincere Christian leaders when he says, in effect, “Guys, keep things in perspective. It’s God who’s doing the work. He’s the only One you have to rely on. Maybe He worked through me, but it’s still God who did the work. And He can do it through you.” Paul would have been the first to object if someone had tried to put him on a pedestal or claim that he could do no wrong. So, our takeaway from Philippians 2:12–13 is that we must not base our relationship with God on someone else’s relationship with God. We need to develop our own faith, based on our own experiences with God and His Word. We need to build on our own spiritual foundation. We need to fight our own spiritual battles with God by our side.   Reflection question: Why is it tempting to rely too heavily on spiritual leaders? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:1–2 NLT)   Sometimes in spiritual battle the devil will tempt us with things we’ve never experienced before. Because they’re new to us, we may not understand fully the damage they can cause. In other words, our enemy exploits our inexperience. Other times, the devil uses desires and impulses that are so familiar to us and such an integral part of who we are that—again—we may not understand fully the damage they can cause. In other words, our enemy exploits our blind spots. Selfishness falls squarely into the second category. Think about the problems you deal with on a regular basis—the things that get you into trouble time and time again. How many of them stem from selfish desires? How many of the things that you struggle with have selfishness at their root? How often does the devil exploit your selfish impulses for his own gain? James wrote, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them” (James 4:1–2 NLT). In other words, “You want your own way.” You can see this impulse even in little children. Have you ever noticed that when two children are playing, one child will ignore a certain toy until the moment the other child picks it up? Suddenly both children want it. They scream and pull, trying to wrest it away from one another. Sometimes they’ll destroy the toy in the process—all because one child wants what the other has. That’s just human nature. We’re born that way, and we carry that trait with us through life, causing countless problems along the way. Marriages fall apart, by and large, because of selfishness. People have sex before marriage because of selfishness. People commit adultery because of selfishness. Name a problem in our society today, and chances are you’ll find selfishness at its root. Dwight L. Moody once said, “I have more trouble with D. L. Moody than with any other man I’ve ever met.” As Moody recognized, it’s our obsession with ourselves that is at the root of our problems. The apostle Paul urged the believers at Philippi, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3–4 NLT). That’s a tall order for people whose selfish impulses start at birth. But God stands ready to help you. To transform your focus and your priorities. To help you recognize and deal with your selfish urges. To take away the devil’s advantage over you. It’s a lifelong process, but one that’s well worth the time.   Reflection question: In what areas do selfish urges cause you the most problems? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NLT)   Are you trying to live in two worlds? If so, then I know something about you. I know you’re not happy. Am I right? When you spend time around other Christians, you’re uncomfortable because of your sin. On the other hand, when you’re doing things you know you shouldn’t as a Christian, then you have the conviction of that sin. I have an idea: Stop doing that stuff. Make your choice. As Joshua said to the Israelites, “Choose today whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 NLT). Every one of us must make that same decision. I can’t make it for you, and you can’t make it for me. Are you in a relationship that’s dragging you down? Think hard about the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:14–15: “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (NLT). Are you doing things that are weakening your resolve? Think about the disadvantage you’re creating for yourself and the opening you’re giving your spiritual enemy. Trying to live in two worlds is like trying to pitch a tent in no man’s land during a battle. You’re setting yourself up for constant bombardment. You’ll face spiritual battle after spiritual battle, and your enemy will have the advantage in every one of them. I’m not saying it’s easy to turn your back on sin. We all get tempted. We all struggle with our old nature. And as Christians, we all have a God who will give us the strength to do what He has called us to do. It comes down to this: Do you want to change? If you do, then God will give you the resolve you need. In Exodus 3, the Lord spoke to Moses through a burning bush. He instructed Moses to return to Egypt to demand that Pharaoh release the people of Israel from slavery. Moses’ reply went something like this: “I can’t do this. I don’t know what to say. I stumble over my words.” Two chapters later, Moses faced off against Pharaoh, perhaps the most powerful man on earth at the time. The sudden change wasn’t due to Moses’ self-improvement regimen. God gave Moses the strength he needed to accomplish His will. In the same way, God will give you the strength to do what you need to do. Don’t live in two worlds. Make a complete commitment to Jesus.   Reflection question: Why is it so tempting to try to live in two worlds? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.” (Matthew 14:25 NLT)   In Matthew 14, Jesus sends His disciples on a boat journey across the Sea of Galilee without Him. As the disciples rowed their way across the sea, they encountered a storm so severe that it made them fear for their very lives. Fishermen who had spent most of their lives on the water were convinced that they were going to drown. Meanwhile, Jesus had climbed a mountain to spend some time in prayer. No doubt He could see His disciples, but they couldn’t see Him. All they could see were their lives flashing before their eyes. And then we read this: “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water” (Matthew 14:25 NLT). Why did Jesus go to them at three o’clock in the morning? Why didn’t He go right away when the storm got bad? Or why didn’t He go at ten o’clock at night or at least midnight? Why did He wait until about three o’clock in the morning, after His disciples had been battling the waves for up to nine hours? I think He wanted the disciples to exhaust their own resources and realize that there was no way out of the situation except through Him. Sometimes life goes that way. Something traumatic happens. Something that seems unbearable presents itself. And we say, “How am I ever going to get through this? If God doesn’t come through for me, I’m dead in the water.” That’s not a bad place to be. A friend of mine named Alan Redpath used to say that when we get to the end of ourselves, we get to the beginning of God. The psalmist wrote, “What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord” (Psalm 84:5 NLT). And Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT). There’s no shame in battling the storms of life with everything you’ve got. Spiritually speaking, you might even say that if you’re in the battle or in the storm, you’re in the right place at the right time. The people who were safely on shore that night two thousand years ago could never fully appreciate what it was like to see Jesus walk across the water. They weren’t in the boat. They weren’t in the storm. Likewise, there’s no shame in admitting when storms are too big for you. When you turn things over to the Lord, you get to see His power at work. And there’s nothing like seeing the Lord work from the vantage point of the battlefield or the eye of the storm. Have you come to the end of yourself? Maybe, like the disciples, you’re experiencing an epic storm in your life right now. Maybe you’re facing a crisis or a hardship. And maybe you’re thinking you won’t get through it. I have good news for you: Jesus always shows up.   Reflection question: In what area of your life would you like to see Jesus show up? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)   Several years ago, my wife and I rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disneyland. If you’ve never been on it, it’s an elevator that drops very quickly. And that’s a scary sensation for a lot of people. Afterward, you can buy a picture of yourself taken during one of the drops. I usually don’t buy amusement park photos, but I was tempted that time because I loved the reaction of my wife in the photo. She had a look of terror on her face; I, on the other hand, was smiling. It just goes to show that people will pay money to be frightened. Unfortunately, not all frightening things are funny. The devil knows that. And he uses fear as part of his battlefield strategy. He hits us where and when we’re most vulnerable. He exploits our anxiety. He plays on our fears of failure, something happening to a loved one, financial troubles, and anything else that might rattle us. His aim is to isolate us in our fears, to separate us from the spiritual protection of our heavenly Father. The apostle Paul wrote, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39 NLT). Add anything else you want to the list. It won’t change the reality. You’ll notice that “angels,” “demons,” and “the powers of hell” are conspicuously mentioned. Paul’s point is clear: The devil is unable to separate us from God. So, we must not allow him to convince us otherwise. We must not give in to fear. Fear can blind us temporarily to the truth. If it gets a toehold in our thoughts, we might start to imagine ourselves as being distant from God and perhaps even beyond His reach. That’s why it’s important to remind ourselves that every spiritual battle—including the battle against fear—is God’s, and not ours. Before David loaded the stone into his sling, he warned Goliath, “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT). David was calm where other warriors had panicked because he knew who was really doing the fighting. In Ephesians 6, Paul discusses spiritual warfare. But before he mentions the helmet of salvation or the breastplate of righteousness or the sword of the Spirit, he says this: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (verse 10 NLT). We cannot win spiritual battles if we rely on our own strength. And we cannot lose spiritual battles if we rely on the power of God.   Reflection question: What fears or anxieties might the devil try to exploit in his battles with you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1–3 NLT)   David enjoyed an intimate relationship with God. You can see evidence of that intimacy in the psalms he wrote. “He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:3–4 NLT). “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1­–2 NLT). And in 1 Samuel 13:14, Samuel is referring to David when he says, “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart” (NLT). The relationship between God and David was something special. If you were to ask the average person what they remember about the life of David, the name Goliath most likely would come up. But another name likely would be mentioned as well: Bathsheba. Goliath and Bathsheba represented David’s greatest victory and his greatest defeat. The devil couldn’t beat David on the battlefield, so he took him down in the bedroom. There are subtle clues in Scripture as to how he did it. Notice that before David confronted Goliath, he said, “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT). He was confident not because he possessed superior fighting skills but because he was doing God’s work. For that reason alone, Goliath couldn’t touch him. And neither could the devil. Flash-forward several years. David is king. Instead of leading his army in battle against the Ammonites, David is idling in Jerusalem. He seems to have drifted from his once-intimate relationship with God. Maybe it was due to the pressures of being king—or maybe it was due to the trappings of royalty. Whatever the reason, David lowered his spiritual guard and made himself vulnerable to attack. The devil wasted no time in exploiting the breach. David’s temptation started with a lingering glance at Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of David’s loyal soldiers who was away fighting the Ammonites. It ended with the killing of Uriah, the death of David’s newborn son, and the implosion of David’s family. All because David made himself an easy target for the devil. The devil continues to look for easy targets. He knows that it’s easier to hit something stationary than something that’s on the move. A believer who is moving forward in Christ, who is growing in their love for the Lord, is not nearly as easy to hit as one who’s beginning to relax their grip on the Lord. That’s the one whom the devil will set his sights on. That’s the one who will become his next casualty.   Reflection question: What does an intimate relationship with God look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.” (2 Chronicles 20:3–4 NLT)   The king of Judah faced a military crisis. “The armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea’” (2 Chronicles 20:1–2 NLT). The enemies of Judah had joined forces. Their combined military strength was enough to overwhelm Israel’s defenses. Judah’s foes were bent on destruction, and things looked hopeless. There was no way Jehoshaphat’s army could stop the invading forces. The southern kingdom of Judah faced the very real possibility of complete annihilation. We find the king’s reaction and response in verse 3: “Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance” (NLT). Notice the connection between the two. Jehoshaphat was terrified because he realized he was powerless. He understood that there was nothing he could do to alter the forces that were bearing down on him. So, he turned to the only One who could alter them. Jehoshaphat poured out his terror, desperation, and helplessness to the Lord in prayer. “O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (verse 12 NLT). God replied through one of the men who was present. He said, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you” (2 Chronicles 20:15–17 NLT). You’ll notice that God didn’t go into a lot of detail regarding His plan. He didn’t say, “First, I’m going to do this. Then I need you to do this.” Instead, He said, “Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory” (NLT). In other words, “You came to the right Source of power, Jehoshaphat. I’ve got it. Watch this.” Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet their enemies, but they put their worship team out front. When this unconventional advance guard began to sing and praise the Lord, the enemies of Judah started fighting among themselves and destroyed each other. “So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped” (verse 24 NLT). Maybe you’re facing what seems like an impossible situation right now. Maybe you can’t see a way out. But God can. Call on Him. Then see what He does.   Reflection question: What made you, or someone close to you, realize that nothing is impossible for God? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT)   Fight fire with fire. That’s what you do when you find yourself in a spiritual battle. Your enemy will be firing spiritual weapons such as temptation, guilt, doubt, and fear. To keep him on the defensive, you must use spiritual weapons as well. The apostle Paul wrote, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments” (2 Corinthians 10:3–4 NLT). Let’s take fear, for instance, one of the devil’s most effective weapons. If he can get you to worry about something—more specifically, if he can get you worked up over nothing—he has the upper hand in battle. Have you ever noticed how completely worthless worry is? It can absolutely can devastate you. It’s like a rocking chair. You’re always moving but never getting anywhere. You just start worrying about this. You start worrying about that. What if this and what if that? What are you supposed to do? Look at what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6–7: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). That’s fighting fire with fire. When you feel fear creeping into your thoughts, when you start asking, “What if this happens?” or “What if that happens?” make sure you battle back with your spiritual weapon of prayer. Instead of giving worry a toehold in your mind, simply say, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, Lord, I’m committing it to You right now. I don’t know how to handle this. I don’t know how to deal with it. But I know that You do. And I know that you are unimaginably greater than whatever may happen. So, I put this into Your hands.” Let’s say that makes you feel good for about five minutes. And then another fear rears its ugly head. What do you do then? You say, “Lord, here’s another problem for you.” And you keep doing it as often as needed. Prayer isn’t an express lane at the supermarket. There isn’t a twelve-item limit. Every time you humbly and faithfully take another fear or worry to the Lord as part of your spiritual battle, you draw closer to and strengthen your relationship with Him. Prayer allows you to see your fears in their proper light. If you see God for who He is, you’ll see your fears and problems for what they are—spiritual weapons that work only when you try to counter them with non-spiritual weapons. In Jeremiah 32:27, God says, “I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” (NLT). The answer, of course, is no. So, if you’re fighting a spiritual battle right now, take it to God.   Reflection question: What might keep you from taking a problem or worry to God in prayer? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NLT)   When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I thought they were great, and I had them in all sizes. Years later, I met a man who shared my interest. Only, he collected venomous snakes. He had learned to handle them while working in a zoo. I really admired him. He had been bitten by a tiger snake, which is the most venomous snake on earth. It’s even more deadly than a cobra. This man survived the snakebite because he had been taking serum and had developed an immunity to the tiger snake’s venom. As a result, this man came to believe that he was virtually indestructible, that no snake could ever take him down. He let cobras that had not been defanged slither around loose in his house. One day, while he was at home, he was bitten by a cobra but didn’t realize it until later when his leg began to swell. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died. This man believed that because he had survived the tiger snake’s bite, he didn’t need to worry about cobras. That became his downfall. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, it’s often the little things that bring us down. Some Christians will endure a serious challenge or resist a major temptation and then start to think, “I can handle anything that comes my way. I’m strong. I won’t fall.” But that’s when we need to be careful. Are you feeling secure in yourself? Do you think your spiritual life is at its peak strength? Do you believe your doctrine is sound and your morals are pure? If so, you need to be on guard. You need to make sure that you’re dependent on the Lord. The apostle Paul struggled with a chronic or permanent physical, emotional, or spiritual condition that affected him greatly. He called it “a thorn in my flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT). Three times he asked God to remove the thorn, to heal him from it. His reasoning was that he would be a stronger and more effective worker for Christ without the affliction. God disagreed. Three times He told Paul no. “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness’” (verse 9 NLT). When we start to believe that our strength is sufficient, we set ourselves up for a fall. Our strongest virtues become our greatest vulnerabilities. And that’s when the devil gets ready to pounce. But when we humbly acknowledge our weakness, we open ourselves to God’s strength. And we get a front-row seat to His amazing work.   Reflection question: What would acknowledging your weakness look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord.” (Isaiah 59:19 NLT)   I remember reading a story about a battle between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, the head of the Confederate forces. He was known for his brilliant military tactics and his ability to do a lot with a little. He did not have the organization or the manpower of the Union army, but he was able to move and position his troops effectively and foil his enemies on a number of occasions. His exploits had become so legendary that the Union soldiers were terrified of him. One night, some Union soldiers were standing around the campfire talking about General Lee. They said, “What if General Lee does this? What are we going to do?” General Grant was standing a few feet away. He walked over to the soldiers and said, “Oh, I am heartily tired of hearing about what Lee is going to do. Some of you always seem to think he is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time. Go back to your command, and try to think what we are going to do ourselves, instead of what Lee is going to do.” Sometimes I see the same thing happening in the church: “Oh, the devil is doing this. The devil is doing that. Did you hear about this wicked thing that happened?” The media is partially to blame. Often in books, movies, and TV shows, the devil is portrayed as an all-powerful being who inspires terror in everyone who crosses his path. Call it dramatic license. Or, better yet, call it fiction. The apostle Peter warns us to “Stay alert” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT) to the devil’s scheming, not because he’s all-powerful or terrifying, but because he’s wily. He prefers to work in secret so that we’re not even aware of what he’s doing. If it’s an all-powerful being who inspires fear in His enemies that you’re looking for, you need to glance behind you (spiritually speaking) to the One who has your back. Look at the majesty in the words of Isaiah 59:19: “In the west, people will respect the name of the Lord; in the east, they will glorify him. For he will come like a raging flood tide driven by the breath of the Lord” (NLT). This is an image of God’s intervening on behalf of His people. A raging flood tide overwhelms everything in its path. Likewise, God’s power is unstoppable. That’s why I think we should stop worrying so much about what the devil will do and instead let him worry about what we Christians will do. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses reassured the Israelites with these words: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (NLT). That’s a promise all God’s people can claim. Let the devil tremble.   Reflection question: When have you seen the power of God at work in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (1 Peter 5:8­–9 NLT)   Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come.  I have found that after great blessings in my life, after God works in a powerful way, the devil will be there to challenge it. Think about it. After God had powerfully worked through Elijah on Mount Carmel, the prophet became so discouraged that he wanted to die. After Jesus was transfigured, He came down from the mountain to find a demon-possessed person waiting for Him. After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, after the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove, and after God said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy” (Matthew 3:17 NLT), Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After the dove came the devil. The devil will always be there to challenge whatever God has done. It may come after church, after God has blessed you and spoken to you. You may leave the parking lot and get hit with a heavy-duty temptation. That’s the devil’s way. He wants to make your life miserable. Most importantly, he wants to steal anything that God has done in your life. That’s why you need to heed the warning of the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:8–9 above. You need to stay alert to the devil’s schemes in all settings, in good times and bad. You can’t afford to make the mistake of thinking you can anticipate the devil’s every move. You can certainly anticipate some. If you have self-awareness, you know your areas of vulnerability. You’re all too familiar with the temptations that have worked against you in the past. So, in spiritual battle, you’re likely to be hyper-attuned to them and (understandably) diligent about protecting yourself from them. But when those battles are over, and you walk away victorious, Peter’s warning in 1 Peter 5:8 still applies. “Stay alert!” (NLT). Because if the devil can’t get you to give in to temptation, he may be able to get you to overinflate your ego as you enjoy your victory. Pride can be just as enticing as sexual sin. If you start to believe that you deserve more credit, more followers, or more acknowledgment for your spiritual maturity and good deeds, the devil’s got you just where he wants you. Anything that weakens your faith or testimony is a battle victory for him. The same goes for every other believer in the arena, doing battle with the devil. That’s why it’s always a good battle strategy to pray for any person whom you know God is using. The more you step out to be used by the Lord, the more you can expect opposition from the devil.   Reflection question: What are some hidden areas of vulnerability, especially when things are going well, that the devil might exploit in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)   While reading his morning newspaper, a man was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. He called the newspaper office, outraged that the editor had made such a mistake. “This is terrible!” he screamed. “How could you do this to me?” The explanation he got didn’t satisfy the man, so he stormed down to the office and demanded to see the editor. After being yelled at for several minutes, the editor grew frustrated and said, “Look, buddy, cheer up. I’ll put your name in the birth column tomorrow, and you can have a fresh start.” How many people would jump at the opportunity for a fresh start—a chance to wipe away the past (or, at least, parts of it) and begin again? If you fall into that category, I’ve got some incredible news for you. That’s exactly what the Lord offers. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (NLT). Winston Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Many of us can see the truth of those words when we look back at our own lives. We see destructive patterns and decisions repeated again and again. But as Paul pointed out, Jesus frees us from those destructive cycles. If we give our lives to Him, we’re no longer slaves to our old sinful urges and impulses. The idea of a fresh start may sound too good to be true. Some people have a hard time moving forward as new creations because of lingering guilt or complications regarding their past. Those are weapons the devil uses in his warfare against believers. But God says in Isaiah 43:18–19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV). A fresh start doesn’t mean a trouble-free life. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). Even our trials and sorrows are temporary, part of the seasons of life. Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance” (NLT). Every season brings a fresh start. Winter may seem endless, but eventually the bleak skies and bitter cold give way to green landscapes and new life. If you’re struggling in your season of life right now, don’t give up. Draw close to God. Pray. Study His Word. And remember: A new season is on its way. A fresh start is just around the corner.   Reflection question: What kind of fresh start do you need? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest Partner