Verse of the Day
1 Peter 1:13 (New King James Version)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Identifying with Christ - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“God...has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3, emphasis added).

Christianity isn’t simply a belief system—it’s a whole new identity.

Many people mistakenly believe that one's religious preference is irrelevant because all religions eventually lead to the same spiritual destination.

Such thinking is sheer folly, however, because Scripture declares that no one comes to God apart from Jesus (John 14:6). He is the only source of salvation (Acts 4:12) and the only One powerful enough to redeem us and hold us secure forever (John 10:28).

Every Christian shares a common supernatural union with Christ. Paul said, “The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him)” (1 Cor. 6:17). We are in Him and He is in us. His life flows through us by His Spirit, who indwells us (Rom. 8:9).

As a non-Christian, you were in bondage to evil (Rom. 3:10-12), enslaved to the wi

Refusing to Wait on God - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

God’s timing is always perfect—trust Him even when it’s hard to wait.

Psalms 27:7-14

It’s always best to follow God’s timing, but inevitably, there will be times when we get it wrong. For instance, even the right thing done at the incorrect time can leave us vulnerable to sin or postpone the blessings God has planned for us.

By refusing to wait on the Lord, we often cause ourselves needless grief. For example, if we spend beyond our means to purchase alluring but unnecessary things, we could end up struggling to pay for our debts. But when we manage money in accordance with biblical principles, we’ll have freedom and peace of mind.

Here’s another example: Quitting a job before the Lord has released us from it can short-circuit what He planned to teach us, had we remained. We might subsequently discover that if we’d held on a while longer, God would have changed either our circumstances or our attitude about

Verse of the Day
Isaiah 1:16-17 (New King James Version)

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

Cultivating a Heavenly Perspective - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“God...has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:3, emphasis added).

Christians hold a dual citizenship. We are citizens of earth, but, more importantly, we are also citizens of Heaven.

It's been said that some Christians are so heavenly minded, they're no earthly good. But usually the opposite is true. Many Christians are so enamored with this present world that they no longer look forward to heaven. They have everything they want right here. The health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine has convinced them that Christians can have it all, and they pursue “the good life” with a vengeance.

Despite the prevalence of such thinking, the old Negro spiritual well says, “This world is not my home. I'm just a passin' through.”

Paul reminds us of that truth in Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Th

When It’s Wise to Wait - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

During seasons of waiting, remember that the Lord often uses them for our good and His glory.

Psalms 130:1-8

In order to keep in step with the Lord, we need to carry out His instructions in accordance with His timetable. In God’s kingdom, waiting means seeking further direction from Him while remaining in our present circumstances. It encompasses both an attitude of expectancy (God, what would You like me to do?) and one of readiness (God, I am willing to do as You direct.) It is our wisest course of action because we will ...

Receive direction. When faced with a decision, we too often let ourselves be influenced by pressures or preferences. But God is the only source of true wisdom. He is omniscient and answers us on the basis of His complete understanding. He is willing to give us clear instructions for any decisions we are trying to make (Psalm 32:8). Why? Because He wants the very best for us.

Get onto

Verse of the Day
Micah 6:8 (New King James Version)

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Understand Your Spiritual Resources - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“God...has blessed us with every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3, emphasis added).

As a Christian, you possess every spiritual resource you need to fulfill God’s will for your life.

The story is told of a wealthy London businessman who searched many years for his runaway son. One afternoon he was preparing to board a train to London when he spotted a man in ragged, dirty clothing begging money from passengers along the station platform. His first impulse was to avoid the beggar but there was something strangely familiar about him.

When the beggar approached and asked if he could spare a few shillings, the businessman realized he had found his long-lost son. With tears in his eyes and joy in his voice he embraced his son, crying, “A few shillings? You are my son—everything I have is yours!”

That pictures many Christians who are ignorant or negligent of their spiritual resources. They are children of the K

A Lifetime of Second Chances - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

We can do nothing to deserve the Lord's kindness—He freely gives it because of His great love.

Romans 5:1-6

Paul used a beautiful phrase to describe the believer’s position in Christ: “We have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand ... ” (Rom. 5:2, emphasis added). This is no puddle of mercy, but rather a mighty ocean. The Lord’s kindness is endless, far greater than all of our mistakes.

Grace is an essential concept for believers to grasp: God sent Jesus to the cross to pay for our sin and now freely offers His forgiveness and favor to all. Many people misunderstand this, however—they may speak about God’s kindness as a gift, but their actions show they’re still trying to earn it. The truth is, if we have to merit or work for grace, it’s not a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).

While the Word is clear that works can’t save us (Galatians 2:16), they can be beneficial for spiritual gr

Verse of the Day
Titus 2:11-12 (New King James Version)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Blessing the God of Blessings - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us” (Eph. 1:3).

When we bless God, it is with words of praise; when He blesses us, it is with deeds of kindness.

Paul's brief doxology identifies God the Father as the ultimate recipient and source of blessing—the One to whom blessing is ascribed and the One who bestows blessings on those who love Him.

“Blessed” translates the Greek word eulogeō, from which we get eulogy. To bless or eulogize God is to praise Him for His mighty works and holy character.

That should be the response of your heart just as it has been the response of believers throughout the ages. The psalmist said “Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer” (Ps. 66:20); and “blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders” (Ps. 72:18). Peter said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has cause

The Source of Second Chances - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

God's grace is immeasurably greater than our failings.

Romans 3:10-18

God desires what is best for us. Scripture describes Him as patient toward mankind because He wants “all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Many believers can testify that our gracious Father gave them multiple chances before they trusted in His Son.

If you think that the Lord takes second chances lightly, read today’s passage—it is a look at humanity through divine eyes. On our own, no matter how much we try to be good, we will fall short. Thankfully, God’s grace is immeasurably greater than our failings (Romans 5:20).

Of course, the heavenly Father is a righteous judge who cannot ignore transgressions. If He did, He would not be the holy and just deity described in the Scriptures. God considers grace an action word. As a result, He implemented a plan for each person on earth: Whoever believes in Jesus Christ as Savior is forgive

Verse of the Day
Psalm 90:12 (New King James Version)

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Experiencing God's Peace - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 1:2).

True peace is God’s gift to those who love and obey Him.

Throughout history mankind has sought peace through military alliances, balances of power, and leagues of nations. Yet lasting peace still remains an elusive dream. Even during times of relative peace, nations struggle with internal strife and crime.

The Bible says that man on his own cannot know peace because he is alienated from its source. But we need not despair. True peace is immediately available from God our Father (the God of peace—Rom. 15:33), and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Prince of Peace—Isa. 9:6). It's a gift of God's grace to those who love and obey Jesus Christ.

The New Testament so clearly teaches the inextricable link between God's grace and peace that “Grace to you and peace” became a common greeting in the early church. Grace is God's great kindness toward t

Setting Goals for Fruitful Living - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Spend time alone with God in His Word, wait in silence for His guidance, and He will speak to your heart.

2 Samuel 7:18-22

Second Samuel 7 tells us that David spent time alone with God, offering praise and thanksgiving. He also listened as the Lord revealed truth and offered insight about the future. Because of the things he learned, David was able to set goals and stay aligned with them.

When was the last time you spent time in solitude with the Lord, remaining silent and listening intently for His guidance (Psalm 46:10)? Ask Him to speak to you about His plans, and He will answer.

Are you unsure of how to begin? First, come before the throne of almighty God in prayer with a repentant heart, and express your praise and thanksgiving. Second, spend time each day in His Word, letting Him refine your spiritual eyes. Finally, ask Him for direction in any area of your life. Wait patiently and attentive

Verse of the Day
2 Corinthians 5:17 (New King James Version)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The Measure of True Success - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1).

God is more interested in your faithfulness than He is in your accomplishments.

Our society is success oriented. We love success stories. We even have television programs that exalt the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But God's standard for success is quite different. Unimpressed by our status or wealth, He looks instead for faithfulness to His will.

Paul understood that principle and diligently pursued his calling as an apostle—one of those unique men who were foundational to the church and recipients, teachers, and writers of the New Testament.

That was a high calling, yet judging from Paul's lifestyle most people would hardly call him successful— having suffered imprisonments, beatings, death threats, shipwrecks, robberies, hatred from his theological enemies, sleeples

Keeping Our Eyes on His Goals - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Have you asked God what He wants to accomplish through your life?

Philippians 3:13-15

Have you ever attempted to walk in a straight line while looking at your feet? (Try this on a beach or in wet grass so you can look back at your footprints. It’s interesting to see what happens.) You’ll probably be surprised at how crooked your steps are. But fix your eyes on something far away, and each step will generally point in the desired direction—toward that distant focal point.

Our lives are like this. If we set goals, then our decisions and thoughts will more likely lead toward the desired end. Goals are crucial to the well-lived life.

Think about the many things Jesus did. He served others and taught those who sought righteousness. But more than that, our Savior’s primary purpose, set even before time began, was to lay down His life in order to reconcile mankind to the Father and bring Him glory.

We we

Verse of the Day
Isaiah 43:16, 18-19 (New King James Version)

Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,

Our Sympathetic High Priest - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted" (Heb. 2:16-18).
Jesus came to sympathize with us, so He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest.

In his letters to Timothy, Paul counseled and encouraged his young associate about many things—his health, his critics, his moral and spiritual warfare. His counsel is well summed up in these words: "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David" (2 Tim. 2:8).

Like Timothy, we need to be reminded of Christ's humanity, especially when life becomes particularly tough. Then we can pray, "Lord, You

Ending Well - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Struggles are part of life—so it’s important to persevere, remember God's promises, and rely on divine power to overcome.

Luke 12:15-21

In today’s passage, we read about a rich man who made poor use of his days. Incorrectly assuming that his life would last for many years, he left God out of his plans.

Paul, on the other hand, knew his time was short and made the most of his days. His letters from prison illustrate this—despite knowing he would soon face death, Paul devoted his time and energy to instructing and praying for others.

One thing he taught was to do everything as if for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Paul knew it was important for Christians to realize kingdom work isn’t just for missionaries and pastors; God calls all believers to different fields and assignments.

The apostle also knew that the Christian life encompasses struggles. In addition, he was realistic about acknowledging his own imperfections (Ro

Verse of the Day
John 16:33 (New King James Version)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Satan's Conqueror - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Since . . . the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives" (Heb. 2:14-15).
Christ came to break the power of Satan which He did by conquering death.

To be free to live with God and share in all His blessings, someone had to shatter Satan's death grip on us. Sin is what gives Satan his powerful hold on us, but the power itself is death.

Satan knew that God required death for us because of sin. He knew that all died in Adam—that death became a certain fact of life. And he knew that men, if they remained as they were, would die and go out of God's presence into hell forever. So he wants to hang onto men until they die because once they are dead, the opportunity for salvation is gone forever.

To wrest t

A Realistic View of Life - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides your time on earth is complete?

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Our culture tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and diet are ways we attempt to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Motive, however, is key.

Take, for example, the fact that our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Not only should we take care of His dwelling, but also, since He has good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), we should do everything possible to make sure we can carry them out.

In contrast, prolonging life because we fear death isn’t of God. Jesus died in our place, so everyone who trusts in Him as Lord and Savior need not worry. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live forever in His presence.

Our omniscient God already knows the duration of each person’s life (Psalm 139:16). With this in mind, the best way to prepare f

Verse of the Day
John 14:1-3 (New King James Version)

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

He Who Sanctifies - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, 'I will proclaim Thy name to My brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing Thy praise.' And again, 'I will put My trust in Him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me'" (Heb. 2:11-13).
Our holy Christ has made us holy; thus He can now call us His brothers.

From our own perspective and experience, it is difficult to think of ourselves as holy. Sin simply is too much a part of us in this fallen world. In thought and practice we are far from holy, but in Christ we are perfectly holy.

We may not always act holy, but because of our faith in Christ we are perfectly holy in God's sight. Just as a child may not always act like his father, he is nonetheless still his son. We are holy in the sense that before God, the righteousness of Christ has been applied

Can We Be Sure? - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Because God wants you to be confident in your relationship with Him, His Word is filled with assurances.

1 John 5:1-13

Our Father wants us to know we have eternal life through Jesus. What assurances do we have that we are permanently secure?

God’s love. One reason we can be sure of salvation is our heavenly Father’s unconditional love. At the cross, He demonstrated just how much we mean to Him: He sent His Son to die so that we might have eternal life (1 John 4:9-10).

Christ’s life and death. Because Jesus was without sin, He took the death penalty we deserved, and He did the saving work none of us could accomplish. The Savior rescued us from sin and death and secured our salvation (2 Corinthians 1:10).

Jesus’ promise. We have our Lord’s assurance that all who receive Him as Savior will spend eternity with Him. He promised that we can never be separated from Him and that no one can snatch us from His hand (John

Verse of the Day
Matthew 11:28 (New King James Version)

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Author of Our Salvation - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"It was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings" (Heb. 2:10).
Through His death, Christ became the perfect leader for His people.

As we look at what Christ has done, we must never forget that He was fulfilling the sovereign plan of God. The writer of Hebrews tells us it was fitting in God's sight for Christ to bring many sons to glory. That means everything God did through Christ was consistent with His character.

The cross was a masterpiece of God's wisdom. It displayed His holiness in His hatred of sin. It was consistent with His power: Christ endured in a few hours what it would take an eternity to expend on sinners. The cross displayed His love for mankind. And Christ's death on the cross agreed with God's grace because it was substitutionary.

To bring "many sons to glory," God had "

Eternally Secure - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Mistakes don't jeopardize our salvation because Christ, not our works, made us right with God.

Colossians 2:13-14

Have you ever questioned your eternal security? Examining what happened when you trusted Jesus as Savior will bring reassurance of how secure you are in Him.

Prior to salvation, we all had a spiritual problem. We were born with a nature inclined to sin. Because of this, we were spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). No amount of good works or repentance could have changed our condition. Our problem required a divine solution. Knowing this, God the Father provided what we needed through His Son Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-14).

The day we trusted in Christ, we were delivered from death into life (John 5:24). We received a new nature—one that wants to please God—and were adopted into His family (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:5). His gift of salvation made us spiritually alive and gave us a blessed eternal future wit