Verse of the Day
1 Peter 1:15-16 (New King James Version)

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Living to the Glory of God - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

God chose us “to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in [His beloved Son]” (Eph. 1:6).

You were created to glorify God.

Englishman Henry Martyn served as a missionary in India and Persia in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Upon his arrival in Calcutta, he cried out “Let me burn out for God.” As he watched the people prostrating themselves before their pagan idols and heard blasphemy uttered against Christ, he wrote, “This excited more horror in me than I can well express. . . . I could not endure existence if Jesus was not glorified; it would be hell to me, if He were to be always thus dishonored” (John Stott, Our Guilty Silence [InterVarsity, 1967], pp. 21-22).

Martyn had a passion for God's glory—and he was in good company. Angels glorify God (Luke 2:14), as do the heavens (Ps. 19:1) and even animals (Isa. 43:20). But as a believer, you glorify God in a unique

Uncontrolled Weakness - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Our flaws can wreck our life or drive us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord.

Judges 14:1-20

The book of Judges tells of Samson, a man so powerful he could kill a lion with his bare hands (14:5-6). He possessed physical strength unequaled by any human being. But this could not compensate for an inner weakness.

All of us have such areas of fallibility. God wants these imperfections to teach us how dependent we are upon Him. Addressing them according to the Lord’s wisdom and guidance will drive us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Samson’s issue was lust. Although he was raised by devout parents and had a clear calling in life, he gave in to his desires. Despite Nazirite laws, Samson pursued first one Philistine woman (v. 2) and later another, named Delilah (Judges 16:4). Even though Delilah’s motives were blatantly treacherous, he gave himself over—heart, mind, and spirit—

Verse of the Day
Matthew 6:19-21 (New King James Version)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Living Out Your Royal Heritage - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

“In love [God] predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (Eph. 1:4-5).

Because God loves you, He adopted you as His child and grants you all the rights and privileges of family membership.

Moses told Israel that God didn't choose them because of their great numbers or any inherent goodness on their part, but as an expression of God's sovereign will and sacrificial love (Deut. 7:7-8). That's true of you as well if you're a Christian.

The Greek word translated “love” in Ephesians 1:4 speaks not of emotional or sentimental love but of love that seeks God's best for others at any cost. It is marked by sacrifice rather than selfishness—giving rather than receiving. It seeks to forgive rather than condemn—to dismiss offenses rather than count them.

Such love is epitomized in God Himself, who loved you so much that He sacrificed His Son on your

How to Walk With God - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Through the cross of Christ, God invited us into relationship with Him.

Genesis 5:21-24

Enoch had such a close walk with the Lord that Scripture says, “God took him” (Gen. 5:24). This means that Enoch did not die but was taken directly into the presence of the Lord. As we seek to follow God with passion like Enoch’s, here are some steps that will help us grow:

Reconciliation. This term essentially means “God moving toward us.” Through the cross of Christ, God has already made His move in our direction. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18.) When we place our faith in the Savior, we immediately take part in that reconciliation.

Trusting God. Our heavenly Father wants us to know He is concerned with our spiritual growth and, through Jesus, has provided the way for us to walk closely with Him.

Agreement. To appreciate the relationship God wants to have with us, we must agree with what His Word teaches.

Fellowship. Jus

Verse of the Day
Amos 5:14-15 (New King James Version)

Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the Lord God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Matching Your Practice to Your Position - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

God chose us “that we should be holy and blameless before Him” (Eph. 1:4).

The challenge of Christian living is to increasingly match your practice to your position.

God chose you in Christ to make you holy and blameless in His sight. To be “holy” is to be separated from sin and devoted to righteousness. To be “blameless” is to be pure without spot or blemish—like Jesus, the Lamb of God (1 Pet. 1:19).

Ephesians 1:4 is a positional statement. That is, Paul describes how God views us “in Christ.” He sees us as holy and blameless because Christ our Savior is holy and blameless. His purity is credited to our spiritual bank account. That's because God made Christ “who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).

Despite our exalted position in God's sight, our practice often falls far short of His holy standard. Therefore the challenge of Ch

What Fasting Adds to Prayer - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Fasting combined with prayer can be helpful when seeking God's guidance and protection.

Matthew 6:16-21

Jesus’ words about fasting are an invitation to a deeper experience with God. Fasting benefits us in many ways:

Cleansing from sin. When we let our spiritual guard down, we start thinking incorrectly. Through such lapses, ungodly attitudes and habits can quietly take up residence in us, and we hardly notice. They impede our fellowship with God, limit the effectiveness of our service, and erode our joy. Fasting helps us give God our undivided attention as He addresses whatever is hindering our spiritual growth. (See Romans 12:2.)

Guidance. God wants His children to understand and follow His directions. A combination of prayer and fasting helps us develop both the mind needed to hear what He’s saying and the spirit ready to accept His instructions.

Protection. Through fasting, we gain insight into G

Verse of the Day
Ephesians 5:1-2 (New King James Version)

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Avoiding a Spiritual Identity Crisis - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

God “chose us in [Christ] before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

A true sense of identity comes from knowing that God Himself personally selected you to be His child.

Many people in our society are on a seemingly endless and often frantic quest for personal identity and self-worth. Identity crises are common at almost every age level. Superficial love and fractured relationships are but symptoms of our failure to resolve the fundamental issues of who we are, why we exist, and where we're going. Sadly, most people will live and die without ever understanding God's purpose for their lives.

That is tragic, yet understandable. God created man to bear His image and enjoy His fellowship forever. But when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they violated that purpose and plunged the human race into sin. That created within man a spiritual void and an identity crisis of unimaginable proportions.

Throughout t

Moving Mountains - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done”—and we should too.

Mark 11:20-26

Facing obstacles is a given in this life. Jesus said we would have trouble; it’s simply unavoidable. However, there is hope because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Jesus tells us that when problems seem overwhelming, we’re to have faith in God and pray. A lot of people love Mark 11:24 because it seems like a blanket promise for whatever we want. However, the verse can’t stand alone and shouldn’t be taken out of context. Let’s consider two qualifications for the promise in it.

God is committed to removing only those obstacles that are hindrances to His will. Jesus is our primary example for this truth. When He faced the prospect of dying on a cross as the sin-bearer for mankind, it must have seemed like a daunting challenge that needed to be removed. But His prayers were governed by these words: “Yet not My will, but Yours be

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.

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