Verse of the Day
John 3:16 (New King James Version)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Joy of Anticipation - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it" (Phil. 1:6).
God always finishes what He starts.

All who love Christ desire to be like Him in spiritual perfection and absolute holiness. We want to please Him in every respect. However, that noble pursuit is often met with frustration and discouragement as human frailties and sin block our pathway.

Paul's cry in Romans 7 is ours as well: "That which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. . . . I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. . . . Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (vv. 15, 21, 24). His answer resonates with confidence and relief: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v. 25).

Paul was convinced that God always completes the good work of salvat

The Power of Love - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Because the Holy Spirit empowers us, we can respond to others calmly, patiently, and without complaint.

Luke 15:11-32

There are four Greek words for love: eros (romantic love), philia (friendship love), storge (familial love), and agape (unconditional, selfless love). Our Father’s care for us is agape—love so strong that He chose to bring us into a right relationship with Himself through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (1 John 4:10).

The Parable of the Prodigal Son gives us a good example of this type of love. Agape is evident in our life when we ...

Respond reasonably to difficulty. The son prematurely asked for his share of the inheritance, revealing an attitude that must have pained his father. But the older man didn’t allow hurt feelings to break the relationship or prevent a measured response.

Sacrifice without complaint. Though he knew his son was committed to a ruinous course, the father quietly fulfilled

Verse of the Day
1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 (New King James Version)

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

The Joy of Participation -Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:5).
You share in a sacred partnership with Christ and your fellow-Christians for the advancement of the gospel.

In recent years the Greek word koinōnia has become familiar to many Christians as the New Testament word for fellowship. However, it is also translated "partnership" and "participation." In Philippians 1:5, Paul uses it to emphasize the participation of the Philippians in common ministry goals.

Romans 12:13 gives one aspect of that partnership and participation: monetary contributions. That's one aspect of fellowship that the Philippian church eagerly shared with Paul. As he says in Philippians 4:15-16, "At the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs." They w

Doing God’s Work God’s Way - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Every part of the believer’s life should be characterized by steady reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

Zechariah 4:1-7

It’s easy to think that life should be divided into two separate parts: the secular, which seems separate from the Lord, and the spiritual. But we are God’s children, so every aspect of life is to be an expression of that divine relationship.

Our culture wants us to believe that we can accomplish much without God. People will point out our human strengths, like education or skills and assure us that we have all that is necessary for success. The implication is that we don’t need God. And Satan relies on this tactic because he always wants to turn us away from reliance upon the Lord.

The Bible tells us something different. To do God’s work God’s way means we must rely on His Spirit instead of depending on ourselves. When we’re leaning on the Spirit’s strength and wisdom, we will ...

Be ful

Verse of the Day
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (New King James Version)

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

The Joy of Intercession - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all" (Phil. 1:4).
Intercessory prayer is a powerful tool in the hands of a righteous person.

There's the story of a special nurse who knew the importance of intercessory prayer. Each day she used her hands as instruments of God's love and mercy toward those in her care, so she found it natural to use her hand as a scheme of prayer. Each finger represented someone she wanted to pray for. Her thumb was nearest to her and reminded her to pray for those who were closest and dearest. The index finger was used for pointing, so it stood for her instructors. The third finger was the tallest and stood for those in leadership. The fourth finger was the weakest, representing those in distress and pain. The little finger, which was the smallest and least important, reminded the nurse to pray for her own needs.

Undoubtedly that nurse knew the joy of praying for others. Pau

Our Treasure
All that we have belongs to God; we are simply His managers. - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Matthew 6:19-21

The way we regard our treasure reveals who we are and what we truly value. The question is, What do we treasure most?

No matter how we acquire our belongings—by working, investing, saving, or receiving gifts—the correct perspective on money and property is that the Lord owns it all. We are simply the managers.

Here’s another way to think about your resources: See them as a way to meet people’s needs and a means of serving God’s kingdom (Ephesians 4:28; Malachi 3:10). When we give to others or to kingdom work, we are immediately transferring our treasure from earth to heaven.

The Lord’s blessings can certainly be used to help us reach any goals He gives us. When we’re walking in God’s will and bringing our requests to Him, our preferences become aligned with the desires He has for us. Then we can know He approves of investing our resources i

Verse of the Day
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (New King James Version)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

The Joy of Recollection - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you" (Phil. 1:3).
A key to Christian joy is to recall the goodness of others.

Though Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote to the Philippians, his mind wasn't bound. Often he reflected on his experiences with the Philippian Christians. As he did, his thoughts turned to prayers of praise and thanksgiving for all that the Lord had done through them.

I'm sure Paul remembered when he preached in Philippi and God opened Lydia's heart to believe the gospel (Acts 16:13-14). Subsequently everyone in her household was saved (v. 15). Surely her kindness and hospitality were bright spots in an otherwise stormy stay at Philippi.

He must also have remembered the demon-possessed girl whom the Lord delivered from spiritual bondage (v. 18), and the Philippian jailer, who threw Paul and Silas into prison after they had been beaten severely (vv. 23-24). Perhaps the girl became part

The Cost of Running From God - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Even when God’s will seems unclear to us, we can choose to trust in His goodness and respond with faith.

Jonah 4:9-11

You would think a life-threatening storm and a few days in a fish’s belly would shake some sense into a person. Yet that wasn’t the case with Jonah. The final paragraphs of his story reveal a prophet who technically obeyed God but allowed his heart to remain on the run.

Jonah paid a high price for running from the Lord—he endured many physical, social, and emotional consequences for trying to ignore God’s instructions. But when those events were long past, Jonah still grappled with the spiritual cost of his flight. He lived with anger and a bitterness so strong that he begged God for the relief that death would bring.

As believers, we cannot disobey the Lord without paying a price. Perhaps you have a habit, a desire, or a current course of action that you know is against God’s will. Hav

Verse of the Day
2 Thessalonians 1:3 (New King James Version)

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

The Joy of God's Peace - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:2).
Nothing you face today is beyond the purview of God’s grace and peace.

Paul's wonderful benediction for grace and peace was ever on his heart. He offered it in each of his epistles and expounded on it throughout his writings.

Grace is the outpouring of God's goodness and mercy on undeserving mankind. Every benefit and provision you receive is by God's grace. That's why Peter called it "the manifold grace of God" (1 Pet. 1:10). Just as your trials are manifold or multifaceted, so God's multifaceted and all-sufficient grace is correspondingly available to sustain you.

Peace, as used in Philippians 1:2, speaks of the calmness and absence of strife characteristic of one in whom God's grace is at work. The New Testament also links it to mercy, hope, joy, and love. To experience those graces is to experience true peace.

It is said that w

God’s Plans Will Prevail - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Rebellion against God produces heartache.

Jonah 1:1-17

Jonah fled toward Tarshish to escape God’s plan. Perhaps the prophet thought that ignoring a divine command would cause the Lord to withdraw or change it. Instead, God dramatically intervened in Jonah’s life until he submitted.

Jonah believed he had good reason to be reluctant. The Ninevites were a brutal civilization determined to conquer Israel. So walking across the city while crying, “Nineveh will be overthrown” was a frightening thought. And, as the prophet later revealed, he worried that God would spare the city if the people repented (Jonah 4:2). Jonah wanted them destroyed for what they had done to his people. His reasons for fleeing seemed right in his own eyes. But God was not deterred.

There’s no justification for rebellion. God desires our obedience. He has reasons for asking us to take a specific action, and His purposes are always good.

Verse of the Day
Matthew 5:43-45 (New King James Version)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

The Joy of Spiritual Unity - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"To the saints . . . including the overseers and deacons" (Phil. 1:1).
Faithful spiritual leaders are worthy of your appreciation and esteem.

Paul's salutation includes the "overseers and deacons" at Philippi. That probably is not a reference to elders and deacons as we know them, but a general reference to all the Philippian saints, which included spiritual leaders (overseers) and those who followed (servants).

That implies unity and submission within the church, which brings joy to leaders and followers alike. Hebrews 13:17 emphasizes that point: "Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you."

Spiritual leadership is a sacred responsibility. Leaders are to lead, feed, and guard the flock of God, which Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). They are acc

How to Rekindle the Fire - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Our spiritual condition matters—for us and everyone in our circle of influence.

Luke 10:26-28

The Lord created us to live passionately for Him—not only for the joys we will experience in a relationship with the Creator but also for the benefit to those around us. Just as the warmth and beauty of flames draw people toward a hearth, God uses our passion to draw others to Himself (Matthew 5:16).

So we must be careful not to let our fervor fade. Thankfully, the indwelling Holy Spirit nudges believers who start to head in the wrong direction. If you sense this happening, you can take several steps to realign yourself with Him.

First, evaluate where you are spiritually—ask God whether your fire has dwindled to embers. Second, acknowledge any distance you’ve allowed to separate you from your heavenly Father, and repent. Third, refocus your attention on Jesus, and meditate on how He teaches His followers to live.

Verse of the Day
Psalm 97:10 (New King James Version)

You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

The Joy of Sacrificial Giving - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Saints . . . who are in Philippi" (Phil. 1:1).
As you give toward the needs of others, God will supply your needs.

Perhaps more than any other New Testament church, the Philippian church was characterized by generous, sacrificial giving. Their support for Paul extended throughout his missionary travels and was a source of great joy to him. In addition to money, they also sent Epaphroditus, a godly man who ministered to Paul during his imprisonment (Phil. 2:25-30; 4:18).

Paul was selective about accepting financial support from churches because he didn't want to be a burden or have his motives misunderstood. First Corinthians 9:6-14 tells us he had the right to receive support from those he ministered to, but he waived that right so the gospel would not be hindered in any way. In 2 Corinthians 11:9 he says, "When I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone . . . in everything I kept mysel

When Our Faith Cools - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

If your passion for God fades, spend time in His Word to restore the vibrancy in your relationship with Him.

2 Timothy 1:1-11

Scripture assures us that as God’s children, we can never lose our salvation (John 10:27-28). However, it’s possible for our spiritual passion to wane. Today’s passage reveals that even Timothy’s excitement for God waned at times. That’s why Paul wrote to him, encouraging the young man to fan the flame of his faith.

Spiritual “cooling” can happen to any Christian. For instance, say tragedy or jealousy diverts our attention. Then instead of crying out to the Lord and finding shelter in Him, we may gradually pull away from Bible reading. But God’s Word is like wood in a fireplace: The flames can be kept alive only when there are logs to burn. As less time is spent in Scripture, other aspects of our relationship with God can be affected. Perhaps church attendance decreases, giving becomes spo

Verse of the Day
Proverbs 21:21 (New King James Version)

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.

The Joy of Sainthood - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"To all the saints in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).
Every Christian is a saint.

Many people think of saints as men and women who are especially holy or who have been canonized by an official church body. Usually only those who have been long dead and have extraordinary religious accomplishments to their credit qualify.

God, however, has a different perspective on sainthood. Paul called the Corinthian believers saints (1 Cor. 1:2) then went on for many chapters correcting their sinful practices. He called the Roman, Ephesian, and Colossian believers saints but they weren't perfect either.

What then qualifies someone as a saint? The answer is in Philippians 1:1: "To the saints in Christ Jesus" (emphasis added). That's the criterion. Sainthood is not reserved for the spiritually elite. It belongs to every believer because every believer is in Christ Jesus.

If you love Christ you also are a saint. That might come as a surp

Preparation Through Prayer - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

The early church discovered that God releases His power in response to prayer.

Acts 1:9-14

The book of Acts is an amazing record that shows not only the way God worked through the early church but also how central prayer was to its growth. Right after Jesus’ ascension, believers gathered and “devot[ed] themselves to prayer” (1:14).

Talking to God was their means of preparing for the work He planned for them. Jesus had told them the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Then after the resurrection, He instructed them to stay in Jerusalem until they were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

To the degree we’re willing to admit our absolute helplessness to do God’s work, the Holy Spirit will empower us as we pray. When we are devoted to prayer, the Lord begins to work in our heart, preparing us for service. He provides the courage to face any challenge that might result

Verse of the Day
Psalm 33:4-5 (New King James Version)

For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The Joy of Faithful Service - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).
A faithful slave fulfills the will of his master.

The metaphor of Christians as slaves to Christ is common in Paul's writings. It is one his readers would have readily understood because of the prevalence of slavery in the Roman Empire.

Peter, James, John, and Jude used the same metaphor of their own ministries, as did Jesus in Mark 10:45: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." In Philippians 2:7 Paul refers to Christ as a bond-servant who set aside the glory He was due and humbled Himself to the point of death.

The Greek word translated "bond-servant" in Philippians 1:1 was commonly used of those who, out of devotion to their masters, chose to remain as slaves when having the opportunity to be released. They were also known as love slaves because they served out of love, not compulsion.

T

God’s Provision in Life’s Storms - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

When life feels overwhelming, God remains present and provides what we need for endurance.

Matthew 14:22-34

None of us likes suffering. But in God’s hands, trials can become tools that shape us into the people He created us to be.

In our own strength, we often lack the resources and abilities to meet life’s big challenges. So God provides just what we need and gives us an awareness of His presence. In today’s reading, the disciples thought they were alone in a storm. When they initially spotted the Lord, they were afraid because they mistook Him for a ghost. To quickly calm their fears, Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (v. 27). During a crisis, we may not sense God’s presence, but He’s promised always to be with us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Assurance of His presence provides immediate comfort and a sense of confidence that helps us endure.

Another promise God makes is to provide a pa

Verse of the Day
Psalm 18:1-2 (New King James Version)

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord, who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:
I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

The Joy of Kindred Spirits - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:1).
Despite their shortcomings, people of kindred spirit are precious gifts from the Lord.

Timothy was Paul's trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 Paul describes him as a man "of kindred spirit." That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.

Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.

However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to

The Passion to Serve Him - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Are you serving the Lord with the gifts He’s given you?

2 Corinthians 11:22-31

In today’s passage, Paul’s description of his suffering is remarkable. He faced considerable hardship for his faith, but he refused to whine or seek pity. If this was the price for passionately serving Christ, Paul was willing to pay. The apostle’s commitment can teach us important lessons about our own walk of faith:

We serve according to God’s will, not our own. On the road to Damascus, Jesus said to Paul, “It will be told you what you must do” (Acts 9:6). We are to seek the Lord’s direction and timing. Committing to do whatever He asks requires courage; instead of placing limitations on our obedience, we must be brave.

We serve according to our gifts, not our talents. A spiritual gift is the special endowment God gives us to serve where He calls. Talents may be useful in His work, but His gifts equip us. Natural skill wasn’t