“I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”(Galatians 2:20)

After many years of working with thousands of Christians, I am convinced that a person cannot enjoy the supernatural life – which is a believer’s heritage in Christ – apart from the proper balance between Bible study, prayer and sharing Christ with others out of the overflow of an obedient, Spirit-filled life.

We need to be able not only to experience this great adventure with Christ ourselves, but also to share this good news with others.

A word of caution and reminder is in order at this point. We become spiritual and experience power from God and become fruitful in our witness as a result of faith and faith alone.

The Bible clearly teaches that “the just shall live by faith” Romans 1:17. However, it is equally important to know that good works are the result of faith – “trusting in the Son of God” – and unless there are “good works” there is not faith, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

Many Christians are confused on this point. They think of works (Bible study, prayer and other spiritual disciplines) as the meansto, rather than the resultsof, the life of faith. They spend much time in these activities, seeking God’s favor and blessing.

They may even attempt to witness for Christ and to obey the various commands of God, thinking that by these means they will achieve supernatural living. But they remain defeated, frustrated, powerless and fruitless.

As you are filled with the Holy Spirit – “Christ living in me” – and walk in His power by faith, the Bible becomes alive, prayer becomes vital, your witness becomes effective and obedience becomes a joy.

Question: How can people tell by your daily life that Christ lives in you?

About the Author: Dr.Bill Bright

Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Would you like us to pray for you?

“I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing” (Psalm 101:3, NIV).

This passage recalls to mind several adages from my youth. Charity begins at home. Cleanup your own backyard first. It is what you do and say behind closed doors that reveals your character.

All of these are true. What we practice away from the world defines how we will act and react in the world.  It is our responsibility to teach our children Our Lord’s truths and His Word.  It is also our responsibility to be an example to them. If we do not read the Bible, pray and practice the fruits of the Spirit in the privacy of our homes, how can we expect our children to learn to live that way?  Telling them to do as you say and not as you do never works, does it?

Even after the kids are long gone are we still responsible for acting the way we should in our homes. We should act as if Jesus was right there, because, guess what? He is. 24/7, 365 days a year.  Unless we practice being Christ-like in the safety of our homes, even though no one else is around to observe it, it will not become a deeply imbedded way of thinking and doing. How can Christ truly dwell in us if He does not dwell with us?

David knew this. Of course his house was much bigger- it was the whole of Israel. Still, it is a great Psalm to take to heart and remind ourselves that being a Christian is an ongoing thing, not just the way we act in public. To be otherwise is two-faced and deceptive. And we cannot serve two Masters, can we?

Ask yourself, who is Master in my house? Then take to heart what Joshua said to the tribes as they entered the Promised Land when he proclaimed that he and his house would serve the Lord. And each day, vow to keep the promise that David made in his Psalms: “No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house, no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked…”  (Psalm 101: 7- 8a, NIV).

Questions: What things do you need to “put to silence” today?  What’s in your house that may be hindering your witness?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

God knows…God Cares…God loves You…There is hope. Someone is waiting to talk with you now.

Just look at the gifts he has given you: He has sent his angels to care for you, his Holy Spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and his word to guide you. You have privileges only a fiancée could have. Anytime you speak, he listens; make a request and he responds. He will never let you be tempted too much or stumble too far. Let a tear appear on your cheek, and he is there to wipe it. Let a love sonnet appear on your lips, and he is there to hear it. As much as you want to see him, he wants to see you more.

He is building a house for you. And with every swing of the hammer and cut of the saw, he’s dreaming of the day he carries you over the threshold. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am” (John 14:2–3).

You have been chosen by Christ. You are released from your old life in your old house, and he has claimed you as his beloved. “Then where is he?” you might ask. “Why hasn’t he come?”

There is only one answer. His bride is not ready. She is still being prepared.

Engaged people are obsessed with preparation. The right dress. The right weight. The right hair and the right tux. They want everything to be right. Why? So their fiancée will marry them? No. Just the opposite. They want to look their best because their fiancée is marrying them.

The same is true for us. We want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clean. We want our faces to shine with grace and our eyes to sparkle with love. We want to be prepared.

Why? In hopes that he will love us? No. Just the opposite. Because he already does.

You are spoken for. You are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you. You have been chosen for his castle. Don’t settle for one-night stands in the arms of a stranger.

Be obsessed with your wedding date. Guard against forgetfulness. Be intolerant of memory lapses. Write yourself notes. Memorize verses. Do whatever you need to do to remember. “Aim at what is in heaven . . . Think only about the things in heaven” (Col. 3:1–2). You are engaged to royalty, and your Prince is coming to take you home.

From When Christ Comes
Copyright 1999, Max Lucado
Used by permission

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Questions: Are you obsessed with thoughts of being with your heavenly Father in heaven? Do you think about it? How are you preparing for that day?

About the Author Max Lucado

“The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.” Isaiah 41:17-18

September 23, 1857, Jeremiah Lanphier, a middle aged single business man, responded to a call from the Lord to start a noon hour prayer meeting in the heart of New York City. He took posters around to the businesses in the area announcing the time and the place of the meeting. That first day Jeremiah was the only one there for the first thirty minutes, but by the end of the hour a total of six people attended. The next week there were twenty people and by the third week forty. Within short order, the idea had spread to seeing every church and public meeting hall filled with tens of thousands of New Yorkers for noon hour prayer, daily crying out to God for their city. The result was that over one hundred and fifty thousand new believers came to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Interestingly, the cultural and economic climate of New York at that time was very similar to what it is today. It was extremely busy, culturally diverse, and its focus was on making money. Church buildings were empty and there was very little interest in Jesus in comparison to the American population at large. As is true now, America was facing a major financial crises caused by wide spread corruption and embezzlement. As a result businesses all over the country were struggling.

What an awesome historical precedent we have of the power of God to move over and change a city when the people rise up to pray. It amazes me how it took only one man to make a decision to be obedient, and to see many follow. Revival is already God’s plan and desire for our country. Our prayers are the trigger!

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Isaiah 44:3

Question: How would you like to see God repeat one of His many great works of history today in your town, church, or your own life?

About this Author: Emmie Stanley

Please open your Bible and read: Matthew 26:36-46

Sometimes following the path God sets for believers requires that we trek through a personal Gethsemane. In the Garden of that name, Jesus struggled, knowing His impending crucifixion meant separation from His Father. At no other time in the gospels do we see the Son of God more brokenhearted than in these last few hours of freedom before He is seized by the Pharisees’ men.

We, too, experience periods of intense turmoil and distress, and the Word of God can be a beacon at such dark times. Matthew’s illumination of the Lord at Gethsemane teaches us how to respond to sorrow so that our painful experiences are not wasted.

God does not squander hurt or brokenness; rather, if we willingly accept His ministrations, He utilizes our vulnerability to teach us faith – building principles. Jesus asked that the cup of suffering be removed. The metaphorical chalice was filled with the wrath of a holy God against sinful mankind. When Christ drank, He accepted all the wrongs of man – and the righteous fury of God – on Himself. As a result, He effectively severed His tie with the Father, who cannot tolerate or associate with sin. But in Gethsemane, the Son did not plead for release from the pain; instead, He prayed three times that the Father’s will be done.

As we follow Jesus’ example and release ourselves to God’s will, inner turmoil is calmed by a sense of peaceful contentment. External circumstances may be unchanged, but in our inward Gethsemane, we are hand in hand with a loving Father.

Question: What examples can we take away by observing, with awe and reverence, Jesus’ sacrifice at Gethsemane?

About the Author: Charles Stanley

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

In the letter to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) we discover a people who were poor by the world’s standards and who faced great trouble. They weren’t reprimanded for any shortcomings, but were commended for their rich faith in God.

While still on earth, Jesus warned us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Later, Peter reminded believers that suffering wasn’t unusual, but rather the norm. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).

You see, we will face trouble; we will suffer; we will be persecuted for our beliefs.

Therefore, the message to Smyrna is a message to us. When trouble comes, don’t be afraid, be faithful.
•    Don’t be afraid of those who slander you for your poverty, you have riches in Christ.
•    Don’t be afraid of suffering because Jesus is the First and the Last. He is with you.
•    Don’t be afraid of death because Jesus died and came to life again. He has conquered death.

The promise God that gave to the faithful in Smyrna, can be ours as well, if we are faithful. “He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death” (Revelation 2:11)

Almighty God, thank you that I have a secure future in You. Help me not to be afraid of suffering or even of death, because I have eternal life in You.

Questions: Why are we surprised at suffering? How has God helped you not to be afraid?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

“I hope you will be patient with me …” (2 Corinthians 11:1a, NLT)

In order to manage change, you must remember four things:

Love each other

The first mistake most people make during change is to focus on what they’ve lost, instead of what has been gained – and that creates fear. The antidote to fear is love: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear …” (1 John 4:18, NKJV)

It’s impossible for love and fear to exist in the same environment – If we’ll focus on loving each other, then we’ll break out of the self-centeredness that often emerges during change. The love that conquers fear involves thinking about others instead of focusing on your own needs – and the more you love, the less you fear.

Listen to each other

During transition, we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry …” (James 1:19) If we get the first two right (quick listening, slow speaking), then the third (slow anger) will become automatic. It reflects the concept of “seeking to understand” before trying “to be understood.”

“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.” (James 1:19, MSG)

Level with each other

We must speak the truth in love to each other if we’re going to walk together through change. It is human nature to avoid confronting someone directly, but then we fall into problems – even gossip – by talking to other people about the person we need to confront.

We can’t get close to each other until we deal honestly with our fundamental differences. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Liberate each other

Finally, we need to show each other grace – “cut each other some slack” – during transition. Liberating each other means letting go and treating someone else the same way Jesus treats you.

In other words, we shouldn’t lean into legalism or lording mistakes over others. People will make mistakes, and our response should be to recognize that these things will happen. The goal is not to make those who make mistakes feel bad, but rather to let them get over it and move on.

Question: Who do you know that you could encourage through changes in their lives, and who could in return encourage you?

About this Author: Rick Warren

“For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it; and anyone who loses his life for Me shall find it again” Matthew 16:25

From all outward appearances Tom and Mary were the ideal couple. They lived in a beautiful mansion. They possessed several fine cars – more than they needed. Both of them dressed elegantly and they entertained lavishly. They were the life of the party and everything seemed too good to be true. And it was.

Beneath the facade they were miserable creatures, though outwardly they seemed to be loving and considerate of each other. I soon learned that they had great resentments and deep-seated antagonisms toward each other. Their quarrels had become more frequent, sometimes exploding into temper tantrums, and sometimes resulting in physical abuse. They had tried in a number of ways to find happiness and fulfillment, including several around-the-world trips. But the harder they had tried, the more miserable they had become.

It was in this context that I shared with them the importance of surrendering their lives to Christ and inviting Him to be their Savior. I counseled them to lose themselves, as His representatives, in bringing happiness into the lives of others.

Receiving Christ was not so hard for them to do. They both realized they were sinners and needed as Savior. But they had lived such selfish lives for so long that it was not easy for them to begin to consider others as the Scripture admonishes. After a time they did begin to work with elderly people in convalescent homes and with prisoners through the ministry of the local church. On occasion, they gave their testimony at the skid row mission.

With the passing of time, the miracle happened and that illusive goal of happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction became a reality. In losing their lives they truly found them in service to others in the name of Christ. They found the abundant life which He promised and for which they had sought so long.

God’s loyalty has been proven over and over again. In reviewing my own experiences, and in observing the lives of many others, I have become aware that the individual who seeks happiness never finds it, but the one who is committed to taking happiness to others always finds it. And he also finds meaning, purpose, joy and peace in the process.

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:24-27

Today’s Action Point: I am determined to experience the reality of this promise by surrendering the control of my life to Him and demonstrating my commitment through serving others.

About the Author: Bill Bright

Are you struggling with anxiety? Do you experience panic attacks and afraid to face the day? You can talk to us.

When you come before the Lord in prayer, part of you empties out. It’s the part that is filled with the heartaches, hurts, soreness, grief and agonies you’ve experienced throughout your life.   As you pour the pain in your heart out to God, He refills your inner being or spirit with Himself.

God is love (1 John 4:16) and great healing is within Him (Psalm 103:1-5).

It’s a trade. You give God your pain and He heals you and refills your heart with His purpose. You lay down your fear, and God fills your heart with faith. You give God your sin, He gives you His sanctification.   Each time, an exchange takes place.

You could compare this exchange to the scientific transfer of photosynthesis. A leaf, for example, is light dependant. Photosynthesis begins when light hits a leaf. The leaf reacts to the light, capturing and absorbing the energy of the sun to produce more life-giving molecules, and the release of oxygen. This by-product is the fuel used by all living things. It’s the conversion of usable sunlight energy into usable chemical energy.

In like manner, men, women, and children are dependent on the conversion of their hearts by the light of Christ Jesus, God’s son, to make them whole.   We are grace dependant.  Just as each cell in a leaf absorbs sunlight, every fiber in your being is touched and restored by the nearness of a holy God. The by-product of that right relationship is life-giving oxygen.

“For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28, NIV).

Won’t you trade your pain today and allow your heart to be touched by the light of Jesus love?  Empty yourself of the old and receive the new.  It will bring great refreshing to your life today!

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His Holy Name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5, NIV).

Questions: How do you exchange your frustrations for God’s peace?

About the Author Jacqueline Overpeck

Do you have a feeling of immense sadness and emptiness? Talk to one of our mentors.

Please open your Bible and read  John 16:7

What is your notion of following Christ? Doesn’t it basically boil down to obeying Christ?

The disciples enjoyed the company of Christ Himself for three years. They were able to converse with Him and receive an audible answer. They were able to see Him and touch Him. But we also have the benefit of His presence. The day before He was crucified, Christ promised the disciples that He would not leave them alone in this fallen world. He pledged to send them a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide them into all truth.

The Holy Spirit indeed reveals to us the truth of Christ in any and all circumstances. He enables us to walk in the way that He reveals, and He also corrects our course when we stray.

God’s way is not the world’s way. Satan controls this evil world system and attempts to camouflage circumstances to confuse people. But the Holy Spirit is our sure compass and always responds to our prayers and faith.

If you are a believer attempting to walk closely with Christ, you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will place a “check” within your spirit when confronted with a situation or decision that would take you outside the will of God. What you do next will influence how well you continue to follow Christ. Because it all boils down to obedience.

Questions: What does it mean to follow Christ? How do we become acquainted with His will?

About the Author Charles Stanley