Posts with the category “daily-devotion”
Actively in Love
by Ministry Support on April 18th, 2026
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." — Romans 12:11
Is your faith active or passive?
Fall in love with Jesus. That Spirit will flow through your life and you will be glad to hang around other believers who you love. That will make a fulfilling life. That is what you are seeking.
But here's what you need to understand: It is not passive; it is very active. You are actively in love with Jesus.
Passive faith waits for something to happen. Active faith pursues Jesus daily. Passive faith hopes things work out. Active faith obeys regardless of feelings. Passive faith shows up on Sunday. Active faith serves all week long. Read More
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Put All Your Weight Down
by Ministry Support on April 17th, 2026
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." — Proverbs 3:5
What does it mean to believe?
The word believe is a word that describes putting all your weight on Jesus, the Son of God. Let's compare this to the seat you are occupying right now. You are putting all your weight on this seat.
Many of you came into this auditorium and sat down without a moment's hesitation in your "assigned seat." You had the presupposition that this chair would not break. You did not test it out. You simply put all of your weight on this chair, and you are still doing that. Read More
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Get to Know Them Now
by Ministry Support on April 16th, 2026
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13:34
Do you know the people sitting around you at church?
Think about it. You will spend all eternity with believers. Look at the person who is sitting next to you. Look at the person who is sitting behind you. Do you want to spend eternity with them?
You might say, "I don't even know them." Read More
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Walking Toward the Light
by Ministry Support on April 15th, 2026
"If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." — 1 John 1:6-7
Are you walking in the light?
This is one of the first questions 1 John asks to help you verify your faith. In other words, are you doing what God wants you to do? Are you living like He wants you to live? Do you have a propensity toward wanting to honor the Lord? Read More
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Knowing in Your Knower
by Ministry Support on April 14th, 2026
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." — John 17:3
Do you know that you know?
There's a word in 1 John 5:13 that we need to understand. It's the word "know." It comes from the Greek word "ginosko." It describes intimate knowledge. You know in your knower that you know Him.
This isn't head knowledge. This isn't intellectual agreement. This is deep, personal, intimate knowledge—the kind of knowing that settles in your bones. Read More
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The Front Row Surprise
by Ministry Support on April 13th, 2026
"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." — Matthew 19:30
Who do you think will have the best seats in heaven?
Many of you think that Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, and others will be on the front row in heaven. Maybe they will be, but I will be up in the cheap seats with you guys in the balcony. I will just be glad to be in the building.
But here's what I really believe: The very people who we never saw, the people who gave everything they had, they are the ones who will have the reserved seats.
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Stop Performing for God
by Ministry Support on April 12th, 2026
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
Are you exhausted trying to earn God's approval?
Many of us are victims of the Protestant work ethic. We have been taught that we must succeed and work hard. We often equate that same drive to our spiritual life. We think we must work for it. Read More
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Your Worth Isn't on the Ballot
by Ministry Support on April 11th, 2026
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10
Where do you get your sense of worth?
This is something I battled before I went into the ministry. When I was in college, I had a double major. I majored in music and speech. These are outside performance things. Everything was about how others responded to me.
God gave me insight as a college student when He began to call me into ministry. I wrestled with answering the call because of the conflict in my flesh. Read More
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Denominational Tags Fall Off
by Ministry Support on April 10th, 2026
"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28
Do you struggle to love believers who are different from you?
I love saying this and I have said it for years. When we get to heaven, there will not be Methodists over here in one corner. Roman Catholics will not be over there, with the charismatics over here jumping pews. There will not be a bunch of Baptists by the River of Life over there. There won't be Presbyterians who are afraid to get too close to the water because they're afraid the Baptists will dunk them. There will not be a bunch of Church of Christ people saying, "What are these people doing up here?" Read More
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Love Is Something You Do
by Ministry Support on April 9th, 2026
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
Is your love visible?
This last week, we received an amazing answer to our prayers. After months of hospital stays and much time in a physical rehab facility, my wife Ginger finally came home.
As she was lying in bed, I put my hand on her and said, "I'm really glad you're home." She looked at me and said, "Really?" I said, "Yes, because this is where you're supposed to be." She said, "Do you really feel that?" I said, "Well, I will tell you that my schedule now is having to change, but yes, I really feel that." Read More
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Through Your Father's Eyes
by Ministry Support on April 8th, 2026
"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" — 1 John 3:1
How do you see God?
Psychologists tell us that our first image of who God is will come through the grid of our relationship with our earthly father. That's a problem for many of us.
I grew up in a broken home. After my parents got a divorce, I only saw my dad two more times before he died. As a result, I wrestled with the issue of eternal security. I had the mentality that God would leave me. I was set up for that. Read More
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Pray for the Ones You Didn't Choose
by Ministry Support on April 7th, 2026
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Do you pray for leaders you disagree with?
I don't care how you voted. We have elected leaders who I did not vote for, but I am required by Scripture to pray for them. The Bible says, "The king's heart is in the hands of the Lord. He will direct it like a watercourse" (Proverbs 21:1). Whenever He pleases, God can use anyone. Read More
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You Cannot Lose What He Holds
by Ministry Support on April 6th, 2026
Are you afraid of losing your salvation?
God wants you to know that you know that you know Him. The writer of 1 John says that these things were written so that you may know that you have eternal life. Not hope. Not wish. Know.
You will never lose your salvation.
I need you to hear that. If you have genuinely turned from sin and placed your faith in Christ, you are secure. Not because you're holding onto God, but because He's holding onto you. Read More
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When You Need Hope
by Ministry Support on April 5th, 2026
Have you ever thought how hopeless Jesus’ followers must have been on the day of His crucifixion? For years, they had been believing in and serving alongside the Messiah. They left everything behind to follow Jesus, yet there He was, hanging on a cross, struggling for every breath.
I can’t even imagine how they felt when Jesus died. Remember, they had no idea what would happen three days later. All they knew was that their Savior had died, and their hope had died with Him. I am sure you can think of a time when your world felt dark and hopeless, as well. Maybe, you are in one of those seasons right now, and you are thinking, “I can’t go another day like this. I just feel so empty.” Read More
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Which World Are You Loving?
by Ministry Support on April 4th, 2026
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." — 1 John 2:15
What does it mean to "love the world"?
We have secularized how we serve God. I want you to see this. You will understand this from the context. There are three Greek words that refer to the world.
The first refers to the dirt—the actual physical dirt, the sunrise, the sunset, the mountains and oceans. God created this world and called it good. There's nothing wrong with appreciating creation. Read More
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Brand New "Want To's"
by Ministry Support on April 3rd, 2026
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17
What changed when you gave your life to Christ?
When you know Him, suddenly you will begin to have new desires and new "want to's." What you used to want is no longer important. You want to please Christ. You want to do what He wants you to do. You want to know Him. You want to be in His presence.
Do you understand that salvation produces brand-new "want to's?" Read More
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Lean Back
by Ministry Support on April 2nd, 2026
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." — Psalm 46:10
Are you trying too hard to figure everything out?
When it comes to the future—especially the return of Christ—we need to just lean back and not try to pick a date or a time. Remember, Jesus discouraged His followers from trying to pick a date or a time for His Second Coming.
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The Upside-Down Kingdom
by Ministry Support on April 1st, 2026
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." — Mark 10:31
Does God's way ever seem backward to you?
Many of the concepts of the Lord are inverted. An example is, "Give and it will be given to you." Our world says, "No. You had better take it and keep it." Jesus says, "You need to let it go." Read More
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Are You Ready For Jesus To Come Back?
by Ministry Support on March 31st, 2026
Let me ask you a question. “If Jesus came today, are you ready?” Has there been a moment in your life when you turned from sin and placed your faith in Christ? Have you given your life to Christ? Are you ready for Christ’s return? If it happened today, are you ready? Are you ready? Read More
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Jesus Intercedes for You
by Ministry Support on March 30th, 2026
Do you realize that Jesus is praying for us all the time? Some of the last words Jesus said before He died were prayers for all of humanity. Right now, He is praying to His Father for you. He is praying for your family, your marriage, and your friendships. He is praying for your heart as you are navigating the seasons of waiting, disappointment and uncertainty. He is constantly interceding on your behalf. We should be very encouraged to know that Jesus is praying for us. Read More
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False Prophets
by Ministry Support on March 29th, 2026
This is a sobering passage, indeed Unfortunately, many Christians are completely naive about the ways of the evil one. Because they think he will not invade the church of God, they listen without a filter to numerous off-the-wall belief systems. Sadly, many people swallow “hook, line and sinker” the theological heresies which are shouted from the pulpits by those who have a profit motive in mind; they seek profit for their ego and their pocketbook. Keep your eyes open Read More
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A Call to God’s Church
by Ministry Support on March 28th, 2026
As we are anticipating the end times, we should be doing several things as members of God’s Church. We have so much hope because we are His children. Therefore, we need to allow that hope to ignite our faith and carry out these three things as we await Christ’s return: Read More
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Praying in God’s Will
by Ministry Support on March 27th, 2026
If there was ever a time you need to be praying, it is now. Praying to God and spending time communicating with Him should be a regular part of your daily routine. However, many people are intimidated by prayer. They don’t know where to start and what to say. They don’t want to “bother God” with their requests and issues. Read More
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Actions and Words
by Ministry Support on March 26th, 2026
There is an age-old saying that advises us, “Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk” We’ve heard this statement numerous times. People say this phrase when they want action. They don’t want to just hear what someone has to say; they want to see the person back up their words with their behavior. Read More
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When God Get's Your Attention
by Ministry Support on March 25th, 2026
I had a conversation recently with a dear friend who lives on the East Coast. I have known him for decades. Recently, he was put into hospice; they have taken him off all the medications that would prolong his life. He has a rare form of bone cancer. Barring a miracle of God, he knows that his time is about over. Read More
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Who's Really in Charge?
by Ministry Support on March 24th, 2026
Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or just a part of your life?
It's easy to say "Jesus is Lord." Go ahead, say it out loud right now. Easy, right? But here's the real question: Do you really believe it? Are you really committed that Jesus is your Lord and boss?
That word "Lord" means ruler. It means one who is in charge. It means every decision you make comes under His authority and His direction. Read More
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God Doesn't Change His Mind
by Ministry Support on March 23rd, 2026
Does God's will evolve with culture?
I had a conversation years ago with a reformed Jewish rabbi. He asked me what we believed about morality and homosexuality. I said, "We believe in the Word of God. We believe that Romans Chapter 1 describes that homosexuality is an abomination." I began to quote several Old Testament passages, especially from the Book of Leviticus. I said to him, "We actually believe what the Old Testament and the New Testament teach." Read More
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Take the Weight Off
by Ministry Support on March 22nd, 2026
Are you carrying weight that isn't yours to carry?
You can do your best as a parent. You can give it an all-American try to guide them, but it is all about how they choose to respond to Christ. God was the greatest Father to Israel, but Israel still wandered from Him. Read More
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Opposition Fuels Growth
by Ministry Support on March 21st, 2026
What happens when the church faces persecution?
Christianity was birthed in the midst of a world power that worshiped an emperor. Christianity flourished in the middle of political opposition. Nero lit his gardens by crucifying Christians along the road. He set Christians on fire when they would not surrender to his lordship. Believers refused to align with the political agenda of the day. Read More
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You Need a Coach
by Ministry Support on March 20th, 2026
Do you think the Christian life should just come naturally?
My first year in seminary, I decided to learn golf. I found a set of clubs, a golf bag, and shoes that were half a size too small at a pawn shop—all for $40. I was excited. I called a friend who was a Dallas detective and a pretty good golfer. We met at Tennison West Golf Course where Lee Trevino started his career. Read More
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You're Already a Saint
by Ministry Support on March 19th, 2026
When do you become a saint?
The Bible says that when you become a child of God, you are a saint. You have been set apart. This is what the word means. It comes from the Greek word that describes holy.
I know you might not believe that, but it's the truth. When we become a child of God, we are saints. You don't have to wait for a committee to approve you as a saint. The Bible says you have been set apart. You are in the process of being sanctified. Read More
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The Word Does the Work
by Ministry Support on March 18th, 2026
Do you worry that you're not good enough at sharing your faith?
Maybe you think, "I don't know enough theology. I stumble over my words. I'm not persuasive like some people." So you stay silent, convinced that if you can't deliver a polished Gospel presentation, you shouldn't say anything at all. Read More
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Reset Your System
by Ministry Support on March 17th, 2026
When was the last time you rebooted your theology?
I had one of my first experiences with computers when I lived in Houston. I had the use of an early laptop with a massive hard drive—40 Megabytes. I was learning my way around the Internet and DOS. In the first week, I accidentally deleted DOS. They had to reboot the entire system. I was beginning again with a brand-new system. Read More
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Hungry for More
by Ministry Support on March 16th, 2026
How often do you eat?
Let me say this to you. Do not think that coming to the feed trough once a week will keep you healthy. If you only eat once a week, you will be skinny. You would look like me. We all need nourishment. We all need the Word of God. I am hungry for the Word of God and for fellowship. I am hungry for the Body of Christ to intersect with my life. Read More
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The Pull You Can't Ignore
by Ministry Support on March 15th, 2026
Have you felt that pull?
There must be a moment in your life when you sensed the drawing of the Spirit of God and conviction. This conviction means you are aware of your separation and your sinfulness that separates you from a Holy God. In that moment of spiritual conviction, the work of the Holy Spirit draws our hearts and lives to Christ. Read More
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Equipped for Everything
by Ministry Support on March 14th, 2026
What equips you for life?
Notice what Paul says here: "All Scripture is God-breathed." That word in Greek is "theopneustos"—theo (God) and pneustos (breathed). Every word of Scripture is exhaled from the mouth of God. This is not just human wisdom. This is not just good advice from religious teachers. This is the very breath of God captured in written form. Read More
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The Danger of "Plus"
by Ministry Support on March 13th, 2026
Do you realize that if you add these elements to secure your salvation, you have just violated what Jesus instituted from the cross? When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He said to the thief on the cross, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." The thief never took communion. He did not get baptized, and yet he made it to heaven. That is very important.
The moment you say "faith in Christ plus baptism" or "faith in Christ plus communion" or "faith in Christ plus church membership," you've changed the Gospel. You've added a requirement that Jesus never added. Read More
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How Truth Gets Twisted
by Ministry Support on March 12th, 2026
How does false teaching take root?
In the early church, their focus was on the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins to cover them. Their focus was not to believe nor to teach that you must take communion in order to have the full forgiveness of God. Likewise, they did not believe that you needed to be baptized in order to make sure you go to heaven. Read More
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You Don't Need a Building
by Ministry Support on March 11th, 2026
What makes a church a church?
The first church didn't even have a building. Where did they meet? They met in the temple courts and in the open air. They also met in small groups in their homes. They had communion and fellowship with one another in their homes. They were experiencing connectivity.
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Twelve Inches from Hell
by Ministry Support on March 10th, 2026
How far is your heart from your head?
You can know historically that Jesus died on the cross. You can look at the Scriptures that give us confirmation about what Jesus did. You can have all the information and acknowledge that He rose from the dead. For many of us, it's just head knowledge. We believe the information. Read More
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2026
January
Are You Living Like He's Coming?Are You Worth Following?Are Your Sins Confessed Up to Date?God's PlanBut Wait, There's MoreLean on God in UncertaintyCaught Off GuardLearning to Be AloneDoes Your Ministry Stick?Worrying Won't Get You AnywhereDon't Waste Your PainJesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe are Different for a ReasonLearning to Say NoGod is Working In UsDon't Watch. Pray.It Will Cost YouJoy in the Middle of HellMinistry Happens in the Mess of Real LifeFaith That Doesn't Need AnswersThe Gospel Changes EverythingThe Question That Changes EverythingWhat are You Still Holding?When God Calls You to Small ThingsWhen Light and Darkness CollideWhen Love Changes EverythingWhen Your Faith Has a ReputationWorth the SacrificeYou Must Be Present to WinWhen God Nudges Your Heart
February
Jesus is Coming BackPraying According to God's WillWe Are Different For A ReasonLearning To Say NoGod Is Working In UsGod’s Plan Needs YouMinistry Happens Heart to HeartDon’t Abuse Your Free WillDo Your Words And Your Actions Matchup?Seek God FirstA Safe PersonTrust over WorryTruth Over ApplauseForgetting Your First LoveNever Stop WorshipingWalking Humbly with GodIt’s All About JesusPraise the LordPraying To Remind YourselfYou Made the TeamYour Pain Has a PurposeReal FriendsReplacing GodSpecific ConfessionSpiritual AlignmentThis World Is Not Our HomeOpen the GatesOne Life Is Worth It All
March
Crooked Lines to Straight DestinationsDead Men Feel NothingDon't Twist the TranslationWhen Tradition Becomes a TrapRooted TogetherLeave Room for God's JusticeYour Relationship, Your ResponsibilityGod Loves Big Churches TooNot What You ExpectedTwelve Inches from HellYou Don't Need a BuildingHow Truth Gets TwistedThe Danger of "Plus"Equipped for EverythingThe Pull You Can't IgnoreHungry for MoreReset Your SystemThe Word Does the WorkYou're Already a SaintYou Need a CoachOpposition Fuels GrowthTake the Weight OffGod Doesn't Change His MindWho's Really in Charge?When God Get's Your AttentionActions and WordsPraying in God’s WillA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouAre You Ready For Jesus To Come Back?
