How to Trust God – Chuck SwindollAs we continue our study of Solomon’s advice concerning worry, note that the second two lines expand on the main idea to trust in the Lord. “Trusting with all your heart” involves two actions: one negative, the other positive.Today we examine the negative command: “Do not lean on your own understanding” (v. 5). The term understanding is so important that, in the He...  Read More

Daily DisciplesToday's Reading: Ezekiel 1; Hebrews 11:1-19Today's Thoughts: Faith and PrayerAnd without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6God rewards faith. Christianity started with the faith of Abraham. Faith means that we do not see to believe. So, praying is an act of...  Read More

Why Joy Is Never Dependent on Our CircumstancesBy Debbie McDaniel"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Ps. 118:24Many of us may have heard this verse over long years. But what's interesting to know is that it's set right within a Psalm where the author is writing about huge adversity. It's not written about when times are good, but when times are hard. Situations...  Read More

The Physics of Tranquility – Chuck SwindollWorry is one of our more acceptable character faults, right alongside gluttony and perfectionism. After all, everybody worries, and no one quite knows how to stop. Furthermore, the primary victim of worry is the worrier, so it seems harmless enough. But worry is serious business. It not only causes a number of significant physical ailments, but worry can ...  Read More

A Message from God – Chuck SwindollAs though David continues his worship service, he opens his mouth and shares a message from God, which is the major theme of this composition. We can imagine his standing before the people and preaching about the needs of humanity and the grace of God.First, he considers the pitiful inadequacy of humanity. Read verses 3 and 4 slowly. Think them over and enter int...  Read More

Keep My Running Shoes OnBy Nichole HugginsI love to walk around my house barefoot. I like the feeling of soft carpet on my toes and feel more “at home” without the restriction of wearing shoes. But more and more it seems that I forgo this comfort for the functionality of keeping my running shoes on.You see, our home is different than many people’s homes. Because our son has autism, our home is lou...  Read More

The Benefits of Purpose – Tony EvansIn His Presence: Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90:12).When you are living out God's purpose for your life, your attitude towards time will change. You will find that you no longer waste time. We are only given so much time on earth; the average lifespan today is 75 years. We are all running out of time. But if ...  Read More

Saying "Yes" to Godby Debbie HollowayIt seems like every day one hears about all kinds of troubling behavior from people who ought to know better. A family friend leaves his wife and children for his secretary. A pastor resigns from his parish after his drug addiction is discovered. A CEO is caught with his hands on company money. We see it in the news. We hear about it from friends. It invades ou...  Read More

The Only Worthwhile Purpose - Tony EvansIn His Presence: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).Have you been duped when it comes to purpose? The only purpose worth living for is God's purpose. Paul said: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). If you li...  Read More

Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live FreeBy Debbie McDanielThe Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalms 28:7We have so much to be grateful for in this life, every single day. But reality is that sometimes constant life demands, battles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a he...  Read More

Why We Need God’s Armor of Protection Every DayBy Debbie McDaniel"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing mo...  Read More

Four Scriptural Touches – Greg Laurie“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV).The Center for Bible Engagement surveyed more than 400,000 people and found that if you’re not reading your Bible at least four times a week or more, then you won’t make significant changes or choices any differently than some...  Read More