VERSE OF THE DAY
James 5:16 (New King James Version)

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Gaining Spiritual Stability (Peter) - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

The twelve apostles included "Simon, who is called Peter" (Matt. 10:2).
Jesus can make an impulsive and vacillating Christian as stable as a rock.

The first disciple Matthew's gospel names is "Simon, who is called Peter" (Matt. 10:2). He was a fisherman by trade but Jesus called him to be a fisher of men. John 1:40-42 records their first encounter: "One of the two who heard John [the Baptist] speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He found first his own brother Simon, and . . . brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, 'You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas' (which translated means Peter)."

"Peter" means "stone." "Cephas" is its Aramaic equivalent. By nature Simon tended to be impulsive and vacillating. Apparently Jesus named him Peter as a reminder of his future role in the church, which would require spiritual strength and stability. Whenever Peter acted l

Why Believers Pray - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Talking with our heavenly Father is how we understand His heart and participate in His work on earth.

Psalms 103:19-22

Have you ever wondered, If God is in control, why does He expect us to pray? The Lord wants to involve us in the work He is doing in the world, and prayer brings us into cooperation with what He plans to accomplish.

In John 17:11, Jesus asked God to protect the disciples by the power of His name. Did He think they might lose their salvation or permanently drift from their commitment? Absolutely not. Jesus was God in human flesh. He knew exactly what was going to happen—that those men would fulfill their mission and spread the gospel. Jesus was taking part in God’s plan for His followers by interceding for them (Romans 8:34).

The Lord certainly can build His kingdom without us. But when the God of love and His beloved share an interest, the relationship develops depth and intimacy. Praying and wo

VERSE OF THE DAY
Philippians 4:6-7 (New King James Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Priority of Spiritual Unity - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:2-4).

Unity in the Spirit is the key to a church’s overall effectiveness.

Unity is a crucial element in the life of the church—especially among its leadership. A unified church can accomplish great things for Christ, but disunity can cripple or destroy it. Even the most orthodox churches aren't immune to disunity's subtle attack because it often arises from personality clashes or pride rather than doctrinal issues.

God often brings together in congregations and ministry teams people of vastly different backgrounds and temperaments. That mix produces a variety of skills and ministr

Answering the Call - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley
As we pursue God’s will, He will provide the wisdom and strength needed to face any opposition.

Nehemiah 6:9-14

When we submit to God and allow Him to rebuild our broken places, we can expect opposition. Nehemiah’s efforts to restore Jerusalem were threatened by Sanballat and others. In a similar way, we have an enemy who opposes the work God is doing in our life—an antagonist who does everything possible to discourage and distract us. When that happens, we can echo Nehemiah’s prayer: “Now, God, strengthen my hands” (Neh. 6:9).

Today’s passage tells of a hindrance involving Shemaiah—an Israelite who advised Nehemiah to preserve his life by hiding from his enemies (v. 10). This incident suggests that even people from whom we seek wisdom might at times obey the voice of fear and ignore the bigger picture. Once Nehemiah refused to listen to the anxiety-driven advice, his eyes were opened. Then he saw Shemaiah for who he

VERSE OF THE DAY
2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Chosen to be Sent - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Having summoned His twelve disciples, [Jesus] gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles were these" (Matt. 10:1-2).

Every disciple must also be a discipler.

Have you ever met someone who constantly absorbs what the church has to offer, yet never seems to plug into a ministry where he can give to others? I've met many people like that. Some have attended church for many years, and have even taken evangelism and other special training classes. But they never quite feel qualified to minister to others or even to share their testimony. Eventually that has a crippling effect on their spiritual lives and on the life of the church in general.

When Jesus called the disciples to Himself, He did so to train them for ministry. We see that in Matthew 10:1-2. The Greek word translated "disciples" means "learners." "Apostl

Assessing What Is Left - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley
There is always hope when we look to the Lord for our next step.

Nehemiah 2:11-18

Navigating loss is a complex process; there is no straightforward path through grief. Yet Nehemiah’s journey from lamenting the broken walls of Jerusalem to rebuilding them offers us insight as we partner with God to put life’s shattered places back together.

After grieving the destruction of Jerusalem’s fortifications, Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes for permission to return to that city and rebuild its protective wall. Taking stock of what remains after loss is an important step as we move from grieving to rebuilding. It can be difficult to find glimmers of hope while surveying the ruins of broken lives, dreams, or relationships, but we are never without the one thing that matters most—God’s presence. Nehemiah knew this to be true, which is why he toured Jerusalem to inspect its walls and learn what was needed to repair the damage.

VERSE OF THE DAY
Romans 12:12 (New King James Version)

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Overcoming Spiritual Inadequacies - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Having summoned His twelve disciples" (Matt. 10:1).
Jesus can overcome any inadequacy you might have.

Most people think of the disciples as stained-glass saints who didn't have to struggle with the faults and frailties of normal people. But they had inadequacies just like we all do. Seeing how Jesus dealt with them gives us hope that He can use us too.

One inadequacy common to all the disciples was their lack of understanding. For example, Luke 18 tells us Jesus gave them details about His future suffering, death, and resurrection, but they didn't understand anything He said (vv. 31-34). Jesus overcame their lack of understanding by constantly teaching them until they got it right.

Another inadequacy was their lack of humility. More than once they argued among themselves about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (e.g., Mark 9:33-37). Jesus dealt with their lack of humility by His own example.

Lamenting What Is Lost - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Offering our tears to God requires faith that He is able and willing.

Nehemiah 1:3-11

Is it possible for grieving to be an act of worship? Consider today’s passage about Nehemiah, an Israelite who served as cupbearer to the king of Babylon. Nehemiah sat down and wept for days when he learned Jerusalem’s walls had been destroyed, leaving his people defenseless. Yet his tears weren’t just a simple outpouring of strong emotion. Through weeping, fasting, and prayer, Nehemiah allowed his distress to lead him into deeper communion with God.

Shedding tears over what was lost—giving full expression to his pain—was an essential component of Nehemiah’s prayerful turning toward God. His bold display of sorrow was an affirmation of his belief that God alone was capable of restoring Jerusalem and her people to their former glory. As he prayed, Nehemiah reminded God of His promise to gather the exiles and dwell permanently a

VERSE OF THE DAY
1 John 5:14-15 (New King James Version)

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Exemplary Living - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Having summoned His twelve disciples" (Matt. 10:1).

A good example is the best form of teaching.

Matthew 10:1 is Christ's official commissioning of the twelve men He hand-picked to serve beside Him during His earthly ministry. Mark 3:13 says He "summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him." In John 15:16 He tells them, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit." This is not their call to salvation, but to service. With the exception of Judas, they were already saved. Before the foundation of the world God chose them to be redeemed in Christ, and they had responded accordingly. Now Jesus was calling them to a specific ministry.

God always chooses those who will be saved and serve within His church. But between salvation and service there must be a time of training. For the disciples it was a period of three years in which Jesus Himself trained them as they ex

Embrace Your God-Given Gifts - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

If you want to be a beacon of God's light in the world, serve others.

1 Peter 4:7-10

As believers, we’ve been granted special abilities to be used during our time here on earth. First Peter 4:10 says we have a responsibility to respond to this divine grace by serving one another. It’s important to realize these gifts aren’t just for our own advantage—they’re meant to be used generously, impacting the lives of those around us. And God is glorified when we do so in dependence on Him for guidance and strength.

The Lord wants us to recognize our abilities as being from Him, and we’re to use them to sow seeds of love and compassion. When we serve one another, we become vessels of God’s grace, enriching the body of Christ and shining His light in the world.

Think about your talents. What do you love to do? What are the things that make serving a joy and cause you to feel fully alive? These capabilities aren’

VERSE OF THE DAY
Hebrews 11:6 (New King James Version)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The Master's Men - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him" (Matt. 10:2-4).
God uses unqualified people to accomplish His purposes.

We live in a qualification-conscious society. Almost everything you do requires you to meet someone else's standards. You must qualify to purchase a home, buy a car, get a credit card, or attend college. In the job market, the most difficult jobs require people with the highest possible qualifications.

Ironically, God uses unqualified people to accomplish the world's most important task: advancing the kingdom of God. It has always been that way: Adam and Eve plunged the human race into sin. Lot got drunk and committed incest with his ow

Gifts From God - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

In times of hardship, take a moment to marvel at the evidence of God's love and care all around you.

James 1:12-18

In today’s passage, James writes, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (v. 17).

Have you ever taken a moment to marvel at the abundance of blessings in your life? The air you breathe, the sun that warms your face, and the love of family and friends are all tremendous gifts. Everything we enjoy has been freely bestowed on us by a loving Creator who doesn’t ever change—who never gives us cause for doubt or uncertainty.

Our lives, on the other hand, are constantly shifting, and we will find pleasant times interspersed with periods of hardship and sadness. Thankfully, we can always rely upon our God, whose good gifts are meant to remind us of His unchanging nature. Even when we face pain and a

VERSE OF THE DAY
Ephesians 4:15 (New King James Version)

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Realizing Your Reward - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12).

The sacrifices you make for Christ’s sake in this life will be abundantly compensated for in Heaven.

God's promise for those who are persecuted for His sake is that their reward in heaven will be great (Matt. 5:11). Jesus said, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life" (Matt. 19:29).

Focusing on that promise instead of your present circumstances is how you can experience happiness amid suffering. That was Paul's great confidence even as he faced certain death. In 2 Timothy 4:8 he declares, "In the future there is laid up for me

Realizing Your Reward - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12).

The sacrifices you make for Christ’s sake in this life will be abundantly compensated for in Heaven.

God's promise for those who are persecuted for His sake is that their reward in heaven will be great (Matt. 5:11). Jesus said, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life" (Matt. 19:29).

Focusing on that promise instead of your present circumstances is how you can experience happiness amid suffering. That was Paul's great confidence even as he faced certain death. In 2 Timothy 4:8 he declares, "In the future there is laid up for me

The Importance of Right Motives - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Prioritize pleasing God, and then prepare to be amazed by His work in your life.

1 Samuel 17:20-40

David found King Saul’s reward for Goliath’s defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (1 Sam. 17:26, 30). However, David may have been young, but he wasn’t foolish. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn’t the young shepherd’s motivation.

David’s reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. He openly criticized the giant: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26). Challenging the chosen nation of Israel was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh’s holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.

When facing life’s Goliaths, we might be tempted to approach

VERSE OF THE DAY
Job 19:25 (New King James Version)

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;

Receiving Christ's Wounds - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me" (Matt. 5:10-11).

The persecution you receive for proclaiming Christ is really aimed at Christ Himself.

Savonarola has been called the Burning Beacon of the Reformation. His sermons denouncing the sin and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church of his day helped pave the way for the Protestant Reformation. Many who heard his powerful sermons went away half-dazed, bewildered, and speechless. Often sobs of repentance resounded throughout the entire congregation as the Spirit of God moved in their hearts. However, some who heard him couldn't tolerate the truth and eventually had him burned at the stake.

Jesus said, "'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, the

Defeating Our Goliaths - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Faith habits prepare us for the inevitable battles that come.

1 Samuel 17:45-47

Life’s “Goliaths” come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a pile of debt. In today’s passage, David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem, but he was victorious through God’s power. We can be, too.

David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (v. 46). His confidence was rooted in his past experiences with the Lord. What’s more, David believed triumph was certain because he came in the name of the Lord. As a shepherd, he’d spent hours alone in the wilderness, listening to God’s voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout couldn’t shake his convictions about who God was and what He could do through His servant.

David had practical faith habits. A strong relationship with the Lord developed from spending time in His presence. This in turn enabled David to f

VERSE OF THE DAY
Philippians 2:5-8 (New King James Version)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Three Kinds of Persecution - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me" (Matt. 5:10-11).

When you speak out for Christ, you can expect harassment, insults, and slander.

Jesus mentioned three broad categories of suffering that Christians will experience. The first is persecution. "Persecuted" (Matt. 5:10) and "persecute" (v. 11) both come from the same Greek root meaning "to pursue" or "chase away." Over time it came to mean "to harass" or "treat in an evil manner." Verse 10 literally reads, "Blessed are those who have been allowing themselves to be persecuted." You are blessed when people harass you for your Christian stance and you willingly accept it for the sake of your Lord.

The second form of suffering is "insults" (v. 11), which translates a G

Gaining Better Vision - In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

If you want to see clearly, ask God to help you see from His perspective.

Matthew 7:1-8

You may have seen videos on the internet of babies receiving their first pair of glasses. They fuss and fight a little as the frames are being put on, but almost instantly, they stop and stare. Things that were previously blobs of color suddenly have defined shapes. Their parents’ faces, once fuzzy, become clear. Their smiles tell you everything you need to know about the gift of vision.

In a similar way, clear spiritual sight is vital for believers, and it involves learning to see as the Lord sees. This requires a shift in our perspective, and today’s passage provides a practical blueprint for learning to discern with the eyes of Christ: “Do not judge” (v. 1). True understanding begins with an awareness of our sins so we can “take the log out” (v. 5) from our own eye and see ourselves and others for what we truly are—forgive

VERSE OF THE DAY
Luke 19:10 (New King James Version)

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Are You Avoiding Persecution? - Drawing Near - John MacArthur

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness" (Matt. 5:10).

If you don’t experience persecution, people probably don’t know you’re a Christian.

I heard of a man who was fearful because he was starting a new job with a group of unbelievers whom he thought might give him a bad time if they found out he was a Christian. After his first day at work his wife asked him how he got along with them. "We got along just fine," he said. "They never found out I'm a Christian."

Silence is one way to avoid persecution. Some other ways are to approve of the world's standards, laugh at its jokes, enjoy its entertainment, and smile when it mocks God. If you never confront sin or tell people Jesus is the only way to heaven, or if your behavior is so worldly no one can distinguish you from unbelievers, you will probably be accepted and won't feel the heat of persecution. But beware!

Jesus said, "Woe t