“To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.” (2 Samuel 22:26 NLT)

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Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

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“To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.” (2 Samuel 22:26 NLT)
—
<a href="https://link.chtbl.com/A1PWfZ8W">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God’s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from Pastor Greg Laurie, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you. 

*The audio production of this podcast utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God&rsquo;s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from&nbsp;<a href="https://harvest.org/about-greg-laurie/">Pastor Greg Laurie</a>, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you.&nbsp;
*The audio production of this podcast utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Greg Laurie provides commentary on the day's Bible verse.

Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.” (2 Samuel 22:26 NLT)

A Long-Standing Habit Continued | 2 Samuel 22:26

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)

 

In all your preparations for the holiday season, make sure you don’t miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Missing the profound meaning and implications of Jesus’ coming is surprisingly easy to do. The innkeeper in Bethlehem could have been an eyewitness to God’s arrival on earth. He could have been immortalized in nativity scenes, along with the shepherds and wise men. But Luke 2:7 says, “She [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (NLT). The innkeeper missed Jesus because he gave priority to others.

King Herod could have accompanied the wise men in their search for the One born King of the Jews. He could have offered his own crown as a gift to Jesus, as a sign of humility, obedience, and worship. But Herod missed Jesus because he couldn’t accept the idea of someone supplanting him as ruler. Matthew 2:16 tells us how far he went to keep it from happening: “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance” (NLT).

Most of the Jewish people who were alive when the Incarnation occurred missed Jesus because they ignored the truth of God’s Word. They interpreted Old Testament prophecy to fit their own agenda instead of trying to understand God’s agenda.

Citizens of the Roman Empire missed Jesus because they were too busy worshipping other gods. They opted for false idols instead of God Himself.

Let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s keep our priorities straight. This is the season of busyness. There are a lot of things vying for our attention—many of them important. But none is nearly as important as the gift of God’s only Son.

Let’s approach the Lord with a sense of humility and obedience. The genocidal cruelty of Herod sets him apart from most people. But his refusal to hand the reins of power to anyone else is all too familiar. Giving our lives to Christ and submitting to His will can be a challenge. There are times when we want to pursue our own preferences and pleasures. But if we give in to those urges, we miss what the Lord has in store for us.

Let’s prioritize God’s Word. In it, we find the secrets of wisdom, trail markers for discovering God’s will, instructions for living in a Christlike way, and glimpses into our future. The Bible is the gift that keeps giving.

Let’s remove the false idols—the distractions that keep us from worshipping God wholeheartedly—from our lives.

Let’s resolve not to miss Jesus this Christmas.

 

Reflection question: What steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus this Christmas? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

 

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!&rdquo; (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)
&nbsp;
In all your preparations for the holiday season, make sure you don&rsquo;t miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Missing the profound meaning and implications of Jesus&rsquo; coming is surprisingly easy to do. The innkeeper in Bethlehem could have been an eyewitness to God&rsquo;s arrival on earth. He could have been immortalized in nativity scenes, along with the shepherds and wise men. But Luke 2:7 says, &ldquo;She [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them&rdquo; (NLT). The innkeeper missed Jesus because he gave priority to others.
King Herod could have accompanied the wise men in their search for the One born King of the Jews. He could have offered his own crown as a gift to Jesus, as a sign of humility, obedience, and worship. But Herod missed Jesus because he couldn&rsquo;t accept the idea of someone supplanting him as ruler. Matthew 2:16 tells us how far he went to keep it from happening: &ldquo;Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men&rsquo;s report of the star&rsquo;s first appearance&rdquo; (NLT).
Most of the Jewish people who were alive when the Incarnation occurred missed Jesus because they ignored the truth of God&rsquo;s Word. They interpreted Old Testament prophecy to fit their own agenda instead of trying to understand God&rsquo;s agenda.
Citizens of the Roman Empire missed Jesus because they were too busy worshipping other gods. They opted for false idols instead of God Himself.
Let&rsquo;s not make the same mistake. Let&rsquo;s keep our priorities straight. This is the season of busyness. There are a lot of things vying for our attention&mdash;many of them important. But none is nearly as important as the gift of God&rsquo;s only Son.
Let&rsquo;s approach the Lord with a sense of humility and obedience. The genocidal cruelty of Herod sets him apart from most people. But his refusal to hand the reins of power to anyone else is all too familiar. Giving our lives to Christ and submitting to His will can be a challenge. There are times when we want to pursue our own preferences and pleasures. But if we give in to those urges, we miss what the Lord has in store for us.
Let&rsquo;s prioritize God&rsquo;s Word. In it, we find the secrets of wisdom, trail markers for discovering God&rsquo;s will, instructions for living in a Christlike way, and glimpses into our future. The Bible is the gift that keeps giving.
Let&rsquo;s remove the false idols&mdash;the distractions that keep us from worshipping God wholeheartedly&mdash;from our lives.
Let&rsquo;s resolve not to miss Jesus this Christmas.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: What steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus this Christmas?&nbsp;<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."
&nbsp;
All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.
<a href="https://go.pddr.app/glpodcast">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

Not to Be Missed | 2 Corinthians 9:15

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT)

 

As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6–7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself.

Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe.

This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave.

Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree—when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.

He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25–28, Jesus said, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (NLT).

So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s do so with an eye toward the Lord’s return. Let’s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete.

 

Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

 

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.&nbsp;His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven&rsquo;s Armies will make this happen!&rdquo; (Isaiah 9:6&ndash;7 NLT)
&nbsp;
As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6&ndash;7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself.
Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe.
This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave.
Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree&mdash;when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life.
He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25&ndash;28, Jesus said, &ldquo;And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.&nbsp;People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.&nbsp;Then everyone will see the Son of Man&nbsp;coming on a cloud with power and great glory.&nbsp;So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!&rdquo; (NLT).
So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let&rsquo;s do so with an eye toward the Lord&rsquo;s return. Let&rsquo;s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return?&nbsp;<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."
&nbsp;
All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.
<a href="https://go.pddr.app/glpodcast">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

Jesus’ first coming set the stage for His second coming.

Celebrating Christ’s Coming, Anticipating His Return | Isaiah 9:6–7

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11 NLT)

 

One of the best ways to prepare for Christmas is to prepare for worship. Embracing a spirit of worship and praise opens our hearts to the true joy and meaning of Christmas. Worship has been central to Christmas since the wise men first encountered the child they sought.

After a long and arduous journey, the wise men, who were followers of the stars, met the Lord Jesus Christ, who created the stars. They were occultists, yet God reached into their dark world with a star to bring them to their Creator.

Matthew’s Gospel tells us, “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (2:11 NLT). Their response is almost instinctive. They recognized that they were in the presence of a deity. Their natural reaction was to humble themselves before God, even though God in this instance was a human baby. They acknowledged His majesty and greatness by bowing before Him and presenting offerings to Him.

Everyone worships at Christmas. There are no exceptions to this rule. Christians worship. Atheists worship. Skeptics worship. Republicans worship. Democrats worship. Independents worship. Everyone worships at Christmas, but not everyone worships God at Christmas. Some worship material things, which they never seem to have enough of. Others worship their bodies. Others worship their families. But everyone worships something or someone.

The wise men worshipped Jesus. What does it mean to worship? Our modern word worship comes from the Old English word worth-ship. We worship the One who is worthy. A god of our own making isn’t worthy of our worship, but the true God is worthy of our praise.

Two words are often used in Scripture to define worship. One word means “to bow down and pay homage,” which speaks of reverence and respect. The other means to “kiss toward,” which speaks of intimacy and friendship. So, when we put these two words together, we get an idea of what worship is. To worship is to bow down and have reverence, and it is also to have tender intimacy.

We see this reverent intimacy in passages such as Isaiah 25:1: “O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them” (NLT).

This Christmas, let’s remember that Jesus was born, He died, and He rose from the dead so that we could come into a relationship with Him and become God’s adopted children. Simply put, we should worship the Lord because He deserves it—every day of the year.

 

Reflection question: How will you worship God this Christmas season? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

 

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

&ldquo;They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.&rdquo; (Matthew 2:11 NLT)
&nbsp;
One of the best ways to prepare for Christmas is to prepare for worship. Embracing a spirit of worship and praise opens our hearts to the true joy and meaning of Christmas. Worship has been central to Christmas since the wise men first encountered the child they sought.
After a long and arduous journey, the wise men, who were followers of the stars, met the Lord Jesus Christ, who created the stars. They were occultists, yet God reached into their dark world with a star to bring them to their Creator.
Matthew&rsquo;s Gospel tells us, &ldquo;They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh&rdquo; (2:11 NLT). Their response is almost instinctive. They recognized that they were in the presence of a deity. Their natural reaction was to humble themselves before God, even though God in this instance was a human baby. They acknowledged His majesty and greatness by bowing before Him and presenting offerings to Him.
Everyone worships at Christmas. There are no exceptions to this rule. Christians worship. Atheists worship. Skeptics worship. Republicans worship. Democrats worship. Independents worship. Everyone worships at Christmas, but not everyone worships God at Christmas. Some worship material things, which they never seem to have enough of. Others worship their bodies. Others worship their families. But everyone worships something or someone.
The wise men worshipped Jesus. What does it mean to worship? Our modern word worship comes from the Old English word worth-ship. We worship the One who is worthy. A god of our own making isn&rsquo;t worthy of our worship, but the true God is worthy of our praise.
Two words are often used in Scripture to define worship. One word means &ldquo;to bow down and pay homage,&rdquo; which speaks of reverence and respect. The other means to &ldquo;kiss toward,&rdquo; which speaks of intimacy and friendship. So, when we put these two words together, we get an idea of what worship is. To worship is to bow down and have reverence, and it is also to have tender intimacy.
We see this reverent intimacy in passages such as Isaiah 25:1: &ldquo;O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them&rdquo; (NLT).
This Christmas, let&rsquo;s remember that Jesus was born, He died, and He rose from the dead so that we could come into a relationship with Him and become God&rsquo;s adopted children. Simply put, we should worship the Lord because He deserves it&mdash;every day of the year.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How will you worship God this Christmas season?&nbsp;<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."
&nbsp;
All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.
<a href="https://go.pddr.app/glpodcast">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

A Long-Standing Habit Continued | 2 Samuel 22:26

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