"'For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.'" Matthew 18:20

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"'For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.'" Matthew 18:20
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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

MATTHEW 18:20: For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.

A Wall of Prayer Warriors | Matthew 18:20

“But Jesus replied, ‘We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.’” (Mark 1:38 NLT)

 

In John 4, Jesus visits a Samaritan village, meets a woman at a well, and talks to her. A simple story, right? No miracles, no healings, no drama. Perhaps, but this seemingly simple story is loaded with profound significance.

For one thing, in Jesus’ day, most Jewish people did not travel to Samaria. In fact, they often went well out of their way to avoid it. For another thing, most Jewish people didn’t talk to Samaritans. They considered Samaritans second-class citizens. (That’s why Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan was so shocking to His Jewish listeners.) And for another thing, most Jewish men did not talk to women, not even their wives, in public.

So, why did Jesus do all three of these things? In answering that question, we unlock two very important principles of the Christian life—principles that should guide our efforts to share the Good News of Christ with others.

First, we must go to where the people are. Jesus went to a Samaritan village because there was a Samaritan woman who needed to hear His words. That mentality fuels the servant heart. Jesus didn’t say that the whole world should go to church; He said that the church should go into the whole world. Mark 16:15 records one of Jesus’ last interactions with His disciples. “And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone’” (NLT). That was the message He left them with. And that’s the assignment His followers today are given.

When Harvest Ministries was doing an outreach in Disneyland several years ago, I was asked, “Why are you doing this in a place like Disneyland? Why would you hold an event in a place like this?”

I said, “Because Jesus said, ‘Go into all the world,’ and He did not exempt Disneyland. There are people here. And we want to reach people.” The glorious thing is that many people came into God’s kingdom through that outreach. We need to go to where the people are.

Second, we must care about the people we speak to. Jesus needed to go to Samaria because He cared about this woman (see John 4:10). When the apostle Paul was in Athens, he saw that the city was given over to idolatry, and his spirit was “deeply troubled” within him (see Acts 17:16–17 NLT). He felt righteous indignation as he saw so many people turning to false gods.

In the same way, any effective sharing of the gospel must always begin with a God-given burden. We must care. Jesus cared. Do you? Do you want to reach out to perishing people?

We must go to where the people are. We must care about them and reach out to them.

 

Reflection question: Where are the people with whom you need to share the Good News of Christ? 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;But Jesus replied, &lsquo;We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.&rsquo;&rdquo; (Mark 1:38 NLT)
&nbsp;
In John 4, Jesus visits a Samaritan village, meets a woman at a well, and talks to her. A simple story, right? No miracles, no healings, no drama. Perhaps, but this seemingly simple story is loaded with profound significance.
For one thing, in Jesus&rsquo; day, most Jewish people did not travel to Samaria. In fact, they often went well out of their way to avoid it. For another thing, most Jewish people didn&rsquo;t talk to Samaritans. They considered Samaritans second-class citizens. (That&rsquo;s why Jesus&rsquo; parable of the Good Samaritan was so shocking to His Jewish listeners.) And for another thing, most Jewish men did not talk to women, not even their wives, in public.
So, why did Jesus do all three of these things? In answering that question, we unlock two very important principles of the Christian life&mdash;principles that should guide our efforts to share the Good News of Christ with others.
First, we must go to where the people are. Jesus went to a Samaritan village because there was a Samaritan woman who needed to hear His words. That mentality fuels the servant heart. Jesus didn&rsquo;t say that the whole world should go to church; He said that the church should go into the whole world. Mark 16:15 records one of Jesus&rsquo; last interactions with His disciples. &ldquo;And then he told them, &lsquo;Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone&rsquo;&rdquo; (NLT). That was the message He left them with. And that&rsquo;s the assignment His followers today are given.
When Harvest Ministries was doing an outreach in Disneyland several years ago, I was asked, &ldquo;Why are you doing this in a place like Disneyland? Why would you hold an event in a place like this?&rdquo;
I said, &ldquo;Because Jesus said, &lsquo;Go into all the world,&rsquo; and He did not exempt Disneyland. There are people here. And we want to reach people.&rdquo; The glorious thing is that many people came into God&rsquo;s kingdom through that outreach. We need to go to where the people are.
Second, we must care about the people we speak to. Jesus needed to go to Samaria because He cared about this woman (see John 4:10). When the apostle Paul was in Athens, he saw that the city was given over to idolatry, and his spirit was &ldquo;deeply troubled&rdquo; within him (see Acts 17:16&ndash;17 NLT). He felt righteous indignation as he saw so many people turning to false gods.
In the same way, any effective sharing of the gospel must always begin with a God-given burden. We must care. Jesus cared. Do you? Do you want to reach out to perishing people?
We must go to where the people are. We must care about them and reach out to them.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: Where are the people with whom you need to share the Good News of Christ?&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>

Christians must go to where people are and care about their well-being as we share Christ’s message.

Where the People Are | Mark 1:38

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 NLT)

 

We’re a month removed from the Christmas season, although you wouldn’t know it from the number of people who still have their decorations up. Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus’ coming. But amidst the traditional readings, carols, and pageants of the season, one question that often gets overlooked is the most basic one of all: Why did Jesus come?

Let’s look quickly at five different reasons. First, Jesus came to proclaim Good News to the spiritually hurting. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18 NLT). Not only did He proclaim the Good News, He was the Good News. He was the Messiah, the Savior the world had been waiting for.

Second, Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. Medical technology has made stunning advances in pain management, but there is still no cure for a broken heart. People struggle with all kinds of heartbreaking challenges—physical, relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Jesus understands. He lived as one of us. He experienced pain and betrayal and grief. He knows what we feel. The psalmist wrote of the Lord, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NLT).

Third, Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. He came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need. One of the greatest tricks the devil ever pulled was convincing people who are slaves to sin that they are free. The apostle Paul wrote, “So Christ has truly set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NLT). Jesus exposed the devil’s lie and shone a spotlight on people’s sin. He then provided a means for their sins to be forgiven forever.

Fourth, Jesus came to lift up those who are crushed by life. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to show us that there is more to life than this. He came to give us hope.

Fifth, Jesus came to give His life for us. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT). God is holy and just. He demands punishment for sin. That punishment is death. Only a perfect sacrifice offered in our place could save us from death. Jesus was that perfect sacrifice. He willingly took our punishment for sin. He allowed Himself to be killed so that we might live.

Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep. Those who trust in Him will enjoy eternal life with Him.

 

Reflection question: Which of these reasons for Jesus’ coming would resonate most powerfully with someone you know? 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 even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.&rdquo; (Mark 10:45 NLT)
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;re a month removed from the Christmas season, although you wouldn&rsquo;t know it from the number of people who still have their decorations up. Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus&rsquo; coming. But amidst the traditional readings, carols, and pageants of the season, one question that often gets overlooked is the most basic one of all: Why did Jesus come?
Let&rsquo;s look quickly at five different reasons. First, Jesus came to proclaim Good News to the spiritually hurting. Jesus said, &ldquo;The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor&rdquo; (Luke 4:18 NLT). Not only did He proclaim the Good News, He was the Good News. He was the Messiah, the Savior the world had been waiting for.
Second, Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. Medical technology has made stunning advances in pain management, but there is still no cure for a broken heart. People struggle with all kinds of heartbreaking challenges&mdash;physical, relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Jesus understands. He lived as one of us. He experienced pain and betrayal and grief. He knows what we feel. The psalmist wrote of the Lord, &ldquo;He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds&rdquo; (Psalm 147:3 NLT).
Third, Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. He came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need. One of the greatest tricks the devil ever pulled was convincing people who are slaves to sin that they are free. The apostle Paul wrote, &ldquo;So Christ has truly set us free&rdquo; (Galatians 5:1 NLT). Jesus exposed the devil&rsquo;s lie and shone a spotlight on people&rsquo;s sin. He then provided a means for their sins to be forgiven forever.
Fourth, Jesus came to lift up those who are crushed by life. Jesus said, &ldquo;My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life&rdquo; (John 10:10 NLT). He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to show us that there is more to life than this. He came to give us hope.
Fifth, Jesus came to give His life for us. Jesus said, &ldquo;For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many&rdquo; (Mark 10:45 NLT). God is holy and just. He demands punishment for sin. That punishment is death. Only a perfect sacrifice offered in our place could save us from death. Jesus was that perfect sacrifice. He willingly took our punishment for sin. He allowed Himself to be killed so that we might live.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep. Those who trust in Him will enjoy eternal life with Him.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: Which of these reasons for Jesus&rsquo; coming would resonate most powerfully with someone you know?&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 came to give us life, abundant and eternal.

Why Did Jesus Come? | Mark 10:45

“Peter exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.” (Mark 9:5–6 NLT)

 

Sometimes the words just hang in the air for a moment. That awful moment when you realize too late that you should have kept quiet. That moment when you and the people listening to you silently ask the same question: Why did you just say that?

When was the last time you said something that you wish you hadn’t said? Something that may have sounded perfect in your head as the words were formulating, but somehow turned unbelievably lame as they left your mouth?

It happens to the best of us. It happened to Peter. At just about the worst time imaginable.

Jesus had led Peter, James, and John, the disciples in his inner circle, up a mountain for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The event is known as the Transfiguration. God briefly allowed Jesus’ disciples to see Jesus in His glory. Jesus’ face and clothes suddenly shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah, two of the most revered figures in Jewish history, appeared and spoke with Him.

It would be hard to imagine a more profound, life-changing experience. It would be hard to imagine a scene more fitting for respectful, awestruck silence. It would be hard to imagine a situation less suited for Peter.

Unable to contain himself, Peter interrupted the conversation—once again, involving Jesus, Moses, and Elijah—to blurt out, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5 NLT). Mark adds this interesting commentary: “He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified” (verse 6 NLT).

I wonder if Moses turned to Jesus and asked, “Who is that guy?”

Or if Jesus rolled His eyes a little and replied, “Oh, that’s Rock. Never mind.”

How easily thoughts can jump into our minds and then out of our mouths before we fully process them. How much better would it be if we could just hit a momentary delay button and ask ourselves, “Is this the right thing to say? Would this be an appropriate statement to make? Would this glorify the Lord?”

As the old proverb says, “Better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . A time to be quiet and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7). If you don’t know how to “tell the time” where your tongue is concerned, ask God to help you. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” (NLT).

 

Reflection question: When is it appropriate for you to be quiet? 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;Peter exclaimed, &lsquo;Rabbi, it&rsquo;s wonderful for us to be here! Let&rsquo;s make three shelters as memorials&mdash;one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.&rsquo; He said this because he didn&rsquo;t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.&rdquo; (Mark 9:5&ndash;6 NLT)
&nbsp;
Sometimes the words just hang in the air for a moment. That awful moment when you realize too late that you should have kept quiet. That moment when you and the people listening to you silently ask the same question: Why did you just say that?
When was the last time you said something that you wish you hadn&rsquo;t said? Something that may have sounded perfect in your head as the words were formulating, but somehow turned unbelievably lame as they left your mouth?
It happens to the best of us. It happened to Peter. At just about the worst time imaginable.
Jesus had led Peter, James, and John, the disciples in his inner circle, up a mountain for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The event is known as the Transfiguration. God briefly allowed Jesus&rsquo; disciples to see Jesus in His glory. Jesus&rsquo; face and clothes suddenly shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah, two of the most revered figures in Jewish history, appeared and spoke with Him.
It would be hard to imagine a more profound, life-changing experience. It would be hard to imagine a scene more fitting for respectful, awestruck silence. It would be hard to imagine a situation less suited for Peter.
Unable to contain himself, Peter interrupted the conversation&mdash;once again, involving Jesus, Moses, and Elijah&mdash;to blurt out, &ldquo;Rabbi, it&rsquo;s wonderful for us to be here! Let&rsquo;s make three shelters as memorials&mdash;one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah&rdquo; (Mark 9:5 NLT). Mark adds this interesting commentary: &ldquo;He said this because he didn&rsquo;t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified&rdquo; (verse 6 NLT).
I wonder if Moses turned to Jesus and asked, &ldquo;Who is that guy?&rdquo;
Or if Jesus rolled His eyes a little and replied, &ldquo;Oh, that&rsquo;s Rock. Never mind.&rdquo;
How easily thoughts can jump into our minds and then out of our mouths before we fully process them. How much better would it be if we could just hit a momentary delay button and ask ourselves, &ldquo;Is this the right thing to say? Would this be an appropriate statement to make? Would this glorify the Lord?&rdquo;
As the old proverb says, &ldquo;Better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.&rdquo;
The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, &ldquo;For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . A time to be quiet and a time to speak&rdquo; (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7). If you don&rsquo;t know how to &ldquo;tell the time&rdquo; where your tongue is concerned, ask God to help you. James 1:5 says, &ldquo;If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you&rdquo; (NLT).
&nbsp;
Reflection question: When is it appropriate for you to be quiet?&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 Wall of Prayer Warriors | Matthew 18:20

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