Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. Zechariah 4:10

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Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. Zechariah 4:10
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<a href="https://link.chtbl.com/A1PWfZ8W">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
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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

ZECHARIAH 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.

Every Effort Matters | Zechariah 4:10

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)

 

If the Christmas story—the well-known narratives of Matthew 2 and Luke 2—is so familiar to you that you can practically recite it from memory, try considering it from a different perspective. Try thinking of it as the successful end to a long search.

The arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem likely created quite a stir. These were strange men with a strange question, asking for the King of the Jews. As wise as they were, they were also a little naïve, politically speaking. They didn’t realize that they were triggering an extremely volatile man. In effect, they were saying to King Herod, “We’re looking for the King of the Jews—and clearly you’re not him.”

This is why we’re told in Matthew 2:3, “King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem” (NLT). The word disturbed used here could be translated “to shake violently”—like a washing machine in the spin phase. That was Herod. And when Herod was agitated, everyone was agitated. When he was mad, everyone was afraid of what would happen next.

So, Herod called in the leading priests and teachers of religious law, men who had committed themselves to studying Scripture. Without missing a beat, they went right to Micah 5:2: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (NLT).

These scholars had steeped themselves in the writings of the prophets. They understood how to interpret the words of Micah. They knew that the Messiah, when He came, would be born in Bethlehem. But that information was academic to them. It hadn’t penetrated their hearts and souls to the point that they could recognize the signs of the Messiah’s arrival. So, they weren’t searching for the Savior.

God, in His infinite and mysterious wisdom, used wise men from eastern lands to announce the arrival of Jesus the King of the Jews to Herod the king of the Jews and his Jewish experts. The wise men were pagans who were steeped in the occult. Yet God reached them in a way that they understood. He came to them by a star.

The end of their search, as recorded in Matthew 2:9–12, has implications for everyone who seeks answers or meaning or purpose or assurance or direction or anything else.

The Lord says that those who seek Him will find Him. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8 NLT). He doesn’t offer details because the discovery process is different for everyone.

To educated men and women, He will come in a way they can understand. And to little children, He will appear in a way they can understand.

I believe that if people are truly seeking God, He will reveal Himself to them.

 

Reflection question: How can you help people find the Lord? 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;If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.&rdquo; (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)
&nbsp;
If the Christmas story&mdash;the well-known narratives of Matthew 2 and Luke 2&mdash;is so familiar to you that you can practically recite it from memory, try considering it from a different perspective. Try thinking of it as the successful end to a long search.
The arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem likely created quite a stir. These were strange men with a strange question, asking for the King of the Jews. As wise as they were, they were also a little na&iuml;ve, politically speaking. They didn&rsquo;t realize that they were triggering an extremely volatile man. In effect, they were saying to King Herod, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re looking for the King of the Jews&mdash;and clearly you&rsquo;re not him.&rdquo;
This is why we&rsquo;re told in Matthew 2:3, &ldquo;King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem&rdquo; (NLT). The word disturbed used here could be translated &ldquo;to shake violently&rdquo;&mdash;like a washing machine in the spin phase. That was Herod. And when Herod was agitated, everyone was agitated. When he was mad, everyone was afraid of what would happen next.
So, Herod called in the leading priests and teachers of religious law, men who had committed themselves to studying Scripture. Without missing a beat, they went right to Micah 5:2: &ldquo;But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf&rdquo; (NLT).
These scholars had steeped themselves in the writings of the prophets. They understood how to interpret the words of Micah. They knew that the Messiah, when He came, would be born in Bethlehem. But that information was academic to them. It hadn&rsquo;t penetrated their hearts and souls to the point that they could recognize the signs of the Messiah&rsquo;s arrival. So, they weren&rsquo;t searching for the Savior.
God, in His infinite and mysterious wisdom, used wise men from eastern lands to announce the arrival of Jesus the King of the Jews to Herod the king of the Jews and his Jewish experts. The wise men were pagans who were steeped in the occult. Yet God reached them in a way that they understood. He came to them by a star.
The end of their search, as recorded in Matthew 2:9&ndash;12, has implications for everyone who seeks answers or meaning or purpose or assurance or direction or anything else.
The Lord says that those who seek Him will find Him. &ldquo;Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened&rdquo; (Matthew 7:7&ndash;8 NLT). He doesn&rsquo;t offer details because the discovery process is different for everyone.
To educated men and women, He will come in a way they can understand. And to little children, He will appear in a way they can understand.
I believe that if people are truly seeking God, He will reveal Himself to them.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How can you help people find the Lord?&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>

Seek and You Will Find | Jeremiah 29:13

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross." —Colossians 1:19–20

One sobering way to prepare for Christmas is to remember that our spiritual enemy doesn’t take the holidays off. The apostle Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Christmas is a season of giving, a season of hope, and a season of joy. But by its very nature, it’s also a season of spiritual battle—and has been ever since the need for Christ’s coming first arose.

The war has been won. Jesus defeated sin and death once and for all. He paid the sacrifice for our sin once and for all. Red is the color of Christmas—not because Santa suits are red or because we wrap packages in red. Red is the color of Christmas because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed. By the shedding of His blood, He made eternal life possible for everyone who believes in Him.

Though the devil has been defeated, he refuses to give up the battle. We see that battle being played out in our culture today. It is the God of the Bible, the true and living God, versus all contenders. This battle goes back to the first Messianic verse in Scripture when, after the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin, God said to him, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NLT).

The cradle of Christ was pointing to the cross. The Incarnation was necessary for atonement. The purpose behind the birth of Jesus was the death of Jesus. This is New Testament Christianity. It’s the division between light and darkness, between righteousness and unrighteousness, between good and evil, and between right and wrong.

Here’s something else to ponder this Christmas season: It’s through conflict that we find real peace. Those who challenge us as believers do so for reasons that have little to do with us. Christ’s arrival in the world changed everything. His light illuminated the darkness. But some people prefer the dark. They don’t want their sins to be known.

So, when they see people who live in the light, it creates conflict within them—conflict that spills out in their reaction to us. But we can trust that through this conflict, ultimate unity will come. Our responsibility is to hold our ground and pray. Pray that these people will think about their souls, consider the claims of Christ, and then ultimately turn their lives over to the Lord.

What a Christmas gift that would be.

—

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

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ&rsquo;s blood on the cross." &mdash;Colossians 1:19&ndash;20
One sobering way to prepare for Christmas is to remember that our spiritual enemy doesn&rsquo;t take the holidays off. The apostle Peter wrote, &ldquo;Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour&rdquo; (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).
Christmas is a season of giving, a season of hope, and a season of joy. But by its very nature, it&rsquo;s also a season of spiritual battle&mdash;and has been ever since the need for Christ&rsquo;s coming first arose.
The war has been won. Jesus defeated sin and death once and for all. He paid the sacrifice for our sin once and for all. Red is the color of Christmas&mdash;not because Santa suits are red or because we wrap packages in red. Red is the color of Christmas because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed. By the shedding of His blood, He made eternal life possible for everyone who believes in Him.
Though the devil has been defeated, he refuses to give up the battle. We see that battle being played out in our culture today. It is the God of the Bible, the true and living God, versus all contenders. This battle goes back to the first Messianic verse in Scripture when, after the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin, God said to him, &ldquo;And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel&rdquo; (Genesis 3:15 NLT).
The cradle of Christ was pointing to the cross. The Incarnation was necessary for atonement. The purpose behind the birth of Jesus was the death of Jesus. This is New Testament Christianity. It&rsquo;s the division between light and darkness, between righteousness and unrighteousness, between good and evil, and between right and wrong.
Here&rsquo;s something else to ponder this Christmas season: It&rsquo;s through conflict that we find real peace. Those who challenge us as believers do so for reasons that have little to do with us. Christ&rsquo;s arrival in the world changed everything. His light illuminated the darkness. But some people prefer the dark. They don&rsquo;t want their sins to be known.
So, when they see people who live in the light, it creates conflict within them&mdash;conflict that spills out in their reaction to us. But we can trust that through this conflict, ultimate unity will come. Our responsibility is to hold our ground and pray. Pray that these people will think about their souls, consider the claims of Christ, and then ultimately turn their lives over to the Lord.
What a Christmas gift that would be.
&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."
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>

Light in a Dark Place | Colossians 1:19–20

“But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10–12 NLT)

 

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we need to recognize that the season inspires different feelings in different people—and that not all those feelings are pleasant. That was certainly true of the very first Christmas.

When the angel delivered his heavenly announcement to the shepherds, he started with the words, “Don’t be afraid!” But the shepherds, along with all of Israel, lived in frightening times. They were under the reign of King Herod, who was a murderous tyrant. Their land was under Roman occupation. There was a pervasive dread about the future. Would Rome ever leave? Would the people of Israel ever be free? Would the Messiah ever come?

And when the good news finally came, that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived, it was delivered by an angel: first one, and then a vast host of others. The angel’s greeting of “Don’t be afraid!” was easier said than done, even though it was followed by “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT).

Angels are awe-inspiring—and fear-inspiring—beings. Obviously, the shepherds had never seen anything like them. So, their first reaction was fear. But the angels wanted them to focus on their message and not their appearance.

Christmas is cause for joy, not fear. Joy not just for a single day, but for a lifetime, for those who trust in the One who came to save us. The apostle Paul wrote, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NLT).

Many people today find it difficult to have joy because we’re surrounded by such sadness. With all the conflict, tragedies, and problems in the world, how can we have good tidings of great joy? The answer is this: “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:11 NLT).

No matter what happens in life, remember this: You have a Savior. As a Christian, you have been saved from death. You have been saved from eternal punishment and Hell. You have the hope that when you die, you’ll go straight to Heaven. That’s the most important thing about the Christian life. There is a Heaven waiting for you.

The fear, sadness, and pain of this world are temporary. Three decades after His birth in the manger, Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT).

 

Reflection question: How can you find joy when you’re surrounded by sadness, anger, and disillusionment? 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 the angel reassured them. &lsquo;Don&rsquo;t be afraid!&rsquo; he said. &lsquo;I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior&mdash;yes, the Messiah, the Lord&mdash;has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.&rsquo;&rdquo; (Luke 2:10&ndash;12 NLT)
&nbsp;
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we need to recognize that the season inspires different feelings in different people&mdash;and that not all those feelings are pleasant. That was certainly true of the very first Christmas.
When the angel delivered his heavenly announcement to the shepherds, he started with the words, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be afraid!&rdquo; But the shepherds, along with all of Israel, lived in frightening times. They were under the reign of King Herod, who was a murderous tyrant. Their land was under Roman occupation. There was a pervasive dread about the future. Would Rome ever leave? Would the people of Israel ever be free? Would the Messiah ever come?
And when the good news finally came, that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived, it was delivered by an angel: first one, and then a vast host of others. The angel&rsquo;s greeting of &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be afraid!&rdquo; was easier said than done, even though it was followed by &ldquo;I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people&rdquo; (Luke 2:10 NLT).
Angels are awe-inspiring&mdash;and fear-inspiring&mdash;beings. Obviously, the shepherds had never seen anything like them. So, their first reaction was fear. But the angels wanted them to focus on their message and not their appearance.
Christmas is cause for joy, not fear. Joy not just for a single day, but for a lifetime, for those who trust in the One who came to save us. The apostle Paul wrote, &ldquo;Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again&mdash;rejoice!&rdquo; (Philippians 4:4 NLT).
Many people today find it difficult to have joy because we&rsquo;re surrounded by such sadness. With all the conflict, tragedies, and problems in the world, how can we have good tidings of great joy? The answer is this: &ldquo;The Savior&mdash;yes, the Messiah, the Lord&mdash;has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!&rdquo; (Luke 2:11 NLT).
No matter what happens in life, remember this: You have a Savior. As a Christian, you have been saved from death. You have been saved from eternal punishment and Hell. You have the hope that when you die, you&rsquo;ll go straight to Heaven. That&rsquo;s the most important thing about the Christian life. There is a Heaven waiting for you.
The fear, sadness, and pain of this world are temporary. Three decades after His birth in the manger, Jesus said, &ldquo;I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world&rdquo; (John 16:33 NLT).
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How can you find joy when you&rsquo;re surrounded by sadness, anger, and disillusionment?&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>

Everyone who trusts in Christ can be joyful because Heaven awaits us.

Every Effort Matters | Zechariah 4:10

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