"Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed." Acts 12:16

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"Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed." Acts 12:16
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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

ACTS 12:16: Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.

Meanwhile . . . | Acts 12:16

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT)

 

Our nation was founded on Christian principles but has turned its back on many of them. In his 1796 Farewell Address, President George Washington said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

The good news is that God loves to give second chances. The psalmist wrote, “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve” (Psalm 103:10 NLT). Those who repent receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. We see His mercy and forgiveness at work in His dealings with the city of Nineveh.

Yet if the people of Nineveh had rejected Jonah’s message, the consequences would have been dire. The very existence of Nineveh hung in the balance. Our country will find itself in the same precarious position if we continue to reject God and His Word.

Job wrote, “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5 NLT). That applies to nations as well. So as the salt and light of our nation, believers must develop a sense of urgency about igniting the flames of revival in this country.

Every nation’s days are numbered. Every great empire in history has had a beginning, a middle, and an end. The same will hold true for the United States of America, according to God’s timing. So, here’s what we’re praying for: one more great spiritual awakening—or maybe two or three. That’s up to the Lord. But our job, our mission, is like Jonah’s. We are to proclaim the Good News and tell people that there’s a God who loves them. Ours is a message of mercy but also a message of judgment for those who reject that mercy.

In John 3:16, Jesus said, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son” (NLT). That’s a message of mercy. But then He said, “so that everyone who believes in him will not perish” (NLT). That’s a message of judgment.

In Romans 6:23, Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT). That’s a message of judgment. But then he wrote, “But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (NLT). That’s a message of mercy.

Those two themes must be present in our gospel message. They are the twin pillars of revival.

 

Reflection question: In your circle of acquaintances, who needs to hear that God offers second chances?

Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you watch online!

—

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 the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.&rdquo; (Romans 6:23 NLT)
&nbsp;
Our nation was founded on Christian principles but has turned its back on many of them. In his 1796 Farewell Address, President George Washington said, &ldquo;Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.&rdquo;
The good news is that God loves to give second chances. The psalmist wrote, &ldquo;He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve&rdquo; (Psalm 103:10 NLT). Those who repent receive God&rsquo;s mercy and forgiveness. We see His mercy and forgiveness at work in His dealings with the city of Nineveh.
Yet if the people of Nineveh had rejected Jonah&rsquo;s message, the consequences would have been dire. The very existence of Nineveh hung in the balance. Our country will find itself in the same precarious position if we continue to reject God and His Word.
Job wrote, &ldquo;You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer&rdquo; (Job 14:5 NLT). That applies to nations as well. So as the salt and light of our nation, believers must develop a sense of urgency about igniting the flames of revival in this country.
Every nation&rsquo;s days are numbered. Every great empire in history has had a beginning, a middle, and an end. The same will hold true for the United States of America, according to God&rsquo;s timing. So, here&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re praying for: one more great spiritual awakening&mdash;or maybe two or three. That&rsquo;s up to the Lord. But our job, our mission, is like Jonah&rsquo;s. We are to proclaim the Good News and tell people that there&rsquo;s a God who loves them. Ours is a message of mercy but also a message of judgment for those who reject that mercy.
In John 3:16, Jesus said, &ldquo;For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son&rdquo; (NLT). That&rsquo;s a message of mercy. But then He said, &ldquo;so that everyone who believes in him will not perish&rdquo; (NLT). That&rsquo;s a message of judgment.
In Romans 6:23, Paul wrote, &ldquo;For the wages of sin is death&rdquo; (NLT). That&rsquo;s a message of judgment. But then he wrote, &ldquo;But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord&rdquo; (NLT). That&rsquo;s a message of mercy.
Those two themes must be present in our gospel message. They are the twin pillars of revival.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: In your circle of acquaintances, who needs to hear that God offers second chances?
Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you&nbsp;<a href="https://live.harvest.org/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=SoCal2026">watch online</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>

God loves to give second chances, but judgment awaits those who reject His mercy.

The God of Second Chances | Romans 6:23

“This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.” (Jonah 3:3–5 NLT)

 

This month we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The story of our nation is a classic rags-to-riches tale. The upstart 13 colonies won their independence from England and grew into a global superpower.

As we celebrate the past quarter-millennium, we must not take our nation’s future for granted. It would be hubris to assume that the United States will celebrate its 500th anniversary—or even its 251st. God has shed His grace on our nation, but He has made no promises about our longevity. The farther we stray from the Lord, His Word, and His will, the bleaker our long-term prospects look.

Once upon a time, the city of Nineveh must have seemed too big and too powerful to fail. Yet Jonah’s God-given warning threatened its very existence. Jonah 3:3–5 explains it this way: “This time Jonah obeyed the Lord’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow” (NLT).

What would happen if our country were given a forty-day warning? Would we recognize the urgency and turn to God? The story of Nineveh in the book of Jonah offers a template to follow.

When the king of Nineveh heard Jonah’s prophetic words, he stepped down from his throne, took off his royal robes, dressed himself in burlap, and sat on a heap of ashes. In other words, he humbled himself before the Lord. The people of Nineveh prayed earnestly, repenting of their wickedness and asking God to forgive them and show them mercy.

When God saw their response to Jonah’s warning, how they turned from their evil ways, He withheld His judgment and destruction. What a stunning turnaround. The entire city turned to God en masse as one of the greatest revivals in human history unfolded. Their change of heart shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God.

That principle applies not only on a national level but on a personal level as well. Think of the people in your life who seem far from God. Start praying for a Nineveh-like revival in their lives. Do it for forty days—and then for another forty days, if necessary.

Do the work of revival and trust the results to God.

 

Reflection question: What would doing the work of revival look like in your life?

Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you watch online!

—

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;This time Jonah obeyed the Lord&rsquo;s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: &lsquo;Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!&rsquo; The people of Nineveh believed God&rsquo;s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.&rdquo; (Jonah 3:3&ndash;5 NLT)
&nbsp;
This month we&rsquo;re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The story of our nation is a classic rags-to-riches tale. The upstart 13 colonies won their independence from England and grew into a global superpower.
As we celebrate the past quarter-millennium, we must not take our nation&rsquo;s future for granted. It would be hubris to assume that the United States will celebrate its 500th anniversary&mdash;or even its 251st. God has shed His grace on our nation, but He has made no promises about our longevity. The farther we stray from the Lord, His Word, and His will, the bleaker our long-term prospects look.
Once upon a time, the city of Nineveh must have seemed too big and too powerful to fail. Yet Jonah&rsquo;s God-given warning threatened its very existence. Jonah 3:3&ndash;5 explains it this way: &ldquo;This time Jonah obeyed the Lord&rsquo;s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: &lsquo;Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!&rsquo; The people of Nineveh believed God&rsquo;s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow&rdquo; (NLT).
What would happen if our country were given a forty-day warning? Would we recognize the urgency and turn to God? The story of Nineveh in the book of Jonah offers a template to follow.
When the king of Nineveh heard Jonah&rsquo;s prophetic words, he stepped down from his throne, took off his royal robes, dressed himself in burlap, and sat on a heap of ashes. In other words, he humbled himself before the Lord. The people of Nineveh prayed earnestly, repenting of their wickedness and asking God to forgive them and show them mercy.
When God saw their response to Jonah&rsquo;s warning, how they turned from their evil ways, He withheld His judgment and destruction. What a stunning turnaround. The entire city turned to God en masse as one of the greatest revivals in human history unfolded. Their change of heart shows us that no one is beyond the reach of God.
That principle applies not only on a national level but on a personal level as well. Think of the people in your life who seem far from God. Start praying for a Nineveh-like revival in their lives. Do it for forty days&mdash;and then for another forty days, if necessary.
Do the work of revival and trust the results to God.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: What would doing the work of revival look like in your life?
Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you&nbsp;<a href="https://live.harvest.org/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=SoCal2026">watch online</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>

Forty-Day Warning | Jonah 3:3–5

“Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, ‘I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me. . . . But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.’ Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.”(Jonah 2:1–2, 9–10 NLT)

 

The turning point that led to the greatest spiritual revival in human history occurred in the intestines of a giant fish. If that’s not unusual enough for you, consider that the person the Lord called to lead the revival in Nineveh was a rabid anti-Ninevite.

Before the people of Nineveh could change their hearts, Jonah had to change his. And that’s just what he did after he was thrown from a ship in the middle of a storm and swallowed by an enormous sea creature.

“Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, ‘I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me. . . . But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.’ Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach”(Jonah 2:1–2, 9–10 NLT).

One of the most remarkable aspects of the story of Nineveh’s revival is that there’s nothing predictable about it. God engineered the redemption of the entire city in the most unlikely way and using the most unlikely person imaginable.

Yet we could also say that God works through unlikely people and circumstances so often in Scripture that it’s almost laughable to call anyone or anything unlikely. Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego prayed from inside a fiery furnace. Daniel prayed from a lion’s den. And God answered all of them.

Revival can start anywhere, with anyone. Keep that in mind if you’re in deep waters right now. No matter where you are, no matter what’s going on in your life, no matter how distant you may feel from God, you can pray. And God will hear.

He will ignite the embers of your heart. He will show you the path He has prepared for you. He will revitalize your relationship with Him. No matter how unlikely it may seem, He will use you to accomplish something bigger than you can imagine.

Jonah was repentant and regurgitated. Believing and barfed. Righteous and ralphed. Bleached and beached. Victorious and vomited.

Who’s to say your story won’t be just as unlikely—and just as compelling?

 

Reflection question: How has God worked in unlikely ways in your life?

Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you watch online!

—

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;Then Jonah prayed to the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;his God from inside the fish.&nbsp;He said, &lsquo;I cried out to the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and&nbsp;Lord, you heard me. . . . But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,&nbsp;and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;alone.&rsquo; Then the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.&rdquo; (Jonah 2:1&ndash;2, 9&ndash;10 NLT)
&nbsp;
The turning point that led to the greatest spiritual revival in human history occurred in the intestines of a giant fish. If that&rsquo;s not unusual enough for you, consider that the person the Lord called to lead the revival in Nineveh was a rabid anti-Ninevite.
Before the people of Nineveh could change their hearts, Jonah had to change his. And that&rsquo;s just what he did after he was thrown from a ship in the middle of a storm and swallowed by an enormous sea creature.
&ldquo;Then Jonah prayed to the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;his God from inside the fish.&nbsp;He said, &lsquo;I cried out to the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and&nbsp;Lord, you heard me. . . . But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,&nbsp;and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;alone.&rsquo; Then the&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach&rdquo; (Jonah 2:1&ndash;2, 9&ndash;10 NLT).
One of the most remarkable aspects of the story of Nineveh&rsquo;s revival is that there&rsquo;s nothing predictable about it. God engineered the redemption of the entire city in the most unlikely way and using the most unlikely person imaginable.
Yet we could also say that God works through unlikely people and circumstances so often in Scripture that it&rsquo;s almost laughable to call anyone or anything unlikely. Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego prayed from inside a fiery furnace. Daniel prayed from a lion&rsquo;s den. And God answered all of them.
Revival can start anywhere, with anyone. Keep that in mind if you&rsquo;re in deep waters right now. No matter where you are, no matter what&rsquo;s going on in your life, no matter how distant you may feel from God, you can pray. And God will hear.
He will ignite the embers of your heart. He will show you the path He has prepared for you. He will revitalize your relationship with Him. No matter how unlikely it may seem, He will use you to accomplish something bigger than you can imagine.
Jonah was repentant and regurgitated. Believing and barfed. Righteous and ralphed. Bleached and beached. Victorious and vomited.
Who&rsquo;s to say your story won&rsquo;t be just as unlikely&mdash;and just as compelling?
&nbsp;
Reflection question: How has God worked in unlikely ways in your life?
Experience the Harvest Crusade on July 11 when you&nbsp;<a href="https://live.harvest.org/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=SoCal2026">watch online</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>

God often uses unlikely people in unlikely circumstances to accomplish His will.

Meanwhile . . . | Acts 12:16

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