It’s time to start thinking differently about the work of Christ’s body. The church is not a place or time; it is a body of believers, each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the rest.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 12, 2023.
Jesus told us that we would face hardship in this life (John 16:33). But in His grace, He gave us amazing tools to keep trials from overwhelming us. For instance, He placed His Spirit inside each believer to guide and empower (Titus 3:6). He gave us the gift of prayer, not only to communicate and stay connected with Him but also to bring Him our requests.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 20, 2023.
Remaining steadfast takes courage. That’s why Paul said, “Be strong in the Lord” (Eph. 6:10). All the pressure in the world can’t make you budge when you are trusting in the Rock upon which you stand.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 25, 2023.
The Lord speaks to us through His Word. When He sees that it is our heart’s desire to walk in His ways, He will gently correct any missteps and guide us down His path.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 24, 2023.
Bearing other people’s burdens is difficult, particularly when we have cares and struggles of our own. Nevertheless, we should not try to wait until all of our problems are solved before deciding to emulate the work of Jesus Christ. God’s grace is more than sufficient for both. People all over the world are hurting deeply today. The Lord knows how you can be a servant to someone who needs your friendship. Ask Him to use you as a healing salve to bring another person freedom from burdens.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, May 4, 2018.
God is the ultimate giver, and in gratitude, we’re to imitate Him. Becoming a generous person begins with biblical thinking. Instead of focusing on how much we can keep, it’s better to think in terms of how much we can give away and share with others and the church. God has promised to supply our needs (Philippians 4:19) but often lavishes far more than the basics. And He delights to see His children joyfully sharing what He has given (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). As He provides us with material wealth and possessions, we become channels through whom He blesses others and carries out His work on earth.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, June 7 and 8, 2022.
What if you saw that an accident was about to happen that would involve you and the one person you care most about in this world and that it would result in the loss of life, but you see a way that you could save your loved one, however, it would mean the loss of your life. An act of sacrifice would mean that your loved one could go on living. That is what Jesus was thinking about when He went to the cross to give up His life (Luke 23:26-49). His sacrificial act was carried out on your behalf.
There are people who work hard in an attempt to earn the favor of employers, parents, friends, and even God. The truth, however, is that divine approval cannot be earned. There’s only one way to acquire it, which Hebrews 11:6 states clearly, “Without faith is it impossible to please God” (NIV). Like the saints commended in Hebrews 11:1-40 for their faith, Christians today don’t have to strive for God’s favor. That’s because in Christ, we have been lavished with divine grace (Ephesians 1:8). Yet we sometimes tend to overlook the most basic examples of the Lord’s kindness to us: He provides for our needs, puts limits on suffering, answers prayers, encourages us in our trials, and offers His strength in our weakness. In fact, every good thing that comes our way is from His hand (James 1:17).
God’s goodness is stored up for those who fear Him and take refuge in Him (Psalm 31:19). But even though His favor isn’t something that can be earned, we still have a responsibility to live in a manner He finds pleasing. As was true for the role models of faith in Hebrews 11, God’s grace should motivate us to be righteous and blameless in our walk with Him.
The In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 20, 2021.
-Word- pictures by DLink 