Ceasing to be light

All too often old emotions come back when circumstances are difficult. We walk around, weighed down with concerns even though Jesus says his yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). As anxious thoughts and hopelessness take over, we not only suffer personally but also cease to be a light in the world because Christ is no longer reflected in our life. On the surface, in fact, we appear just as pressured, stressed, and fearful as those without Christ. Instead of being filled with fear, anxiety, frustration, and stress, Jesus tells us in Romans 15:13 and in other verses how we can instead be characterized by hope, joy and peace, when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, January 26, 2021.

What is love?

We hear a lot about love in books, songs, and conversations, and we can lose sight of its spiritual dimensions. Believers must remember that God’s love is of a much higher caliber – it is the starting point of our salvation. If He had not loved us first (1 John 4:10), we’d be destined for eternal consequences rather than eternal life. Never let the world’s shallow concept of love rob you of the wonder of being a recipient of God’s divine love, which transforms us from enemies to heirs.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, January 12, 2021.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

Success Story

As a poor, childless, foreign widow with no earthly power, Ruth perhaps had reason to wish her situation were different. After all, the prominent or wealthy can use their position in life to glorify God. But Ruth’s story proves those things aren’t required. Where has God placed you? Are you reluctant to shine (Matthew 5:14)?

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 20, 2020.

How to follow Jesus

When Jesus called His disciples, they immediately dropped everything and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-25). Today we might think that following Christ was easier then because Jesus was physically present with them. But since we can’t see, hear, or touch Jesus, how do we follow Him today?

When Christ was about to leave this earth, He told His disciples it was to their advantage that He go away because then the Helper could come (John 16:7). He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would soon indwell believers (John 14:16-17). The internal presence of the third member of the Trinity is the closest guidance possible, an amazing gift from God to those first-century disciples, and to us.

Today we follow Jesus by heeding His Holy Spirit, who speaks through Scripture and brings its principles to mind. The Spirit guides us each step of the way and teaches us the truths of God. But His work goes beyond that, transforming us from the inside out and enabling us to live righteously. He helps us discern God’s will and then gives us the desire and strength to serve obediently.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 3, 2020.

God’s perspective

When times are frightening and uncertain – whether personally, nationally, or globally – the place to find comfort and assurance is the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. Scripture helps us look at circumstances from God’s perspective. That reassures us of His love and care for us and lifts our eyes to a higher hope than anything this world can offer. We all want to find peace, and the first step is to cease striving (v. 10). Remember that the Lord is always with you, and know that His kingdom is coming.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, November 10, 2020.

When you have Everything

Do you realize Jesus knows what it feels like to have human struggles? Our Savior understands precisely how we feel because He went through the same types of situations we do (Hebrews 4:14-16). Though our specific circumstances don’t match the Lord’s, we have much in common with what He experienced and felt. Jesus suffered exhaustion, hunger, thirst, and pain just as we do. He also knows the heartache of being lonely, misunderstood, hated, rejected, and unjustly treated.

Whatever you’re going through right now, remember that Jesus knows how you feel and sympathizes with your pain and weakness. He may not remove the anguish or change your situation, but He does promise He will always be with you-which is everything.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 7, 2020.

How to Make a Difference

The Lord has given believers an amazing responsibility – He has called them to accomplish His work here on earth. How remarkable that God Almighty, who can do all things, invites us to participate in drawing people to Him, helping His children reach spiritual maturity, and caring for those in need. Being a servant of the Lord means we put ourselves under His authority, listen to His instructions, and carry out His commands. In our own strength, this task is impossible, but when we defer to God and rely on Him, He supplies everything we need.

The Father always equips His children. He begins by developing Christlike character within us. Then, as we cooperate with His Spirit, God transforms a self-centered heart into the heart of a servant who delights in meeting others’ needs. And the Lord also bestows the spiritual gift needed for the specific work He’s appointed each believer to do.

The invitation is issued; the strength and ability are provided. All that is needed are some willing servants to participate in the most exciting adventure on earth. Join with the Lord in His work, use your spiritual gifts, and make an impact for Christ in this world.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, November 25, 2020.