What is Discerned Spiritually

Spiritual blindness can lead us to offer everything to God except what He wants – a spiritual commitment of the heart.

Without His Power

Even after three years in Jesus’ company, the disciples couldn’t live the Christian life on their own. They had to wait for the indwelling Holy Spirit, who gave them strength, guidance, and wisdom. That has not changed – it remains true that apart from Christ’s Spirit, we cannot overcome fleshly desires and live in obedience to God’s will. But when we rely on Him instead of ourselves, He produces godly desires within us, empowers obedience, and transforms our character into Christ’s likeness.

While this may not be the most interesting photo, it does convey the point spiritually. With His Spirit we have the Lord’s power, and without it we simply have no power on our own.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, March 11, 2021.

Dying is Daily

Are you letting Christ sanctify you through your pain and trouble, or are you hanging on to disappointment, anger, and bitterness?

Afflictions and trials which are externally visible seem at odds with the good that Christ is doing within every believer. Yet we are not to lose heart, because “our inner man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). It’s through our suffering that this transformation becomes most visible to others as they see Christ’s supernatural peace and joy displayed in us.

The key to contentment in every situation is a willingness to look below the surface of your pain and see both the good that Christ is working in you and the glory that is guaranteed to follow. The constant dying to self and even persecution were ways in which Jesus Christ‘s life was displayed in the apostles.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, August 17, 2019.

One Imperative

This one imperative aptly summarizes the whole gist of the ethical principles contained in the Law and the Prophets.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.

Planning for the Future

Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord.

Someday, when we stand in the Savior’s holy and just presence, the only things that will remain are what we’ve done to glorify Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, June 23, 2020.

Do not fear

Christ stressed the Father’s tender care over His little flock as an antidote to anxiety (Luke 12:22-30).

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Luke 12:32.

Seek the kingdom of God

He knows our need, do not have an anxious mind.

He knows our need

And do not seek what you should eat

or what you should drink,

nor have an anxious mind.

Luke 12:29