Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions

“That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, ‘Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.’” (Acts 23:11 NLT)

 

The apostle Paul was blessed with a tremendous circle of friends and fellow laborers for Christ. He gave shout-outs to several of them in his letters.

“Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. . . . I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. . . . Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. . . . Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. . . . Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house” (Colossians 4:7–15 NLT).

Yet, for various reasons, his friends weren’t always available to him. Paul concluded his last letter with this emotional plea: “Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me” (2 Timothy 4:9–11 NLT).

Paul was no stranger to loneliness. Yet he was never really alone. God was with him, as we talked about in last week’s devotions. And God was all he really needed.

Acts 23:11 says, “That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, ‘Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well’” (NLT). Be encouraged. Some people might say that seems like a lot to ask, considering the circumstances. Paul had just endured a hostile hearing and had been taken back into Roman custody for doing God’s work. But the Lord assured him that his ministry was not over. Paul would preach the Good News in Rome as well.

Paul trusted God, but he also struggled with some very real human emotions—starting with loneliness. And who can blame him? Sometimes God’s call can seem like a solitary journey. The people we turn to in other areas of our life aren’t always available to us or sympathetic to our needs.

That’s when we need to ask God to make His presence known to us as He did for Paul. The Lord’s company is all we need. God blesses us with family, friends, and fellow workers to share fellowship. But occasionally, we need to be reminded that He is all we require.

We all face prisons, of sorts. But we never face them alone.

 

Reflection question: When was the last time you got a very real sense that God was with you? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35 NLT)

 

According to Acts 8, Philip led a thriving ministry in the city of Samaria. Crowds flocked to hear him preach the gospel and watch him perform miraculous signs. Countless people believed his message and were baptized. The apostles Peter and John traveled to Samaria to see Philip’s ministry for themselves.

And then one day God told Philip to go to the desert. Not only did God tell him to go to the desert, but He also told him to go to Gaza, to a desolate road that was rarely used. Not only did God tell him to go to this rarely used road, but He also told him to go at the hottest time of the day. Essentially, God said, “Go to a deserted road in the middle of the desert in the middle of the afternoon and await further instructions.”

Sometimes God will tell us to do things that may not make sense in the moment. Common wisdom might have dictated that Philip stay in Samaria, where the numbers were, and continue his successful ministry. But the wisdom of God is far different from common wisdom. And who are we to question the wisdom of God? That’s why Philip was a man whom God could call on. Philip recognized that God knew exactly what He was doing.

There’s another subtle element in Philip’s story that I want to highlight. Billy Graham once said, “Time after time in my ministry I have quoted a Bible verse in a sermon—sometimes without planning to do so in advance—and afterward someone has told me it was that verse which the Holy Spirit used to bring conviction or faith.”

Knowing God’s Word is essential for any person who wants to lead others to Jesus Christ. Anyone who shares the gospel needs to use the Word of God.

When Philip met the Ethiopian in the desert, the Bible tells us, “So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus” (Acts 8:35 NLT). What if Philip had not been a student of Scripture when the Ethiopian was looking for answers? He would have had to say, “I don’t know, that’s a good question. Uh, can I get back to you?” Fortunately, Philip was well-versed in what Scripture taught.

This is why believers are told in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (NLT). I’m not saying we need to have the answer to every question. But I am saying that we need to study and prepare ourselves as effectively as possible. And if we don’t have the answer, let that propel us back into the pages of Scripture to find it for the next time that question arises.

 

Reflection question: How can you prepare for a God-given assignment like the one Philip received? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” (Acts 16:25 NLT)

 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to look at the book of Acts—specifically, the people, situations, encounters, and experiences that laid the groundwork for the church as we know it today. And we’re going to start with one of the most famous worship scenes in the New Testament.

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night by a Christian song or worship chorus running through your mind? If so, then that’s a pretty good indication that you’re laying up the things of God in your heart. Instead of waking up with the latest pop music in your head, you’re thinking of a praise chorus or maybe even a Scripture verse. That is a “song in the night” that God has given you. And that places you in some pretty good company.

In the city of Philippi, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for doing the Lord’s work. Prisons in those days were far more primitive than they are today. Archaeologists have discovered what they believe was the actual prison where Paul and Silas were held. It was nothing more than a dark hole, without ventilation—a hot and horrible place to be.

How did these two servants of God respond to their brutal predicament? “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening” (Acts 16:25 NLT).

The word listening is significant. In the original language, it means to listen very carefully. Another way to translate the phrase is “they listened with pleasure.”

I doubt that the other prisoners had ever heard anyone sing in that dungeon before. And I think the simple fact that Paul and Silas were singing at all in such a place was a powerful testimony. It takes a special spiritual perspective to recognize a dark, airless dungeon as a platform for evangelism. Believers can talk about trusting God in adversity all we want. But when people see that trust in action in our lives, our testimony takes on an undeniable authenticity. Our witness becomes exponentially more powerful. Our faith becomes more real, more practical, and more desirable to others. Worship can be a powerful tool for unbelievers to be exposed to.

The great British preacher C. H. Spurgeon said, “Any man can sing in the day . . . It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is the skilful singer who can sing when there is not a ray of light by which to read . . . Songs in the night come only from God; they are not in the power of man.”

When you’re in pain, the midnight hour (in the figurative or literal sense) is not the easiest time for a worship service. But God can give you songs in the night. And never doubt it: People will be listening.

 

Reflection question: What might a “song in the night” look like in your life? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’” (Acts 27:23–24 NLT)

 

One of the vexing ironies of our modern culture is that people have never been more connected, technologically speaking, yet have never felt more alone. Social scientists warn that loneliness is becoming an epidemic.

Loneliness—feeling alone, abandoned, or in need of real connection—is nothing new, of course. Everyone feels lonely from time to time. Many of the heroes of Scripture experienced loneliness. David was known as a man after God’s own heart (see 1 Samuel 13:14). Yet no one struggled with loneliness more than he did. And no one expressed feelings of loneliness more eloquently than he did.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (Psalm 27:10 NLT).

David knew where to turn for comfort when he felt lonely. And so did the apostle Paul.

Time and time again in the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul, God reminds the apostle of His presence—no doubt when Paul needed it most. God knows the needs of His people before we do, and He knows exactly how and when to meet those needs.

In Acts 23, Paul faces a hostile hearing before the Jewish high council and is then taken to the barracks. If ever someone needed some extra assurance, it was Paul at that moment. So, what did God do? “That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, ‘Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well’” (verse 11 NLT).

At the end of his life, writing to Timothy from prison in Rome, Paul said, “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength” (2 Timothy 4:17 NLT).

God reassured Paul of His presence in times of need—and He does the same for us.

You can take heart in the face of danger, uncertainty, or loneliness because God is present with you. When your heart sinks, when it seems as though your life is falling apart, you must remember the Lord is there with you.

You are not alone. The Lord will not keep life’s storms from pounding you. He will not keep you from experiencing times of loneliness. But He will be with you through it all.

You may not see Him. You may not hear His audible words. But if you pay attention, you can hear the still, small voice of God. You can find it anytime in His Word.

You can know that you are not alone.

 

Reflection question: How might God work in your life when you feel alone? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

 

Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. It is God’s message to us. Technically speaking, the Bible is not a single book; it’s a compilation of sixty-six individual books. Those books were written over a span of 1,500 years. Among the Bible’s forty-some authors were kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, and statesmen. Each was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to record what was revealed to him in his own words.

The apostle Peter wrote, “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20–21 NLT).

The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT). A better translation of “inspired by God” would be “breathed by God.”

In the pages of Scripture, we find the greatest stories ever told. I don’t mean the once-upon-a-time variety. I’m not talking about fairy tales, fables, or myths. The stories in Scripture are documented historical events. However, the Bible is not merely a historical book, although it is that. The Bible is not just history; it is His story—that is, the story of God’s interaction with His human creation.

In that sense, the Bible is your story, too. Because as you look at many of the Bible’s stories, you will find yourself in them. You will see people encounter situations that echo your own experiences. You will see them respond in ways that seem familiar, for better or worse. You will see them suffer consequences similar to ones you’ve suffered. You will see God act in ways that give you hope for your own life. You will find promises you can cling to. You will find forgiveness that heals. You will find wisdom that resonates. You will find paths that take you where you’re meant to be.

I’m only scratching the surface here when it comes to explaining what makes the Bible so special. But I’ll leave you with two truths to explore further. First, you read the Bible to know God, the Creator of the universe, who desires to have a personal and eternal relationship with you. Second, you read the Bible to discover His plan for your life.

What other book can make such claims?

 

Reflection question: How can you make the Bible a more integral part of your life? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT)

 

Some people are keenly interested in researching their family tree. Perhaps they’re hoping to discover that they’re related to someone important, famous, or rich. Sometimes they find out things they wish they hadn’t. They discover some pretty notorious characters in their family tree.

You may be surprised to learn that the lineage of Jesus Christ was one of the most messed-up family trees of all time. Recorded for us in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, it included a prostitute, deceivers, adultery, liars, and even murder. Yet we must remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and that includes genealogies. And in the genealogy of Jesus, the grace of God is on display.

Normally, Jewish genealogies did not include women. But in Matthew’s genealogy, we find five: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and of course, Mary. What’s fascinating about these women in the most exclusive genealogy in history is that several of them were immoral. This reminds us that Jesus came to heal broken lives and to restore shattered hopes.

The apostle Paul wrote, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children” (Galatians 4:4–5 NLT). The word buy used here means to purchase out of a slave market. This term would have been readily understood by people living in the first century, because slavery was still in practice. Jesus has redeemed us, which means He has given us our freedom.

He has given us freedom from the power of sin. The apostle Paul wrote, “Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin” (Romans 6:5–7 NLT). That doesn’t mean our potential to sin is gone. Temptation is still very much a part of the Christian’s life. In fact, it’s evidence of the Christian life. The devil attacks those who can do him harm. But through Christ, we have the power to resist.

Jesus has also given us freedom from the shame of sin. Paul also wrote, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:1–2 NLT). As Christians, we are no longer defined by who we used to be or what we once did. Instead, we’re defined by what the Lord has done for us.

God gives second chances. He offers a path forward, a joyous and fulfilling life—one that can make a profound difference in the world—no matter what we’ve done.

 

Reflection question: When has God given you a second chance? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT)

 

Before he became a great evangelist, D. L. Moody found himself in a conversation with another evangelist named Henry Varley. Varley said to Moody, “The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”

Those words burrowed deep into Moody’s heart. He replied with something along the lines of, “I will try my utmost to be that man.” He came very close to finding out. God accomplished immeasurable things in and through D. L. Moody. Countless lives were transformed because of his ministry. You might say D. L. Moody was a “book of Acts” type of guy.

The book of Acts tells the story of ordinary men and women who accomplished extraordinary things because they allowed God to have His way in their lives. When some troublemakers in Thessalonica tried to stir up a vigilante mob against Paul and Silas, they said, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). God used Paul, Silas, and countless others to turn their world upside down. He wants to use you for the same purpose.

Are you willing? The process starts with your saying, “Lord, I want to make a difference. I don’t want this world to turn me around. I want to turn it around. Use me.”

The world has yet to see what God can do with and through the person who is totally committed to Him. Will God find such a person today? I wonder if you, like D. L. Moody, would say, “I want to be that person.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (NLT). This isn’t a BYOS—Bring Your Own Strength—calling. You don’t need to be naturally strong to turn your world upside down. Or naturally gifted. Or naturally charismatic. You just need to commit yourself to God and His purposes. The Lord will do the rest.

If you will commit to the Lord, there’s no telling what kind of difference you can make in the world. There’s no telling how far the ripples of your ministry will extend—throughout the world and throughout the years. It will be exciting in the days ahead to see what God will do through and with you. But He wants you to be available to Him.

One of these days, your life will come to an end. What will you say about it? What will others say about it?

How great it would be to say, like the world-up-ender Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).

 

Reflection question: What would a total commitment to God look like in your life? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.’” (Luke 9:23–24 NLT)

 

One of the most common misconceptions about the Christian life is that it’s restrictive—that it keeps people from the things that make life fun and interesting. But that’s not the case at all. In fact, the opposite is true. Following Christ allows believers to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of making foolish choices.

People who follow Christ experience life to the fullest. Following Christ allows us to experience the blessings our Creator built into this earthly experience for our joy and fulfillment. Yes, there are boundaries and parameters, but they are for our own protection.

Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NLT).

Most people today probably don’t fully grasp the idea of taking up a cross. But people living in the first century did. In Jesus’ time, someone carrying a cross through the streets of Jerusalem was about to die. So, when Jesus said, “Give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me,” people got it. He was saying that, to follow Him, we must die to our own desires and put God’s will above our own.

Jesus also said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” (Luke 9:24 NLT). We must lose our life to find it.

Many people today like to say, “I need to find myself.” In other words, “I need to find the life that will satisfy me, bring me joy, and fulfill me.” But that perspective assumes a great deal. It assumes that we know where to look for such a life. It assumes that we will recognize it when we see it. It assumes that we are the final experts on what’s best for us.

But Jesus said that if you want to find life, purpose, and happiness, then you need to lose yourself. You come to God and say, “Here is my life. Here are my plans. Here are my dreams. Here are my hopes. Here are my aspirations. I present them to You. I want Your will more than my own.”

That’s not just a demonstration of faith, but also a matter of common wisdom. It’s like entrusting an operation to the world’s most highly skilled surgeon instead of trying to do it yourself. It just makes sense.

If you really want to find life, then lose your life. If you want to get a life, then present it to the Lord, and watch what He will do.

 

Reflection question: What would carrying your cross look like in your life? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ‘Where have you come from?’ the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.’ Then the Lord asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.’” (Job 1:6–8 NLT)

 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to tackle some difficult questions that believers have for God. And we’re going to start with one of the most frequently asked: Why does God allow the devil to do evil against us? This question comes into sharp focus in the Old Testament story of Job.

“One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ‘Where have you come from?’ the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on’” (Job 1:6–7 NLT).

What a perfect description of Satan—just roaming about like a lion, checking things out, looking for prey.

“Then the Lord asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil’” (verse 8 NLT).

The devil is less than impressed with God’s paragon of righteousness. Loosely paraphrased, the devil replies, “Give me a break! Does Job fear You for nothing? He fears You because You are protecting him.”

The devil wanted to attack Job, but he recognized that God had placed His divine protection around Job. God has placed His divine protection around us as well. When the devil comes after us, he first must get permission from God. He cannot just wreak maximum destruction in our lives at will. He is restrained by God. He must stay within certain parameters. As believers, we need to understand that whatever God allows in our lives, He allows for a reason.

He doesn’t always reveal to us the reason, but we can trust that there is one. We can trust that He ultimately will be glorified by what He allows. We can trust that we will grow from it or be refined by it—that our faith will become stronger or purer as a result. And we can trust that God will never allow a temptation to be more than we can handle. He will show us a way out so that we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

If we stay faithful to God when the devil attacks, as Job did, He will reward us. Sometimes those rewards will be tangible. Sometimes they will be spiritual, such as a deeper relationship with the Lord or an opportunity to share our faith with someone who wasn’t receptive before.

God doesn’t promise us a trouble-free existence. He doesn’t promise that we will understand everything He does—or allows. But He does promise to stay with us every step of the way.

 

Reflection question: When have you felt as though Satan was attacking you? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1 NLT)

 

Shortly before he died, the comedian W. C. Fields was spotted flipping through the pages of a Bible. When someone asked what he was doing, Fields replied, “Looking for loopholes.”

In the same way, I think the devil has been acquainting himself with the Bible for a long time, looking for loopholes. In the Garden of Eden, he misrepresented what God had said to fit his agenda. The devil took God’s words to Adam, which invited Adam to eat from every tree in the Garden—with one exception—and twisted them into a prohibition designed to cast doubt on God’s goodness.

The devil said to Eve, in effect, “If God really loved you, He would let you eat from any tree you want. But because He said that you can’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, He clearly doesn’t love you.”

The actual verse goes like this: “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1 NLT).

You’ll notice that the devil’s first recorded words to Eve—indeed, his first recorded words in the entire Bible—end with a question mark: “Did God really say . . . ?” They are designed to cast doubt on God’s love. The devil was quoting God, but he completely twisted what God said.

He did the same thing when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. “Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone”’” (Matthew 4:5–6 NLT). The devil was quoting Psalm 91:11–12, though he left out not just part of the original text, but also the context of the passage.

Notice that with Eve, he questioned God’s Word. He didn’t deny that God had spoken. He simply questioned whether God had really said what Eve thought He had said. That’s what the devil will do with God’s Word. He will misquote it. He will mischaracterize it. He will distort it. And he will plant seeds of doubt in our minds so that we question it.

The way to counter his strategies is found in Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (NLT). The better we know God’s Word, the more deeply we embed it in our lives, the harder it is for our enemy to use it against us.

 

Reflection question: What would hiding God’s Word in your heart look like in your life? 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

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.