Manuel Mill share with us his true story.
Visit our podcast website to learn more about this ministry, unshackledpodcast.org.

1 Corinthians 13

We can be knowledgeable, eloquent, wise and charitable, but the true measure of our spiritual state is not determined by any of these impressive characteristics. Today on The Bible Study Hour, Dr. Boice will offer us a simple, two-question test that can identify the mark of any true believer. Let’s continue our series on “Great Chapters of the Bible” with a look into 1 Corinthians 13.

We can expect to face temptation in the Christian life. But in this encouraging episode, Pastor Greg Laurie not only reminds us victory is possible—but shows us exactly how to obtain it. Today, we look to Jesus as our inspiration for overcoming temptation. 

Notes

We belong to God

1 Cor 6:19–20 — “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

Temptation/testing can produce good

James 1:12 — “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”

When does temptation often come?

Frequently after great spiritual blessing (e.g., after Jesus’ baptism → wilderness temptation). 

Where does temptation come from?

We play a key role in our own temptation. Where there is no desire on our part, there is no temptation.

James 1:14–15 (NKJV)

Temptation always starts in the realm of your mind.

1. Best place to be when temptation comes? In the will of God.
2. Primary weapon against temptation? The Word of God.  

Jesus’ 3 Temptations -- Luke 4

—

Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January 11– Morning
 by C. H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by W. C. Neff
“These have no root.”
–Luke 8:13

Send us a text

Support the show

Get a copy of the book, Morning by Morning TODAY (contains all of the Daily Readings)

Donate to Morning & Evening to support this Podcast. Thank you!

Anne shares from 1 Peter 1-12.

Read: 1 Samuel 23:14-18

“I’m quitting basketball,” Tyler announced flatly as his dad entered the room.

“Quitting?” asked Dad. “But you could hardly wait to join the team!”

Tyler frowned. “I’m just a benchwarmer. Coach Adams hardly ever lets me play.”

“Well, no, he hasn’t yet, but he told me you have great potential.”

“If I’m so great, why doesn’t he let me play more?” asked Tyler.

“Because the older players have more experience, and Coach Adams is naturally going to use his best players when it’s necessary for a win.”

“I can play as well as they can,” Tyler said. “At least, I could if I got to play in more games. Basketball is almost over for the year!”

“Just be patient,” said Dad. “We all need to wait patiently sometimes.”

Tyler crossed his arms. “I’ve waited long enough!”

Dad scratched his chin. “Do you remember King David in the Bible? He was a benchwarmer too.”

Tyler rolled his eyes. “Dad, King David never played basketball! It didn’t exist back then.”

“No, but you could say he was a benchwarmer for a long time. When David was just a young boy, the prophet Samuel anointed him to be king, but he had to wait about twenty years before he actually became king.”

“Yeah, but being king is an important thing, and it was something God said would happen,” Tyler said. “I don’t think God really cares if I play basketball or not.”

“I think He does,” said Dad. “He gave us our gifts, and He uses them to shape us to be more like Jesus. Learning to play basketball involves more than just dribbling and shooting. A good player also knows when it’s best to take a shot or pass the ball, and that requires skills that take time and patience to develop. I think God is using this experience to teach you to be more patient. Then you’ll be a better basketball player and a more mature Christian.”

Tyler nodded thoughtfully, then stood up. “How about a little one-on-one, Dad?”

Dad smiled. “You’re not quitting?”

“Not me,” said Tyler. “I love basketball, and I want to keep getting better.” He grinned. “I just hope it doesn’t take me twenty years to get into more games!”

–Joyce R. Lee

How about you? Do you feel like a benchwarmer? Perhaps your coach isn’t letting you play or your parents won’t let you do something you think you’re ready for. When things like that happen, remember that Jesus uses everyday experiences to shape you to be more like Him. Think about what He might be teaching you in the situation you’re dealing with. Then trust Him to give you patience as He helps you learn and grow.

Today's Key Verse: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Learn to be patient

The elderly man was taking a long time looking at the children’s backpacks in the store. He told me, “It’s my granddaughter’s birthday. I hope she likes my gift.” At the check out, he clutched a pink backpack with a cartoon character design. He looked excited.

Later in a restaurant, I saw him again with a little girl and her parents. When the child opened her gift, she said, “I don’t like this character! And I hate pink!” Her parents made her apologize, but she still complained. My heart broke for her grandpa.

I was reminded of how I sometimes respond to God’s gifts. I complain because I want something different, failing to see the miracle before me—that God Himself has lovingly given something for me. The Israelites behaved similarly. God had kept His promise to them: “I will rain down bread from heaven for you” (Exodus 16:4). God’s faithful provision in the wilderness was sure: “When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down” (Numbers 11:9).

 But instead of being thankful, the Israelites complained about God’s expression of loving provision: “We never see anything but this manna!” (v. 6). Instead of humbly requesting other food from God, they wailed over His gift.

I still remember the hurt look in the grandfather’s eyes that day. It made me think of how our heavenly Father must feel when we complain. Let’s be grateful for the gifts He’s given us.

Antisemitism is rising, Israel feels increasingly unstable, and many Jewish people are asking where true security can be found. Join Mitch Glaser and Bobby Walter as they explore God’s plan for the Jewish people, and the lasting peace found in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Ervin Williams shares with us his true story.
Visit our podcast website to learn more about this ministry, unshackledpodcast.org.