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Insight for Today

Written by Chuck Swindoll, these encouraging devotional thoughts are published seven days per week.

Articles of this Type

I, Me, Mine, Myself

Date:
October 19, 2024

Read Matthew 16:23–24

Those four words stood out in bold print.

They appeared as if they were forming an enormous monument, each letter seemingly chiselled out of granite. At the base of this strange “monument” were hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people with their arms stretched high, as if worshipping at a shrine. And then, in very small letters, this caption appeared at the bottom of the editorial cartoon: “Speaking of American cults...”

Surrounding the borders of this picture were four familiar lines from well-known commercials:

Absolute Honesty

Date:
October 18, 2024

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1–2

Let's think about an essential mark of following Christ: absolute honesty.

Remember these words?

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)

And how about these?

An Enduring Mercy

Date:
October 17, 2024

Read 1 Timothy 1:12–14

Even toward the end of his life, the apostle Paul had not gotten over the great mercy he had received from Christ:

Where the Real Power Resides

Date:
October 16, 2024

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1–5

The great apostle Paul was just like you and me. He had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion...and great weakness.

The longer I thought about this blend, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it. Read Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

Who’s on First?

Date:
October 15, 2024

Read Colossians 1:15–16, 18

In many churches, Christians tend to get so caught up in a success-and-size race that the primary calling of following Jesus gets lost in the journey. We have skidded into a pattern where the “haves”—the most influential or financially successful individuals in life—and not the “have-nots” call the shots. Truth be told, it is difficult to follow when you’re used to being out front leading the pack.

How’s Your Attitude?

Date:
October 14, 2024

Read Philippians 2:3–4

I love the story of a sea captain who, while navigating his ship through a storm, found himself on a collision course with what he thought was a large vessel in the distance. He ordered the approaching vessel to alter its course ten degrees south. The reply came back: “Alter your course ten degrees north.” Incensed, the captain shot back, “Alter your course ten degrees south. This is the Captain! I am a battleship!” The reply came back: “Alter your course ten degrees north. This is ensign third class. I am a lighthouse!”

The Way Up Is Down

Date:
October 13, 2024

Read Matthew 20:21, 25–28

Journey back with me for a moment to one of the many scenes that demonstrated just how ordinary Jesus’ disciples were. What makes this account interesting is that mother of two of the disciples. She’s Mrs. Zebedee, wife of a Galilean fisherman and mother of James and John. Her bold request still makes me smile:

In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left. (Matthew 20:21)

A Servant, Not a Celebrity

Date:
October 12, 2024

Read Mark 10:45

Ever wonder if Jesus would have agreed to star in His own reality TV show? Let’s allow Him to answer in His own words:

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

No mumbo jumbo. Just a straight-from-the-shoulder response. Jesus came to be a servant. Being a celebrity wasn’t in His DNA.

Rising above Disappointment

Date:
October 10, 2024

Read Psalm 42:5–6

What happens that causes you to be disappointed? Someone or something has failed to fulfil your expectations. You had set up in your mind and then anticipated a certain outcome or response, but it never materialized. Your wish fell flat. Your desire became an empty, unfulfilled dream. Such feelings of disappointment are painfully familiar. As I play the record of my memory, I hear several sad songs from different voices:

“I’m not happy in my work. When I got the job I never realized it would be like this.”

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