May 23, 2026

May, 23, 2026
May 23, 2026

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World news biblically understood

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DEVOTIONALS

Will Graham: The Shepherds Of Ancient Israel — Proclamation Of The Messiah’s Arrival

I wonder if the shepherds collapsed to the ground during this overwhelming experience. We know they felt fear, of course, but imagine the flood of emotions as they begin to realize that the angel of the Lord is proclaiming the news of the arrival of the Messiah!

Skip Heitzig: Atheism Has Slain Its Thousands, But Procrastination, Its Tens Of Thousands

In Acts 16, the Philippian jailer asked Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" (v. 30). And he said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (v. 31). But there's another question. "What must I do to be lost?" Answer: absolutely nothing. Don't turn to Christ. Don't make a choice. Put it off. That's why I say atheism has slain its thousands, but procrastination, its tens of thousands.

Skip Heitzig: Have You Left Your First Love?

Leaving your first love is seldom a blowout. It's usually a slow leak, like a car tire. You air it up, and a couple weeks later you've got to air it up again. So it is in our priorities with the Lord. We can get distracted gradually and leave slowly. We leave that first love.

Skip Heitzig: We have the living Word of God

There are some people who see the Bible as this outdated, antiquated book that's not relevant anymore. That's not how King David saw it. David loved it because God spoke to him in it.

Jack Hibbs: Heaven Awaits — Is The Bride Ready?

Rebekah’s actions speak to me about what our reaction should be regarding the coming of Jesus Christ for His bride, the Church, at the Rapture. Our attitude, words, and actions should all be calculated in the light of our soon departure to meet the Lord face to face. 

Why Would Jesus Submit To Being Beaten, Ridiculed, And Crucified On My Behalf?

The cross was intended to not just bring agony and death, but to do so in such an obscene, traumatic, humiliating, and public fashion that everybody knew the punishment they would receive should they disobey Rome.

Alex McFarland: The Gospel — Infinitely Complex And Perfectly Simple

The Gospel of salvation through Christ is endlessly fascinating, I believe, because it is profound and simple.  The brightest scholars exhaust their stock of adjectives in attempting to depict it, yet a child may understand the love of Jesus, too.

Skip Heitzig: The Fear Of The Lord Frees You From The Fear Of Man

If you want to please God—if you worry about what God thinks of you—you don't have to worry about what anybody else thinks of you. The fear of the Lord frees you from the snare of the fear of man. If you get on your knees before God, you can get on your feet before any man.

Jack Hibbs: The More We Know Of God, The More We Desire To Know

Throughout the ages, people have pleaded, “God, just give me a sign.” Not Moses. He desperately wanted something more. He wanted to see God in all His glory—the fulness of His splendor and majesty. 

Jack Hibbs: God Never Changes, But We Must

Change is a constant in life, but it can sometimes feel unnerving. Instinctively, we tend to draw our circle a little tighter for comfort’s sake, but if we do, we become resistant to the dynamics that living for Christ demands. 

Modern Judaism Has Reinterpreted The Messianic Hope, Blinding Them To The True Savior, Healer, Lord, And King

Savior. Healer. Lord. King. Messiah. Christians associate these names with one Man: Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of our hopes and the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus the Messiah is our greatest hope and joy in this life! Jewish people also believe the Scriptures speak about a Messiah. Their interpretation of messianic prophecy differs significantly.

Will Graham: Christian, It’s Time To Grow Up

Many of these same people who were weak in their walk were refusing to grow. They had a knowledge of Jesus and identified with Him, but they refused to mature in their faith and apply it to their lives. They had not progressed from “milk” (basics) to “solid food” (applying the Scriptures).

Jack Hibbs: God Stands Behind His Door, Ready To Open It To You

Jesus promises, “Seek, and you will find.” But in this 21st-century culture of hurry up and rush, we are often distracted by things that rob us of the seeking He desires. We lose so much of that which has value to the moment’s frantic urgency. Here in this verse, there is a hint, perhaps even a great shout in our direction, announcing that God has so much more for us—an infinite amount of more.

Greg Laurie: How Should We Prepare For Christ’s Imminent Return?

And make no mistake: These things are beginning to happen. Even secular futurologists are sounding the alarms as they see converging lines of danger and instability around the world. So, what does it all mean to us? How should we prepare for Christ’s imminent return?

Will Graham: Which Is More Important — Jesus’ Death or Resurrection?

But to fully understand Christ’s finished work on the cross, we must equally consider each of these pivotal moments. Combined, they change history, life, and eternity.

Jack Hibbs: Jesus Defeated? — From Sorrow To Rejoicing!

In the gloom of Good Friday, the disciples could only read: “Jesus defeated!” But in the bright light of Easter morning, the glorious truth of Jesus’ resurrection shone into their despair.

Skip Heitzig: Lamb Of God Has Taken Our Punishment Upon Himself

It's always about a lamb—a substitute. The blood on the doorposts was the sign that a death had already occurred in that house and the penalty for sin had been meted out, allowing the wrath of God to be turned away. The cross is the sign that payment has been made for sin, because the Lamb of God has taken our punishment upon Himself.

Will Graham: Are They Worth The Cost?

Think about those around you who have not made a decision for Christ. Think about your mom or dad, your brother or sister, your neighbor, your co-worker. Tell me—are they worth it?

Jonathan Brentner: Jesus Is The Only Path To Eternal Life

As the day of Jesus’ appearing approaches, it’s critical that you know for sure that you belong to Jesus and possess eternal life.

Skip Heitzig: Breaking the Grip of Sin

Sin doesn't seem irresistible until you want a break from it. Then you discover its very strong grip. In Colossians 3:1-15, we can find some steps from the apostle Paul to breaking that grip.

Greg Laurie: The Rapture and the Second Coming

According to the Bible, there’s a generation that will not see death. Instead, the Lord will remove them from the face of the earth in what we call the rapture of the Church.

Walking Away From The Trap Of Narcissism

The culture has had much success in infiltrating people’s minds by centering thoughts on themselves. The Bible is filled with testimonies of those who, by God’s grace, were victorious over Satan’s power. No one is beyond the reach of God.

Skip Heitzig: Are You At War With God?

When you move from God toward His enemy, you are, in effect, declaring war on God. And the enemy James spoke of is not only the devil, but also the world. It's the world of ideas, the system of values that is opposed to the values of God and His kingdom. So, if you're a friend of the world, you are making yourself an enemy of God.

Jack Hibbs: Will You Unashamedly Represent Him?

Will you unashamedly represent Him? If so, shed every form of rude and cold-hearted religiosity. Be a genuine, uncompromising follower of Christ and show the world that the cross you wear is more than a symbol. May you wear its message well.

Amir Tsarfati: The Great And Terrible Day Of The Lord Is Not In The Church’s Future

The word “tribulation” in John 16:33 means “anguish, burdens, persecutions, and troubles”. It does not mean “wrath”. Jesus was not saying, as many propose, that the church will go through the Great Tribulation.

Skip Heitzig: One Word Changed That Changed Mary’s Life

Jesus asked her the same question, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Then He asked a follow-up question, "Whom are you seeking?" She replied, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away" (v. 15). One word changed her life. One word changed her from sorrow to joy. One single word, and she went from despair to the heights. I'm sure Jesus used a special tone with her when He said, "Mary." Then she turned and said, "Rabboni!" (my teacher).

The Greatest Thing We Can Do In Life Is Lead Other People To Jesus

If the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to everyone who comes to faith in Christ, then everyone who comes to faith in Christ has the power to be a witness for Christ.

Jonathan Brentner: Bible Prophecy Acts Like A Salve For The Wounds We Endure In This Life

The comfort and hope of these future promises eventually brought sweet relief to me. They will most certainly do the same for other saints.

In Our Current Culture And World, How Do We Navigate Through The Fog?

It occurs to me that life—especially in our current culture and world—can be like that treacherous, obscured journey through the fog. As we follow God’s Word, we know that we’re ultimately on the right path, but everything around us appears sin-sick and confused.

Barry Stagner: War And Peace — One Day God Will Be Exalted Among The Nations

They want peace without the Prince of Peace and they want the Millennium without having to repent. They claim that they want a world in which righteousness dwells, but they want righteousness redefined. 

Jack Hibbs: Walking With Christ Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

Living righteously virtually guarantees that not everyone will like you or agree with you, and some will even come against you. Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart.

David Jeremiah: What Does ‘Man of Sorrows’ Mean in Isaiah 53?

Have you ever pondered over the striking paradox that the Messiah, the mighty ruler, was also prophesied to be a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53? Why was the expected deliverer, portrayed as the suffering servant?

Skip Heitzig: Close To The Edge

Some Christians ask questions like, "Hey, can I do this or that and still be a Christian?" Some believers sail so close to the lake of fire that their sails get singed. You don't want to live the way Samson did.

Good Things Are Costly

Jesus warned His followers to count carefully the cost, and that certainly does not speak of an easy way. But there is no good thing that comes without cost.

Greg Laurie: Pride And Prayerlessness Go Hand In Hand

We must never forget that prayer is not only for petition, but it’s also for protection and preparation. Prayer not only gives us what we want, but it also prepares us for and protects us from what we don’t want.

Nehemiah’s Mission: Opposition To The Jews Returning To Their National Homeland Is Nothing New

The book of Nehemiah is a story of courage, boldness, steadfastness, and faithfulness in spite of incredible and growing opposition to the work of God.

Jack Hibbs: For God’s Incalculably Precious Gift To Mankind… He Gave Himself

Even the richest among us have finite resources. Not so with God. Yet He didn’t reach into His infinite resources when He gave something so incalculably precious that the angelic host sang out. God gave Himself.

Greg Laurie: There Is No Power In A Compromised Life

There is no power in a compromised life. Compromising people reach no one. Mary, however, lived a godly life in an ungodly place. Lot was a thermometer, but Mary was a thermostat. Unlike a thermometer that is affected by its surroundings, a thermostat controls the environment around it.

Skip Heitzig: A Tale Of Two Sinners

In John chapter eight, a group of sinners brought a single sinner to Jesus (see vv. 1-11). You could call it a tale of two sinners: the rank sinner and the religious sinner. One was obviously a sinful person; the others were sinful persons, but not so obviously.

Will Graham: Like Mary, Rejoice In The Midst Of Your Pain

If so, it’s OK to be troubled, but I invite you to do as Mary did and rejoice in the midst of your pain. Lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you, whose birth we celebrate. Despite the struggles, Mary considered herself blessed because of what God did for her, and you can, too, as you ponder how He has blessed you.

Greg Laurie: Being Faithful In What God Has Set Before You

God often speaks to His people when they are busy doing their daily tasks. For example, when God called Moses to lead Israel out of Pharaoh’s bondage, he was tending sheep. When God called David to run an errand that would result in the death of the mighty Goliath in the Valley of Elah, he, too, was tending sheep.

Greg Laurie: There Is A Time To Rest And A Time To Wake Up—Now Is That Time

His warning is addressed to all Christians. We need to be wide awake because time is short. We’ve never been closer to the return of Jesus than we are right now.

Finish The Race — Don’t Relax Too Soon

Continue “the good fight.” Realize that we are still in a spiritual battle zone. Finish “the race.” Don’t relax too soon. Fulfill God’s calling in your life. We will soon be going home, either by death or by rapture. What we do in this world, we must do quickly.

David Bowen: Joy Is Knowledge, Not An Emotion

Too many people pursue happiness and search for pleasure, finding only emptiness instead of fulfillment. Those who trust Jesus find meaning and purpose—and realize His joy. Only when we let go of selfishness and worldly lust do we understand true joy.

Skip Heitzig: When The Righteous Judge Stood On Trial

The end of John 5 is like a courtroom scene, with Jesus as both the judge and the one on trial. The word witness shows up eight times in this passage. Like a lawyer, Jesus brought in three witnesses, because Jewish Law  said, "by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Jack Hibbs: Corrupted By Thoughts Of Grandeur

What a joy and privilege it is to serve Him! There is nothing quite like it, yet our service can be hindered or even corrupted by thoughts of grandeur.  Such was the condition of the prophet Jeremiah’s co-laborer Baruch.

Skip Heitzig: Planting Seeds — Never Underestimate One Conversation

Never underestimate one conversation. You might walk away thinking, "Nothing's going to come of this." But I've talked with many people I never thought would come to Christ. Years later they told me they came to Christ because of that one conversation. The Lord will use the seeds you plant, the words you speak, and the truth that you sow.

Jack Hibbs: Powerful Theology And Tender Exhortation

Beyond the familiar closing doxology, many Christians know little about the book of Jude. Yet a careful study of Jude’s exposé of the wickedness of apostates and their destructive heresies is greatly needed today. Jude’s brief, one-chapter letter is a powerhouse of theology coupled with tender exhortation. I appreciate that about the Bible. God never gives us truth without showing us what to do about it.

Barry Stager: Are Believers Today Discerning The Times?

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for not discerning what the signs of His first coming had been, and then He told Peter, Andrew, James, and John that the same thing will again occur prior to His Second Coming. Again, people will ignore or deny the signs. 

Greg Laurie: Honor Those Who Deserve Honor

I had an opportunity to speak at an event called Heal Our Patriots, which was sponsored by Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. The experience was unforgettable. Many of the attendees walked forward and gave their lives to the Lord. The memories of it still bring me joy. It was an honor to serve those who have served our country.

Greg Laurie: We Have Our New President. What’s Next for Christians?

What are we to do now that the election is over? As Christians, we go back to what we should have always been—and always should be—doing. And that’s living out our faith, being salt and light in the culture.

Skip Heitzig: Superficial Faith

Warren Wiersbe has an interesting phrase for people like the superficial seekers in Jerusalem: "unsaved believers." Jesus knows what's in their heart. He knows they want a free meal, a miracle. He knows that they're not fully committed to Him with saving faith. They're just going along for the ride.

Jack Hibbs: Having Peace In The Last Days

The Bible indicates that the Last Days will see an escalation in life-altering, potentially ruinous events, yet Scripture reminds us of a beautiful promise. When prayer replaces worry amidst life’s commotion and upheaval, God supplies a great abiding peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Will Graham: Is The Brokenness In The World As ‘Proof’ That There Is No God?

My friends, God’s existence, mercy, and goodness are not dependent upon our situations or sorrows. Those things are a part of life. Each of us will experience pain and death. In the end, the important thing isn’t when you stand before God, but where you stand with God.

Why Would a Christian Church Ignore the Bible?

The early Christians in Asia lived in a world (not unlike our own) where their belief in Christ often left them at odds with the political powers, the economic realities, and the social norms. They were surrounded by idol worship. The day-to-day choices were difficult and demanding. Would they stand firm, or would they give up under the pressure and the pain of following Jesus?

Greg Laurie: Are Christians Called To Influence Election Outcomes?

We may not always be in the majority, just as Paul wasn’t. But our input is essential. Because “when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).

Skip Heitzig: The Eternal Impact Of A Simple Invitation

Prior to each Billy Graham crusade, the organization implemented a simple but effective outreach program. For decades, Operation Andrew has been training church congregants...

Is It Really Wrong As A Christian ‘Not’ To Vote?

It’s easy to become cynical about government or feel that our vote is insignificant. But what happens if everyone has this attitude? What kind of leadership would we likely get then?

Greg Laurie: Celebrities Are a Reminder That God Is the Answer

I think when you’re trying to climb that ladder of success, whatever you perceive it to be, you feel that once you get to the top, you’ll be happy and content. But when someone makes it to the top, they find out there’s nothing there.

Skip Heitzig: You Have A Message, And That Message Is Jesus

When you hear Jesus speak, that's God talking. You're hearing the words of God spoken from the lips of the Messiah. When you see how Jesus treats people, like healing the sick, you are seeing God in action. You are seeing God's compassion, His love for people. That's what it means when John 1:18 says, "He has brought Him forth."

Is Voting A Waste Of Time?

Let me ask you the same question I’ve asked others who say they aren’t going to the polls because their vote won’t matter: What would happen if everyone felt the way you do? You know the answer: In time, our democracy would come to an end.

Greg Laurie: What It Means To Be Salt In Our Culture

Christians stop the spread of rot—or evil—in our culture today. Christians stand up for the rights of the unborn. Christians speak out against racism and try to bring about reconciliation. Christians help people in need. That’s what it means to be salt in our culture today.

Skip Heitzig: Don’t Jump Ship… Wait On The Lord

"Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31). One of the hardest things we have to do in life is to wait on the Lord. You know it's true. We hate to wait on the Lord. But let me encourage you to do just that.

Jack Hibbs: Hope For The Downcast

Does it surprise you that believers face these kinds of battles? It shouldn’t. We all struggle from time to time with feelings of hopelessness. But notice how the Psalmist begins to overcome the darkness. He preaches the truth of God to himself, knowing he will find strength and courage there.

Will Graham: Looking To The Past, Present And Future — What’s Communion All About?

The Lord’s Supper keeps us focused on the cross. It draws us into fellowship with God and the body of Christ. It gives us the hope of the resurrection, the promise of victory over Satan and sin, and the truth of Heaven.

Anne Graham Lotz: Bible Study — Worthy to Govern

This November, after months of media blitz, debates, a last-minute candidate switch and political intrigue, millions of us across the United States, and tens...

Greg Laurie: Iran Just Launched Missiles at Israel… Should Christians Care?

I believe Jesus can come back at any moment and I think it’s important we talk about this. It seems like it’s fallen out of favor to talk about end times events right now but, if you ask me, I don’t know of a more important time to talk about it than right now! 

Skip Heitzig: Open and Shut — Being On The Lookout For God’s Providence

The door miraculously swung open for Peter and providentially stayed shut for Paul. And God was moving in both cases. That's a great lesson, isn't it? When you say, "God, give me a miracle," what if He says no? Then watch for His providence.

Barry Stagner: The Quiet Voice Of Wisdom And The Shouts Of Foolishness

In God’s economy, it is not the voice of the masses that we need to hear, but the quiet voice of wisdom that the world tries to drown out with its shouts of foolishness. The popular school of thought is seldom the wisdom of God.

Greg Laurie: The Church’s Primary Calling

During His public ministry, Jesus had no problem reaching society’s down-and-outers. But amazingly, He had an almost impossible time reaching religious and moral people who were under the delusion that outward rituals and good living made them acceptable to God.

Jack Hibbs: The Church Can No Longer Dispute The Unprecedented Hostility Toward Truth

Now is the time to stand strong and confront the cancel culture crowd flexing its muscles. Patriotic symbols are in their crosshairs. They’ve deemed Dr. Seuss controversial and classics inappropriate. Will it be long before your Bible is banned because they find it offensive? 

Greg Laurie: The Worst Thing of All — A Hardened Heart

Sometimes, we look at certain sins that people fall into and think it’s the worst thing that can happen to them. But it isn’t the worst thing. The worst thing of all is to have a hardened heart.

Barry Stagner: A High Priest And Conquering King Is Not What Everyone Bargained For

Christ came once to suffer for our sins, but He is coming back to conquer His enemies. Why should He let into heaven people who hate Him and don’t want to go there? The blatant truth is this: The King is coming, and He will destroy all His enemies.

Skip Heitzig: A Prisoner For The Gospel… By The Perfect Will Of God

Paul was planning to go to Rome, but he had to go to Jerusalem first. And as he got closer and closer, everyone warned him not to go. But he trusted in God. In Jerusalem, he was beaten up and arrested, and later taken to Caesarea for trial. He eventually went to Rome—not as a preacher, but as a prisoner on a prison ship. That was the perfect will of God for the Apostle Paul.

Jack Hibbs: Through Christ, God Has Declared Us Holy

Because of the degradation of our society and moral values, the word holiness sounds archaic, even puritanical, to our ears. The world is naturally directed toward destruction, and those following its path are racing headlong toward spiritual death. That is the condition Jesus delivered us from, and now, through Christ, God has declared us holy. 

Barry Stagner: The Holy Institution of Marriage

The messed-up, jumbled-up interpretation of marriage that we see today is not how it was meant to be. It is not God’s original design for the holy institution of marriage.

Jack Hibbs: Knowing The Times And The Seasons In Which We Live, We Ought To Be Ready And Vigilant

If you and I believe Jesus is coming back soon (and I hope today), then that means I am to be obedient and in my obedience to Christ, my light and my witness—your light and your witness—will punish disobedience.

Greg Laurie: Christians Must Fight In The Spiritual Battle

The question is not whether or not we will be engaged in a spiritual war. That ship has already sailed. The question is, will we win or lose in this spiritual war? Will we advance or retreat? Will we gain ground or lose ground?

Skip Heitzig: Have The Heart Of A Berean

Paul moved on to Berea, and there the story includes one of my all-time favorite verses. I recommend you commit it to memory. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so"

Will Graham: No One Is Exempt From Worshipping God — Not Even A King

As for us, let’s take a lesson from Solomon. You may be the boss, or you may be an entry-level worker. You may be the mayor, or you may sweep the streets. Regardless, humble yourself before the Lord and worship Him, above and before everything else. Seek His wisdom and guidance.