A New Beginning with Greg Laurie

At various times, we all come down with a case of the 'gimmes' - gimme this, gimme that. And nearly every advertisement feeds that craving. A new car, a new phone, a new outfit. Pastor Greg Laurie points out the biblical reference to coveting goes even beyond the gimmes. 'I don’t just want one...I want YOURS.' And it’s addressed in the 10 Commandments.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God hates lying, because He is the source of, and the very personification of, truth. In contrast to Jesus, we have the Devil who’s described in the Bible as the father of lies. So, when we lie, we’re behaving more like children of the enemy. Pastor Greg Laurie says it shows something disturbing about our character.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What things are most important in our lives? Our computers probably know, our smartphones have a good idea, and certainly our credit or debit card. What captures our attention, what steals our thoughts? What is it that’s always near the top of our minds? Pastor Greg Laurie points out that idols are anything or anyone that takes our focus off of God, and the Lord recognises the danger and mentions it in His 10 Commandments.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you name the 10 Commandments? ?Does it matter? Why do we have to know them? I mean, it’s not like they’re written in stone. Well? then again ... Pastor Greg Laurie invites us to learn the Ten Commandments, and learn them well, to internalise them, because they’re not obsolete, they’re absolute. And if we keep these Commandments, we’ll be happy people.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raised voices usually reflect passion, enthusiasm, verve. We’ll shout at our favourite sports team, the television set, or each other. But how often do we shout to the Lord with a voice of triumph? Pastor Greg Laurie urges us to reflect that sentiment to God and verbalize our praise to Him.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s important to have an attitude of gratitude. Pastor Greg Laurie points out it’s important at all times of the year, even for us here in Australia.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you being shaken right now by God? The coronavirus, what has happened in our economy, the social upheaval ? Like a fire alarm rouses us from sleep, Pastor Greg Laurie says we need to respond to the alarms all around us, and wake-up. God is saying, ’Turn to me. Look to me.’Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God has not called us to isolate, He’s called us to infiltrate. He’s called us to permeate and to saturate our culture with the truth of the Gospel. Pastor Greg Laurie points out the need for spiritual renewal and how believers are called into service. He may be addressing the U.S specifically, but it is a timely message for all, even us here Australia.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good description of the Christian life is 'long obedience in the same direction.' It can be rewarding at times, daunting at times. It can remind us how weak we are in and of ourselves, but where we are weak, He is strong! Pastor Greg Laurie brings the finale of his inspiring series called World Changers and gets very practical.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the battery in our phone is running low, what do we do? We turn off any app or option that isn’t necessary, anything that will deplete that precious power. Well, that’s a good strategy to follow as we serve the Lord. Is there anything siphoning off energy that could be used for God? Maybe we should shut it down? Pastor Greg Laurie helps us dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the task of serving the Lord with all we’ve got.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we look into Scripture to see how our spiritual ancestors changed their culture, it’s inspiring. Pastor Greg Laurie is sharing what separates those leaders from the crowd, and how we can follow in their footsteps. He points out that some escaped their persecution, while others endured. Let’s learn to be ready for both.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a freeing thought that the Lord has numbered our days. Whatever is threatening our survival, Pastor Greg Laurie says it’s in the Lord’s hands. So we can stop freaking out about the duration of our life and just say, ’I’m going to do what I can with the time God gives me, and He’s going to take care of me until He calls me home.’'Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ups and downs are the enemy of Christian growth. It takes consistent forward momentum to make progress in our walk with God. And yet we see a number of our spiritual forefathers had ups and downs. Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the ups and downs in the life of David, particularly his great victory over Goliath, and his great fall with Bathsheba. Learn from his mistakes, and chart a course for consistency in our own walk of faith.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know people who are talented, some ridiculously talented. Maybe they play a musical instrument, or they paint. Maybe they have a brain for geophysics, or they can hit a ball into the next post code. And us? We’re spectacularly average? Pastor Greg Laurie points out we’re just who God is looking for! Because where we can’t, God can. And the Lord loves to do ridiculously remarkable things through people just like us.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the greatest human achievers of all time had failings. Abe Lincoln lost a number of elections and nominations, lost his job, lost all his money, lost a sweetheart, but eventually became a memorable U.S president. And the Bible is replete with stories of failures who became successes. Pastor Greg Laurie shows us it’s not how you start, or detour, but how you finish that matters.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie says the Devil knows what you want, and he wants to give it to you and sell your reputation down the river. Hear about our adversary’s tactics, and how to resist them.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A challenging job is always much easier with the right tool. You don’t use a screwdriver to pound a nail. You don’t use a wrench to sand some furniture. And you don’t use trumpets to attack an immense army - unless you’re Gideon, sent by Almighty God! See what we can learn for our lives from the example of Gideon.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to do good things. But today Pastor Greg Laurie points out that we can do good God’s things if we focus on bringing Him glory. The Lord, in effect, says, ’it’s not about who you are, but who I am, and I’m the One who’s going to do the work through you.’!Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to a moment in the Old Testament when the Israelites faced a problem they couldn’t handle. But God had a plan . . . an unusual plan . . . that brought about the sure deliverance of His chosen people. And, we’ll see what He can do for us.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a movie, everyone behind the scenes knows how the hero will get out of a jam... They’ve read the script! Pastor Greg Laurie points out, when we’re in a jam, God knows how to get us out. He knows the end from the beginning. And Pastor Greg shows us how He delivered the Israelites in a very unusual way.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you wonder what a CEO thinks about the way his organisation is characterised, when they have a serious customer service debacle? Spiritually speaking, we’re representing God every day. How’s that going for you? Pastor Greg Laurie returns to his World Changers series as we consider a fine example of leadership set for us by the World Changer named Moses.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For every Oskar Schindler who was known to have saved thousands of Jews from Nazi holocaust, there’s a Sir Nicolas Winton who saved even more but was never given public recognition. It would have been easy for him to say, 'I’m just one man, what can I do?' Instead, he acted. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that one person can make a huge difference in the world, especially when he or she is guided and empowered by the Spirit of God!Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie continues his study of the life of the World Changer named Moses, we’ll see God brought about one of the most talked-about miracles in the entire Bible when the Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptians.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wonder if you’re on the right road in life? Pastor Greg Laurie says we need to rely on the Lord’s divine direction? The GPS isn’t always right, but God’s GPS is always right.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve committed a sin, and it haunts you now - you’re still waking you up at night and walk around by day with a guilty conscience, you need to apply the blood of Christ. Pastor Greg Laurie says the blood of Christ cleanses us from our sins. At Calvary, He paid the price we should have paid. He said in Matthew 26, ’This is my blood given in the new covenant for the forgiveness of sin.’Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

II Corinthians 5:17 offers a spiritual reset button. It states, ’If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Behold, all things have become fresh and new.’ Pastor Greg Laurie explains how we can have a clean slate before the Lord and start afresh with a new beginning.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know Satan’s temptations are real. And our response is real important. Pastor Greg Laurie shows us the right way to react is to speak out to the enemy with 'Devil, listen very carefully. You get nothing, zero, zip, you’ve ripped me off, you’ve taken advantage of me, and I’m giving you nothing! There’s no compromise, goodbye!' ? And you turn your back on him and follow the Lord. He says you’ll never regret it, and it’s the only way to live for Christ.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get hardened hearts by continued exposure to the truth of God and refusing to obey it. Pastor Greg Laurie says God’s Word is full-strength truth and, if we let it, it can change our life and transform us.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God has given us all gifts and talents, abilities and resources, to use for His glory, but so often many of us are not doing it. We offer up excuses, never reasons. Pastor Greg Laurie says our God-given gifts have been given deliberately, on purpose. We just need to put that divine equipment to work for His Kingdom.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to keep a mental tally of all the things we’d like to have, but what we get won’t satisfy as much as what we give. Pastor Greg Laurie says it’s a part of God’s plan for our lives - to pursue generosity and self-sacrifice, but we have to resist the lures that push us the other way. He examines the life of Moses, the World Changer, and encourages us to seek to live a God-honoring life.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We need to do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time. Pastor Greg Laurie points out, the walk of faith is one where we do what God wants, how He wants it, and when He wants it. When we grow impatient with God and want to take matters into our own hands, it’s important to pray and trust the Lord and wait on His timing. And when the timing is right, the Lord will direct you. That’s when you need to act!Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine if Billy Graham had decided to stay at his family’s dairy farm, instead of listening to the call of God? Or if Noah had decided he wasn’t really in the mood to build a boat? Pastor Greg Laurie examines the lives of those in the Bible who brought God’s influence to the culture in which they lived. Learn how we can do the same.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best way to deal with giants is not to back off, not to compromise or make deals, but to attack them! When we face giant-sized problems and threats in our lives, Pastor Greg Laurie says we need to deal with them as David dealt with the giant Goliath. Attack your giants!Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People respond to challenges in different ways. Pastor Greg Laurie brings good encouragement for all of us, for when our challenges seem bigger than we are.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One thing is certain: all of us have been wronged. Pastor Greg Laurie points out only some of us have granted forgiveness, but all of us need to do it as an act of obedience, simply because it’s the right thing to do.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To forgive means I’m surrendering my right to get even. It means I will not pay that person back what they may indeed deserve, instead I’m going to put it in the hands of God. It may seem like retribution would be so satisfying, but Pastor Greg Laurie says trusting God brings the best satisfaction. Sometimes we need to just look to the great theologian, Taylor Swift, when she gave us this advice: Shake It Off! Forgive!'Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret, morals in our culture have been on a downward slide. Pastor Greg Laurie says stay true to God’s Word because we live in a time when wrong is perceived as right, and right is perceived as wrong. Wrong is wrong, even if you don’t get caught, or others are doing worse things. Wrong is wrong even if it doesn’t bother your conscience.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those who are on the Devil’s team may not feel his oppression. But Pastor Greg Laurie says Satan is always looking for fresh recruits. 'The Devil always sets his sights on those who are the greatest threat to his kingdom.'Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Envy and jealousy are insidious, like a carrot towards temptation. It’s been said, 'If malice or envy were tangible, and had a shape, it would be the shape of a boomerang.' Pastor Greg Laurie helps us guard against the returning danger of envy and jealousy. He continues his series World Changers with a look at the example left for us by Joseph.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our uptight culture of outrage, cyber bullying and frivolous lawsuits, goes against the grain to what the Bible teaches. It prizes revenge as a virtue. But that’s not what we see in the life of Joseph. Joseph shows us the way of forgiveness, a better way.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has to come a moment in every life where we surrender to God. Jacob was the man who wrestled with God. Pastor Greg Laurie points out what we can learn from his loss in that wrestling match. Jacob goes from cunning to clinging, resisting to resting, and wrestling to nestling.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie points out how the Lord does extraordinary things through ordinary people. When we hear that phrase, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, it’s another way of saying the ’God of ordinary people’. Abraham: flawed. Isaac: definitely flawed. Jacob: big-time flawed. But He’s the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He’s the God of second chances.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If God knows what we can handle, we should take His word for it. Pastor Greg Laurie urges us to trust Him, remembering He always keeps an eye on the fiery trials and a finger on the thermostat. He won’t let it get too hot for you.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie points out those in the Bible who let God use them to do remarkable things. They may not have been unusually smart or skillful or sophisticated, but they made themselves available, and they showed great perseverance? and God used them in remarkable ways. Take a look at Abraham’s wife Sarah & her 'world-changing' service to God.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of us like to have a sense that we’re in control of what happens to us. But, in the timeline of our lives, our view is limited to the here and now. God, however, knows what’s just around the corner, and the next corner, and the next. Pastor Greg Laurie advises it’s best to let the Lord BE the Lord of our lives, to let Him choose for us and direct us as to which way we should go. Not only will He choose the wisest path, He’ll walk with us along the way.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abraham and Lot acquired great wealth. Abraham was content with his lot and wanted God, but Lot wanted a lot more stuff. Each man made very different choices. Pastor Greg Laurie points out our choices affect how we’re doing, and they can also be our undoing. What do you want? To be God’s friend or the world’s friend?Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does anyone call you on the phone and it’s a caller you try to avoid (besides telemarketers)? You know some conversations will be tense, or maybe discouraging. But, here’s a question - Is there anyone you know who might try to avoid your calls? Pastor Greg Laurie helps us to consider the way others respond to us, saying in every encounter, we can either bring people closer to God, or do the opposite.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authors & Harvard graduates, Jeff & Shaunti Feldhahn outline how conflict around money is not about the money, but about how money makes you feel, and how it makes your spouse feel. They say the greatest obstacle is the inability of a husband and wife to sit down at the kitchen table and talk about money. Hear about the incredible opportunity for money to be an opportunity, not for conflict, but for connection.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many times, those caught in sin play the victim card. They were the innocent victim of some outside force or circumstance & they gather with other 'victims' & celebrate their 'syndrome.' Sins and syndromes. Pastor Greg Laurie says perhaps it’s time for realisation and repentance. We need to realise we’re sinners, repent & seek God’s restoration. Some help in that regard as we consider the Father of the Faith.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Greg Laurie is talking about climate change. No, not the kind the politicians are fighting about. Spiritual climate change. The question is not whether the spiritual climate is changing, it is. The question is what are we doing to change it in the right direction? Pastor Greg continues his challenging series exploring the lives of those in the Bible who had a marked effect on their culture. Learn to follow their examples.Support the show: https://harvest.org/resources/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.