Pastor Greg Laurie

Years ago, I had a close encounter with a giant. My friends and I went out in a small inflatable boat to do some whale watching. We saw a whale breach the surface some distance away, so we went in for a closer look, while still keeping a respectful distance. Suddenly, a young whale swam right under our boat. A few moments later, its submarine-sized mother glided under our little craft as well. She was so close that we could see the barnacles on her body. And as fast as she and her calf had appeared, they disappeared.

Those giants could have caused us real problems, if they had chosen to. But they didn’t. They simply made themselves known, giving a glimpse of their enormity, without using their size against us. Unfortunately, not all giants in this life are as benign.

And not all giants appear in physical form. Some giants are difficult situations. Some giants are hurdles in life that seem insurmountable. Some giants are temptations that refuse to go away. Some giants are challenges that seem beyond our ability to solve. Some giants are personal sins that impact the way we see ourselves. Some giants are addictions that threaten to overwhelm us. Some giants are toxic relationships that leave us bitter, hurt, confused, or lonely... Listen to the rest of today's devotion at youtube.com/@GregLaurieDailyDevotional/podcasts

4 days ago | [YT] | 629

Pastor Greg Laurie

Shows like "The Chosen" and "House of David" have been criticized for not being perfectly biblical in their portrayals.  

But filmmaker Andrew Erwin and I agree—it’s okay if a Christian film or show isn’t totally biblically accurate.

The job of Christian filmmakers isn’t to replace the Bible or do the Church’s work. Films are here to touch emotions and plant the seed.

In Andrew’s view, Christian films used to try to be everything—and that’s why so many of them fell flat. He shared with me, “ We’re there to plant the seed… to kind of be that opening hook that allows preachers to come in, and the Church to come in, and tell the rest of the story.”

More here - harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/andrew-erwin…

1 week ago | [YT] | 549

Pastor Greg Laurie

“Heaven on earth” is a well-worn cliché in popular culture. You can find the phrase or idea in countless songs, books, TV shows, movies, and online content. Of course, God’s people understand that there’s a sharp distinction between Heaven and earth. Heaven is the real deal, the eternal dwelling place. Earth is the temporary dwelling place. There is no comparison. Think of the best things you’ve ever experienced on this earth: your wedding day, the birth of a child, or a special moment with someone you love. Even the most impactful, the most unforgettable, and the most life-changing incidents were merely glimpses of glory, tastes of what’s to come in Heaven... Listen to the rest of today's devotion at youtube.com/@GregLaurieDailyDevotional/podcasts

1 week ago | [YT] | 1,949

Pastor Greg Laurie

Reflecting on the passing of human life, ethicist Michael Josephson wrote, “Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. . . . So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? . . . Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.”

The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 NLT). The psalmist wrote, “My future is in your hands” (Psalm 31:15 NLT). And Job said to God, “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5 NLT).

Contemplating how short life is and how powerless we are to change that can trigger anxiety in some people. It magnifies the importance of being proactive in the choices you make, not to mention the importance of starting to make those choices as early as possible. To put it another way: The evening of your life is determined by the morning of your life... Listen to the rest of today's devotion at youtube.com/@GregLaurieDailyDevotional/podcasts

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,082

Pastor Greg Laurie

Everywhere you turn right now, you hear about artificial intelligence.

AI is no longer just a tool. Many people—especially young people—are turning to AI for companionship, advice, and emotional support. They are having serious conversations with chatbots instead of real people.

AI can organize your thoughts. It can answer questions. But we should not be relying on artificial intelligence for things like our identity or emotional support. AI cannot truly care for you. It has no soul. It has no moral authority. 

And it cannot replace a relationship with God... More here - harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/the-danger-o…

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 576

Pastor Greg Laurie

Heaven is more aware of what is happening on earth than we may realize.
Jesus said it Himself: “There is joy in the presence of the angels in Heaven over one sinner who repents.” Think about that. When one person turns to God—Heaven throws a party. I’m unpacking that—and a whole lot more—now in my message, “What Makes God Happy.” Watch LIVE now!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,143

Pastor Greg Laurie

I have a problem when I walk with my wife. I always walk a little faster than she does. Every time we go out together, I find myself walking ahead of her. I have to stop and wait for her to catch up. I make a conscious effort to walk more slowly—at least for a while. But the next thing I know, I’m walking fast again.

Many believers face a similar challenge when it comes to walking with God. Some people want to run ahead of Him. They grow impatient waiting for Him to answer a prayer or reveal His will, so they take matters into their own hands. Other people lag behind Him. They’re reluctant to act when He prompts them. They’re hesitant to step outside their comfort zone without two weeks’ advance notice.

Our goal should be to move in harmony with the Lord... Listen to the rest of today's devotion at youtube.com/@GregLaurieDailyDevotional/podcasts

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,658

Pastor Greg Laurie

Michael Franzese was once part of the feared Columbo crime family.
A real-life mobster. A made man in the Mafia—what they call La Cosa Nostra.

But then… God stepped in.
He reached into the darkness and completely changed Michael’s life.

Here’s the takeaway truth: No one is beyond the reach of God. Not even a former mob boss. Get more of our interview here: harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/greg-laurie-…

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 833

Pastor Greg Laurie

There has now been a third assassination attempt on President Trump.

On April 25, in Washington D.C. at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California came in armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. He charged through a security checkpoint and opened fire.

The suspect left behind a written manifesto clearly stating his intention to target the President and members of his administration. He also carried significant anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on his social media accounts.

Acts of extreme violence and threats have become far too common, and it’s deeply concerning for our nation. But Scripture reminds us that this shouldn’t be surprising; we’re going to see these sort of things in the days in which we’re living.

Rather than freak out, the Church needs to remember the two secret weapons we must never lose sight of. One is prayer, and the other is the proclamation of the gospel. This should not cause us to shrink back, but to step forward with more boldness than ever... Read my full statement on the shooting here: harvest.org/resources/gregs-blog/post/my-statement…

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,227

Pastor Greg Laurie

Don't let excuses hold you back from God's calling. Discover more in today's message—LIVE now.

1 month ago | [YT] | 264