ASC Book Reviews

06/01/2026

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Corinthians 1:18-21 KJV

to
by Greg Laurie on Jun 1, 2026
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.”
—1 Corinthians 1:18–21
Scripture:

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/reactions-to-the-gospel/

In my travels, I’ve found that certain people are more open to the gospel than others. But identifying who will be receptive isn’t always easy. Because I never know how things are going to play out, I just share the Word of God as often as possible and invite everyone to come to Christ.

The apostle Paul used a similar strategy. The book of Acts tells us that he received three reactions to the gospel when he preached it: “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ . . . However, some men joined him and believed” (Acts 17:32, 34 NKJV).

Two thousand years later, those three reactions to the gospel are still pretty common. Some people mock. The word mocked used in Acts 17 also could be translated as “sneered” or “burst out laughing.” In other words, “Are you serious? You actually believe that?”

To these educated fools, the Good News of Christ seemed silly and unbelievable. But this very mockery was an indication that they were going to perish. As Paul wrote, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT).

Some will mock, while others will delay: “We will hear you again on this matter” (Acts 17:32 NKJV). This is a very common reaction. What it means is, “I really don’t want to decide right now.” The devil uses this tactic to great effect: “Don’t worry about it now. Deal with it later.”

The good news is that some people believed. They repented and changed their minds. Among them was Dionysius the Areopagite, who was a judge, an intellectual, and a ruler of the city.

After his words in 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul wrote,

“As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (verses 19–21 NLT)

I’ve come to realize that conversion is God’s job, not mine. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an unbeliever. God holds us responsible for proclaiming the truth, even if it seems like “foolish preaching” to others. The rest is up to Him.

Reflection question: What are the most common responses you get when you share the gospel?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

There’s no way to predict how people will respond to the gospel, so we should share it with everyone.

06/01/2026

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ephesians 3:16 KJV

"
June 1, 2026

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
Ephesians 3:16, NIV

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Infusions have become a popular way to replenish fluids or nutrients in your body. At your home or at an infusion clinic, you’re hooked to an IV that delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream.

Are infusions available for us spiritually? If so, where can we find an infusion of strength for our souls? For that we turn to the clinic of God’s Word. In Ephesians 3:16, we learn a vital prayer to offer for ourselves: Lord, I ask You to grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in my inner being.

The Holy Spirit was sent to us as a Helper. He comes to strengthen us. When you feel weak, ask the Lord to impart His strength.

If you’d like another prayer along these lines, use these words from hymnist Edwin Hatch: "Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.”

Breathe on me, breath of God until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.
Edwin Hatch"

~David Jeremiah-Turning Point- https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/daily-devotional...

06/01/2026

And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the Lord's.
Exodus 9:29 KJV

05/30/2026

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27 KJV

A Spiritual
by Greg Laurie on May 30, 2026
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.
—2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:23–27

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/a-spiritual-badge-of-honor/

Listen
Sometimes as believers we tend to be spiritual lightweights. At the first indication of a hardship or difficulty, we fall like a house of cards. We say, “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t want difficulty; I just want to get along with everyone.”

But if you’re a true follower of Christ, there will be suffering in your life. The apostle Paul was certainly a true follower. And here’s how he described his experience: “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT).

You’ll find no trace of self-pity or resentment in his words. Paul understood the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers.

The harsh reality is this: If you’re going to be used of God, then you’re going to be attacked. If you live as a real Christian, you will find yourself at odds with the world around you. You’ll face opposition, some of it intense. Think of suffering as a spiritual badge of honor. In fact, if you don’t experience at least occasional suffering or hardship in your life, you might want to examine your Christian walk.

And keep this in mind: The life that Christ offers is well worth any hardship.

Reflection question: How can you develop a proper perspective toward suffering?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

Suffering is part of being a true follower of Christ.

05/30/2026

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 KJV

" : of Mary
May 30, 2026

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:51

Perhaps the most important thing we know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes from her own words to the angel Gabriel when she was told of God’s plan for her.

First, she referred to herself as a “maidservant of the Lord.” This word could be translated as “servant,” “bondservant,” or “slave.” It carried with it the idea of compulsion or obligation—that is, a role that Mary wasn’t free to reject. How did Mary come to view herself as a young woman obligated to serve God with her life? We don’t know. But we do know that her commitment to God resulted in Gabriel referring to her as “highly favored” in God’s sight (Luke 1:28). Second was her response to Gabriel’s announcement: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Once she received the amazing explanation of how she, a virgin, could give birth to a baby (Luke 1:35), there was no hesitation, questioning, or debate. Mary simply said “Yes” to God.

When it comes to submitting to God, the fewer words the better. Only one word is truly necessary: Yes.

The essence of sin is arrogance; the essence of salvation is submission.
Alan Redpath"

~David Jeremiah-Turning Point- https://www.davidjeremiah.org/magazine/daily-devotional...

05/30/2026

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Acts 1:5 KJV

05/29/2026

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
2 Corinthians 5:6-9 KJV

Body, the
by Greg Laurie on May 29, 2026
So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.
—2 Corinthians 5:6–9
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 5:6–9

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/absent-from-the-body-present-with-the-lord/

Listen
What happens to us as believers when we die? We go straight into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote that when we are “away from these earthly bodies . . . then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). There’s no waiting period or shipping delays. The moment our time on earth ends, our time in God’s presence begins.

That’s why Paul wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:21–24 NLT). He wanted to continue his work on earth, but the thought of Heaven was irresistible.

When Stephen was being martyred for his faith, he was given a glimpse of glory, which he then described to the people who were putting him to death. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’” (Acts 7:55–56 NLT).

According to Acts 6:15, “Everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s” (NLT). Because Stephen was seeing the other side, his face radiated God’s glory.

When the great evangelist D. L. Moody was on his deathbed, his last words were, “Is this dying? Why, this is bliss. There is no valley. I have been within the gates. Earth is receding; Heaven is opening; God is calling; I must go.” After saying this, Moody soon breathed his last breath and passed into eternity.

It comforts me to think that when my son Christopher left this world, he was carried by angels into God’s presence. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe that’s true of all Christians when their lives on earth come to an end.

When we leave this world, we’ll be carried by angels into the presence of the Lord, where we’ll stay forever, filled with utter peace, fulfillment, joy, and awe. If we, too, could see how glorious Heaven is, I’m sure that it would change everything about how we view death.

Enjoy this life while you can but never lose sight of what lies beyond it.

Reflection question: What are you most excited about when it comes to Heaven?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

When believers die, we go straight into the presence of God.

05/29/2026

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
John 15:8 KJV

05/28/2026

This past weekend was one of those events I look forward to all year long: the K-LOVE Fan Awards. I was nominated for Male Artist of the Year and scheduled to perform my song “Good” on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry while it sat at number one on the charts.

There was just one problem.

I got sick.

Even as I’m typing this, my throat is about as sore as it’s ever been. But I can be stubborn, so I still got dressed up, loaded into the car with my wife and daughters—who looked like three supermodels, by the way—and headed to the Opry believing God might somehow give me my voice for one magical performance.

But backstage, I picked up my guitar and had to face reality: the song would not be sung that night. At least not by me.

And honestly, I felt disappointed. I felt like I was letting people down. I even felt a little sorry for myself.

Maybe you’ve had moments like that too—when life doesn’t go according to plan, even when the thing you hoped for was something good.

But I’ve learned something in moments like these. Eventually, my heart stops asking, “Where’s the good in this?” and starts asking a better question:

“God, where are You in this?”

And somehow, He always shows me.

Sometimes through perspective. Sometimes through unexpected rest. Sometimes through the reminder that my value is not tied to my performance.

God is just as present in the disappointments as He is in the celebrations.

And even when life doesn’t go according to plan, He is still good.

~Matthew West PopWe (https://popwe.org/day-one-devos/)

05/28/2026

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 KJV


by Greg Laurie on May 28, 2026
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.
—2 Corinthians 9:6–7
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:6–7

https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-cheerful-giver/

If you ask people to list the top priorities in their lives, you’ll probably get a lot of thoughtful and inspirational answers. But if you really want to know what their top priorities are, you have to look at their financial records. The way people use their money is one of the best indicators of where their priorities lie.

Jesus explained it this way: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34 NLT). The reality is that we all invest in our passions. If you want to find out what people are truly passionate about, follow the money.

God certainly does. Not because He needs our money, but because everything we have ultimately comes from Him. Not only does He supply our needs, but He also expects us to be wise stewards of our resources, which are actually His resources.

The apostle Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).

The author of Proverbs wrote, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT).

The message is consistent throughout Scripture. We need to take what God has given us and be wise stewards of it, investing generously in the work of the kingdom of God. God will generously bless those who heed the message.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NLT).

Some people may say, “I can’t afford to give.” Really? I can’t afford not to give. Giving isn’t just for rich people; it’s for all people. Everyone should invest in God’s kingdom. Here’s something to consider: If you’re having financial struggles, maybe one of the reasons is that you’re not honoring the Lord in your giving.

I’m not saying that if you give, God will make you rich. But there’s no denying that the Bible makes a connection between giving and receiving. Paul follows up his words in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 with this statement: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (verse 8 NLT).

Make God’s work your passion and then invest accordingly. See what happens in your life.

Reflection question: What would cheerful giving look like in your life?

~Pastor Greg Laurie-Harvest

The Lord blesses cheerful givers.