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Devotionals by Stuart and Jill Briscoe

One Year Devotions for Women devotional banner

A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. - Ecclesiastes 3:3

How can a Christian know what it is to rise triumphant unless she has first fallen down, defeated? “The way to up is down, and the way to down is up,” someone has said. I do believe that the way to up is down. It’s a matter of taking time to let the master builder demolish the old building so a new structure can rise on the old site!

Have you ever gazed in awe as a massive wrecking ball cracked the walls of a condemned apartment house and flung the bricks in the air, sending the structure to destruction in a cloud of choking dust? Have you ever wondered what could take the place of that familiar old building? Then you pass that way in a little time and see the modern replacement, which often makes the memory of the old distasteful.

It takes time to build the new in the place of the old. Therefore, “those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God can demolish the old life. Some of us need to be broken. He will have to use a very big wrecking ball on some of us! Not until that happens will there be the possibility of being built up again—a new house, a habitation fit for the Lord!

For Further Study: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

Excerpted from The One Year Devotions for Women, Copyright ©2000 by Jill Briscoe. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

For more from Jill Briscoe, please visit TellingtheTruth.org.

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About Telling the Truth

Telling the Truth is an international broadcast and internet ministry that brings God's Word into the lives of people all over the world. Stuart and Jill Briscoe are the featured Bible teachers, encouraging and challenging listeners to study the Word of God and be drawn closer to Christ. Gifted with wisdom, discernment, and a bit of English humor, the Briscoe's bring God's Word to life. With distinctly different teaching styles, you'll be moved by the emotional appeal of Jill and the compelling logic of Stuart, as they boldly proclaim God's sovereignty, grace, and love. 

About Stuart and Jill Briscoe

Stuart Briscoe uses wit and intellect to target your heart, capture your attention and challenge you to grow! You will find his logic compelling as he brings a fresh, practical perspective to the Scriptures. Born in England, Stuart left a career in banking to enter the ministry full time. He has written more than 50 books, received three honorary doctorates and preached in more than one hundred countries. He was senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for thirty years, and currently serves as minister-at-large.

Jill Briscoe was born in England and found Christ when she was 18 years old. She never looked back. Upon graduating from Cambridge University, she began working as a teacher by day and had a vigorous street ministry to the youths of Liverpool by night.

She met Stuart at a youth conference and they married in 1958. In the 50 years since, Jill has become a highly sought-after Bible teacher and author who travels around the world ministering to under-resourced churches and speaking at international seminars and conferences. Since 2000, she and Stuart, who was formerly senior pastor of Elmbrook Church for 30 years, have had the joy of equipping and encouraging believers across the globe in their roles as ministers-at-large for Elmbrook.

Jill has authored more than 40 books including devotionals, study guides, poetry and children's books. Her vivid, relational teaching style touches the emotions and stirs the heart. She serves as Executive Editor of Just Between Us, a magazine of encouragement for ministry wives and women in leadership, and served on the board of World Relief and Christianity Today, Inc., for over 20 years.

Jill and Stuart call suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin their home. When they are not traveling, they spend time with their three children, David, Judy and Peter, and thirteen grandchildren.

Contact Telling the Truth with Stuart and Jill Briscoe

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