Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Seasons Change: Wisdom

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And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21

Recommended Reading: Daniel 2:20-23

Journalists believe they know what is going on in the world, and historians think they can explain what has happened in the past. But a true understanding of the unfolding events in world history requires wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It requires knowing that God has a plan for this planet and that everything in the past has been orchestrated under the governing eye of His Providence. Everything occurring now is aligning with His long-term intentions. And the Most High rules over the affairs of men (see Daniel 4:17).

We can gain understanding in these things by reading the books of Daniel, Esther, and Revelation. Yet we would also be wise to look over the course of our own individual lives and see how the guiding goodness of God has led our steps, our stops, and every stage along the way. Whatever season you are in, ask the Lord for wisdom to discern His ways and to trust His guidance.

God has a plan and a purpose for the world and governs history such that everything from the least to the greatest contributes to the achievement of that plan and purpose.
Robert Rothwell

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Compassion

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The Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?” Jonah 4:4

Today’s Scripture

Jonah 3:10–4:2, 4, 6-11

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

I didn’t like Sadie. My colleague was often rude to me, so I avoided her. So when she heard about an evangelistic meeting in my church and asked if she could go with me, I was indifferent. “I’ll see,” I mumbled.

Days passed, and the topic seemed forgotten. But God hadn’t forgotten. I could feel His gaze, waiting for me to reach out to Sadie. One day, while I was praying, a question pervaded my thoughts: Think about your response to Sadie. Is it right?

Ouch! The question reminded me of what God asked the prophet Jonah after the people of Nineveh repented: “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4). Jonah had warned the Ninevites of God’s judgment for their sin (3:1-4). Strangely, however, when they repented and God “did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened” (v. 10), “this seemed very wrong” to Jonah “and he became angry” (4:1). He believed that the cruel enemies of Israel had gotten off easily (vv. 1-3) and deserved punishment.

But God corrected Jonah, pointing out his lack of compassion for the Ninevites, who had no true spiritual understanding (vv. 5-11). God, “gracious and compassionate . . . slow to anger and abounding in love” (v. 2), cares about the welfare of all people, no matter what they’ve done. Let’s extend God’s compassion to others too—helping them to know and love Him.

Reflect & Pray

Why can it be difficult to show compassion to some people in your life? How can God help you extend it to them?

Loving Father, please help me to see others the way You do and show them Your compassion.

Today’s Insights

Jonah wanted God to destroy the wicked Ninevites and became angry when He forgave them and spared their lives (3:10–4:1). The prophet even objected to God being “gracious and compassionate . . . slow to anger and abounding in love” (Jonah 4:2). Jonah didn’t want Him to extend His grace to the gentiles. But our sovereign God has the right to show mercy to whomever He chooses (v. 11; see Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). As believers in Jesus and His “chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9), we’re “to be like God” (Ephesians 4:24)—compassionate, kind, patient, loving, and forgiving (Colossians 3:12-14). Today, God can help us show compassion to others, even to difficult people.

For further study, read: A Circumcised Heart and a Compassionate Life

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Why AI companies are buying books to destroy them

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This August, the tech journalism outlet 404 Media placed an Apple AirTag in a rare book that was part of an unusual bulk order. The book’s final destination was a secret warehouse known as VGT3, “where Amazon scans and destroys books” to train its AI models.

Here, and at other AI companies’ warehouses, workers feed books into a “hydraulic powered cutting machine,” which slices off their spines. After being trimmed to fit a scanner, the books’ detached pages are scanned at high speed before being discarded or recycled.

This practice, known as destructive scanning, is standard in the AI industry, which uses books as training data for large language models such as Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The scale of the practice is truly massive. Planning documents from Anthropic’s Project Panama— an “effort to destructively scan all the books in the world,”— indicated that the company wanted to convert anywhere from “500,000 to two million books over a six-month period.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – Why AI companies are buying books to destroy them →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Free Refills

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 And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. 

—Acts 13:52

Scripture:

Acts 13:52 

Imagine that you bought a new car, drove it around town for a few days, and really liked the way it performed for you. But suddenly it started sputtering and not running as well as it had in the beginning. Finally, it just chugged to a stop and wouldn’t go any further.

“What’s the problem here?” you ask. “I just bought this car. I don’t even have a couple of hundred miles on it yet.”

You have your stalled-out new car towed back to the dealer, demanding an explanation. “Hmm,” the mechanic says, slipping the key into the ignition and trying to start it a couple of times. “Uh, sir, do you see this little light on your fuel gauge? It means you’re out of gas. You need to fill your car with gas every now and then.”

“Oh,” you say. “I never thought of that.”

“Yes, sir. You see, you’ve got to keep refilling your car over and over if you want it to keep going.”

The same is true in life. You’re cruising along, enjoying life and the scenery, experiencing peace and success in your family, your marriage, your business, and your ministry. Suddenly, however, problem after problem starts cropping up, and life suddenly doesn’t seem to be working very well.

Maybe you need a refill. Maybe you need to ask the Lord to give you the power of His Holy Spirit to be a better husband—or a better father, a better grandmother, a better witness, a better student, a better employee, or a better whatever He has called you to be.

Sometimes you need refills more often than you expect. You may ask and receive the filling of the Holy Spirit in the morning, but by the time late afternoon comes along, you may find yourself relying on your own strength again and needing His fresh empowerment.

The apostle Paul wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). God wants us to come to Him again and again, asking Him to fill and empower us afresh. The fact is, we have a never-ending need, and He has an inexhaustible supply.

The Christians featured in the book of Acts certainly understood the importance of being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter led thousands of people to Christ at Pentecost after he was filled by the Holy Spirit. Stephen, the first known Christian martyr, preached one of the most powerful sermons ever recorded because he was filled with the Spirit’s power. The apostle Paul vividly describes being disheartened, discouraged, and lonely before God refueled and restored him.

Whenever you start to feel spiritually run-down, ask the Lord to refill you with the power of His Spirit. And then watch what He does.

Reflection question: How do you know when you need a spiritual refill? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Follow the Leader

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ).” (Philippians 3:17–18)

Godly leaders are responsible for living exemplary lives so that those they teach will both follow and eventually become leaders themselves. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ,” Paul demanded of the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 11:1). “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works,” he instructed Titus (Titus 2:7). But Paul was first a follower of the life example of Christ.

Today’s verse uses some unusual terms to both define the responsibility to follow and mark those walking after Paul’s lifestyle. Memos is Greek for “follow,” compounded with a prefix that means “together.” Our English word “mimic” comes from memos. We are expected to imitate the examples of those who lead godly lives, who themselves are committed to emulate the Lord Jesus.

Further, we are expected to “mark” those living after godly examples. The Greek word skopeo is the strongest word among several for identifying someone or something. It has the sense of intense observation. In secular literature, it is sometimes used for a spy. God expects us to pay careful attention to those who “have the rule over [us]” (Hebrews 13:17).

And we are to watch out for those who may influence us for evil. There are “enemies” of the Lord Jesus. Those are sometimes among us, and we must “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). May God give us the discernment to know the difference between “good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). HMM III

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Great Thinking, Great Life

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Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (AMPC)

One of the most life-changing revelations we can have is to find out that we can do something about our thoughts. We can practice “on-purpose thinking.” We do not have to meditate on everything that pops into our minds; we can choose what we want to think about. We can choose power-enhancing thoughts—not power-draining thoughts. We can be deliberate about what goes on in our minds. We can break up with bad habits and form good habits. In fact, learning to think great thoughts on purpose is one of the keys to a great life.

We often allow ourselves to buy into the world’s idea of a “great life.” We may equate greatness with fame, fortune, athletic success, celebrity status, remarkable business or scientific achievements, or physical attractiveness. But none of these constitutes a truly great life. In fact, some of the most famous and wealthy people in the world seem to be some of the most miserable people. To really have a great life, I believe a person must have love, peace, joy, right standing with God, good relationships, and other qualities the world does not necessarily consider “great.” Without them, how could anyone’s life be great? Just think about it: What do we really have without peace and joy? Think great thoughts today and every day—thoughts of peace, joy, success, and love—and see how great your life will be.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me choose my thoughts on purpose today. Fill my mind with peace, joy, and love, and help me build a truly great life in You.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Stolen Vineyard

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Read Matthew 21:33–46

When Jesus told the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21, His hearers were no doubt reminded of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21. Evil King Ahab coveted the abundant vineyard and offered to buy it, but Naboth refused. His queen, Jezebel, then lied to have Naboth murdered, so Ahab could seize the property. The prophet Elijah condemned their unjust actions.

In Jesus’ story, a man planted a vineyard (vv. 33–39). The references to a winepress and a watchtower show that he had prepared it carefully before renting it out to tenants for a share of the harvest. When the time came, however, instead of paying the rent they murdered the owner’s three messengers and finally his son. No doubt audience outrage was growing as the story unfolded. Jesus the Master Teacher asked them to predict what would happen next (vv. 40–41). They naturally answered that the owner would deal out justice to those wicked tenants and find more honest ones.

Jesus then provocatively interpreted the story as symbolizing God, Israel, and Himself (vv. 42–46). The owner of the vineyard is God. The original tenants are the “chief priests and the Pharisees.” The messengers were the prophets. Jesus Himself is the owner’s Son, the rejected Cornerstone, the Messiah. The religious leaders knew that Jesus’ story condemned them and from that point on they wanted to arrest Him. Though this was an opportunity to repent, they missed it completely and instead acted exactly as the story described.

The next chapter in God’s kingdom plan would include both Jews and Gentiles (see Rom. 11:17–24), a plan the Jews hadn’t expected. Those who reject the Cornerstone will see the kingdom taken away from them and given to those who will “produce its fruit” (see Matt. 21:43). May we be among those who produce fruit for the kingdom!

Go Deeper

Compare and contrast those two vineyard stories. Why are people still rejecting Jesus today?

Pray with Us

We are grieved to know there are people who reject You, Jesus. Thank You for showing grace and mercy to us over and over. May we never miss the opportunity to seek Your face.

The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.Matthew 21:43

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Minding the Mind

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Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Job 38:36

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:7-11

Your brain is composed of about 60% fat, floats in cerebrospinal fluid, and weighs about three pounds. It contains 86 billion neurons, consumes 20% of your body’s energy, and operates at speeds of 268 miles per hour.

The most important thing about your brain though is the thoughts that dominate it. The Bible says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6 NIV).

We must make a conscious effort to fill our mind with Scripture—to read it, study it, and memorize it. We need to meditate on the words of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on Him (see Isaiah 26:3). It is our God who can put wisdom in our minds and understanding in our hearts.

Biblical meditation on Scripture acts as a believer’s medicine because God’s Spirit always uses the balm of His truth to provide lasting comfort and help.
David Saxton

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Ready for Christ’s Return

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Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

Today’s Scripture

1 Peter 3:13-17

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Today’s Devotion

It was late fall, and my wife and I were going to take a trip by car. The day before our planned departure, it began to snow, and I suddenly realized I hadn’t taken the car in to have snow tires put on. The snowy, deteriorating conditions led to a long line at the tire shop—something I could have avoided with better planning.

Much of life is about getting ready, isn’t it? It’s vital for us to think ahead, prepare for what eventualities might occur, and make sure we’ve planned well.

This is true of our spiritual life as well. In Matthew 24, Jesus pointed out the necessity of being all set for His later return. He told His listeners that they “must be ready” because He will come again (v. 44). And Peter later wrote that believers should prepare themselves ahead of time intellectually and spiritually “to give the reason for the hope that [they] have” (1 Peter 3:15).

Our lives should be ones of preparation. First, we must make sure we’re ready for Jesus’ return by putting our faith in Him. Next, our task is to continually prepare ourselves for service for Him—even if it means to “suffer for doing good” (v. 17). With His help, let’s get ready.

Reflect & Pray

How are you sure you’re ready to meet Jesus when He returns or when you die? What can you do to better prepare to serve and honor God?

Dear Jesus, please help me use my time wisely—preparing for what You want me to do. While I handle daily responsibilities, help me to also set aside times for spiritual preparation.

Today’s Insights

After we’ve placed our trust in Jesus as our Savior and are ready to meet Him when He returns, we’re called to share our hope in Christ with others. The apostle Peter tells us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). The sometimes-overlooked key to his instructions on sharing our faith is that there needs to be a catalyst in our lives that causes people to ask about it. That catalyst is a Christlike, hope-filled life, which opens the door to sharing about our relationship with Jesus. Because we live in a desperate world, a life that displays hope can cause people to want what they see in us. God can help us “be prepared” to tell others of our Savior (v. 15), who is our source of hope through His resurrection (1:3).

For further study, read: Die First, Then Comes the End

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Searching for truth in the 2024 Cornell sexual assault case

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What happened: Last month, New York prosecutors reopened the case of a woman who claimed that she was sexually assaulted by seven men at Cornell University in October of 2024. As the story has gone viral over recent weeks, the line between presumption and fact has blurred to a dangerous degree.

Why it matters: At the end of the day, this story seems to have a clear victim and multiple abusers, but no one involved is innocent. And while blame is by no means shared equally, losing sight of that fact only makes it more likely that people will walk away learning the wrong lessons and that something like this will happen again.

The backstory: What happened at Cornell?

On September 28, New York prosecutors officially reopened the case of a woman—referred to as Jane Doe in the court documents—who claimed that she was sexually assaulted by seven men at a Cornell University frat house in October of 2024. Local police did not press criminal charges initially because Jane Doe’s sworn statement back then “described her participation in drug use and sexual conduct as voluntary, conscious, and consensual.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – Searching for truth in the 2024 Cornell sexual assault case →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Good Time to Pray

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 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. 

—Acts 12:5

Scripture:

Acts 12:5 

If you watched a lot of old Westerns back in the day, as I did, you know that the outlaws (who usually wore black hats) riding furiously across mountainous terrain with the stolen loot from the stagecoach robbery would frequently get tripped up by geography.

At some point, someone in the pursuing posse (who usually wore white hats) would shout, “We have ’em now! They’ve ridden into a box canyon!” And everybody knows there’s only one way out of a box canyon.

There are box canyons in life, too—seemingly impossible situations that seem to offer no workable way out and nowhere else to turn. In a box canyon, surrounded by insurmountable obstacles, you find yourself temporarily paralyzed, not knowing what to do. These are the very times when God invites us to pray.

In Acts 12, we find the story of how God took a tragic, even hopeless, situation and turned it around. More to the point, the turnaround was initiated by the power of prayer—the kind of prayer that reverberates throughout the throne room of God and gets an answer.

James and Peter, two key figures in the early Christian church, had been imprisoned for doing God’s work. Tragically, James was put to death. But Peter was still incarcerated, awaiting his fate. All doors to his freedom were closed, except one: the door of prayer.

His fellow church members recognized that “we use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT).

Prayer was and is the church’s secret weapon. Although the devil struck a blow against the church in the death of James, the church gained victory through prayer as Peter was miraculously released. Chained between two Roman soldiers, Peter was awakened in his cell by an angel of the Lord. The chains on his wrists fell to the floor. The angel led Peter past the guards posted in the jail and through the iron gate that separated it from the outside world. The people of the church prayed for Peter’s release, and Peter literally showed up at their door (see Acts 12:6–19).

Prayer still carries the same potential. That’s why it’s essential that Christians learn how to pray effectively. The reality is that all of us will face difficulties, hardships, problems, and more than a few box canyons. We need to discover what God can do through the power of prayer.

Prayer for the Christian should be second nature, like breathing. We should automatically lift our needs and requests before the Lord. Jesus said that we should always pray and not lose heart (see Luke 18:1). Prayer is something we should never avoid and never grow tired of. Prayer should be woven through our day like a bright gold thread woven through a piece of fabric. The more we pray, the more we will see the kingdom of God break through the darkness of seemingly impossible situations.

Reflection question: What seemingly impossible situation in your life might be changed by prayer? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – This Generation

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” (Matthew 24:34)

This exciting prediction by Christ climaxes His great prophetic discourse on the Mount of Olives. He had given His disciples the signs they had requested, then discussed the coming great tribulation and finally His glorious return in the clouds of heaven. And “all these things” were to be fulfilled before “this generation” would pass away.

And what generation would that be? Many commentators have taken it as the Jewish people, but that would be redundant since many other passages had already promised that the nation of Israel would never pass away (Jeremiah 31:37–40; etc.). Furthermore, the Greek word for “generation” (genea) is never used elsewhere for any meaning but that of a particular age generation. A similar word, genos, sometimes means “stock” or “kind,” but never genea.

Thus, the generation that Christ was predicting probably meant the generation that would see the events He had prophesied. “When ye shall see all these things,” He said, “know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33). What are some of “these things”? World wars accompanied and followed by “earthquakes in divers places” as well as “famines, and pestilences” (v. 7), worldwide spread of the gospel witness (v. 14), many false Christs and false prophets (v. 24), widespread wickedness and spiritual indifference as in the days of Noah (vv. 37–39), and the budding of the fig tree, Israel (v. 32).

The word for “this” in verse 34 is the demonstrative adjective, so Christ seems to be referring to “that” generation which sees “these things begin to come to pass.” That generation will see all these things fulfilled! To that generation He says, “Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). HMM

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Go Forward in Faith

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When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You.

Psalm 56:3 (AMP)

David killed bears and lions with his own hands when he was just a shepherd boy. He fought the giant Goliath with a slingshot and a couple of river stones. The people said that while King Saul killed thousands, David killed tens of thousands.

We might think that David was fearless to do all those things, but he wrote in Psalms that when he was afraid, he put his trust in God. The use of when implies that there were times when he felt afraid, but he chose to go forward anyway, in faith, because he trusted in God.

If you’ve been afraid of something and desire to be free, the time will eventually come when you’ll have to face your fear and not run away from it. Like David, you will have to approach it with the following attitude: I trust God, and I’m going to do it, even if I have to do it afraid.

The Bible says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, discipline, and a calm mind (2 Timothy 1:7). That means that we don’t have to bow down to fear when it strikes. We can move forward in faith and go anywhere that God leads us.

Prayer of the Day: God, forgive me for the times when I have let fear stop me. Help me trust in and rely on You as I move forward in faith, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Watch God Work 

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Play

During World War I, Biddy Chambers, her husband, and small daughter moved to Egypt, where he served as a chaplain. He taught, she transcribed. It was a perfect partnership.

Then her husband’s complications from appendicitis rendered Biddy a widow, and all the dreams of a teaching ministry would have to be abandoned, right? Well, no. She turned her husband’s notes into pamphlets. Eventually, they were compiled into a book, My Utmost For His Highest. This work of Oswald Chambers has sold more than 13 million copies and has been translated into more than 35 languages.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself of the one who is standing next to you. Give him what you have, offer thanks, and watch him go to work. Remember friends, you are never alone.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Full Barns

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Read Luke 12:13–21

If you’re anything like me, you’ve resonated with the song “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof. In this musical, the father Tevye dreams of being wealthy. Not only would his family be comfortable, he’d have more time to study in the synagogue. He asks God, “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan? If I were a wealthy man?”

God did not grant Tevye’s wish (or mine) to be wealthy, and in light of today’s parable that’s a blessing. Riches can be a formidable temptation (1 Tim. 6:10). In Luke 12, a man asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him (vv. 13–15). He was likely a younger brother, and his older brother would receive double. Jesus refused, then warned His audience against greed (covetousness) and materialism. The principle is simple: Life is not merely about possessions.

To illustrate further, Jesus told a story about a farmer who reaped a huge harvest, so big that he didn’t have enough space to store it all. His solution was to build larger barns (vv. 16–19). The man was selfish. He didn’t even consider giving some of it away. He put his trust in his wealth and pridefully found his security there. As a result of this harvest, he congratulated himself and decided he could “take life easy” from now on.

God evaluated this attitude as damned (literally) foolishness (vv. 20–21). That very night the farmer would die. He’d provided for his grain but not for his soul! Death reveals the quality of that in which we’ve put our faith. The barns were full, but the man couldn’t take any of it with him. As Ecclesiastes says, all such things are meaningless. This is how it will be for everyone who “stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Go Deeper

Finish this sentence: None of us know when we will die, therefore… Christ has already conquered death, so we can contemplate the matter without fear.

Pray with Us

Lord, everything we have comes from You. Help us not be distracted by the appeal of money and possessions. Thank You that You “give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3).

This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.Luke 12:21

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Choose the Holy Spirit

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For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5

Recommended Reading: Galatians 5:19-25

Believers sometimes find themselves doing things they don’t want to do and not doing things they do want to do. The apostle Paul confessed that was his experience as well (Romans 7:7-25). So how can that happen to a born-again Christian?

Paul explains in Romans 7–8 that the sinful fleshly nature is still present in us. When we set our minds on things of the flesh, we find ourselves doing those things that are contrary to life in Christ. But if we set our minds on living according to the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves living a life pleasing to God. We cannot have our minds set on both flesh and Spirit at the same time. It is up to us to choose to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh.

Pray today for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Set your mind on following His leading that you may manifest the fruit of His presence (Galatians 5:22-23).

Anticipate your battles, fight them on Your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have the victory.
R. A. Torrey

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Searching for Hope

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him. Romans 15:13

Today’s Scripture

Romans 15:5-13

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

For many years, hope has been one of the most searched terms on the internet. Surprisingly, it surpasses searches for political crises and even making money online. People are seeking more profound meaning. Recent years haven’t fostered optimism; instead, they’ve felt like an ongoing, slow-motion crisis: Environmental fears, economic instability, and digital anxiety dominate our headlines and hearts. Yet, through all these struggles, millions type hope into their browsers, as if throwing a lifeline to something beyond the chaos.

Paul understood that God is the Someone beyond the chaos. When the apostle wrote of “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13), he wanted Roman believers in Jesus to understand that God was both the source and object of their hope. Paul reminds us that true hope isn’t merely wishful thinking or fleeting optimism; it’s anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. And He instills confidence in us through His promises. He’s also the one who provides “endurance and encouragement” (v. 5) through the power of His Holy Spirit. This hope endures despite circumstances, filling us with joy and peace as we recognize God has accepted us in Christ (v. 7).

If you’re searching for hope, direct your heart toward God. As you trust in His promises and embrace His faithfulness, you can have eternal hope found in Him alone.

Reflect & Pray

What keeps your hope in God alive when you face adversity? What can you do to remain confident in Him?

God of truth, please fill me with Your hope and joy. For further study, read Hope: Discovering the One True Source at odbm.org.

Today’s Insights

In Romans 15, Paul says the foundation for the unity of believers in Jesus is to have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (vv. 5-6). Unity is found in following His example of self-giving love, not in having identical beliefs, backgrounds, or preferences. The goal of this unity is worship “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In fact, unity itself is a form of worship: “Accept one another . . . in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7). Romans is especially focused on Jewish and gentile unity. The apostle emphasizes that Jews and gentiles worshiping God together fulfills God’s promises (vv. 8-12). Today, we can join together with other believers and worship “the God of hope” who fills us “with all joy and peace” (v. 13).

For further study, feel free to browse through our resources at the store: Reclaim Today Guide – Ecclesiastes

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery

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Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, the Vatican said this morning. The seventy-one-year-old pontiff was diagnosed Tuesday with adenocarcinoma after doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung.

The Vatican has not disclosed the size of the tumor or whether the disease had spread. The pope is expected to remain in the hospital for about a week; his public engagements have been cancelled until October 20.

Leo is known for an active and healthy lifestyle that includes swimming and tennis. He has never smoked. The New York Times quotes one of his biographers: “Leo has the profile of someone who takes care of himself. So that has added to the shock.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Purposeful Approach

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 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. 

—Acts 11:23–24

Scripture:

Acts 11:23–24 

Hats and T-shirts often give us a window into people’s personalities. If you walk through a large crowd, you’ll find that many people are eager to share, via their apparel, what they were born to do, whether it’s “Born to Surf,” “Born to Ride” (usually horses or motorcycles), “Born to Shop,” or “Born to Cross-Stitch.” While these messages are lighthearted and fun, they point to a deeper concern: finding one’s purpose in life.

If someone asked you what your purpose in life is, what would you say? If you’re a conscientious Christian, you might quickly respond with “To honor God” or some other biblically sound statement. But keep in mind that your life’s purpose isn’t revealed in what you say, but in what you do.

To put it another way, what do you prioritize? Where do you channel most of your energy? What do you think about most often? What do you long for? What fuels you and gives you purpose? What is the most significant thing in your life?

Given those parameters, some people, if they answered honestly, would say, “My purpose in life is to have fun.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to experience pleasure.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to be successful.” Others might say, “My purpose in life is to make money.”

The book of Acts introduces us to a Christian worker and traveling companion of the apostle Paul named Barnabas. Acts 11:23–24 recounts Barnabas’ arrival in Antioch. “When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord” (NLT). Barnabas found purpose in life by furthering God’s kingdom and encouraging his fellow believers. With his purpose firmly fixed in his mind, Barnabas seized every opportunity to fulfill it. He led with encouragement—purposefully—in his interactions with others.

Paul himself said, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]” (Philippians 3:10 AMPC).

In other words, “My purpose in life is to know the Lord. Yes, there are other things that I do, but my primary purpose is to continually deepen my relationship with God.” With his purpose firmly fixed in his mind, Paul could allot his time accordingly to prayer, Bible study, and sharing the gospel—the things that would bring him closer to God.

Do you know your purpose in life?

Reflection question: How is your purpose in life reflected in the way you live? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Never Alone

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10)

There may be more people alive today than ever before, but there are also more lonely people today than ever before— divorced spouses, homeless people, many elderly parents and, perhaps saddest of all, orphaned or abandoned children. These and many others are still alone, even in a crowded world.

No one, though, was ever so alone as the Lord Jesus on the cross. “Behold, the hour cometh,” He had said, “yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me” (John 16:32). Then, only a few hours later, as He hung on the cross, even His heavenly Father had to leave Him. He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). He died alone, bearing the burden of all the sin of all the world on His soul.

But because He suffered alone, no one else need ever be alone again. “Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). The apostle Paul, suffering alone in a Roman dungeon shortly before his execution, could still say, “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). John the beloved, old and imprisoned alone on the tiny isle of Patmos, nevertheless “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” and then saw the Lord in all His glory (Revelation 1:10). So it has always been with those who know the Lord, for He is there, even when all others have forsaken them, and He understands. He has already been there ahead of us, “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15–16). HMM

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

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