Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Nailed!

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12, NIV

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

Did you hear about the man who stormed through the hardware store, fuming because he couldn’t find the right nails. He finally slammed a box onto the counter. The shopkeeper looked at the man, then read the slogan on his t-shirt. It said, “He Took the Nails for Me.” The shopkeeper said, “If He took those nails with love, surely I can give you these for free.” He bagged the box and handed it to the man, who walked out of the store speechless, nailed by his own shirt.

Those who share the Gospel most be clothed in love and carry in their hearts a genuine burden for others. What’s displayed in our attitude is more important than what’s printed on our clothing or bumper sticker. D. L. Moody said, “Of all the people in the world, those who follow Christ should be the most gentle, patient, loving, and hopeful.”

Ask yourself today if you can relay the Good News of the Gospel to others, showing the love of God to all you meet.

Harsh, rough, uncourteous ways do not recommend Christianity. 
J. C. Ryle

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Keep Going by Faith

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Let us run with perseverance. Hebrews 12:1

Today’s Scripture

Hebrews 12:1-3

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Today’s Devotion

To become a lawyer in California, Maxcy Filer had to pass the state’s grueling, three-day bar exam. So he took it not once, not twice, but forty-eight times before passing the tough test. His goal? To advocate for the underprivileged in Compton, his beloved city. Between his first and last attempts at passing the exam—across twenty-five years—Filer and his wife raised seven children, all who went to college. When Filer was sworn in, the judge said, “Three words about Maxcy Filer: perseverance, perseverance, perseverance.”

His story prompts me to think of people in the Bible who persevered. The writer of Hebrews recognized some: Noah, who “by his faith . . . became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith” (11:7). Or Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (vv. 8-21), Moses (vv. 23-28), and others. Such examples inspire us.

The writer then exhorts believers in Christ: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (12:1). We then read, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (v. 1). How will we do this? By “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (v. 2). As we consider Christ’s sacrifice for us, we “will not grow weary and lose heart” (v. 3).

Challenges to our faith give us opportunity to endure in His name. In His power, we persevere.

Reflect & Pray

What faith challenge is testing you? How can you persevere in Jesus?

 

As I persevere for You, please inspire me, dear Jesus, to keep going.

 

Today’s Insights

Because of severe persecution (see Hebrews 10:32-39; 13:3), Jewish believers in Jesus were pressured to abandon their faith and revert to Judaism. The unnamed writer of Hebrews encourages these embattled believers to remain faithful by “keeping [their] eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (12:2 nlt). He reminds us of the superiority of Christ, who as God Himself is the final revelation of God (chs. 1-4). Jesus—through His sacrificial work as the superior High Priest and as the once-for-all perfect sacrifice for sin—is the only one who can truly save (chs. 5-10). The writer likens our journey of faith to a long-distance foot race. The lives of faith of the saints who’ve completed their races (see ch. 11) inspire us to persevere to complete our race by keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, our champion who Himself endured challenges and completed the race (12:1-3).

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Why the “No Kings” rallies are good news for America

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A Holy Monday reflection

More than 3,200 “No Kings” rallies were held Saturday across the US. Event organizers estimate more than eight million people attended protests against President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. The name reportedly comes from organizers’ belief that Mr. Trump is acting like a monarch rather than the leader of a democracy.

Whether you joined the protests, are strongly opposed to them, or wish I would write about something else, the demonstrations illustrate this fact about America: our First Amendment “right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” is alive and well.

Imagine similar rallies being held in Iran, Cuba, or China. Actually, you don’t have to use your imagination: When citizens tried in recent years to protest their government publicly in these countries, they were massacred by the thousands. On my trips to Cuba and China, I was cautioned not to speak against the government even in private conversations due to the likelihood that paid informants would be listening. I was also warned that my hotel room was likely bugged and that what I said, even there, was being monitored by the authorities.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Why the “No Kings” rallies are good news for America →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The One Who Understands

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 He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ 

—Mark 14:34

Scripture:

Mark 14:34 

As the hour of Jesus’ crucifixion approached, the enormity of what He was about to do—of what He was about to endure—weighed heavily on the Lord. He retreated to an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives, a place called Gethsemane. There He agonized, pleaded, and prayed. Though He brought along His closest companions, He was utterly alone. According to Mark 14:34, “He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’” (NLT). No one else could begin to fathom the suffering and separation that lay ahead for Him.

In the coming week, we’re going to look at the events that unfolded during those hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Perfect Sacrifice submitted Himself to God’s plan of salvation. And we’re going to start with the very real, and very relatable, emotions that sent Jesus to the garden in the first place.

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah offered this description of Him: “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). Jesus felt every bit of that sorrow, that grief, that rejection, that sense of being despised and uncared for during His time in Gethsemane.

Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever felt as though your friends and family had abandoned you? Have you ever felt misunderstood? Have you ever had a hard time understanding or submitting to the will of God for your life? If so, then you have an idea of what the Lord Jesus went through when He agonized at Gethsemane.

But that understanding is a two-way street. And there’s the takeaway from today’s devotion. Our experiences allow us to empathize, even if it’s only to a small degree, with what Jesus went through. Likewise, His experiences allow Him to empathize with what we go through.

Jesus came to earth as fully God and fully human. He felt joy, pain, hunger, thirst, rejection, betrayal, and grief. He asked God if there was any other way for the plan of salvation to be accomplished—one that didn’t involve His suffering. He can relate to us on the deepest levels. That makes Him the perfect Source to turn to in any and every situation.

The author of Hebrews explained it this way: “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:14–16 NLT).

No matter what situation we face, we can approach the Lord with confidence, knowing that He will provide the comfort, wisdom, direction, or healing we need.

Reflection Question: How can Jesus empathize and help you with a situation you’re facing now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleshi

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Transfiguration

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” (Matthew 17:1–2)

This remarkable transfiguration of Christ was shown to the three disciples so that they could actually “see [Him] coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28), as He will do someday when He returns to Earth “in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (24:30). This would ever afterward be an unforgettable experience that would strengthen the disciples for their critical future ministry.

James was martyred, but his brother, John, survived to bear the testimony far and wide for almost 70 more years. “And we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). Peter also wrote of the amazing event: “For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:17–18).

It is therefore very significant that the word “transfigured” (Greek metamorphoo) is also applied to Christian believers in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed [read ‘transfigured’] into the same image from glory to glory.” That is, as we behold the glory of Christ in the mirror of the Scriptures, we ourselves are spiritually being metamorphosed into His own image. The marvelous transformation will be completed when He does come again and “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Double for Your Trouble

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Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.

Isaiah 53:7 (ESV)

Isaiah 61:7 says, Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion (NIV). God can completely restore us—no matter what we’ve done or been through. And He wants to bring us to places that are better than where we would have been if we had never gone through the messes in our lives. He wants to give us double for our trouble! Notice the phrase “instead of your shame.” I had a shame-based nature for many years because of the abuse I experienced from my father. It made me feel like something must be wrong with me for him to do the things he did to me.

But the first thing Jesus gives us through our relationships with Him is righteousness, or “right standing with God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The enemy wants us to think about everything we think is wrong with us. But when we do this, it just gives our problems more strength over us. We need to learn how to “walk by the Spirit,” because then we will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16 ESV). This is what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ. And while it’s not always easy, we can do it with God’s help, and I guarantee it will be worth it in the end.

Prayer of the Day: God, You know what I have been through. We have been through it together. While I would be happy with complete restoration, You are a God Who goes above and beyond all I can imagine, so I trust that You will not only restore me, but give me double for my trouble, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Grow in Salvation 

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Are a bride and groom ever more married than they are the first day? The vows are made, the certificate signed—could they be any more married than that?

Imagine fifty years later. They finish each other’s sentences, order each other’s food. They even start looking alike—a thought which troubles my wife, Denalyn, deeply. Wouldn’t they be more married on their 50th anniversary than on their wedding day? Marriage is both a done deal and a daily development.

The same is true of our walk with God. Can you be more saved than you were the first day of your salvation? No. But can a person grow in salvation? Absolutely. Like marriage, it’s a done deal and a daily development. Be secure in your salvation. And at the same time, grow in your salvation.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – John’s Testimony

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Read Revelation 22:6–11

Decades ago, Harvard University purchased a copy of the Magna Carta for $27.50 and put it in storage. The Magna Carta is a historic document from 1215 that helped establish human rights and the rule of law, both of which are foundational to democracy. Last year, Harvard unexpectedly discovered that their copy was one of six rare copies from 1300. How did they know it was genuine? They examined the handwriting, the document’s dimensions, the paper, and other features to verify the discovery.

How would John’s readers know his book was genuinely from the Lord and not just the product of an overheated imagination? An angel told John, “These words are trustworthy and true” (v. 6; Rev. 21:5). God Himself had sent the angel to show John and his readers what “must soon take place.” God is the One who inspired the prophets and indeed all Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). He’s also the One who inspired this apocalypse. No matter how extreme the narrative may sound, everything in this book is as true and trustworthy as the rest of the Bible.

The key theme of Revelation is the imminent return of Christ (v. 7). “Imminent” means that nothing else needs to happen before the rapture of the church. The blessing for obedient readers is also repeated from the start of the book (Rev. 1:3). John validates that the content of the book is indeed what he saw and heard in the visions from God (vv. 8–9). He mentions again how he tried to worship the angelic messenger but was rebuked and told to worship God alone.

This prophecy should not be sealed up (as in Daniel 12:4) but widely proclaimed (vv. 10–11). Why? Because the “time is near.” John lived two thousand years ago, but time is not the same to God as it is to us (2 Peter 3:8–9).

Go Deeper

Indeed the “time is near”! Do we live as if it is? If Christ were to rapture His church tomorrow, what might you do differently today?

Pray with Us

We thank You, Lord, for Your inspired Word that communicates Your truth to us. We believe that what You have spoken to us is “trustworthy and true” (Rev. 22:6).

These words are trustworthy and true.Revelation 22:6

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – You Can Talk to God

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I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not hide my wickedness; I said, “I will confess [all] my transgressions to the LORD”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:5 (AMP)

Our soul can be wounded for many reasons. Sometimes, we are wounded because of things other people have done to us. Sometimes, the wounds come from our own bad choices. Even when we regret past sin or mistakes, the pain they caused will linger if we let it.

Some people who are very strong Christians and walk closely with God today will tell you that they have not always had an intimate relationship with Him. Some of them, like me, have abuse, betrayal, addictions, and other hurtful things in their background. They are healed today because they refused to allow their past to determine their future. I want you to know that no matter what is in your past or how painful it has been, healing is available for you and your future can be better than you ever imagined.

One of the most important steps you can take toward the healing of your soul is to talk to God about what hurts you and confess to Him any sin you have committed. If there is shame or guilt associated with what happened to you (as in the case of victims of abuse or in the case of someone who made a very bad decision that affected others), you may wonder if God really wants to hear about it. I can assure you that He does. First of all, He knows everything about the situation anyway. And second, He understands that acknowledging our wrongdoing helps cleanse it from our soul. There is no one better than God to talk to about the things that have hurt you. You can talk to God about anything, and He will not judge you or be angry or frustrated with you. He loves you more than anyone on earth ever could, and He is the only one with the power to heal your broken heart.

Many people in the Bible sinned and failed. Some of those we think of as being closest to God made bad choices. Abraham got tired of waiting for God to give him a son through Sarah, so he turned to her handmaid instead (Genesis 16:1–4). David lusted after Bathsheba and got her pregnant, then had her husband killed (2 Samuel 11:2–24). But both Abraham and David recovered and went on to do great things for God. James refers to Abraham as “a friend of God” (James 2:23), and the Bible calls David a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

One of the keys of David’s restoration and the great future he enjoyed after his moral failure was his willingness to repent and receive God’s forgiveness. He wrote that God desires truth in our innermost being (Psalm 51:6 AMP). I encourage you today to talk to God about the things that have hurt you or the ways you have failed in the past, and He will comfort you. You can be restored completely, and I encourage you to believe that with all your heart.

Prayer of the Day: God, I bring You every wound, failure, and regret. Heal my heart, cleanse my soul, and restore my future. I trust Your forgiveness and believe You can make me whole again, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The New Jerusalem

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Read Revelation 22:1–5

In 1997, musician and writer Michael Card released an album Unveiled Hope, based on the book of Revelation. Titles of songs on this album include reminders of themes we’ve encountered in our devotional study this month, such as “To the Overcomers,” “You Are Worthy,” and “The Dragon.” One of my favorite songs is “The New Jerusalem,” drawn from Revelation 21–22.

At the start of Revelation’s final chapter, John recaps and expands his description of the New Jerusalem. In this city, there is a river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne (vv. 1–2). Salvation is a reality we’ll experience fully and always in this place. And not only as individuals: The leaves of the tree of life will bring about the “healing of the nations.” That tree, last seen in Eden, will bear fruit monthly.

The curse (Genesis 3) and the realities of the fallen world we live in today will be utterly gone (vv.  3–4). God will dwell directly with His people, with no barriers in between. We’ll “see his face.” Fellowship with Him will be intimate and unhindered. We as His servants will serve (also translated “worship”) Him, meaning in part that we’ll have meaningful things to do—as opposed to the stereotype that we’ll be sitting around on clouds strumming harps. His name will be on our foreheads, graciously marking us as members of His eternal family. The 144,000 Jewish evangelists similarly will have the Father’s and Lamb’s names written on their foreheads (Rev. 14:1).

In the heavenly New Jerusalem, there will be no darkness or night (v. 5). God will provide the light, and there will be no need for the sun or even for lamps. There we’ll reign forever with Christ. This is the ultimate “And they lived happily ever after”!

Go Deeper

Understanding that this question is speculative, what do you think are some of the activities we might do in heaven? (Besides singing, which is clearly shown in Revelation.)

Pray with Us

Father, as we think about a future with You in heaven, help us to be encouraged as we live in the world. When we feel the effects of sin, remind us of the hope of Your glory!

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city.Revelation 22:3

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Tears and Hope

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My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. Isaiah 55:8

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 55:6-13

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Although it was Palm Sunday, a day to celebrate the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem, for Mary Edwar it became a time of deep pain. Leaving their church after the service, she and her husband, Kareem, were holding hands when a bomb went off. The device killed Kareem and injured Mary, causing her to miscarry.

While Mary recuperated, she felt furious while grieving for her husband and child. But somehow reading the Bible calmed “the volcano inside her.” In particular, when she struggled to comprehend why God allowed the atrocity, Isaiah 55:9 helped: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” As she understood that God extends grace even when He’s dishonored, she felt soothed by His Spirit.

Mary considered Isaiah’s message from God to His wayward people. While calling them back to Himself, God sought to expand their understanding of His merciful character. Even as the heavens are “higher than” the earth, so were God’s ways “higher than” theirs (v. 9). So too will God show love and grace, more than they could imagine.

While grieving deeply, Mary was stunned to receive God’s gift of peace. She welcomed Jesus’ consoling love, which He poured out in the events that we mark during Holy Week. He’s eager to give us His peace too; we need only to look to Him.

Reflect & Pray

How does reflecting on God’s loving nature help you? How have you found peace when reading the Bible?

 

Creator God, You cherish me. Even when I’m wracked with pain and doubt, you provide hope and love.

 

Today’s Insights

Isaiah 55 begins with a divine invitation: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters” (v. 1). God will expound on this imagery of life-giving water in verses 10-11 as He compares His very words to His method of caring for creation: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, . . . so is my word that goes out from my mouth.” Precipitation brings life to the earth; God’s words give life to our spirits. Even in times of grief and doubt, God gives us His peace: “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace” (v. 12).

 

Find love and peace in the practice of lament.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – What is Critical Race Theory and is it biblical?

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In simple terms, Critical Race Theory (CRT) says America still possesses racism that’s at least partially hidden, but still serious. Some level of racism lurks in how we as Americans define what is “normal” in the criminal justice system, in laws, in all levels of education, etc.

Put another way, CRT says that American institutions (i.e., government, education, media, criminal justice system), social norms (i.e., what clothes to wear, how to speak, etiquette, etc.), and many widely held beliefs (i.e., religion, patriotism, philosophies) are corrupted by obscured yet widespread racism.

CRT’s goal is equitable outcomes between races and comprehensive liberation for all minorities.

Interestingly, what this liberation should look like and other fundamental questions, are often left unanswered by CRT. As a theory, CRT primarily critiques other theories while offering few positive values or beliefs. It prioritizes action and results over ideals.

Kimberlé Crenshaw, a CRT legal scholar and the one who coined the term CRT, once remarked that CRT is like a verb in nature, since it is dynamic and action-oriented. According to CRT, there is no such thing as “neutral” scholarship or “neutral” theories; scholarship always includes social influences, motivations, and biases.

Continue reading Denison Forum – What is Critical Race Theory and is it biblical? →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – In Need of the Colt of an Ass

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them, and straightway he will send them.” (Matthew 21:3)

In His humanity, the Lord Jesus no doubt had the same physical needs shared by all humans: food, clothing, shelter, etc. Interestingly enough, however, it appears He only expressed one need in a recorded, verbal conversation. He needed a little donkey colt to ride on as He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before His bitterly cruel death.

For over three years He walked all over Galilee and Judaea—even Samaria. Why would He suddenly need to ride now? Matthew tells us why: “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:4–5). Amazingly, this event had been prophesied four centuries earlier (Zechariah 9:9), and the time had finally come for Jesus to see that the prophecy was fulfilled. As He entered the city, the people rejoiced and took “branches of palm trees [hence the name Palm Sunday] . . . and cried, Hosanna: blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). However, just a few days later these same crowds turned on Him and cried out, “Crucify him” (Luke 23:21).

We often celebrate Palm Sunday as the final blasts of a bitter winter are beginning to give way to a beautiful and fruitful spring. So this terrible Passion Week, beginning so meekly and proceeding so cruelly, would shortly be overcome by the glorious resurrection of Jesus and everlasting life. HMM

 

 

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

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Seeing More Clearly: Who Will See the Lord

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Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14

Recommended Reading: Revelation 21:27; 22:14-15

It is said that modern governments run on paper—records of statutes, decisions, orders, personal appointments, and more. But ancient governments ran the same way, using clay tablets and scrolls instead of paper and computers. Even God is portrayed as having a book in which the names of His people and their acts are recorded—and sometimes blotted out (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 51:1). The “Book of Life” is mentioned eight times in the New Testament.

The Book of Life contains the names of those who will enter God’s eternal Kingdom. None who would defile the eternal Kingdom by their unholy acts will enter in (Revelation 21:27; 22:14-15). Thus the writer to the Hebrews exhorted his readers to “pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”—“see the Lord” being a reference to entering eternal life. Thankfully, our inheriting eternal life doesn’t depend on our human holiness but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

If you want to see the Lord for all eternity, receive the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ.

Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness. 
A. W. Pink

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Praying God’s Promises

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Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. Psalm 119:49

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 119:49-56

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Today’s Devotion

“No, you can’t go to the lake,” I said to my daughter with my head tucked under the sink as I fixed a broken pipe. “Dad, you promised that after I had finished my chores, I could go,” she reminded me. I’d forgotten what I had said because I was preoccupied. My problem blinded me to my promise.

As my daughter did with me, the psalmist reminded God of His promises. “Remember your word to your servant,” he wrote, “for you have given me hope” (119:49). Thankfully we don’t have a heavenly Father who’s distracted and forgetful. We can come to Him not only with our hurts, problems, and disappointments but also in confidence knowing He’s a good Father: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” (v. 50).

God invites us to meditate on the Scriptures so we can remind Him of His promises—not because He forgets but because He desires that we know Him well. That’s why the psalmist says, “I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. . . . Your decrees are the theme of my song” (vv. 52, 54).

Because of my distractions, my daughter needed to remind me of my promise. When she did, I gladly let her go to the lake. We can be thankful that our heavenly Father is never preoccupied or too busy. He loves to hear us pray His words back to Him.

Reflect & Pray

What’s one of your favorite promises from God? How will you thank Him for faithfully keeping it? 

 

Father in heaven, I easily get overwhelmed with the busyness of life. Please help me to remember Your promises to me. 

 

Today’s Insights

Psalm 119, the longest psalm in the Bible, is an acrostic poem structured alphabetically as a mnemonic device for aid in memorization. It contains twenty-two stanzas of eight verses each, which correspond to each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. For example, verses 1-8 each begin with aleph, the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet; verses 49-56 each begin with zayin, the seventh letter. The singular focus of all 176 verses is God and the Scriptures. The unnamed psalmist, ridiculed and persecuted for his faith in God, declares his determination to obey and make God’s word his delight and wholehearted devotion. The psalmist asks God to “remember [His] word” to him (v. 49), for it sustains and preserves life (vv. 49-52). God is omniscient; He can’t forget anything. The psalmist is imploring Him to remember His promises to him. God is faithful and is never too busy for us. Praying God’s promises found in Scripture can bring us hope and comfort.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Is social media the new tobacco?

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Why the latest court case in California could bring big changes for Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms

Earlier this week, a court in California ruled that Facebook’s parent company, Meta, and Google’s YouTube were liable for damages of $4.2 million and $1.8 million respectively after the companies were sued by a 20-year-old woman—known as KGM during the trial—for creating products that she claims led to anxiety, depression, and a host of other problems in her life. Snapchat and TikTok were also named in the original suit but settled before it went to trial.

When I first read the headlines about the California case, it sounded like the latest in the long line of frivolous lawsuits that make the news from time to time. And to be honest, that’s still where I land to an extent. However, the details of the case are interesting, and the verdict could provide a framework for the thousands of similar lawsuits currently pending.

To this point, social media companies have largely claimed immunity from any damage their products have caused by citing their First Amendment rights. Courts have regularly held that they are, for the most part, not liable for the content posted by other users on their sites, and the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a similar defense for major internet providers.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Is social media the new tobacco? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Hard Truth About Eternity

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 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. 

—Matthew 28:19–20

Scripture:

Matthew 28:19-20 

A Christian father who was terminally ill called his three sons to his bedside. To his two sons who were believers, he said, “Goodbye, my sons. I will see you in the morning.” Turning to his third son, he simply and sadly said, “Goodbye, my son.”

The young man was deeply disturbed. He said, “Father, why is it you said to my brothers, ‘I will see you in the morning,’ and you only said to me, ‘Goodbye, my son’? Why didn’t you say you would see me in the morning, too?”

His father replied, “Son, you have never asked Jesus Christ into your heart to be your Savior and Lord. And that is what breaks my heart the most. I will never see you again.” That son began to ask his father how he could be saved, how he could see his father again. His father told him how. The son prayed and received Christ into his life. Then his father said, “Now our family will be together in eternity.”

That can happen for everyone who has put their faith in Christ. It will be a great reunion one day in the future. But what does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Judgment after death and a miserable, empty life on earth. There might be some fun in sin—for a while. But payday comes. The hard truth about eternal life is found in the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death” (NLT).

That’s why believers are called to share the gospel far and wide, as the Christian father in the story did with his son. In what’s known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His followers these instructions: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NLT).

Eternal life is the hope believers cling to when the things of this life start to overwhelm us. There’s a reason that John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known passage in all of Scripture. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus still resonate powerfully today: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (NLT).

If you do not commit your life to Christ, ultimately you will look back on your life and realize that you wasted it. But don’t wait until the end of your life to figure that out. Figure it out now.

Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear the hard truth about eternity? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Filled with Fruit

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11)

The unique phrase “fruits of righteousness” has many supporting teachings, the most famous of which is where the Lord Jesus compares Himself to a vine and we who are His adopted sons and daughters to branches (John 15:1–6).

Paul reminded the Philippian church that the fruits ultimately result from Jesus Christ, just as Jesus illustrated. We “cannot bear fruit” by ourselves (John 15:4). Not only does our very life come from God, but the ability to produce godly fruit can only come through and by God.

Isaiah noted that all of our self-produced righteous deeds are like “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The fruit for which we are “ordained” (John 15:16) has its source in the thrice-holy Godhead and its manifestation by the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23).

Those Holy Spirit character traits are the innate property of the vine that become instilled in the branches, or us. This enables us to bring forth the fruit that represents the “DNA” of the vine in which we are abiding. Being connected to the vine makes it possible for us to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

The “husbandman” (God the Father) is superintending the vineyard (John 15:1). When branches wither and do not produce fruit (see also Matthew 13:18–23), they are taken away. The branches that do produce are purged (Greek kathairo, “cleaned up”). As Peter noted, “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). With God, “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Without Him, “[we] can do nothing” (John 15:5). HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Wandering, Wondering Mind

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13 (KJV)

In the days when Peter wrote these words, men wore long, flowing robes that hindered fast progress or strenuous action. They wore broad belts (or girdles) about their waists, and when they wanted to move into action, they “girded up their loins”—that is, they shortened their robes by pulling them up inside their belts. That term is similar to what we mean when we say, “Roll up your sleeves.” Peter’s words here are a serious call to action—a reminder that when we lose our focus, it is time for us to do some serious thinking.

I’ve already talked about how staying too busy can result in an abnormal mind as opposed to a normal mind. Now I want to point out that another way the devil attacks your normal mind is by causing your thoughts to wander. It’s a mental attack. If you do not discipline your mind to remain focused on what is important, the devil will cause it to wander aimlessly to other things. When this inability to concentrate goes on for a while, you may begin to wonder if there is something wrong with your mind. What you often fail to realize is that when you’ve allowed your mind to wander for so long, you’re hardly aware that it’s taking place.

In some cases, there may be physical causes for not being able to concentrate, such as anemia or certain B-vitamin deficiencies. You may not be eating properly. Or you may have become excessively fatigued. It’s a good idea to consider all the potential causes as you search for a solution. I’ve learned that when I’m excessively tired, Satan tries to attack my mind because he knows it’s more difficult for me to resist him during those times.

Sometimes a lack of concentration creates a lack of comprehension. Perhaps as you are reading the Bible, you find yourself hurrying to get through so you can do something else. Out of a sense of duty, you are determined to finish reading a chapter—and you do. But when you are finished, you can’t recall anything you have read. Your eyes scanned the pages, but your mind was engaged somewhere else.

Perhaps you have even experienced this battle for your mind in church. You attend regularly—and the devil can’t always stop that—but he can cause your mind to start wandering during the sermon. Have you ever been fully engrossed in listening to a sermon, and then you suddenly realize that your mind has wandered and you have no idea what was said?

If the devil can rob you of the benefits of reading the Bible and hearing God’s Word at church, he has won some major skirmishes in the battle for your mind. This is why Peter tells us to “gird up the loins of our minds.” You must take action by confronting your wandering mind and disciplining it to focus on what’s important.

In conversation, I used to fake it when I realized my mind had wandered. Now I deal with it honestly by asking, “Would you please back up and repeat that? I let my mind wander off, and I didn’t hear a thing you said.” This kind of behavior not only interrupts the plan of the enemy but also brings victory over the problem.

It’s not easy to discipline your mind when it has been allowed to wander aimlessly, but you can do it. When you discover that your thoughts have wandered, you must exercise discipline and make the necessary corrections. The devil would like to convince you that you can’t help yourself, but when you consistently come against his bid for your mind, he is defeated, and you have won another battle.

Prayer of the Day: Holy Spirit, I realize how quickly Satan distracts me and then capitalizes on my wandering mind. Forgive me for allowing him to lead me astray. I thank You for giving me a good, clear mind, and in the name of Jesus, I ask You to help me overcome every temptation to lose my focus, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Bride of the Lamb

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Read Revelation 21:9–27

My daughter Kristen’s wedding was a wonderful time of celebration. The banquet hall was beautifully decorated. Delicious food was served. As father of the bride, I offered a toast. A gorgeous wedding cake was cut and eaten. My daughter, the bride, had hand-crafted name cards that were also keepsake bookmarks.

It is no wonder that Scripture often compares our union with Christ to the joyous event of a marriage! In Revelation 21, the heavenly New Jerusalem is called the bride of the Lamb (vv. 2, 9–10). Why? Because of the people who live there (v. 27)—believers, the church, already identified as the bride of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7). The citizens of this city, in fact, include all God’s people, showing the unity of Old and New Testament believers.

The New Jerusalem shines with the glory of God (vv. 11–21). It is built of gold and jewels—including the famous “streets of gold”—both valuable and beautiful. It has twelve gates for the twelve tribes of Israel, reminding us that God has kept all His promises and covenants to His people. The city has twelve foundations for the twelve apostles, reminding us of the Lamb’s completed mission of redemption. The measurements show that the city is a perfect cube, as was the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle and the Temple. Believers will dwell with the Lord inside a giant Most Holy Place!

That’s why no separate temple is needed—the Father and the Son are the temple (vv. 22–27). No light is needed, for the “glory of God gives it light” (v. 23). There will be no darkness, no impurity, no sin. Perfect holiness will reign. The gates will never be shut, for there are no enemies left. There will be perfect well-being and security, that is, shalom (meaning “peace” in Hebrew).

Go Deeper

What do you think it will be like to live in the heavenly New Jerusalem, eternally in God’s presence? We would add “on a daily basis,” but time will be no more!

Pray with Us

One day we will see You face to face! God, fix our eyes on the future hope of perfect union with You. You are worthy to be praised for the great love You have shown to us.

Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.Revelation 21:9

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

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