Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Discipline for Our Good

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For [our fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:10

Recommended Reading: James 1:2-4

The New Testament occasionally uses the earthly family to illustrate God’s familial relationship with us (Romans 8:15-17). The writer to the Hebrews compares how earthly fathers discipline their children to the ways that God disciplines us (Hebrews 12:1-13). His purpose is for us to be “partakers of His holiness.”

The story of Jonah is a good example of God’s discipline. The discipline started with a storm at sea that resulted in Jonah being thrown into the deep where he was swallowed by a great fish. During his three days in the fish, Jonah called out to God and repented of his sin. After Jonah was deposited onto dry land, he obeyed God’s original commission to go to Nineveh and warn them of God’s impending judgment. While Jonah struggled with yielding to God’s purpose, the hardship he endured at least led him to repent of his initial disobedience.

If you find yourself in a season of hardship, seek the Lord and ask Him if there is something He wants you to do or learn.

Those that would enjoy the dignities and privileges of Christ’s family must submit to the discipline of it. 
Matthew Henry

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – What a Fellowship

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Stand firm in the one Spirit. Philippians 1:27

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 1:27; 2:1-4

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

Rachel “church hopped” for three years before finding a Bible study group that provided what she couldn’t find in a traditional church—community. Rachel is Deaf. Around the world, many Deaf people face similar worship challenges. Her house church nurtures community by watching a Deaf church service on YouTube, discussing the teaching with each other, and then sharing a meal. The small group provides the Spirit-led church family Rachel craves.

The apostle Paul explains what makes a church a community: the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Writing from prison, he urged this connection to the church at Philippi. His hope, in part, was to encourage spiritual unity in a congregation he’d formed and loved.

“Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one,” Paul urged (Philippians 1:27). He added, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, . . . then make my joy complete by being like-minded” (2:1-2).

So don’t be selfish, he said, “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). Those wise words can guide all church families. By the power of God’s Holy Spirit, our communities can serve Him in harmonious fellowship with each other.

Reflect & Pray

How do you sense the Holy Spirit working in your life? 
How can God’s Spirit help you grow His fellowship in your church?

Dear God, in a sometimes-unloving world, please inspire me to follow Your Holy Spirit’s leading to help build communities that reflect You.
For further study, read Give Me Jesus: Philippians 2 at odbm.org.

Today’s Insights

Paul made the appeal for unity among brothers and sisters in Jesus (Philippians 1:27) from a context of factions and persecution. As he wrote, he was imprisoned, yet he said, “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (v. 12). He noted that some were “[preaching] Christ out of selfish ambition” (v. 17). He knew his own life was in danger (v. 20), and he warned his hearers that they’d also face opposition (vv. 27-28). Yet he knew they’d “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (v. 27). Their behavior needed to contrast with those whose motivation was prideful (2:3). Any suffering they might endure would serve to enhance their unity. Such courage and unity only take place through the power of the Holy Spirit. He guides us and helps us grow in fellowship with one another.

For further study, read: Give Me Jesus

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – 9/11 and finding hope on the hardest days

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Here’s a less-than-encouraging thought to begin your day: on average, 174,349 people will die today, including 8,150 Americans. Recent examples range from the Amazon plane crash in Miami that killed five to the Nepal flash floods that killed at least 1,300, with some 5,000 missing. Humans are threatened these days by volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and floods.

But we know that airplanes sometimes crash and natural disasters sometimes occur. What we don’t expect is to go to work in the morning and never come home because people espousing an ideology we’ve never heard of decide that they should hijack airplanes and use them to kill us.

When you think of 9/11, what comes to mind first? For me, it was watching the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapse live on television. Prior to that moment, we held out hope that those inside the flaming buildings could somehow evacuate safely. Then the North Tower followed and all such hope was gone.

Continue reading Denison Forum – 9/11 and finding hope on the hardest days →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Thinking of You

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 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? 

—Psalm 8:3–4

Scripture:

Psalm 8:3-4 

There’s an old saying that goes, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what other people thought of you if you knew how infrequently they do.” And while the truth of that statement may sting, there’s an amazing truth in Scripture that can bring you tremendous comfort if you’re able to wrap your head around it. Here it is: God is thinking about you.

In Psalm 8:3–4, David, the shepherd and giant-slayer who would become king of Israel, tries to come to grips with that very realization. One night, probably when he was watching over his sheep, he looked up at the incredible array of stars above him and made this statement: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (NLT).

This same wonder and awe should grip us when we read these verses. It’s incredible to think that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty God who knows every star by name, would care about us. Not only does He care about humanity as a whole, but He also cares about us as individuals. Not only does He care about us as individuals, but He also knows about every detail of our lives. If you want to take it one step further, look at the Lord’s words in Jeremiah 1:5: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” (NLT).

God even knows the very thoughts that we think. Jesus said, “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8 NKJV).

Psalm 40:5 tells us, “Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered” (NKJV). Psalm 115:12 (NKJV) says, “The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us.”

Your heavenly Father thinks about you because you are precious to Him. He sees what isn’t always apparent to other people. He sees your value, your worth, and your potential. He sees your heart. He sees the raw materials He can use to accomplish amazing things in and through you.

So, even when family and friends have forgotten about you, know this truth: The Lord is thinking about you. The Lord cares about you and takes an interest in even the smallest details of your life. They might seem trivial to someone else—but not to God. If it concerns you, then it concerns Him.

 

Reflection question: What does it mean to you to know that God is thinking about you right now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Righteous Judge

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)

People often make erroneous judgments. Even those who are officially appointed or elected to judge others are sometimes mistaken, and so we have a whole system of appeals courts. Yet even the Supreme Court, composed as it is of fallible human beings, often seems to be wrong. But as Abraham recognized long ago while interceding for the people in Sodom, we can be confident that the Judge of all the earth will do right!

He not only can judge our actions in relation to His revealed will but can also discern thoughts and motives and, therefore, “judge the secrets of men” (Romans 2:16), and He will do so in absolute rightness. Furthermore, “he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son,” and “my judgment is just,” asserted the Lord Jesus (John 5:22, 30). To those who reject or ignore His redeeming love, relying instead on their own worth, “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26–27).

To those who have been redeemed through saving faith in Christ, there will, indeed, be a judgment day, but it will be for dispensing rewards for faithful service rather than for salvation, and this also will be done righteously. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day” (2 Timothy 4:8). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Time to Worship

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!

Matthew 14:29-33 (AMPC)

Let’s take a closer look at this story. Peter believed and stepped out, and then doubt filled his mind, and he started to sink. His rational mind reminded him that people can’t walk on water. As soon as his mind turned from the spiritual and supernatural, he failed.

Jesus had already said, Take courage . . . Stop being afraid! (v. 27 AMPC). Those few words were meant to assure the disciples that both the presence and power of Jesus were there to take care of them. Yet only one man responded—one out of twelve.

Peter stepped out and started walking toward the Master . . . then he faltered. He focused on the storm instead of the presence of Jesus, who was only a few feet away from him. As soon as he diverted his attention, doubt and unbelief pressed in on him.

I’ve often wondered if his feet slowly sank into the water or if he instantly plunged downward. The Bible account doesn’t give us that information, but it does tell us Jesus’ response. He grabbed Peter and saved him from the waves, the wind, and the storm.

Even that’s not the end of the story. After Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, another miracle took place: The storm ceased. It’s easy to spiritualize this incident and point out that whenever Jesus is with us, the storms of life cease and peace fills our hearts. That is true, but this was a real storm, not a figurative or spiritual one, and the winds instantly stopped.

Matthew makes a point of telling us what happened after the storm. During the storm, Peter exercised faith. He believed and he proved it. The others watched and listened, but there was no response from them.

I believe they were still so scared that they hadn’t even moved. They heard Jesus’ voice telling them not to be afraid, but still they didn’t do anything. No one else moved or spoke a word.

Verse 33 (AMPC) tells us that after the storm, the other disciples knelt and worshiped Jesus. I would certainly hope so! Look at the miracles they witnessed. The storm came, the winds blew, and Jesus came to them, walking on the water. He tried to calm their fears by saying, Stop being afraid, but they were not ready to hear Him. Only after Peter exhibited his faith and Jesus calmed the storm were they able to say, Truly You are the Son of God! I’m glad they were able to say those words—finally. It shows that the message got through. But what took so long? How much proof did they need before they were ready to worship?

How much proof do you need of Jesus’ love and presence in your life?

Prayer of the Day: Lord Jesus, sometimes I’m like one of the fearful disciples, requiring all kinds of proof before I can believe You. How many miracles do I need to see before I can call You the Son of God? Help me to be more like Peter, ready and willing to walk with You in any and all storms of life. Thank You for loving me and encouraging me to follow You in faith, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Serve the Lord Only 

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Play

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) reads, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Our enemy is the devil. At the end of this age, his time will end. Until then, expect our Father to show up. He will not sit still while Satan harms his creation.

Our days are as dark as were the days of Elijah. Our God is as alive as he was in the days of Elijah. Dare we dream of a renewal that silences the stewards of Satan and reveals them for the frauds they are? Let’s imitate Elijah: Serve the Lord only! God wasn’t one of his options. God was his only option.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Holy Priesthood

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Read Ezra 2:61–63

Growing up Protestant, and Southern Baptist at that, I had very little understanding of what it meant to be a priest. My limited knowledge was based on the depiction of Roman Catholic priests in popular media. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was quite a bit different. Priests were assigned to offer sacrifices on behalf of God’s people and teach the people His law. These priests were descended from Aaron, the first high priest. And, in the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the ultimate high priest (Heb. 4:14–16). Through Jesus, all believers are priests: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

God’s people had been exiled from the promised land for their sin, which included improperly worshiping the Lord. So, as they prepared to return from exile, it was essential that they worship God in the way He said they should worship Him. These few verses highlight the necessity of only allowing people qualified to serve as priests for that role. In fact, it was so imperative that if a family could not prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were in the family tree of Aaron, then they “were excluded from the priesthood as unclean” (v. 62) and forbidden from eating the sacrifices offered to the Lord. Following God’s commands to the letter was that important.

Obeying God fully remains an important part of our relationship with Him today. He is still holy and still demands that we obey Him with our whole hearts. Jesus is our great high priest, and all believers in Jesus are priests with direct access to the Father. Hallelujah!

Go Deeper

What do you think is the significance of God extending the priesthood to all His followers in the new covenant? How does that access to God impact your relationship with Him?

Pray with Us

Holy God, thank You that we have direct access to You through Jesus Christ. May we never take it for granted. You are a loving God.

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.1 Peter 2:5

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Your First Impulse

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Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.
Jonah 1:17–2:1

Recommended Reading: Psalm 32:6-7

When we find ourselves faced with a seemingly unsolvable challenge, someone usually reminds us, “When all else fails, read the directions!” A similar reminder is sometimes issued among Christians: “When all else fails, pray!” We often have to be reminded that prayer should be our first impulse, not our last.

Jonah would have done well to have received that reminder when he found himself cast into the Mediterranean Sea. He had rebelled against God, been accused of causing calamity by his shipmates, and been thrown overboard in hopes of placating the storm “gods.” And adding insult to injury, he was swallowed by a great fish! Finally, Jonah decided it was time to pray: “Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.” He didn’t exactly confess his sins, but at least he repented of his pride by calling out to God for help.

Don’t wait until you have tried every solution before turning to prayer. Regardless of the situation, make prayer your first impulse.

Before we can pray, “Thy kingdom come,” we must be willing to pray, “My kingdom go.”
Alan Redpath

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Loving Eye

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I will instruct you and teach you in the 
way you should go; I will counsel you 
with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 32:6-8

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Today’s Devotion

My wife, Sue, and I had just finished walking five miles across the Mackinac Bridge, which links Michigan’s two peninsulas. This annual Labor Day event in the United States is a tradition in our state dating back to 1958. We grabbed a seat on a park bench to rest. A man sat down next to us to catch his breath as well. Soon his wife and adult daughter joined him, and we learned that their family—also believers in Jesus—had suffered through the death of a teenage girl just as we did many years ago.

Together we were able to share how God has sustained us and given us strength and faith through the years. It was amazing to think that among the 33,000 walkers that day, we found a family that understood our hearts.

Two families with similar stories ending up together in a sea of people. It sounds a little like something that can happen only because of what God told King David in Psalm 32. After David expressed his appreciation to God for protection and deliverance, he got this encouraging word from Him: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (v. 8 nkjv).

God watches over His children, and He brings them together because they need each other. It’s another indication that “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced something that reminded you that God has His loving eye on you? What does His unfailing love mean to you?

Dear God, thank You that You’re real and that You’re always watching over me.

Today’s Insights

Psalm 32 is one of seven penitential psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), where the petitioner confesses his sins and turns to God for forgiveness. David penned Psalm 51 after repenting from his sins of adultery and murder (see 2 Samuel 11-12), and many scholars believe this was also the context for the writing of Psalm 32. The psalmist speaks of his heavy burden of guilt (vv. 3-4) and the joy of receiving God’s forgiveness (vv. 1-2). David notes the importance of confession of sin (v. 5) rather than stubbornly resisting like “the horse or the mule” (v. 9). God will deal graciously with the contrite and repentant, for “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10). He’s promised us His watchful guidance and loving care: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (v. 8).

For further study, listen to the Evening Meditations Podcast: The Lord Sees You

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Miley Cyrus drops last name, inspiring me to do the same

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A Labor Day reflection on identity and grace

Singer and actress Miley Cyrus has announced that she is dropping her last name and will henceforth be known simply as “Miley.” Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, supports the decision: “I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more . . . Elvis . . . Prince . . . and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”

The news prompted me to consider other people commonly known by only their first name these days. Some sports figures are obvious for the uniqueness of their name: “Tiger” Woods, “LeBron” James, and “Dirk” Nowitzki come to mind. Others are more location-centric: in Dallas, “Troy” Aikman, “Emmitt” Smith, “Michael” Irvin, and “Nolan” Ryan are examples.

And some are transcendent: in basketball, there will only be one “Michael” Jordan, just as in country music, there will only be one “Dolly” Parton and “Reba” McEntire.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Miley Cyrus drops last name, inspiring me to do the same →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Useful to the Lord

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 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

—1 Corinthians 10:31

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:31 

The Bible is full of amazing truths. In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on six specific truths and what they mean for us. The first amazing truth is this: God can use you in a profoundly impactful way.

I remember when, as a young Christian, I would sit in the pews at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and listen to Senior Pastor Chuck Smith speak. I would think to myself, “I wonder if God would ever use me. I wonder if the Lord would ever speak through me.” Never in my wildest dreams did I think that God would allow me to be a pastor with the privilege of proclaiming the gospel to many. It was beyond my own aspirations.

If you’re planning your future right now, if you’re thinking about what course you want to follow in life, ask God for His direction. Say, “Lord, I want to be the person that You want me to be. I want my relationships and my future to honor You. I want to be in the center of Your will. I don’t want to go out there and blow it. Help me to do Your will.” God’s plans for you are better than anything you’ve ever planned for yourself.

God has given each of us certain abilities, talents, and resources. The question is, what are you doing with them? Are you seeking to use them for His glory? Are you offering your resources and future to Him? The apostle Paul wrote, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT). That covers pretty much everything, doesn’t it? His point is that bringing glory to God should be our highest priority. When you strive to bring glory to God in every area of your life, He can open doors, bring the right connections, and provide the amazing opportunities.

I’m not saying that you must be a pastor or a missionary. But whatever you do, whether you’re a doctor, an architect, a secretary, a computer programmer, a stay-at-home parent, a builder, a musician, a teacher, a carpenter, or work in some other field, you should want to serve the Lord and do it for the glory of God. That’s what matters. Your life can be a testimony and a witness for Jesus.

We should also keep in mind that our idea of what’s important, profound, or impactful may be far different from God’s idea. God may use us in ways that seem comparatively insignificant to the ways He uses other people. This is when we need to remind ourselves that we have an obstructed view. We can’t see the big picture of God’s plan. We can’t see how things fit together. So, we must be faithful with what He gives us, prioritize His glory in everything we do, and then trust Him to accomplish His will through us in a profoundly impactful way.

 

Reflection question: What would doing “all for the glory of God” look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Yokefellows

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3)

Although the word “yokefellow” is out of use today, the meaning is easily understood. Most of us know a yoke is a device that connects two animals together to increase the power for the work that needs to be done.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). From a spiritual perspective, we labor together with the Lord Jesus. Among ourselves, we labor in the gospel. It is worth noting that God sees the marriage bond as “joined together” (same term) with a yoke (Matthew 19:6).

Interestingly, as Paul speaks highly of the women who labored with him, he uses two very different concepts to recognize their contribution. First, he describes them as sunathleo, or those who are “engaged in the contest” with him, like “a man also [strives] for masteries” (2 Timothy 2:5). Then, Paul uses sunergos to describe those who have accomplished meaningful work alongside him. Titus is described as Paul’s “partner and fellowhelper” (2 Corinthians 8:23). These women had evidently earned Paul’s respect for their commitment to the kingdom work.

Although the picture drawn by these synonyms rests on the work aspect, surely there is the assumption that those who are yoked together anticipate a common goal. Jesus, with “the joy that was set before him endured the [work of the] cross” (Hebrews 12:2). And we labor in the kingdom since our “names are in the book of life.” HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Pursue a Life of Excellence

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Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

Matthew 7:13-14 (The Message)

Many people are trapped in a mediocre lifestyle. They seem to lack personal motivation, so they are easy targets for those who promise an easy way to success that requires little effort on their part. They do just enough to get by, but they never go the extra mile.

Living that kind of life is a poor substitute for the real rewards in life that can only be found in being a person of excellence, which was God’s plan for you from the beginning.

Learn the truth about God’s good plan for your life and vigorously pursue it. You will sense a wonderful fulfillment, and the fruit of your life will be abundant and bring glory to God.

Prayer of the Day: God, help me reject the easy way and vigorously pursue the excellent life You planned for me. Let my life bear fruit that brings You glory, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado –Deceive No More 

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Play

1 Kings 18:40 (NIV) reads, “Elijah commanded them, ‘Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!’ They seized them, and Elijah had them…slaughtered there.”

This moment does not sit well in our modern, westernized mindset. Elijah, a man of God, brandishing a sword and executing several hundred men? Except for the fact that these weren’t just men; they were disciples of the devil. They were demonic in their devotion to the cause of hell, all in the name of God.

In the final days, as recorded in Revelation 20:3 (NKJV), God will “cast him [Satan] into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him so that he should deceive the nations no more.”

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – List of Names

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Read Ezra 2:3–60

Ezra opens with a full chapter that speaks to God’s sovereignty to move the hearts of kings and bring His people back from their well-deserved exile. The second chapter of Ezra is like pulling the emergency brake while flying down the highway at 100 miles per hour. Who is Shephatiah? Adonikam? Mikmash? Hagabah? Why are we given this list of names? And why should we care?

Good questions! The names in Ezra 2 may puzzle us because we’re not accustomed to long lists of family trees. In fact, I’d imagine most of us can’t even name our great-grandparents. Proverbs 22:1 tells us that “a good name is more desirable than great riches.” “Name” in that verse refers to a person’s reputation or standing in the community, but we can extend the principle out a bit as we reflect on this long list of names in Ezra. God’s people had been in exile for 70 years. If you remember your biblical history, you know they were in exile because they committed idolatry—spiritual adultery—and joined in marriage with people who did not follow the Lord. You’ll also remember that when they entered and conquered the land, God gave each tribe a certain allotment of land to tend and care for.

So, as God’s people prepared to return to the land of promise, two things were of paramount importance. First, despite exile, God’s people would remain stewards of the land God owned. Because of this, they should return to the land of their inheritance as outlined in the book of Joshua. Second, God’s people must be faithful to God, unlike those who were exiled. This list of names serves both purposes. The returnees were indeed returning to their ancestral land, and these people were indeed God’s people, descended from Abraham. Through them, God would bless the entire world.

Go Deeper

Why is this list of names important for the book of Ezra? How does this list of ordinary people encourage your faith?

Pray with Us

Gracious Lord, as we steward what You have given us, please help us be faithful. Let us bring blessing to those around us through our good stewardship.

A good name is more desirable than great riches.Proverbs 22:1

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Home at Last

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Read Ezra 2:1–2

There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long trip. It is wonderful to sleep in your own bed, eat familiar foods, and pet the family dog. You relax in a way that’s just not possible when you’re away. You are safe. You are secure. You are home.

God’s people had been in exile for decades—that’s a very long time in a place where they don’t speak your language or eat foods unfamiliar to you. They had endured many years in a place that was uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and often inhospitable. We might be tempted to skip over these two verses in Ezra 2 and the long list of names that follow. Instead of reading too quickly past names that get stuck in our mouths (Reelaiah? Zerubbabel?), let’s reflect on the joy these verses represent. These people have been gone for seventy years. This wasn’t a trip across town. And it certainly wasn’t a vacation or a long cruise around the Mediterranean. No, this was forced exile. It was enslavement. It was horror, shame, and abasement.

At last, they were returning home! God had heard His people’s cries for rescue from exile, just as He heard the cries of the Hebrew people enslaved in Egypt (Exod. 2:23–25). God brought His people out of Egypt many centuries before this story, and He led them through wilderness to a land flowing with milk and honey. He did this because of His promises to Abraham (Gen. 15:18–21). God promised to discipline His people when they sinned against Him (Deut. 28:15–68). And finally, God promised to restore His people (Jer. 33). Here, in these short verses, God fulfills Jeremiah’s glorious promise of restoration. Here, God rescues His people once again as “they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town” (v. 1).

Go Deeper

How have you seen God’s restoration in your life? What sort of emotions does this record of God’s faithfulness create in your heart?

Pray with Us

We know the pain of separation from what is comfortable and familiar, God. Please show us where we can grow in the moments that are uncomfortable, even when it is hard.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.Isaiah 32:18

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Contending for the Faith

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Save others by snatching them from the fire; 
to others show mercy, mixed with fear. Jude 1:23

Today’s Scripture

Jude 1:20-23

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Today’s Devotion

A twenty-seven-year-old student studying in Japan had to be rescued from Mount Fuji twice in one week! After being airlifted during his first climb due to dangerous conditions, he realized he’d left his phone and other belongings behind. Four days later, ignoring warnings, he returned to the mountain, only to need to be rescued again—this time suffering from altitude sickness. His story made headlines for its rarity but also because he’d knowingly trekked back into danger.

This account mirrors a spiritual reality—we often tend to head back to what God has rescued us from. Jude captures this tension in his little letter. Written to a church threatened by false teachers and moral compromises, he exhorted believers “to contend for the faith” (1:3), not just for themselves but for others too. Jude challenged them to snatch others “from the fire” (v. 23)—taking an active role in shielding struggling believers from false teachers. As believers in Jesus, we can’t simply stand back and watch others flounder and fail.

Today, God is calling us to rescue others and to resist returning to the place we were rescued from. His grace will rescue us more than once, but it also calls us to live like we’ve already been rescued. Through God’s strength, let’s contend for the faith and help others be built up in the “most holy faith” (v. 20).

Reflect & Pray

How can we show mercy to believers who doubt? 
What does it mean to show mercy mixed with reverent fear?

Dear God, please help me contend for the faith and help those experiencing doubt.

Today’s Insights

Because of the prevailing environment in Jude’s day—which included “ungodly” spiritual leaders who were promoting damaging doctrines (1:4)—he wrote an urgent, intense letter to believers in Jesus whom he addressed as “dear friends” (vv. 3, 17, 20), sometimes translated “beloved.” He strongly urged the believers “to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (v. 3). The King James Version uses stronger language, rendering the Greek word epagōnizomai as “earnestly contend.” It means “to struggle for,” “to exercise great effort and exertion for something.” It was used of athletic contests to describe the struggle and effort expended by the athletes. The faith refers to the teaching of Christ and the apostles that was believed and practiced by His followers. Today, God will help those who’ve heard and responded to the truth of Scripture to earnestly “contend for the faith,” remain faithful, and encourage others who are being deceived by false teachers.

For further study, read: Reclaiming Hope

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Ministry amid the midterms

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When to be prophetic and when to be pastoral

Midterm elections are always important, but some can feel more important than others. This year, control of the House and the Senate is very much in question, with a variety of issues on the table that could be decisively affected, among them:

  • Data centers
  • Freedom of religion vs. Sharia law
  • The war in Iran
  • US support for Israel
  • Immigration enforcement
  • Democratic socialism
  • Efforts to impeach the president.

How do pastors serve faithfully amid such division and distraction?

“I see my torpor and my negligence”

St. Gregory the Great (c. 540-604) is so called because he is commonly listed among the four key “doctors” of the Western Church, alongside Augustine, Ambrose, and Jerome. Serving as the pope in Rome during plague, floods, and invasions, he organized church resources to feed the poor, often inviting impoverished people to his personal table. He preached the gospel from church to church and saw himself as a servant of the servants of God.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Ministry amid the midterms →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Sojourners

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.” (1 Chronicles 29:15)

All of God’s people, whether ancient Israelites or modern Christians, need to recognize that we are mere “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). This world is not our home, as the old gospel song puts it, and we must not let our roots get down too deep in this materialistic world.

The words of our text are in David’s last recorded prayer before his death. He was a great king and very wealthy in material things, but he still recognized that his real home was not in the earthly Jerusalem but in heaven.

So should we. The apostle Paul wrote, “For our conversation [the Greek word here literally means ‘citizenship’] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). We are merely serving in this world as “ambassadors for Christ,” and our business here, representing the court of heaven, is to urge men, “in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Why should we spend time and money beautifying a home on Earth when Christ has gone to prepare a mansion for us in heaven (John 14:2)? Remember Abraham, who by faith “sojourned . . . in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles” (Hebrews 11:9). “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:16).

Also remember Paul, who had “no certain dwellingplace” (1 Corinthians 4:11), not to mention the Lord Jesus Himself, who had “not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). We do well, therefore, to “pass the time of [our] sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17)—that is, reverential fear of God (never fear of man)—as good citizens of our heavenly country. HMM

 

 

 

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

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