Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Heart as Home

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Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20

Recommended Reading: Galatians 2:20

In 1954, the late pastor Robert Boyd Munger published a 32-page pamphlet that has become a classic among writings on Christian discipleship: My Heart—Christ’s Home. He suggested that Christians should think of their heart and their life as their home into which Jesus is invited—even the dark closets we rarely open. What would Jesus find if He walked through the home of our heart?

Munger drew inspiration for his booklet from the fact that Christ does dwell in every believer through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Revelation 3:20 pictures Christ knocking on the door of the church in Laodicea, seeking entrance and fellowship. By extension, we can picture Christ desiring to enjoy intimate fellowship with everyone who believes in Him (John 14:23). The question is, do we have a reciprocal desire?

Your sanctification (holiness) is God’s will (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Make sure the home of your heart is a welcome place for the Holy Spirit.

A man’s heart is what he is.
R. B. Kuiper

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Shining Faces

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When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant. Exodus 34:30

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 34:29-35

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Today’s Devotion

“He has a sugar face!” our vet exclaimed as she gave our young dog his annual checkup. “A sugar face?” I asked. “It’s a term used for retrievers whose faces turn prematurely white,” she replied, smiling. “It’s just a sign of the sweetness inside.”

Reflecting on that moment later, I thought about what shows up on my face when others meet me. Do they catch a glimpse of “the sweetness inside,” the transforming power of Jesus’ love in my heart and life? The Bible tells of the breathtaking moments when Moses came down from Mount Sinai after spending days in God’s presence. Moses “was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord,” so radiant that the people “were afraid to come near him” (Exodus 34:29-30). To avoid frightening them further, Moses “put a veil over his face” and removed it when “he went in to speak with the Lord” (vv. 33, 35).

Moses was of course literally speaking with God “face to face” (33:11), a unique moment in the Bible. But Scripture also reminds us that we who know God through Christ “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). His presence within us can be winsome to others—a work of God’s love. Our faces may not shine like Moses’ did, but as we spend time in God’s presence, He’ll become increasingly evident in us.

Reflect & Pray

How is God’s love evident in your life? How might you share it with others today?

Please let my face shine with Your love, dear Father, that others may love You too!

Today’s Insights

In Exodus 34, Moses’ face was literally shining after his encounters with God captured the intensity of His glory. It revealed that God was truly with His people through Moses and that His revelation could be trusted. In the ancient Near East, shining faces were believed to indicate someone was divine. Aaron and the Israelites were frightened by Moses’ appearance (v. 30), perhaps thinking he’d become a god himself. By allowing his shining face to be seen only when delivering God’s instructions to the people and veiling it the rest of the time (vv. 34-35), Moses may have been trying to prevent the people from worshiping him instead of God.

In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul suggests that because of Jesus, anyone can encounter God’s glory like Moses did. Those who “contemplate” Christ’s glory are “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (v. 18)—reflecting Him more and more. As we spend time with God, our faces will “shine” with His love.

God loves us even in our imperfect state. Learn more by watching this video.

 

http://www.odb.org

Uncategorized

Denison Forum – “Team Algae” protests Trump Administration at Reflecting Pool

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At least five people have been arrested on vandalism charges related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool has been in the news in recent weeks due to a $16 million renovation timed to be completed prior to the July 4 America250 celebration.

It has been plagued with algae and peeling paint following the renovation, however. According to President Trump, the damage was the result of deliberate sabotage.

The Washington Post reports that a small group of activists calling themselves “Team Algae” has taken up position in front of the Lincoln Memorial, cheering on the algae as a symbol of resistance to the Trump administration.

If you’re thinking “only in America,” you’re mostly right. And your sentiment is mostly a good thing.

Druids and the First Amendment

Amid the headlines from Iran, Lionel Messi’s exploits at the World Cup, and turmoil in British politics, you could be forgiven for missing the Druid celebration at Stonehenge over the weekend. I was interested in part because I visited the prehistoric megalithic structure some years ago and have followed news related to the site. And because what happened there on Sunday is a reflection of our larger cultural ethos.

Continue reading Denison Forum – “Team Algae” protests Trump Administration at Reflecting Pool →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Last Thing God Wants

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 Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’ 

—Matthew 25:41

Scripture:

One of the most insidious lies in our spiritually contentious culture is that God is a vengeful Judge who gets a perverse pleasure from sending people to Hell. But it takes a very selective reading of carefully chosen passages of Scripture to support that view.

A full reading of God’s Word reveals that the last thing God wants is for anyone to go to Hell. More to the point, God has gone to unimaginable lengths to make sure that no one goes to Hell. And that’s the truth we want to highlight as we approach the Harvest Crusade coming up next month.

Jesus frequently spoke about Hell during His earthly ministry. He wanted people to understand the spiritual reality of God’s perfect justice. He warned His listeners about the torment of being separated from God for eternity. And then Jesus did everything He could do so that we would not have to experience such eternal separation and torment. Jesus Christ experienced Hell on earth so that we would not have to face it for eternity.

Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven. Jesus entered the darkness so that we might walk in the light. This was the very mission of His life. And on the cross, He bore our sin. He took the punishment we deserve. He sacrificed Himself so that everyone who believes in Him might be saved.

The cross stands as a reminder that a hellish afterlife is not the only option for people. No one has to endure the torment of eternity apart from God. We can change our eternal address. The gospel is a universal declaration that Hell is not God’s desire for anyone. Look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:41: “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons’” (NLT). Hell wasn’t prepared for people; it was prepared for the devil and his demons.

If you want to reject the offer of God, if you want to live in your sin and end up in Hell on that final day, then you’ll have no one to blame but yourself. God doesn’t want you to go there. But you have a free will. And to get to Hell, you will have to effectively step over Jesus because He’s blocking the way.

Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13–14 NLT).

Which road are you on today?

 

Reflection question: How would you react to someone who blamed God for sending people to Hell? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Not Many Wise Men

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” (1 Corinthians 1:26)

For the most part, the rich and famous of this world, the wise and powerful, have looked down on the followers of Christ and the Scriptures. This seems increasingly true today, and many believers have been led to make compromises as a result. Rather than being discouraged by the intellectual snobbery of educated and powerful unbelievers, however, we should rejoice in this further proof of the prophetic inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.

This passage is, in fact, a remarkably fulfilled prophecy, true for almost 2,000 years. Christians have founded great universities to train people in God’s truth, only to see them taken over, one after another, by the ungodly leaders of this present world. Missionaries have carried the gospel to heathen lands, only to be superseded by wealth-seeking materialists who exploit and subvert their converts.

Paul did not say “not any,” of course, but “not many.” God always has raised up a few brilliant or powerful men (such as Paul himself) who have devoted their abilities and influence to the Lord and His Word, but these have been the exception. There have been a few godly kings and generals, a few Christ-honoring artists and musicians of great talent, but they are far outnumbered by the others.

But we must remember that God said long ago that was the way it would be. “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Don’t Let Distractions Pull You Away

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. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him.

2 Timothy 2:4 (AMPC)

Do you ever find yourself not taking time to spend with God because you’re so busy with other things? In 2 Timothy 2:4, Paul tells his protégé, Timothy, that a wise soldier avoids getting entangled in things that won’t satisfy the person who enlisted him. In other words, a child of God who wants to please God keeps his priorities straight and refuses to do things that could distract him from what is really important.

In order to grow closer to God on a daily basis, you’ll have to avoid some of the distractions and entanglements of the world. This may mean saying no to an opportunity you’d like to take but really don’t have time for. It could mean exercising good boundaries and not getting too wrapped up in other people’s problems. It’s important to help people, but there is a difference between godly involvement and entanglement. It may even mean being less focused on the stresses and cares that come up over the course of each day, because they certainly can distract us from God’s will and purpose for our lives.

God loves you and wants to be in relationship with you. Don’t let the entanglements of the world keep you from enjoying daily fellowship with Him.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me focus on what truly matters. Give me wisdom to set priorities, avoid distractions, and make time to grow closer to You each day, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Authority Over Your World 

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Most people have small thoughts about God. In an effort to see God as our friend, we have lost his immensity. In our desire to understand him, we have sought to contain him.

The God of the Bible cannot be contained. With a word he called Adam out of dust and Eve out of a bone. He consulted no committee; he sought no counsel. He has authority over the world, and he has authority over your world. He’s never surprised. He has never, ever uttered the phrase, “How did that happen?”

God’s goodness is a major headline in the Bible. If he were only mighty, we’d salute him. But since he is merciful and mighty, we can approach him. If God is at once Father and Creator, holy—unlike us—and high above us, then we at any point are only a prayer away from help.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Do You Remember?

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Read 2 Peter 1:12–15

“Look both ways before you cross the street” is advice most of us have heard since we were very young. But not long ago, while walking to the train station after work and listening to an audiobook, I realized I was standing in the middle of a busy street with cars speeding toward me. I was so absorbed in the story that I neglected to look before I crossed the street!

In today’s reading, Peter reminds his audience of the core truths of the gospel. He emphasizes this through repetition: “I will always remind you” (v. 12), “I think it is right to refresh your memory” (v. 13), and “I will make every effort to see that…you will always be able to remember” (v. 15). Much of the work of a Christian ministry is simply reminding others (and ourselves!) of what we have already been taught.

False teaching was creeping into the church. Peter knew that memory fades fast when new, attractive teaching appears. This was especially the case in a culture where believers did not have their own copies of Scripture or other Christian teaching. False teachers were often charismatic and engaging speakers.

Peter reminds these believers that they were “firmly established in the truth” (v. 12). This is a sobering warning for those of us who have grown up in the church and think we may be immune from being swayed by false gospels.

While we have easy access to Scripture and embarrassing riches of solid Christian teaching, we still face challenges. False teachers can make an inroad into our lives through social media. They package their teaching in very attractive ways. Social media algorithms even predict what kind of content will engage you. We need Peter’s reminders urgently today.

Go Deeper

Have you seen false teachers attempt to influence your thinking? Can you give an example? What can you do to stay grounded in truth?

Pray with Us

Lord, sometimes we struggle to keep our eyes fixed on You when we hear false teaching that sounds appealing. Help us recognize false gospels. We want to keep our eyes firmly on You.

I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.2 Peter 1:12

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Hit the Road

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Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:21

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Angie Foley bought a barn in northern Michigan to turn into an event venue. Inside she found eighteen classic cars, including a 1941 Buick Special. The vehicles had sat in the barn for years. They were rusty and caked with dirt. Their tires were flat. But imagine their value when restored!1

Anything deteriorates if unused, but restoration is an exciting process. Take your spiritual gift, for example. It will deteriorate if unused. You’ll become rusty and fall short of your potential in the Lord’s work. But if you begin using your gift, God will restore its worth.

When you know your spiritual gift, you should begin using it. Don’t let it sit idly in a barn. Dust it off. Polish it so you can use it for the glory of God. Ask God to give you the spark of the Holy Spirit. Fuel yourself with the Word and hit the road. You’ll be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and useful for the Master in every good work.

The very best way to discover spiritual gifts … is to get involved in ministry and see where the Spirit leads and equips.
Charles Swindoll

  1. Joseph Brogan, “Graveyard Goldmine: Woman Clears Out Old Barn and Auctions Off Over a Dozen Vintage Cars,” The U.S. Sun, September 16, 2025.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Ready to Be Generous

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Do not . . . pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. Leviticus 19:10

Today’s Scripture

Leviticus 19:1-10

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My great-uncle’s memorial service featured a meal of roast beef, corn, and beans to honor the hospitality that he and his wife had lived out for many years. Each Sunday morning, they would put a large roast and veggies in the Crock-Pot before going to church. After the service, they would look for someone to invite for lunch. Sometimes it was a good friend, sometimes a stranger. Either way, they made sure there was plenty of food at home and those afternoons were especially set aside for hospitality.

Their Sunday habit required an intentional readiness for generosity. The Israelites followed a similar pattern. Through Moses, God commanded them to leave a portion of their food “for the poor and the foreigner” (Leviticus 19:10). During harvest time, they were instructed not to reap to the edges of their field, leave what had fallen, and not re-harvest their vineyards (vv. 9-10). With these redeeming methods, those who didn’t own land could still work to gather food. For the people of God, this wasn’t a one-time, spontaneous act—although that can be a beautiful blessing too. It was how they lived year after year.

There are opportunities all around us to show Jesus’ hospitable love. Some we can’t prepare for; some we can. As God helps us, let’s consider how we can treat others kindly today (v. 33).

Reflect & Pray

Where is God calling you to be generous? What does it look like to be ready to show love and kindness?

Dear Jesus, You modeled perfect love and self-sacrifice. Please help me to be ready to show Your love to others.

Today’s Insights

God promised to abundantly provide food for His people (Leviticus 25:18-19), and so, in remembrance of their enslavement in Egypt, He commanded them to feed the poor and needy (19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). The story of Ruth took place in the backdrop of this law of gleaning (Ruth 2). God also wants us to be open-handed with his material blessings (see Deuteronomy 15:7-11). The apostle Paul says that God gives us material blessings for our enjoyment and commands believers in Jesus “to use their money to do good. . . . Be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18 nlt).Today, because God has richly given to us, we can look for opportunities to be generous to others.

Each of us has been given a gift we can use to bless others. Learn more by watching this video.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – British Prime Minister Kier Starmer to resign from office

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British Prime Minister Kier Starmer announced this morning that he would resign from office. A growing number within his Labour Party felt that if he stayed in power, the party would lose badly the next general election in 2029. Many wanted Andy Burnham, a left-wing former mayor, to lead the party and thus become prime minister.

Anthony Seldon, a historian who has written biographies of every prime minister from John Major to Rishi Sunak, explained what went wrong for Starmer:

Firstly, he never worked out what the job was—what does the prime minister do? Secondly, he never knew what he wanted to do, above all not on economic policy. And thirdly, he didn’t know who to appoint.

Once you’ve got those three things happening it’s never going to work. It’s just a question of how quickly the wheels come off.

Continue reading Denison Forum – British Prime Minister Kier Starmer to resign from office →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Certainties

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 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. 

—Psalm 90:10

Scripture:

Benjamin Franklin wrote, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Many people have devised strategies to avoid the second. No one has yet devised a strategy for avoiding the first—and no one ever will.

The Bible is very clear about the fact that there will come a time for every person when life on earth will end. The author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 NLT).

The author of Hebrews wrote, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV). Most people assume (or, at least, hope) that their appointed time will come after a long life here on earth. But the Bible makes no such promises. For some people, the time to die comes much sooner than expected. For others, it comes much later. Statisticians have estimated that two people die every second. One hundred and twenty people die every minute. Over seven thousand people die every hour.

That’s why the words of the psalmist still resonate: “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10 NLT).

A historical legend tells us that Philip II of Macedon commanded his servant to stand in his presence every day and repeat something like, “Remember Philip, one day you will die.” The ruler wanted to be reminded of his mortality.

When Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech at Stanford University, he said, “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it.”

Death is the great equalizer. It’s no respecter of persons. It comes to everyone. And that reality is what gives our Harvest Crusade its urgency and importance every year. People need to hear about the life beyond this one before this one ends.

According to the Bible, after death there are two destinations. Every person decides now—not later, not after death—which destination it will be. Every person decides where they will spend eternity. Those two options are Heaven or Hell.

The apostle Paul wrote, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NLT). That’s how you decide to go to Heaven—to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. To do anything else is to choose to go to Hell.

This is our urgent message. Two people who were alive just one second ago won’t have a chance to hear it again.

 

Reflection question: What causes you to feel a sense of urgency about sharing your faith? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Immediate Results

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22)

Sometimes we don’t get to see the results of our work or choices soon enough to suit us. But on one occasion, a man’s choice and resulting action were given immediate attention, and the effects of that attention even now rule the universe.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6).

The result of Adam’s deliberate sin—“Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14)—was immediate and total punishment upon Adam and Eve, and through them on all humanity (Genesis 3:14–19). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). “For the creature [or ‘creation’] was made subject to vanity [that is, ‘futility’], not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope” (8:20).

This “bondage of corruption” (v. 21) placed upon the entire creation, now known to science as the second law of thermodynamics, is known to all of us as the basic tendency of life. Everything is in the process of death and decay. This law will one day be removed; but until then, we, like the groaning, travailing creation of our text, “groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (v. 23).

Although we recognize now that “the wages of sin is death,” we can be very thankful that the story doesn’t end there, for “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). JDM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – No Excuses

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And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage.

Judges 6:12 (AMPC)

In the book of Judges, God decided to work through a man named Gideon to deliver the Israelites from captivity. But when the angel came to call Gideon, Gideon began rehearsing a list of his inabilities, including reasons why he thought he could not do what God was calling him to do.

In Judges 6:14 (AMPC) God says, Have I not sent you? In other words, “Would I ask you to do something I haven’t equipped you to do?” And again, in the next verse, Gideon responds with excuses—I’m too poor, too small, too weak. Because words have power, Gideon believed what he said about himself more than the encouraging words of the Lord.

Stop thinking of excuses or things to complain about—It’s too hard; I’ve never done this before; this isn’t what I had planned; I don’t know how; I’m too old/young; I don’t feel like it; I’m afraid—and start doing what God is telling you to do.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me stop making excuses and trust what You’ve called me to do. Give me courage, confidence, and strength to step forward in obedience today, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Heartfelt Plea 

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Play

When my eldest daughter was 13, she flubbed her piano piece at a recital. The silence in the auditorium was broken only by the pounding of her parents’ hearts. She hurried off the stage, threw her arms around me and buried her face in my shirt. “Oh, Daddy.” That was enough for me. At that moment I’d have given her the moon, and all she said was, “Oh, Daddy.”

Prayer starts here. Prayer begins with an honest, heartfelt, “Oh Daddy!” Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy.

Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Godly Life

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Read 2 Peter 1:3–11

Most of us long to live a life of significance. We may not be well known or famous by human standards, but we want to know our life has counted before God. In today’s reading Peter helps us do just that.

First, we need to keep in mind that the Christian life is not about earning our standing with God or our significance before Him. We can rejoice in the truth that God has “given us everything we need for a godly life” (v. 3). God has equipped us to be faithful to His calling. One of things He has given us are His “very great and precious promises” (v. 4). All through the Bible, a key dynamic of faithfulness is believing and living in light of the truth of God’s promises. Abram uprooted his life and traveled to an unknown land based on God’s promise (Gen. 12:1–3). David believed one of his descendants would have a throne that would be established forever (2 Sam. 7:13). Today, we believe in and wait for the return of the Lord Jesus. Living in light of that hope is one of the gifts God has given us to live a godly life.

Out of the abundance of God’s grace and provision for us, we are called to grow in holiness and love. Peter calls us to “make every effort” (v. 5) to grow in virtues: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love (vv. 6–7). As we grow in these virtues, “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive” in faith (v. 8). The important thing is to keep our eyes on the goal, which is to “receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 11). God has given us everything we need to live an effective and productive life.

Go Deeper

What do you think a life that counts for God looks like? How does Peter’s letter shape your answer?

Pray with Us

Jesus, You call us to be faithful to You, not successful by worldly standards. Forgive us for seeking human approval. Please give us the courage and perseverance to live for You.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.2 Peter 1:3

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Final Words

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Read 2 Peter 1:1–2

While the Bible does not record how the apostle Peter died, early church tradition says he was martyred in Rome. It is said he requested to be crucified upside-down because he was not worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. This church tradition aligns well with Jesus’ prediction about Peter’s death (John 21:18–19).

Near the end of his life, Peter wrote the letter we now call 2 Peter. It seems his audience was the same as that for his first letter: a group of churches in Asia Minor (2 Pet. 3:1). Peter’s opening is typical for a New Testament letter, yet it contains important truths. Peter asserts his authority as an “apostle of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). This is important in a letter where he will rebuke his audience for embracing some false teaching. He also affirms that his audience has “received a faith as precious as ours” (v. 1). Most of the believers he was writing to would have been second generation Christians. They might have felt a bit inferior, or at least less blessed because they did not get to see Jesus in the flesh. Peter assures them that their faith was just as precious as his own. The same is true today. Some people may think that they are less valuable as a Christian because they came to faith later in life. That is not the case! All believers are sons or daughters of God (1 John 3:1–2).

Peter also affirms that Jesus is God, “to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 1). He holds a high view of Jesus! He also knows that true knowledge of Jesus brings “grace and peace…in abundance” (v. 2).

Go Deeper

When did you come to faith in Christ? Share your story with someone today. And if you do not know Jesus as your Savior, we invite you to learn more. Go to moodybible.org/knowing-christ.

Pray with Us

Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. We praise You for Your plan of salvation that stretches from creation to the cross. You are worthy of our worship!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.2 Peter 1:2

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Gift of Prayer

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Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people. Ephesians 6:7

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 6:1-8

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Today’s Devotion

I trudged into the grocery store to buy a Father’s Day card. I had forgiven my father. I’d tried reconciling over the years—prayerfully processing the hurts inflicted before and after I’d left home at fifteen. Sadly, decades later, I still couldn’t relate to the cards that had messages gushing with gratitude for the “greatest” dads. So, desperate to honor my heavenly Father, I stood in that card aisle and prayed for my earthly father.

From Adam and Cain to David and Absalom to my father and me, sin has caused multigenerational strife and heartbreak. Still, the apostle Paul encouraged children to obey their parents “in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Honoring parents is a command that comes with a promise and a reward (vv. 2-3). In turn, fathers were meant to raise children to know and love God (v. 4). God’s people are designed to serve each other “wholeheartedly, as if [we] were serving the Lord, not people” (v. 7). Unfortunately, sin can destroy these relationships.

No matter what our relationship status with our parents is, we can thank God for the people He chose to use when He gave us life, and we can pray they enjoy a life-transforming relationship with Christ. Prayer that leads to Jesus is a gift of love and honor that can lead to changed relationships and lives.

Reflect & Pray

How can you honor God when a relationship is difficult? How will you pray for someone who is estranged from you?

Good Father, please show me how I can honor You in and through both healthy and strained relationships.

Today’s Insights

Family relationships aren’t exempt from challenges of various kinds. In Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Paul spoke to the households of believers in Jesus in the first century. The form of his teaching was similar to how the ancient Greco-Roman world usually structured their households. Several features, however, are noteworthy and distinct for believers in the context of the family (6:1-8). The apostle’s teaching regarding how to relate to each other is preceded by the command to “be filled with the Spirit” (5:18). Dynamics of Spirit-filled living include singing (v. 19), thanksgiving (v. 20), and “[submitting] to one another out of reverence for Christ” (v. 21). Prayer is another essential dimension of Spirit-filled living: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (6:18). Today, when we’re confronted with difficult family relationships, the Spirit can help us pray for them as we seek to honor God.

Watch this video to learn about repairing broken relationships.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Who owns your stuff?

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Materialism, greed, generosity, and stewardship

Last week we examined the sin of idolatry and concluded by asking if every square inch of your existence was submitted to God. Before we start, take a moment to think back to that question and ask the Lord once again to show you any areas of your life that you’ve kept back from him.

All of us have blind spots; areas of our lives where we see our sin a little less clearly. For many in our country, materialism is perhaps the most blatant blind spot. After all, we live in a culture that prizes independence and the idea of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.

And there’s nothing inherently wrong with either concept. In many ways, much of America’s greatness is tied to those impulses. However, they come with a downside, and that’s where we’re going to spend our time today.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Who owns your stuff? →

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Peace of Thy Children

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (Isaiah 54:13)

This verse has its primary fulfillment still in the future. Nevertheless, it states a basic principle that is always valid and is especially relevant on Father’s Day. The greatest honor that children can bestow on a father is a solid Christian character of their own, but that must first be his own gift to them. Before sons and daughters can experience real peace of soul, they must first be taught of the Lord themselves. The heavenly Father has delegated this responsibility first of all to human fathers.

The classic example is Abraham, “the father of all them that believe” (Romans 4:11). God’s testimony concerning Abraham was this: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). This is the first reference in Scripture to the training of children, and it is significant that it stresses paternal instruction in the things of God. Furthermore, the instruction should be diligent and continual: “When thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

The classic New Testament teaching on child training has the same message: “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Instead of wrath, fathers should bring peace, as our text suggests. Great shall be our children’s peace when they know the Lord and keep His ways. Great, also, is the joy of a godly father when he sees the blessing of the Lord on his children and then on his grandchildren. “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). HMM

 

 

 

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

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