Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Messengers

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God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.
Hebrews 1:1-2

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 1:1-9

The Old Testament, written primarily in Hebrew, uses the word mal’ak (pronounced mal-AHK) for angel. Its basic meaning is “messenger, one who is sent.” This word occurs more than two hundred times in the Old Testament, and it can refer to either human or heavenly messengers. The New Testament uses the Greek word angelos (pronounced AN-gel-os), and it also occurs nearly two hundred times. It, too, can refer to either a human or a supernatural messenger.

We commonly use the word angel to describe any kind of heavenly supernatural being apart from God Himself. The reality is a bit more complex since the Bible gives us glimpses of various spiritual beings, including cherubim, seraphim, archangels, principalities, and powers.

Nevertheless, the word angel reassures us that God wants to communicate with us, and He has many ways of sending us messages and messengers. His greatest communication is in His written Word, the Bible, and His Incarnate Word, the Son. Praise God today that He exists and He is not silent.

[Angels] come to attend the redeemed; they wait on their steps; they sustain them in trial; they accompany them when departing to heaven. 
Albert Barnes

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Radiating God’s Goodness

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As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Today’s Scripture

Romans 12:16-21

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Today’s Devotion

Where were the packages? An inner-city church was having problems receiving deliveries. Although its office staff requested that online orders be dropped off inside the building, the goods were regularly left outside on the street, and some items were never received.

Church workers were understandably vexed, but instead of griping on the company’s customer service hotline, the church’s employees created a snack station inside the building and invited the delivery people to stop in for food and water. Before long, packages began to show up at the right place at the right time, and the church was able to “deliver” a message to the couriers: We care about you as people, not just service providers.

Often, we can change distressing situations through kindness. Although our natural response might be to find fault and hold on to anger, the apostle Paul challenges us to let God’s goodness radiate through us, even when we feel it’s undeserved. Through the Holy Spirit’s power and with His wisdom, we can show kindness by being hospitable, thoughtful, and helpful (Romans 12:13-14). Even if this seems ineffective, we know it pleases God because the Bible encourages us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (v. 18).

Reflect & Pray

When was the last time you traded anger for love? How might caring for others show the world God’s true nature?

Dear God, You’ve been so kind to me. Please show me how to change my corner of the world by passing Your love on to others.

Today’s Insights

After explaining what the gospel is—the good news that God loved the world and gave His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (Romans 1-11)—Paul applies it to everyday living, instructing believers in Christ how to live a holy life that pleases God (chs. 12-16). The clearest indication of a renewed mind and transformed life (12:1-2) is having “sincere” love for others (v. 9), demonstrated when we “love [our] neighbor as [ourselves]” (Mark 12:31; see Romans 13:8-10; 14:15). It’s easy to love those who love us. But to “bless those who persecute [us]” (12:14) is the litmus test of such a Christlike love (vv. 14-21). Rather than responding in anger or retaliation when we’re wronged, we can commit the situation to God. He’ll help us replace our anger with kindness and goodness (v. 20). In this way, we “don’t let evil conquer [us], but conquer evil by doing good” (v. 21 nlt).

For further study, read: Should We Be the Acts 2 Church?

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Pentagon prepares bases to operate autonomously for 90 days

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In light of tomorrow’s midterm elections, many are wondering what comes next. The Wall Street Journal reports that the US has told several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military campaign after the elections. Stocks were down significantly last Friday but could rally after the elections, while the election results will definitely affect the last two years of the Trump Administration and the next congressional session.

Some are worried that dire threats could be on the horizon, fears fueled by news that the UK launched its “Be Ready” campaign on October 22, encouraging households to stockpile three days of drinking water, nonperishable food, cash, and other emergency essentials. Closer to home, the Pentagon is preparing US bases to keep operating for at least ninety days without outside support.

The British effort is the first stage of a three-year campaign to help households be prepared “if everyday services are temporarily disrupted” through “events such as severe weather.” The Pentagon, by contrast, is preparing for the possibility of a major war that could cripple power grids, disrupt supply chains, and threaten critical infrastructure.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Pentagon prepares bases to operate autonomously for 90 days →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Be Known for Your Faith

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 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 

—Romans 1:8

Scripture:

Romans 1:8 

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to talk about more hot-button issues. Today, we’re going to focus on the responsibility believers have to be known for their faith. It’s a hot-button issue today due in large part to social media. Online opponents of the Christian faith have become especially vocal and confrontational in their opposition.

Of course, opposition is nothing new for followers of Christ. Contending for the Christian faith has been a hot-button issue for more than two thousand years.

It was certainly an issue for the earliest followers of Christ. After all, it wasn’t easy being a Christian in Rome. As the capital of the Roman Empire, the city had a population of around one million.

Yet the church in Rome was already becoming known for its faith. The apostle Paul told the believers in Rome, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world” (Romans 1:8 NLT).

Years later, during the reign of Caesar, Christians in Rome faced historic persecution. Nero sent Christians covered in animal skins into the arena to be torn apart by dogs. He had other Christians covered with pitch and lit them on fire, using them to light his garden as he rode around in his chariot.

Despite such horrific opposition and oppression, the church in Rome not only survived but flourished. And not only did it flourish, but it also impacted the Roman Empire. In fact, it impacted the entire world. It did so because it pushed back. It didn’t yield to critics, haters, or even persecutors. The gospel message was too powerful to be restrained. Christ’s followers endured whatever was necessary to spread the Good News.

Do people know you for your faith? If someone polled your coworkers and neighbors, the people who know you only as an acquaintance, and asked them if you were a Christian, would they say yes? Would there be no question about it?

It’s a good reputation to have. If someone arrested you for being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you? If you want to be a believer like those of the first century, then others should know you for your faith.

Jesus did not say, “Go into all the world and be a good example.” Rather, He said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT). Walking with Christ isn’t always a passive, personal experience.

Being a good example alone will not bring people to Christ. But it can open the door for you to share your faith and share the gospel with others.

Reflection question: Where in your life can you be a good example to others by sharing your faith? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Counting God

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?” (Job 31:4)

God is surely the Great Mathematician. All the intricacies of structure and process of His mighty cosmos are, at least in principle, capable of being described mathematically, and the goal of science is to do just that. This precise intelligibility of the universe clearly points to a marvelous intelligence as its Creator.

God even “telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names” (Psalm 147:4). Astronomers estimate that at least 10 trillion trillion stars exist in the heavens, and God has counted and identified each one! And that is not all: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered,” Jesus said (Matthew 10:30). From the most massive star to the tiniest hair, God has counted each component of His creation.

Such countings are far beyond human capabilities, for “the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured” (Jeremiah 33:22). But God has also created “an innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22) and has promised that the redeemed will include “a great multitude, which no man could number” (Revelation 7:9).

No wonder David exclaimed, “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5).

Perhaps the most wonderful of all God’s counting activities is that implied in Job’s rhetorical question: “Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?” If He has numbered the hairs on our heads, we can be certain He numbers our steps along the way and guides them all. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – A Healthy Self-Image

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The LORD turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

Judges 6:14-15 (ESV)

People who have been hurt or abused in some way often have very low self-esteem. Other people have not treated them as though they are valuable or special, so they do not have a strong sense of self-worth. An important part of the healing of the soul is developing a healthy self-image and coming to understand that God loves us, so we should love ourselves. We were worth His sending His Son to die for us, so we have worth far beyond what we realize.

In the Bible, Gideon did not have a good self-image. When God called him to save the Israelites and even asked, “Do not I send you?” (which was God’s way of letting Gideon know that yes, He was definitely sending him), Gideon tried to get out of it. He basically told God that he did not come from a strong family and that he was the weakest one of them all!

God had chosen Gideon for a special purpose, but Gideon did not have enough confidence in God or in himself to embrace the assignment. He had several problems. The first was that he thought negatively about himself. The second was that he spoke negatively about himself. The third was that his faith in God did not outweigh his own thoughts and words. Even when we think or speak negatively about ourselves, when we have an encounter with God, it gives us a chance to change our minds, change our words, and come into agreement with Him. Gideon didn’t do that.

As God heals your soul, your self-esteem will improve. You will begin to feel stronger, more confident, and better about who you are. This is a good sign, and it means that God is working in your life! When God calls you to do something or gives you an opportunity and your first thought is, Oh, I couldn’t do that. I am not smart enough or strong enough, or whatever you think you are not enough of, stop yourself. Interrupt that thought and think, God created me, and He loves me unconditionally. He is healing my soul and making me stronger. I belong to Him, so I can do anything He asks me to do!

This kind of confidence and positive self-image is not arrogant, because it is based on your relationship with God, not on your human abilities. To be confident in God and to feel good about how He has created you is a healthy expression of your faith in Him. Philippians 4:13 says you can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength. To believe that is to agree with God’s Word and doing that will help you improve your self-image.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for loving me and giving Your Son for me. Heal my self-image, silence my negative thoughts, and help me believe I am valuable in You, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God’s Hold Is Sure 

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Play

Many Christians think they’re saved, hope they’re saved, but still they doubt, wondering, “Am I really saved?” Our behavior gives us reason to wonder. We’re strong one day, weak the next. Devoted one hour, flagging the next. Believing, then unbelieving.

Conventional wisdom draws a line through the middle of these fluctuations. Perform above this line, and enjoy God’s acceptance. But dip below it, and expect a pink slip from heaven. Salvation, then, becomes a matter of timing. You just hope you’ll die on an upswing.

Jesus’ language couldn’t be stronger: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages…and no one is able to snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28 AMPC). God doesn’t let go, and he won’t let go of you.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Day of Pentecost

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Read Acts 2:1–13

When Jesus ascended to heaven, the apostles were left behind. They obeyed Jesus’ instruction to remain in Jerusalem until He sent to them what His Father had promised (Luke 24:49). In fact, Jesus had also promised to send the Advocate, or Counselor, to them in John 16:7. In addition to the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women, and Jesus’ brothers, approximately 120 disciples of Jesus regularly met for prayer. They were waiting for the promise to be fulfilled, and it was, on the Day of Pentecost.

When that Day of Pentecost came, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (vv. 2–4).

Although the disciples of Jesus believed Him for the promise of the Holy Spirit, I dare to suggest that what occurred was not what they expected. “Suddenly” (v. 2) suggests it was startling. “A sound like the blowing of a violent wind” (v. 2) indicates it was loud and frightening. “Saw what seemed to be tongues of fire” (v. 3) implies it was mesmerizing. The entire experience captivated them.

There was also an individualized aspect of the miracle. The tongues of fire came to “rest on each of them” (v. 3). They were each “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4). They each spoke in different languages that they previously had not known. The Holy Spirit did not just come into the world in a general sense. He also came into the world to fill and empower each believer.

Go Deeper

As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you believe that the Holy Spirit dwells in you? In what ways does the Spirit empower you? Watch this interview as our author Dr. Eric Moore talks about the day of Pentecost.

Pray with Us

Lord, thank You for sending Your Spirit to dwell within us. Please make us sensitive to listen when He is prompting us, and give us courage to obey even when it seems hard.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.Acts 2:1

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Ascension

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Read Acts 1:1–11

One of the television programs my wife and I enjoy is Finding Your Roots. During the show Henry Louis Gates Jr. unfolds each guest’s family tree and tells them something of interest regarding their ancestors’ lives. Some guests have said, “I feel so much more connected to my roots” or “Now I know how I got here.”

In a sense, this is the purpose of the book of Acts. We learn how our family (the church of Jesus Christ) got started. The church began with the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Luke, Paul’s companion, is writing to a man named Theophilus. The book of Acts can be viewed as volume two of Luke’s historical record, beginning where his gospel left off, with the ascension of Jesus.

The book of Acts follows a simple outline found in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (v. 8). After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and disciples, and the gospel spread locally, regionally, and worldwide.

This is important to the proper understanding of the book of Acts. Some view the book as “prescriptive.” By that I mean we should be doing exactly what is recorded in this book. If by that they mean that we should be reaching the world with the gospel, then I agree. However, I believe the proper way to view this book is “descriptive.” Luke is describing how the church of Jesus Christ began. We are to learn from all of it, but not necessarily try to duplicate all of it. Some events were unique to the founding era of the church.

Go Deeper

What role does the Holy Spirit play in the opening of the book of Acts? How is the Spirit at work in this present day?

Pray with Us

Dear Father, please meet us in our study of Acts. As we look back at the beginning of the church, give us wisdom to use what we learn in our own settings. Your way is the best way.

He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.Acts 1:9

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God Our King

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It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 1 Samuel 8:7

Today’s Scripture

1 Samuel 8:4-9

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Today’s Devotion

After being jobless for a year, Ethan finally got a good offer—but his wife stopped him from accepting it. “Is this good for you?” she asked. “It’s a night shift, so you’ll struggle to attend church on Sunday mornings, like with your previous job.” After praying and mulling over it, Ethan decided to turn down the offer. While there was nothing wrong with it, he knew it wouldn’t be good for him. Months later, he got another job—a day shift—that allowed him to attend church regularly.

Not all decisions that seem logical are God-honoring or wise. For example, it seemed natural for the Israelites to ask for a king. The prophet Samuel’s sons weren’t fit to lead (1 Samuel 8:3), and other nations seemed to be doing well with a king (vv. 5, 20). But God warned them about trusting solely in people; only He was their true king who could protect and provide for them perfectly (vv. 7, 11-18). Still, the Israelites insisted (v. 19), leading God to tell Samuel, “It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king” (v. 7). Later, the Israelites would suffer under the rule of a string of evil kings.

Human wisdom can lead us to rely on ourselves rather than God. His ways may be counterintuitive, but they’re truly wise and lead to good. May we learn to trust Him and accept His rule in our lives, for He alone is our loving King.

Reflect & Pray

What decisions are you facing now? How can you seek God’s guidance and wisdom in making them?

Dear God, please teach me to trust in Your ways and follow them so I can obey and please You in all I do.

Today’s Insights

Key to understanding today’s Scripture (1 Samuel 8:4-9) is another passage that contains God’s instructions to Israel during their flight from Egypt. He told them, “The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). He also said, “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you . . . and you say, ‘Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,’ be sure to appoint over you a king the Lord your God chooses” (17:14-15). Despite their privileged status as His chosen people, He knew His people would yearn to be like the nations surrounding them. When Samuel prayed, God told him, “They have rejected me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:7). Yet they remained His people, and God did indeed choose their human king (9:16). We can remember today that God’s wisdom is available in every decision we make.

For further study, read: Making Decisions God’s Way

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – A Tempting Offer

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry.

Matthew 4:1–2 (AMPC)

After Jesus had gone through a 40-day fast, Satan approached Him with three tempting offers. The devil came to Jesus when he was weak and hungry. It’s natural to assume that the Lord was physically weakened after being without nourishment for such an extended period of time, so, of course, the devil’s first offer involved food. If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread (Matthew 4:3 AMPC).

Later Jesus performed several miracles that included food, such as changing a boy’s lunch into enough fish and bread to feed five thousand people and, at another time, to feed four thousand. All of Jesus’ miracles were for the good of others. He never performed miracles for Himself or to satisfy any need of His own. That’s one major lesson we learn from His temptation.

The devil then took Jesus to a mountaintop and showed Him the nations of the earth. He said, in effect, “You can have it all in exchange for one slight, easily excusable act. Worship me—just once—and You can have it all.” I can even imagine the devil saying, “It’s all right; God will understand. You’re so weak right now.”

It was as if Satan said, “You’re going to rule it all anyway. This is just a shortcut.” He implied that through one simple act of worship, Jesus could avoid the rejection, the suffering, and even the horrifying death on the cross. And either way, He would achieve the same goal.

As attractive as the offer may have sounded, Jesus turned it down. He recognized the deliberately crafted lie, and Jesus never hesitated. The world would be won for God, but it would be won by the way of sacrifice and obedience. The way of the cross would be Jesus’ pathway to victory.

Again, Jesus teaches us that His is not the easy way. Instead, we must take the right way. Whenever the devil tries to convince us there is an easier way—one that will make life better for us—we know we don’t want to listen.

As we read the story, the choice seems obvious. But suppose you had been in that wilderness for 40 days and nights without food and water. Suppose you had faced such great temptations. Suppose the devil had whispered in your ear, “Just this one time and no one will know.”

This is one of the enemy’s most subtle lies. Not only does he tempt you to give in and to receive the things you’d like to have, but he also makes it sound simple and easy: “Just do this one thing, and it’s all yours.”

God never works that way. He wants you to have the best and only the best, but it has to come in the right way.

At the end of the temptation accounts, Matthew inserts a powerful statement. With each temptation, Jesus won because he relied on the Word of God for His strength. And the devil couldn’t fight the Word. Finally, Matthew records, Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11 AMPC).

The wisdom to be gleaned from this experience is powerful. Even after you’ve been battered and tempted, God doesn’t leave you. He remains with you to comfort you, to minister to your needs, and to encourage you. Never forget that He is as close to you as the mention of His name. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer of the Day: Blessed Lord Jesus, thank You for winning the victory over the devil. Thank You for not listening to Satan and for standing on the Word of God in the midst of every temptation. Lord, in Your name, I pray for the wisdom and the strength to defeat the same enemy when he tempts me, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Seasons: Preach the Word

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Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2, NIV

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Thomas Heelis, an English sailor, did missionary work to India from 1855 to 1910. Once he shipwrecked and the crew was washed up in a small fishing village. Thomas, not one to miss an opportunity, began preaching the Gospel to those villagers.1

Our lives go through various seasons, but we are to be about our Master’s business. When we labor for Christ, we will find some seasons productive and fruitful. We will see a harvest. At other times the work will appear unrewarded and in vain. But remember what Paul said: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Let’s labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun. Let’s preach the Word, in season and out of season. Even misfortune such as shipwrecks can be God’s way of guiding us to someone needing the Gospel.

I thank God that the gospel is to be preached to every creature. There is no man so far gone, but the grace of God can reach him.
D. L. Moody

  1. Footsteps Worth Following (Echoes International, 2021), 120.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – No Mask, Simply Jesus

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Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:10

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 4:20-24

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Today’s Devotion

In ancient Greece, actors on stage would portray the emotions of their characters by wearing masks that either expressed tragedy or comedy. Masks also allowed the same actor to play multiple roles in the same production. They weren’t permanent, nor were they representative of the real person. Put on for the performance, the facial disguises were taken off when the production was over.

In Colossians 3:10, Paul writes to believers in Jesus to encourage them to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Rather than a temporary mask worn to entertain people, it should be displayed as a permanent part of life that will be seen each day. The apostle says to “put off your old self” (Ephesians 4:22)—the sinful life we lived before receiving salvation in Christ.

Taking off our old habits and putting on a new self doesn’t just happen naturally. Paul says we need “to be made new in the attitude of [our] minds” (v. 23). This starts with how we think—recognizing that as believers we’re “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24).

The actors in Greece were paid to put on fake faces. Today, by God’s grace, let’s put on the true image of Jesus so the world knows that He’s living within us.

Reflect & Pray

What are some ways you wear a mask that reflects your old life? How can you “put on” Jesus each day?

I pray, dear Jesus, that my life may be a true representation of who You are. Please help me be real each and every day for You.

Today’s Insights

In view of what God did through Jesus in choosing, redeeming, and predestining believers in Him to be His children (Ephesians 1:3-14), Paul instructs believers to “to live a life worthy of [His] calling” (4:1). We’re to “no longer live” the ungodly lives of our past (v. 17), for we’ve been given a new life (vv. 22-24). The New Living Translation puts it this way: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our new person is “created to be like God”—truly righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24). We’re to “put to death . . . whatever belongs to [our] earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed” (Colossians 3:5) and to rid ourselves of “anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language” (v. 8). As we “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12), God will help us live an authentic, Christlike life before others.

For further study, read: Don’t Run from Your Failures

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – An ancient remedy for “election anxiety”

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If you don’t have “election anxiety,” you’re in the decided minority. With all the political messages inundating social media, television, and mailers, we’re inundated daily with the subject. Conversations about politics can strain friendships; heated debates can increase tension and negatively impact relationships.

Some avoid social gatherings altogether to avoid conflict. And many are worried about what comes after the elections.

Reading through Daniel 6 today, I found an ancient remedy for the anxiety of our times. It is relevant regardless of our circumstances and fears. I am committing myself to it anew today and invite you to join me.

“Going up to the temple at the hour of prayer”

Many people know of the Muslim custom of praying five times a day (known as Salah), but fewer know that the Jews have historically prayed three times each day. (Some historians think Muhammad was aware of this and patterned the Muslim custom on it.)

Continue reading Denison Forum – An ancient remedy for “election anxiety” →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Judging Ourselves

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 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 

—1 Corinthians 11:31

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 11:31 

In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about the hot-button issue of self-image.

Our culture today places tremendous importance on loving oneself and celebrating one’s accomplishments. There’s certainly nothing wrong with positivity. But as believers, there’s a fine line we must walk.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us” (Romans 12:3 NLT).

The apostle Peter wrote, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6 NLT). Humility is essential in our relationship with God. It’s also essential to our spiritual growth.

It’s been said that self-satisfaction is the death of progress. Any Christian who knows what it means to follow Jesus understands that there’s always a long way to go. But that reality should not discourage us. Instead, it should motivate us to keep moving forward spiritually. We must keep growing and learning.

To widen our perspective a bit, we should consider that humility is also key to spiritual revival. If we want to see a revival—the kind that transforms entire regions—then we need to humble ourselves. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (NLT).

Of the twelve Hebrew words used in Scripture to express the verb pray, the one used here in 2 Chronicles 7:14 means “to judge self habitually.” For many of us, that requires a 180-degree change of direction. We have no problem judging and criticizing others habitually. But turning the focus on ourselves doesn’t come quite as naturally.

To judge ourselves means to recognize that we have a long way to go, spiritually speaking. Are you satisfied with where you are spiritually? After years of walking with the Lord, the apostle Paul said this: “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:12–14 NLT).

Paul wasn’t regretful or ashamed or disgusted with himself for not having already reached spiritual perfection. Instead, he was laser-focused on growing in spiritual maturity. He wanted only to press on, day after day, moving ever closer to God’s ideal and becoming more like Christ.

That’s the essence of a healthy spiritual self-image.

Reflection question: How can you develop a healthier spiritual self-image? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Children of the Day

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)

It is interesting that most of the days during the year that have been considered to have some special meaning are observed as “Days”—for example, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, etc. Those observed mainly at night, such as Halloween and New Year’s Eve, tend to emphasize frivolity or even sinfulness. Christmas Eve may be an exception, but this celebration (December 25) rarely notes the real reason for Christ’s incarnation.

It is for good reason that darkness has become a term referring not only to absence of daylight but also to absence of moral light. Many biblical references make this connection. Note just a sampling.

  • “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
  • “For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love” (1 Thessalonians 5:7–8).
  • “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. . . . But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light” (Ephesians 5:11, 13).

All who have trusted in Christ have been “delivered” by our heavenly Father “from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). It would be utterly irresponsible, therefore, for us ever to shame our Father by behaving like the children of darkness. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Turn Away from Evil

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Turn not to those [mediums] who have familiar spirits or to wizards; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:31 (AMPC)

This is a serious command! Spiritualism, divination, and witchcraft are all forbidden in the Word of God. Many people, including some who consider themselves to be Christians, participate in practices that God considers vile and evil. God says He will set His face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them (Leviticus 20:6). Yet Christians still read horoscopes and consult psychics and wonder why they don’t have peace.

God wants you to seek Him, and it offends Him if you seek these other sources. No one who does so will ever have a peaceful, joy-filled, and prosperous life. If you have been involved in any activity of this sort, I strongly encourage you to thoroughly repent, ask God to forgive you, and turn away completely from such practices.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, forgive me any time I seek answers from anywhere but You. Help me turn away from anything false, trust You alone, and find true peace in seeking only You, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – God the Victorious Farmer

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Read Isaiah 61:8–11

I have often been encouraged to think of biblical prophecy in terms of seeing mountain ranges from a distance. There are one or more mountains in the foreground, and others in the background. They may have similar features. We can’t really see how far apart they are or what lies between them. At our location in history, we look back and see prophecies fulfilled. We also look forward and see prophecies yet to be fulfilled. How long until we reach the next “mountain”? Only God knows!

Isaiah 61 begins with God telling us who He is (vv. 8–9). He loves justice and hates evil. He’s faithful, makes and keeps covenants, and gives blessings. The people He has chosen will be known among the nations, to His glory. Our fitting response is to delight and rejoice in the Lord (v. 10). Our wedding day is coming (see Rev. 19:9)! God is the groom, we His people are the bride. Our groom is also our high priest (see Heb. 2:17). He’s dressing us for the big day with “garments of salvation” and “a robe of his righteousness.” As Paul wrote: “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Rom. 13:14).

Verse 11 reimagines all this in agricultural terms: Just as seeds grow and plants sprout, God will “make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations” (cf. Isa. 45:8). God will bring His kingdom plans to fruition, as surely as in the growing seed parable and as perfectly as in Isaiah’s threshing parable. It’s inevitable. Sovereignty is the divine attribute stressed here. In the short “mountain view,” the prophet had in view Israel’s return from exile. In the long “mountain view,” he also saw the eschatological implication of the Millennial Kingdom.

Dear Reader

As you reflect on the key lessons you’ve learned from this month’s study, will you consider a gift to Today in the Word? The seeds you sow will produce eternal reward!  Give Today!

Pray with Us

Father, thank You for all we’ve learned about You through our study of seeds and farming. We eagerly await the day when we will see Your face and spend eternity with You. Come, Lord Jesus!

The Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.Isaiah 61:11

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Think on These Things

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Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.
Joshua 1:8, NIV

Recommended Reading: Joshua 23:6-8

When we think of stirring speeches, we remember Churchill’s words before the Battle of Britain: “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”

The Bible has an even greater address preparing people for battle—the Warrior’s Passage of Joshua 1. God challenged Joshua to be unafraid. He gave Joshua His Word, telling him to meditate on it continually, read it obediently, follow it exclusively, and accept it totally. He wanted Joshua to be committed to following His Word.

When we meditate on Scripture, we increasingly begin thinking God’s thoughts. We look at things as He does. Our minds are transformed, and our thoughts reflect those of Jesus.

Are you committed to following His Word? To meditating on it daily? Find a passage such as Joshua 1. Read it over and over until it sinks into your heart. Learn it, and put it into practice.

You will grow by meditating upon the Word of God—that is, by going over it again and again in your thinking until it becomes part of your life.
J. Vernon McGee

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Get Going with God

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The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

Today’s Scripture

Genesis 12:1-8

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Today’s Devotion

It was raining, bringing the temperature down even more. We were on a multiday hike in Nepal, and leaving the warm mountain lodge to venture into the freezing weather was getting harder each morning. “Let’s go,” insisted our guide. “We can’t wait for the weather to get better. Don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”

Setting off in the rain and fog, I felt utterly miserable. It seemed pointless to keep going—what could we see? Many hours later, however, the skies cleared up, revealing breathtaking vistas of towering peaks in the distance—views that we would have missed had we stayed back.

In Genesis 12:1, God told Abram to head into Canaan: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” At that moment, there seemed little to look forward to; all Abram could see was a long, arduous journey through a foreign and inhospitable land where hardship and enemies awaited. The only assurance he had was God’s presence and promise of becoming “a great nation” (v. 2). Yet “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (v. 4). Only many years later would he see the promises fulfilled.

Sometimes God may call us to a challenging job, ministry, or task that seems unrewarding. But, as He helps us to trust Him and step out in faith, He’ll always be there. As we get going, He goes with us.

Reflect & Pray

What is God calling you to do? What’s holding you back, and how will you get going?

Loving Father, please give me the faith to trust You to take a step into the unknown, knowing You’re always with me.

Today’s Insights

Abraham is held up as a model of faith for good reason (see Hebrews 11:8-10). When he received his calling from God (Genesis 12:1), the Scriptures hadn’t begun to be written. God told him to leave his “country . . . people and . . . father’s household” (v. 1). As a nomadic herdsman living thousands of years ago, he had no way to research where he was going, and opportunities to communicate with those he left behind would’ve been extremely limited. Yet his commitment and his faith were resolute. Three times the New Testament tells us that Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23; see Genesis 15:6). Today, as we step into the unknown, we can remember that God is faithful and He’ll be with us.

For further study, listen to the following podcast: Your Everyday Purpose

 

 

http://www.odb.org

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