Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Dr Fell

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Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

What do you do about people you simply don’t like? It may be the person you sat beside on the airplane last week, but at least you won’t have to see him again. But what if that person is your relative? Or a coworker? Or someone in your church? They may be nice enough, but something about them rubs you the wrong way. It’s like the old nursery rhyme, “I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell.”

These are the very people God wants us to love, to pray for, to bless, and to serve. Their personalities might be different from ours. But remember how Jesus managed to love people of every temperament, in every place, at all times, and under all circumstances.

It comes down to a little prayer: Lord, give me Your love just now. It’s as simple as that. When we confess that our human affection is insufficient to care for a certain person, we must ask the Lord to give us His love, and then we have to act on it.

Jesus never fails to help you love others, even Dr. Fell.

Love is service rather than sentiment.
John R. W. Stott

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The God Who Helps

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[The Israelites’] cry for help because of 
their slavery went up to God. Exodus 2:23

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 2:23-25; 3:7-10

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Today’s Devotion

While driving her nine-year-old son to camp, a mother got lost after taking a wrong turn and getting the car stuck on a rural forest road in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Her GPS and phone quit working because of the remote area, so they were unable to retrace their way back. In desperation after being stranded for more than twenty-four hours and sleeping in their car overnight, they began to walk. They left a trail of notes along the way: “HELP. Me and my son are stranded with no service and can’t call 9-1-1.” Because they didn’t arrive at the camp on time, search-and-rescue teams went out looking. They discovered the car, the notes, and then quickly found them.

The Israelites desperately cried out to God for help because they were being severely mistreated by the Egyptians, who had enslaved them (Exodus 1:11-12). Working them ruthlessly, “they made their lives bitter with harsh labor” (vv. 13-14). The Israelites must have wondered if they’d even survive the cruelty. But God heard their cries and raised up Moses to deliver them (3:4-10). Eventually God used him to rescue them and lead them out of Egypt (see Exodus 14-15).

Whether we’re feeling lost or mistreated, God is always near and His ear is open to our cries. In His time and in His way, He’ll send the help we need.

Reflect & Pray

How can you learn to share your desperate cries with God? What desperate cry might you need to pray right now?

Please help me, loving God. I’m always in need of Your mercy. I bring my heart’s burdens to You now.

Today’s Insights

God worked through Joseph to preserve His people, who at the time of their migration to Egypt four hundred years earlier had been seventy in number (Exodus 1:5). Now, as the King James Version so poetically renders it, “There arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph” (v. 8). This pharaoh enslaved the Hebrews, who were now numerous, and he began to commit infanticide against them (v. 22). But Pharaoh’s murderous net failed to get the baby Moses (2:1-10). As God had used Joseph to establish His people, He’d now use Moses to deliver them. But it would take time. Forty years would pass before Moses futilely tried to help his own people (Acts 7:23), and forty more would go by until God called him out of the desert (v. 30). Still another forty years would transpire as God corrected and instructed His disobedient people (v. 36; Deuteronomy 2:7; Joshua 5:6). As God was faithful to His people, He’ll also be near to us in our trials.

For further study, read: The Mercy of God

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Pleasing Faith

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 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. 

—Hebrews 11:6

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:6 

In this week’s devotions, we’ll focus on the New Testament book of Hebrews. Today’s passage contains some crucial wisdom regarding faith, but first we need a biblical definition of faith. Hebrews 11:1 offers a great starting point for understanding this topic: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (NLT).

Faith plays a key role in the Christian walk not just in a lofty spiritual sense, but also in a practical, rubber-meets-the-road way. For example, faith is essential to prayer. To put it more bluntly, sometimes our prayers aren’t answered in the affirmative because we simply don’t believe. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (NLT).

When we approach God thinking, “I don’t really believe this can happen,” then we essentially cancel our own prayer. To not believe what God’s Word says is true is to effectively call God a liar. James tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:5–7).

We must pray with faith. And if we lack faith, then we must follow the example of the man who said to Jesus, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). That prayer works. We don’t need to have super faith, but we do need to have some faith—and we need to apply that faith in prayer.

Faithful prayer involves a sense of expectation. That’s not to say that we should have a smug assurance that God will give us everything we ask for when we ask for it. Rather, we should approach God knowing that our heavenly Father will give us His full attention. He is deeply concerned about our lives, our circumstances, and our needs. He promises to respond to our prayers according to His will. And His will is far greater than anything we can conceive of. Ultimately, His answers to our prayers will result in our increased wisdom, preparation, joy, fulfillment, and peace.

That’s how we please God with our faith. And that’s how we unlock the full potential of prayer in our lives.

 

Reflection question: How can you unlock the full potential of prayer in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Guard against Pride

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by Brian Thomas, Ph.D.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” (Acts 26:18)

Jesus promised to make Paul “a minister and a witness” (Acts 26:16) to “turn [unbelievers] from . . . the power of Satan unto God” (our text). And Paul did this through his living and teaching for the rest of his life, teaching the exact opposite of what caused Satan’s downfall and what led Paul to persecute believers: pride.

Scripture reveals the devil’s proud heart in the famous five “I wills” of Isaiah 14. Here are two: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14). This mere creature believes he deserves praise fit only for the uncreated Lord. So do we! Why else do we want others to know how good we are, like Paul before he encountered Christ? When we try to wrest glory from the infinitely more deserving Lord, we follow in the steps of Satan. How can we escape this “darkness” (our text)? Live like the living Light: Jesus.

Instead of expecting and demanding the treatment due Him as Lord, Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and . . . humbled himself” (Philippians 2:7–8). The result? “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him” (v. 9). The way up is to give ourselves up to the will of the Lord. “So the last shall be first” (Matthew 20:16).

Will you obey your self-exalting flesh or “set your affection on things above” (Colossians 3:2)? Peter admonished, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Each day affords a gracious opportunity to turn “from the power of Satan unto God” (our text). BDT

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Being God’s Friend

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And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

James 2:23 (NIV)

Do you have a friendship with God? I pray that you do, for that is God’s desire! Yes, He wants to be your friend! We may see God in many different ways. Perhaps as a Father, a Master, our Lord, our Helper—and He is all of these things, but He uses the term “friend” as a way of saying that He desires a close and intimate relationship with each of us.

I think a lot about this invitation of friendship, and I’ve gathered all the biblical information I can about what that means and how to develop it. I like the thought of “doing life with God.” We should involve Him by inviting Him into all that we do and developing a conversational relationship with Him. God wants to talk to you, and He will talk back. He speaks to us in many ways and through many different avenues, but He does speak, and we should expect Him to. How can we possibly be the friend of God if we don’t have conversation?

The Bible is filled with records of people who prayed, and it is also filled with numerous accounts of God speaking to His people. Jesus said that His sheep know and hear His voice (John 10:27). We learn to hear from God by studying His Word and by experience. I encourage you not only to talk to Him about everything, but to learn to listen and expect Him to speak to you.

God is your friend, and He has promised to be with you always, until the end of time! You are never alone!

Prayer of the Day: My God and my Friend, thank You for inviting me into a close friendship with You. Help me and guide me into a deep, personal, and intimate relationship with You. Teach me what it means to be Your friend and help me grow in this friendship each day. Draw me closer to You, help me know You more deeply, and teach me to love You more fully, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Filter of Faith 

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Play

Christ followers hear a language that others miss.  In  2 Kings chapter 6 we see this truth played out in dramatic fashion.  Elijah’s protégé, Elisha, followed in his mentor’s footsteps and upset the powers of the age.  The king of Aram decided to take the young prophet out.  He sent a kill squad.  They surrounded the city by night.  It appeared to be the end.

But the man of God saw what his frightened servant could not.  “And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see’” (v. 17).  One saw through the filter of fear.  The other, the filter of faith.  Elisha learned this lesson from Elijah.  We’d be wise to do the same.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Twisting the Truth

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Read Ezra 4:6–16

The New Testament confirms that Satan “is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). We see evidence of this in the very first book of the Bible. In the garden of Eden, the serpent twisted God’s words to deceive Eve (Gen. 3:1). And in Ezra 4:6–16, we see another example of the enemy twisting the truth in order to harm God’s people.

Verse 6 gives helpful historical context: “at the beginning of the reign of Xerxes.” Xerxes ruled Persia from 485 to 465 BC. The next verse refers to “the days of Artaxerxes,” who ruled from 464 to 424 BC. The author is emphasizing that God’s people faced opposition for an extended time—decades! This was not a one-time occurrence cleared up in a few days.

The letter to Artaxerxes called Jerusalem a “rebellious and wicked city” (v. 12). It stated that “this city was destroyed” because it “is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces” (v. 15). That was all true. The city was rebellious and wicked. Most significantly, God exiled His people because they consistently worshiped false gods and refused to obey Him. But the letter writer was not concerned with Jerusalem’s idolatry or mistreatment of the poor, the orphans, or the widows. Those opposing God’s work in Jerusalem twisted the truth of God’s people’s sins in order to manipulate the earthly ruler Artaxerxes into stopping the rebuilding project.

In short, the letter did not technically lie, but it left out the whole truth. Namely, God’s people had rebelled against God Himself. They had experienced God’s discipline for their sin, repented of their sin, and now God had restored them to the land He had already given them. The accusations lodged against God’s people didn’t tell the whole story. In fact, they left out the most important parts: sin, repentance, and God’s glorious grace.

Go Deeper

Have you experienced someone telling half-truths about you? How did it feel be misrepresented and to have your past used against you?

Pray with Us

We repent of the lies we have told that have hurt others, Jesus. Please keep our mouths from deceit and help us always to speak in truth and kindness. Let our tongues build others up.

An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.Proverbs 12:17

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Partnering in Ministry

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Read Ezra 4:1–5

Determining who to partner with in ministry can be tricky. For example, what level of theological alignment is necessary to lock arms with others in common causes? In Ezra 4, we read that a group of people living in Israel attempted to join the temple-rebuilding efforts, but the returnees refused their help. Why?

These verses indicate that opposition from the people living in the land had persisted for many decades. Verse 5 states, “They bribed officials to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.” Cyrus is the Cyrus mentioned at the beginning of Ezra, the one who decreed that the exiles should return to Jerusalem to rebuild. Darius I—not the Darius in the book of Daniel—came to power in Persia in 522 BC. Ezra 4:6–7 mentions opposition during the reign of Xerxes (485–465 BC) and the reign of Artaxerxes (464–424 BC). These few verses outline a period of opposition to God’s work that spanned at least 70 years (537–464 BC)!

The “enemies of Judah and Benjamin” (Ezra 4:1) who offered to help say they “have been sacrificing to [God] since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here” (v. 2). Esarhaddon ruled Assyria from 680 to 669 BC. So these people had been in the promised land for more than a century. Though they claimed to worship God like the returnees, at most they worshiped Him as one of many gods. We know this from 2 Kings 17:14–24, which details the syncretism and false worship of the people whom the Assyrians brought to Israel. The returnees refused to compromise by allowing unfaithful people to join in the rebuilding of the LORD’s temple.

Go Deeper

How have you determined who to partner with in ministry? How would you have responded to the offer of help we read about in Ezra 4?

Pray with Us

Serving You alone, O God, matters immensely. You are the one true God. We keep our eyes on You alone; keep our hearts faithful to You.

God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.Ephesians 5:6–7

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Deadly Confusion

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There is a way that appears to be right, 
but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 16:25

Today’s Scripture

Proverbs 16:20-25

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A loud thump came from a window in the classroom where I was teaching and startled the students. Then another thump! A bird had flown headlong into the glass and bounced off, only to make another run for yet another crash. Later, I read that more than a billion birds die each year from hitting windows in the United States alone. Collisions happen when they catch reflections of vegetation in the window and go after them, convinced they see food or nesting material. Sometimes they also catch their own reflection and think another bird needs to be fended off. They’re sure they see clearly, but they’re confused.

It’s dangerous to think that we always see what’s true—that we possess internal clarity about our lives. However, we suffer from a deadly confusion and repeatedly demonstrate that even our best wisdom—left to itself—eventually yields misery. “There is a way that appears to be right,” Proverbs says, “but in the end it leads to death” (16:25). We think we see what’s real, but too often we’re confused. Even our keenest insight is riddled with misperceptions. Even our clearest vision is still cloudy, imperfect, and often ruinous.

That’s why we need God’s wisdom (vv. 20-21). We need Him to illuminate the truth and guide us into what’s real. We need Him to lead us out of our deadly confusion and into wholeness and life.

Reflect & Pray

When has false perception led you into confusion? How does God’s wisdom offer a better way?

Dear God, I need Your wisdom. Please show me the way out of confusion and into life.

Today’s Insights

Proverbs 16 emphasizes our dependence on God in all things (vv. 1-3, 10, 11, 33). In verses 20-25, the focus narrows to hearing and speaking words wisely. The two are closely related. Verse 20 spells it out: “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” That is, a person who’s living in humble, trusting reliance on God is also someone who’s able to listen to wise instruction from others. Their reliance on God’s wisdom to illuminate truth equips them to be “discerning” and to speak “gracious words” that “promote instruction” (v. 21). Those who humbly learn from Him and others are able to speak words that flow from His wisdom (v. 23) and bring healing (v. 24).

For further study, read: Satan: Master of the Almost True

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – All Means All

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by Michael J. Stamp

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

“All” is a tiny word, but its all-encompassing meaning indicates its great importance, especially when in reference to Jesus.

Consider its use in relation to creation. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth . . . all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16–17). There was never a time when all things were not in Christ’s mighty hands.

As the Father’s heir, Jesus received all these things from the Father. “[The Father] hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand” (John 3:35). The Father has also made Jesus the judge of all. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). Jesus Himself states that “all power is given unto me” (our text).

With this power, Jesus redeems humanity and makes a new creation! “Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him” (John 17:2). “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Jesus desires “all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), so He directs us to “teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

We need not look anywhere else for help. Jesus has all things in His hand and has all authority! What a great comfort to know that, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). MJS

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Keep Your Love Warm

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And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

Today’s scripture comes from a passage in which Jesus is talking about signs of the end times. Some may be familiar to us, such as wars and rumors of wars…famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:6–7 NKJV). But He also says that the love of many will grow cold (v. 12 NKJV) because of lawlessness and wickedness on earth.

The pressures of rampant evil, difficult circumstances, and frightening situations, and the stress of living under such tumult produce an atmosphere charged with strife and trouble. This causes us to turn inward, trying to protect ourselves and solve the problems that affect us. It also makes it easy to allow ourselves to become hard-hearted and ignore Jesus’ instruction to Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34 NIV).

When love grows cold, negative emotions take over. We become angry, resentful, jealous, suspicious, fearful, and susceptible to other negative feelings. We become self-focused rather than focused on how we can help the people around us.

In many verses of Scripture, we read that we are to love other people. Loving one another is one way the world will know we are Christians (John 13:35).

In the midst of a wicked and stressful world, let’s be sure to keep our love relationship with God strong. That will not only help us, but it will also empower us to keep our hearts tender and our love warm for others. When love is warm, we feel peace and joy, and we can share that peace and joy with others. This is what the world needs.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, no matter what happens in the world around me, help me keep my heart from growing cold and help me stay stirred up in my love for others.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

 

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Great Reunions: Jacob and Esau

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Then [Jacob] crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet [Jacob], and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 33:3-4

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:23-24

The word estranged comes from a Latin word that meant “not belonging to the family; a stranger.” Family members can sometimes be estranged from one another due to a conflict in the past. But when they meet and are reconciled, their reunion is watered by tears of joy.

That was the situation with the two sons of Isaac—Esau and Jacob. As the older brother, Esau was in line to receive Isaac’s blessing as the firstborn. But Jacob tricked Isaac into bestowing the blessing on him instead. Esau’s grudge against Jacob caused Jacob to flee for his life to the home of a family relative in a distant land (Genesis 27:41-45). Many years later, Jacob returned to Canaan with his own family. When Esau saw his younger brother coming, he ran to him and embraced him—and they wept together.

Reconciliation and reunion don’t have to take years of estrangement to heal. Be the first to build a bridge if estrangement has taken place (Matthew 5:23-24).

The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness.
William Blake

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Persevering into Joy

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Blessed is the one who perseveres. James 1:12

Today’s Scripture

James 1:2-12

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Today’s Devotion

Nestled in a corner of the brick steps leading up to our front door is a hardy little scarlet begonia. We didn’t plant it—it must have grown there from a seed that fell out of a hanging basket. But we’ve let it remain. Year after year it’s a cheerful reminder to my wife and me that perseverance is a beautiful thing.

James offers even more beautiful encouragement to persevere, especially to those facing opposition for their faith in Jesus: “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Pure joy? We balk at those words, but the apostle is looking forward to the truth that God is over everything and is able to bring good out of even difficult circumstances. James completes the thought: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because . . . that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (v. 12). The word blessed is the same word Jesus uses in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and it carries the meaning—among other things—of “happy.”

Whatever we face, including spiritual battles and life’s hard challenges, God will sustain us in His love and will one day mercifully reward us with the beauty of His joy.

Reflect & Pray

How does it help you to know that God is able to 
bring good out of our most challenging circumstances? 
What do you most look forward to from Him today?

Thank You for persevering to the cross for me, dear Jesus. You bring the greatest happiness of all!

Today’s Insights

Jesus is the greatest example of one who persevered under trial. Hebrews instructs us to “[Fix] our eyes on [him], the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). The Greek word translated “endured” (hypomenō) is rendered “perseveres” in James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” What’s in view in both usages is hopeful endurance. The anticipation of God-honoring, soul-strengthening outcomes calls for “joy” (v. 2) even in the midst of our challenges. Because navigating life’s difficulties can be hard, we’re invited to ask God for wisdom (v. 5) and trust that He’ll bring good out of our trials.

For further study, listen to the following podcast: A Trust Trial

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Forgive As God Does

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 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, ‘Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 

—Exodus 34:6–7

Scripture:

Exodus 34:6-7 

An unforgiving Christian is a contradiction in terms, an oxymoron. To say that you’re a follower of Jesus Christ and yet harbor unforgiveness in your heart is simply wrong. This reality brings us to our final amazing truth in this week’s devotions: You are never more like God than when you forgive.

Alexander Pope wrote, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” We reflect the nature of God in a dramatic way when we are willing to forgive because He is a forgiving God. He makes this clear throughout Scripture.

Exodus 34:6–7 says, “The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, ‘Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’” He wants His people to know that He is forgiving. And if we want to be like Him, we must be forgiving as well.

Jesus touched on the issue of forgiveness time after time during His earthly ministry. It was a theme of many of His parables. He hammered on the issue repeatedly in His private talks with the disciples.

When Jesus taught us to pray, He used these words: “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12 NLT). That’s how closely intertwined God’s forgiveness and our forgiveness must be. In that same passage, Jesus also said, “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (verse 10 NLT). What’s going on in Heaven? The worship of God, the exaltation of Christ, and the granting of forgiveness. Therefore, we should be worshipping God. We should be exalting Jesus Christ. And we should be forgiving one another.

You’ll notice that God doesn’t downplay the seriousness of sin or the effect it has on our relationship with Him. But when we repent, He chooses to forgive, to restore the relationship—not with ulterior motives but rather with a sincere desire for reconciliation. This should be our attitude as well when we forgive others. God wants what’s best for us, even after we’ve done our worst.

 

Reflection question: Whom might God be calling you to forgive? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Two Faithful Friends

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.” (Philippians 2:19–20)

Paul cited Timothy and Epaphroditus as two faithful ministry friends (Philippians 2:19–30). Their activities provide a great inventory to follow as we “work out [our] own salvation” (Philippians 2:12).

  • Likeminded: The Greek word is isopsuchos, or “equal in soul.” Effective ministry friendships agree in purpose (Amos 3:3).
  • Genuine Care: The Holy Spirit used merimnao, a burden for others’ needs. Philippians 2:2–4 lists the restrictions.
  • Seek Christ’s Things: Edify each other (1 Corinthians 14:12), focus on heavenly ideals (Colossians 3:1), and crave the kingdom and God’s righteousness more than our welfare (Matthew 6:33).
  • Serve Together: Timothy was to Paul like a “son with the father,” serving with him “in the gospel” (Philippians 2:22). To be acceptable, that service must be in “righteousness, and peace, and joy” (Romans 14:17).
  • Companion in Labor: Similarly, Epaphroditus is said to work with Paul (Philippians 2:25). As with Timothy, their focus was “to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
  • Fellow Soldier: Military metaphors abound in the Bible, with a common thread of the spiritual warfare defined in Ephesians 6:10–18. We must “endure hardness” when we assist in the ministry (2 Timothy 2:3).

Not every Christian meets the excellence of these faithful friends. “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Put God in Remembrance of His Word

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I have set watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, who will never hold their peace day or night; you who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence.

Isaiah 62:6 (AMPC)

Today’s verse instructs us to remind God of the promises He has made to us, and one of the best ways to do that is to pray His Word back to Him.

God’s Word is extremely valuable to Him and should be to us as well. After all, He speaks to us clearly through His Word, and it is a trustworthy way to hear His voice. In fact, the Amplified Bible renders Psalm 138:2 as I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name! This verse indicates that God magnifies His Word even above His name. If He honors it to that extent, we need to make a priority out of knowing the Word, studying the Word, loving the Word, getting the Word deeply rooted in our hearts, esteeming the Word more highly than anything else, and incorporating the Word in our prayers.

When we honor the Word and commit ourselves to it as I have just described, we are “abiding” in it (John 15:7). Abiding in the Word and allowing the Word to abide in us are directly related to confidence in prayer and to having our prayers answered. When we pray the Word of God, we are less likely to pray for things that are not God’s will for us. Jesus Christ is the living Word (John 1:1–4), and as we abide in the Word, we abide in Him—and that brings unspeakable power to our prayers.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to be fully confident when I pray. I’ll need Your help as I learn to pray Your Word back to You, reminding You of Your promises. I want to walk in wisdom and obedience in everything I do, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Foundation Laid

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Read Ezra 3:7–13

The foundation is the most important part of any building. It has to be stable, secure, and well-built. It’s also the first part to be built because, well, everything else goes on top of it. In Ezra 3:7–13 we read about the laying of the temple’s foundation. There’s great rejoicing over this monumental step, but it’s mixed with weeping from some of the people who were old enough to remember the first temple.

Verses 7 and 8 recount that the workers received payment for their work. This is a small detail that reminds us of what Jesus said in Luke 10:7: “The worker deserves his wages.” Ezra 3:8 gives us a date stamp: “the second month of the second year.” This is April–May, 537 BC; it’s the same month (though a different year, of course) that Solomon began work on the first temple (1 Kings 6). Great care was taken to ensure that the work was overseen properly. This was a massive undertaking of supreme importance.

Finally in verse 10 we read that “the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD.” The priests and Levites erupted in praise, some with trumpets and other with cymbals, and all of them singing “praise and thanksgiving…to the LORD” (v. 11). Quoting Psalm 107:1, they rejoice in God’s hesed, His covenant love toward His people Israel. He had brought them back from exile and allowed them once again to worship Him in the land of Israel (v. 11).

Next the people “gave a great shout of praise,” but some of them “wept aloud” even while “many others shouted for joy” (vv. 11–12). Their great rejoicing was tinged with sorrow for those who had seen Solomon’s temple. Nevertheless, they all rejoiced, for God had shown great faithfulness to His people.

Go Deeper

What do you think of the people’s loud and exuberant worship? Have you ever experienced a time of rejoicing in God like they did?

Pray with Us

Everlasting God, You are our foundation and cornerstone. We build our lives on You. When the storms of life feel mighty, You stand firm.

He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.Ezra 3:11

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Second Chances

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Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh.
Jonah 3:1-3

Recommended Reading: 1 John 1:9

Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire that conquered the ten northern tribes of Israel and deported many of them in 722 B.C. The Assyrian Empire was known for its massive armies and brutal treatment of conquered peoples and prisoners. When God commissioned Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn them of impending judgment, his fear of what might happen to him at their hands was understandable.

So instead of journeying east to Nineveh, Jonah boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction across the Mediterranean Sea. Jonah represents all who have ignored or disobeyed the will of God and found themselves in a season of discipline. But Jonah also illustrates the fact that God provides second chances for those who are willing to turn around (repent) and submit to His will. After Jonah was rescued from the great fish, he went and preached to Nineveh.

Failure to obey God does not put us beyond God’s grace. He is faithful to forgive and give us new opportunities to serve Him.

Sin forsaken is the best evidence of sin forgiven.
George Jennings Davies

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Divine Comfort

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Weeping may stay for the night, 
but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 30:2-13

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

The sound of the cascading water confirmed that I’d arrived at the 9/11 Memorial Pools in New York City, a place I’d avoided visiting for fear of being overwhelmed by sadness and grief from what took place there that tragic day in 2001. I walked around the two large reflection pools located where the Twin Towers once stood. It was deeply moving to see all the names of those who died etched on the walls—some with roses placed on them by loved ones.

I was in Manhattan on the morning of 9/11 but thankfully not near the World Trade Center. Still, as a native New Yorker, the tragedy hit too close to home. I was finally at Ground Zero, yet I wasn’t overcome by sorrow or fear. I felt peace as I stood there and recalled God’s sustaining grace. That peace was a gift from the God who knows how to comfort us.

As we read the Psalms, we see that David experienced sorrow, fear, and grief as well as divine comfort. In Psalm 30, he writes, “I called to you for help, and you healed me” (v. 2). “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (v. 5). God turned David’s “wailing into dancing” and “removed [his] sackcloth and clothed [him] with joy” (v. 11).

When we’re feeling overwhelmed with sorrow, loss, or pain, let’s turn to the God of all comfort, who is close to the brokenhearted, and give thanks to Him as David did: “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12).

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced God’s comfort? How can you receive His comfort today?

Dear God, thank You for Your comfort.

Today’s Insights

Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise for the way God had delivered and healed David (vv. 1-3, 9-11). But as commentators Jacobson and Tanner put it, the psalm isn’t just a psalm of praise, but “a psalm about praise” calling hearers to “a complete life of praise.” It’s God’s merciful and restoring character that gives His people reason to live a life of praise (vv. 4-5). To be abandoned by God would be to be “silenced” (v. 9). But God won’t abandon us and instead comforts us in our sorrow and turns our “wailing into dancing” (v. 11); therefore, we have reason to “praise [Him] forever” (v. 12). Today, when we’re experiencing sorrow and pain, we can praise Him and turn to Him for comfort.

For further study, read: Past Rescure, Present Song

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Looking back on a world I don’t remember

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I was a sophomore in high school when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. I remember sitting in math class when the rumors started to spread that something had happened and just not believing it was true. We spent the rest of the day alternating between teachers who attempted to continue their lessons as planned and those who just turned on the TV to watch the news.

I imagine my experience is pretty similar to a lot of people in my generation. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I realized how different that experience—as well as my understanding of the twenty-five years since—was from the generations above me.

You see, I have vague memories of the world before 9/11, but they’re mostly of basketball games, birthday parties, and other childhood events that seemed consequential to me but far less so to anyone else. I knew the world existed beyond my little bubble, but I understood very little about it. As a result, my view of how the larger world works is almost exclusively born from experiences that came after the terrorists attacked.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Looking back on a world I don’t remember →

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