Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Speech Lessons

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Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:29-30

It has been said that people don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. Whether we are talking to fellow believers or to non-believers, the way we speak has a lot to do with how others hear us.

First, our speech must be courteous—or in Paul’s words, “always be with grace.” Graceful speech is kind, gentle, helpful, and edifying. Think of God’s grace toward you and let your speech be the same. Second, our speech must be compelling—that is, “seasoned with salt.” We salt our food because it makes the taste appealing; the right amount of salt makes us want to eat more. Our speech should make our listener want to hear more. Third, our speech must be compassionate—we should “know how to answer each one.” That is, we must be able to read the room, to know what another person needs to hear. The Holy Spirit will enable us to meet others’ needs if we follow His lead.

We must know what to say (1 Peter 3:15); equally important is knowing how to say it.

We have all felt the brazenness of words without emotion, the hollowness, the unaccountable unpersuasiveness, of eloquence behind which lies no love. 
Henry Drummond

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Praying to Grow

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Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God. 1 Corinthians 3:7

Today’s Scripture

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

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Today’s Devotion

After Lam Wai Chan moved from his native Singapore to pastor a church in Japan, he panicked. The church had barely twenty members. In a nation known as a “missionary graveyard,” where about one percent of the nation’s people are Christian and many churches sit empty, Lam felt “like I was taking over a sinking ship.” Crying out to God, he sensed the answer: Offer the church back to Me.

Rather than “update” worship or music, Wai Chan asked members to pray—for their needs, family members, and friends who didn’t know Jesus. Slowly, the church doubled in size.

Their faithful praying is a living, biblical model of how to build a community in Jesus. First, pray. “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,” Paul wrote, “present your requests to God,” and do all of this without worry about anything (Philippians 4:6). In this way, we offer our ministries, churches, and programs back to God. We may plant seeds and water them, but as the apostle said, “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7). He was imploring believers at Corinth to stop quarrelling about which church leader they followed (vv. 3-6).

As Paul said, “No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (v. 11). Let’s prayerfully give our churches back to Him. Then, watch them grow.

Reflect & Pray

What tests your work to build a community in Christ? How can you give the effort back to God?

Dear God, as I stay faithful, please build Your community.

Today’s Insights

The Corinthian church was plagued by a partisan spirit that threatened to divide it. Each group exalted their favorite teacher over the other teachers (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). Paul warned that leaders like himself were merely God’s servants whom God had assigned specific tasks to help build up the community (3:5). He stressed that it’s God who makes the church grow (vv. 6-7). It doesn’t matter which tasks we’ve been assigned—“what’s important is that God makes the seed grow” (v. 7 nlt). Those entrusted to build up God’s people are “servants of Christ,” and all servants “must prove faithful” (4:1-2). As “co-workers in God’s service” (3:9), God will help us be faithful in building up each other. As we persevere through prayer, He’ll grow His church and reward His faithful servants “for their own hard work” (v. 8 nlt).

What comes to mind when you think about church? Watch this video to learn more about the world’s perception of church.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Ranch dressing, the World Cup, and America250

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What makes America unique, and what Americans need most

I find in this surprising story a parable about what makes America unique and what Americans need most.

The “multicultural miracle” that is America

America’s original thirteen colonies were like countries settled by ethnicities from the Old World. There were English Puritans in New England, the Dutch, Germans, and Scots-Irish in the Middle Colonies, and English planters in the South. Scots-Irish and German immigrants populated the Appalachian and frontier regions.

As Dr. Ryan Denison and I note in our latest America250 article, settlers came to our country with very different motives, from evangelistic missions to secular economic advancement to Christian community.

This diversity is a strength worth celebrating. As Andrew Sullivan reports, World Cup visitors have discovered that “America is itself a stupendous achievement of multicultural energy and fun.” He responds: “We forget too easily the multicultural miracle we have already achieved in this quarter of a millennium, and the loving, generous, bountiful culture that is still America at its core.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – Ranch dressing, the World Cup, and America250 →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – One Way

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 There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 

—1 Timothy 2:5–6

Scripture:

One of the costs of following Christ is not being able to join in the feel-good consensus that claims, “All paths lead to God.” Believers don’t have the option of nodding in agreement when people say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere in your beliefs.”

We don’t have the option because the Bible doesn’t offer it. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). And the apostle Paul wrote, “There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:5–6 NLT). These passages leave exactly no room for other spiritual claims or belief systems, no matter how prevalent the idea of religious inclusiveness becomes.

The teaching that Jesus Christ is the only way to God has never been popular. But it’s probably safe to say that it’s never been more controversial than it is today. If you want to get someone’s blood boiling, then quote Jesus’ words in John 14:6 or Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:5–6. The “Coexist” bumper sticker on the person’s car will spontaneously catch fire.

The idea that you would have the audacity to say that Jesus is the only way is, in effect, saying that other religions aren’t true. That’s the way the logic works itself out, and people don’t like it. It’s acceptable to say that Jesus is a way to God. But when you dare say that He is the only way, then you can be certain that you’ll get some pushback. You might even be accused of being narrow-minded or worse.

But here’s what it comes down to: As believers, we must say what the Bible says, whether it’s popular or not. We have no authority to edit the message of the Bible. We’re called simply to deliver it, without watering it down or sugarcoating the words to fit what the audience wants to hear.

To do otherwise would be like a doctor discovering a very serious problem with a patient’s health but then being unwilling to say what that problem is—because it might make that patient uncomfortable.

We must tell people the truth about their real spiritual condition, which happens to be sinful, and then seek to save them, which is to point them to Jesus Christ as the only solution. If this means we are falsely accused of exclusivity or some other social media no-no, then so be it. God’s truth is too important to be edited for content.

 

Reflection question: How can you help people get past their desire to be inclusive and understand that Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Behavior Checklist

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14–15)

The Holy Spirit makes sure that we do not take lightly the obligation to live godly lives. Our verse contains both warnings and promises.

Everything is to be done without “murmurings” and “disputings.” Both words are very interesting synonyms of heart attitudes that produce ungodly behavior. The Greek word translated “murmur” is goggusmos, and it is almost an onomatopoeia (sounds like what it actually is)—a secret debate, muttering to oneself. The word translated “dispute” (Greek dialogismos) suggests a logical debate with oneself.

We are commanded to excise that kind of behavior from ourselves so that we may well be blameless and harmless as the “sons of God,” living “without rebuke.” These words are powerful in their description of God’s expectations for us.

The blameless condition is first an eternal promise that comes with salvation: “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God” (1 Thessalonians 3:13). That condition “works out” in this life as a faultless reputation that is harmless. Paul uses the term this way: “I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans 16:19).

Finally, if we eliminate “murmuring and disputings” from our inner thoughts and actively seek to be “blameless and harmless” with our external behavior, we will be “without rebuke” in the middle of this sadly sinful world. “Be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – When Your Attitude Needs Saving

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. For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.

Matthew 12:37 (AMP)

When Jesus died to save us, He wanted to save all parts of us and make us whole. And that includes our attitude!

Many people need to get their attitude saved—because every time something doesn’t go the way they want it to go, their first response is a bad attitude. When we don’t get what we want, our emotions flare up, and instead of doing what the Word says, we follow how we feel. We think wrong, and then what we think comes out of our mouths.

Words are containers for creative and destructive power. I can say, “Something good is going to happen to me,” or I can say, “Nothing good ever happens to me.” Either way, I’m likely to get what I say.

With our thoughts, our words, and our attitudes, we either give God permission to work in our lives, or we give the enemy permission to work in our lives.

One of the best things we can do is learn to discipline ourselves to think before we speak. When something doesn’t go the way we want it to, instead of defaulting to being negative, have your mind set ahead of time that you are going to praise God anyway and trust that He has something even better in mind for you.

Prayer of the Day: God, You know that it is hard for us to keep positive attitudes when things don’t go the way we think they should. Help me to discipline my mind, to think before I speak, and to keep trusting and believing in You. I want to keep the door open for You to work, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Pray About Your Problems 

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The moment you sense a problem, however large or small, take it to Christ. “Max, if I take my problems to Jesus every time I have one, I’m going to be talking to Jesus all day long.” Now you’re getting the point.

An unprayed for problem is an embedded thorn. It festers and infects the finger, then the hand, then the entire arm. Best to go straight to the person who has the tweezers. We can only wonder how many disasters would be averted if we first go to Jesus. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything. Instead pray about everything.” Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.

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 – Grow in Grace

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Read 2 Peter 3:17–18

Every semester, I prepare a syllabus for my college courses, including assignments and required reading. On the first day of class, we go over the syllabus to make sure students understand the expectations. Later, if a student says, “I didn’t know a paper was due today!” I point them back to the syllabus. They had been warned.

As he closes his letter, Peter reminds the church that they too have been warned. He has warned about the dangers of false teaching (v. 17). They are to be on their guard and vigilant. They are responsible for the truth God has revealed to them. They are to hold fast to the teaching of the apostles and not be “carried away by the error of the lawless” (v. 17). There is a certain rigidity to the Christian faith. We hold to the truths of Christ’s divinity, His sacrificial death for our sins, the resurrection, and His Second Coming with unshakable faith. No teacher, no matter how gifted, should be able to sway us.

But Christians are not stagnant in their faith either. Peter challenges the church to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 18). Over the course of our lives, we learn to live the truth of the gospel. This is what Paul commanded as well: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6–7).

We should be able to look back over our lives and see how God has been at work shaping and forming us into the image of Christ. Peter’s ultimate hope is that we would remain rooted in the faith and growing in holiness.

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Pray with Us

Lord, as we conclude this month’s study of 1 and 2 Peter, may we remain rooted in the faith and grow in holiness. Help us always persevere through suffering and seek the truth in Your Word. Amen!

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:18

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Drive-Thru Prayers

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But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.
Jude 20-21

Recommended Reading: Jude 20-25

If you drive down 6th Street in Lambert, Mississippi, on a Tuesday morning, you might see this sign in front of a local church: “Drive-Thru Prayer.” Several church members will be waiting outside for cars to pull up. “How can we pray for you today?” they ask. Both men and women have poured out their troubles and received prayer for their needs.1

It’s wonderful to know we can pray on streets and sidewalks, in offices and factories, at our homes and with our families. It’s also vital to learn to withdraw to the Lord in solitude during our daily time with the Lord. We have the Holy Spirit to help us pray. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to be “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”

When the Holy Spirit is within us, we should also be vigilant in prayer. This means to be spiritually alert, looking out for spiritual danger in our lives and the lives of others. Have you missed a few days of prayer? God longs for your fellowship! Get back to God and back to vigilant prayer.

The very act of prayer is a blessing.
Charles Spurgeon

  1. Lindsey Williams, “Drive-Through Prayer Ministry Sparks Unexpected Prison Outreach,” The Baptist Record, February 9, 2026.

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Jesus—Our Substitute

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We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10

Today’s Scripture

Hebrews 10:1-10

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Today’s Devotion

As the US Civil War (1861-65) dragged on, both sides resorted to conscription (the draft) to fill their ranks. Under the Confederate law, a draftee could dodge service by hiring a man who was exempt from the draft to replace him—in most cases someone under or over the conscription age. Generally, the “principal” (as one evading the draft was called) paid a fee to the government as well as a large sum to his substitute. Only the wealthy could afford substitutes.

The apostle Paul writes of the cosmic spiritual war, where “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (6:23). There was no clause or loophole that gave those with “means” some way out. But what about a substitute for us all? The writer to the Hebrews praises God, who in His infinite mercy sent Jesus to be our substitute—to bear the punishment our sin deserved, to pay our debt by sacrificing “the body of Jesus Christ once for all” so that we would be “made holy” through His substitutionary sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). We have “died with Christ,” and one day “we will also live with him” (Romans 6:8).

That’s the good news right there. Christ died for you and for me; the substitute took our place. We’re now more than simply survivors of the war. We’ve become the sons and daughters of God.

Reflect & Pray

How does it make you feel to realize that Jesus died in your place? How might you explain this good news to a friend?

Dear Jesus, I praise You for being my substitute and securing for me life eternal.

Today’s Insights

As the writer of Hebrews explains the thorough effectiveness of the sacrifice Christ made for us, he makes it clear that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4). So what was the point of the sacrificial system the Hebrew people practiced for centuries? It was “only a shadow of the good things that are coming” (10:1). This is why John the Baptist declared of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). What the slaughter of animals couldn’t do, Christ did. As a result, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

Learn more about the hope that resurrection gives us by reading Hunting for Resurrection Hope.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – “A nation with the soul of a church”

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Pulling together America’s spiritual heritage, strengths, and failures

We’ve finally arrived at the week of our nation’s anniversary. Over the coming days, you’re likely to see even more reminders of this country’s past, both the good and the bad. But as we reflect on the path that turned thirteen disparate colonies into the strongest nation on earth—and, yes, the United States does still hold that title, even if the gap is narrowing—let’s bring this discussion together in order to highlight the truth about how God sees America.

Last week we discussed the importance of turning control of everything we have over to God and actively recognizing his authority to use us and our possessions in whatever way he sees fit. What is true in our personal lives is true for our country as well.

Think back to the three purposes behind America’s founding: launching evangelistic missions, building a secular economic venture, and establishing Christian community. Now, let’s add to them what we have learned from Scripture about God’s judgment and blessing on the nations. Doing so will help us to gain a better understanding of the ways our actions have enabled him to bless our nation as well as the manner in which our sins that have invoked his judgment.

Continue reading Denison Forum – “A nation with the soul of a church” →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Not Home Yet

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 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. 

—Hebrews 13:14

Scripture:

I heard a story about an old missionary couple who had been serving in Africa for years and were returning home to retire. Their health was broken down, and they had no pension. As it turned out, the same steamer ship they were traveling on had a very well-known passenger, President Teddy Roosevelt, who was returning home from a hunting expedition. As the passengers disembarked, a crowd of admirers gathered around. They were all there to greet the president of the United States. A band was playing, and the cheers of the crowd were deafening.

But when the missionary couple came ashore, there was no band playing for them. There was no applause. There was no one to welcome them—not a single soul to meet them. Discouraged, the husband buried his face in his hands and moaned, “God, I didn’t expect a band or a parade, but someone could have seen to it to welcome us home.”

Hearing this, his wife looked at him and said, “Now, honey, we are not home yet.”

One of the costs of following Christ is the challenge of living in a place that’s not our home. This creates an inescapable tension. We can’t ignore our earthly responsibilities. We must involve ourselves in many different aspects of life on this planet. At the same time, we can’t become too comfortable in our earthly environment. We must keep the prevailing attitudes and priorities of this world at arm’s length. And we must keep one eye trained on our forever home so that we never lose sight of our ultimate destination.

God’s Word makes it clear that believers are not home yet, but one day we will be. The author of Hebrews wrote, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT).

We have no say in the timing of our eventual homecoming. God will call us home according to His timetable. Our job, until that day, is to be faithful with the opportunities and resources He has given to us. There are some people who simply “go for it” as Christians. They take risks for God. They want to do great things for Him. They give it everything they have. Then there are others who want to serve the Lord, but in a more cautious, careful manner. Some people are setting the world on fire while others are still looking for a match.

God has equipped us for our sojourn in this world. We must focus on being faithful to Him and using the gifts, opportunities, and resources He’s given us. This world may not be our home, but while we’re here, we can make a big difference in it.

 

Reflection question: How do you deal with the challenge of living day to day in a place that isn’t your home? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Doing God’s Pleasure

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13)

With an unusual play on words, in this passage we are told to give our salvation a “workout.” The Greek word is katergazomai, an interesting compound word that means to “perform.” When we are told that God is working in us, the Greek word is energeo, which is the “energy” to do work.

Paul puts it this way: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh [energeo] in us” (Ephesians 3:20). This “energizing” is an internal and spiritual resource, demonstrated most poignantly by “the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working [energeo] of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19–20). Since the energy to produce comes from the same Creator who saved us by grace, He has every right to expect us to “will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Peter taught us that God provided “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). The Thessalonian church was told that “the word of God . . . effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). And of course, “all scripture . . . is profitable . . . that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Our objective, having been supernaturally supplied by the One who saved us, is to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:10–11). HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Give Your Soul a Rest

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. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

Hebrews 4:9 (ESV)

If you have ever had a good, hard workout at the gym, you know how nice it feels to give your body a rest afterward. Your body not only enjoys the rest, it needs it. When your soul has been wounded, just like a body after a workout, it also needs a rest. Thankfully, God promises us rest for our souls in His Word. In Exodus 33:14, God speaks to the Israelites, saying: My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest

The psalmist declares: Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him (Psalm 62:1 NIV). Interestingly, the psalmist speaks to his soul in Psalm 62:5, saying: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him (NIV) and again in Psalm 116:7 (ESV): Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. Also in Psalms is a phrase familiar to many people, saying that the Lord restores our souls (23:3). When our soul has a chance to rest, it can be strengthened and restored.

In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (NIV). A wounded soul can be a heavy burden, but Jesus invites us to come to Him because He will give our souls the rest they need.

Many people whose souls have been wounded try all kinds of ways to feel better and find peace before they ultimately surrender to God. That can be frustrating and exhausting. Nothing and no one apart from God can ever give our soul the rest it needs.

Hebrews 4:1–3 teaches us that we enter into rest by faith, by believing God. It says: Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest.

Believing (trusting God) is the only doorway into the rest of God. The more we trust God, the easier life becomes because we find that what we commit to Him, He does take care of. He may not do it on the schedule we have set or in exactly the way we want it done, but He will always take the best possible care of us because of His amazing love for us.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me find true rest in You. Teach me to trust You fully, release my burdens, and receive the peace and restoration my soul needs, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Gifts From the Father 

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Play

James 1:17 says, “Every good and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Take this simple pocket prayer for you today: Dear Father, teach me to accept what you’ve given. I may not always understand the circumstances, but show me how they are blessings and give me gratitude for all your gifts. Rain your blessings on my friends and family today. Give them hope whatever they face. Thank you that your blessings never end. In Jesus name, amen.

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 – Live in Hope

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Read 2 Peter 3:14–16

In the ancient world, sometimes people would put short sayings on their tombs like this: “Once I had an existence; now I have none. I am not aware of it. It does not concern me.” Today, many people feel the same way. This life is all there is.

Peter had a very different view. He knew the day of the Lord would come and judgment administered. As followers of Jesus, we too hold that truth, giving our lives significance and meaning. This should impact the way we live today. Peter says, “Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (v. 14). The new heavens and new earth will be a place of righteousness (v. 13). God is preparing us to be the kind of people who belong there.

Peter supports his argument by appealing to “our dear brother Paul” (v. 15). This is a remarkable passage. It shows that Peter and Paul had the same message. Paul also spoke of the return of Christ and of God’s kindness being a reason for the delay in judgment (1 Thess. 4:13–18; Rom. 2:4). But even more remarkable is that Peter puts Paul’s writing on par with the Old Testament Scriptures. Notice what he says: “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do other Scriptures” (v. 16).

There is a warning here. Scripture teaches the truth, but false teachers can twist Scripture for their own purposes. We need to be on guard. This is especially the case when it comes to teaching about Christ’s return. Our focus should be like Peter’s, on how the truth of the Second Coming should lead us to repentance and a transformed life today.

Go Deeper

Have you encountered people who believe that this life is all there is? How can sharing the gospel communicate hope for their future?

Pray with Us

Father, thank You that “every word of God is flawless” (Prov. 30:5). In a world where so many people are led astray by lies, You have given us absolute truth. We praise You!

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.2 Peter 3:14

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – God’s Timing

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Read 2 Peter 3:8–13

When I was a child, the summer months seemed endless. Those long hot days were spent playing outside with friends or riding our bikes to the park. As an adult, my perspective on time is much different. When the 4th of July arrives, I am always shocked to realize summer is nearly half gone.

At the start of chapter 3, Peter explains that God’s view of time is much different than our own. He addressed scoffers who interpreted the delay of Christ’s return as evidence that He would never come. Peter corrects their perspective, analyzing the delay through the lens of Scripture. Quoting Psalm 90:4, he points out that time is not the same to God as it is to us (v. 8). Our perspective is limited by our short lifespan. God has all eternity in which to work. A long time to us means something very different to God.

The reason for the delay is not that God does not care. Rather, He delays because He cares so much. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (v. 9). What we may interpret as God being slow to keeping His promises is in reality an example of His kindness and compassion.

We should not mistake His delay for indifference. The day of the Lord will come, “like a thief” (v. 10). The New Testament teaches that history has a goal that it is moving toward. It is not a meaningless series of random events. One day, the Lord Jesus will return and make all things new. This motivates us to live differently today, “to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (vv. 11–12). Amazingly, Peter here says that through our faithfulness, we can hasten the day when the Lord comes.

Go Deeper

How is God’s timing different than our timing? How does this shift your understanding of God? Of your prayer life?

Pray with Us

Who is like You, God? Your patience, kindness, and compassion inspire us to praise and worship You. We long to see Your face. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.2 Peter 3:8

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Sweeter Than Honey

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How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 119:97-104

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Today’s Devotion

If you want to bring a smile to Jarrett’s face, ask him about his bees. He’s an apiarist—a beekeeper. Though our meetings in his backyard are not about bees, it’s not uncommon for “apiculture” lessons to be a stimulating part of our conversations. But even better than “bee talk” is the nature-fresh, sweet taste of the golden-colored honey produced by Jarrett’s hardworking bees. Mm, mm, good!

In Psalm 119:103, the psalmist exclaims, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Closer examination of verses 97-104 reveals that the “sweeter than honey” comparison is just one of several phrases the writer uses to accent the supreme value of Scripture: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (vv. 98-100). The bottom line is that wholeheartedly embracing what God has revealed through the words of the Bible situates us to live well in this world.

Similarly, when Jesus, the living Word (see John 1:1-14), is experienced and valued, His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are well-positioned to live in ways that honor God and serve His purposes.

Reflect & Pray

How can you better savor the written words of the Bible? What have you experienced that was particularly sweet in your journey with Jesus?

Dear Jesus, I’ve tasted and seen that You and the Scriptures are good. Please help me love and embrace You more and more.

For further study, read Reading the Bible without Fear.

Today’s Insights

Psalm 119 celebrates the unsurpassed value of the Scriptures. In this psalm, we journey with one whose mind was saturated with the words of God. The beauty of Psalm 119 includes how it’s arranged. The author takes the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet—from aleph to taw—and expresses himself to God. At the same time, the psalm provides instruction for the people. The psalmist’s delight is expressed in verse 97, where he summarizes his sentiments: “Oh, how I love your law!” The psalm highlights several advantages of engagement with the Bible: “Your commands . . . make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers . . . . I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (vv. 98-100). Not only are the words of Scripture sweet to the taste, they strengthen and enrich our lives and help us to honor God.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Abiding Words

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7)

In order for the words of the Lord really to abide in us, it seems clear that we should commit as many of them to memory—not only in our minds but in our hearts—as we possibly can. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart,” the psalmist said, “that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

There are many promises of blessing to those who have God’s Word in their hearts. “For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips” (Proverbs 22:18). “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee . . . then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:1, 5).

Both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter have noted the importance of Scripture memorization. Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Peter’s exhortation is as follows: “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets [i.e., the Old Testament Scriptures], and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour [i.e., the New Testament Scriptures]” (2 Peter 3:1–2). The words “be mindful” mean essentially “recall to mind.”

Since the Scriptures cannot be recalled to mind unless they’ve first been installed in the mind, and since they cannot abide in our hearts unless we first hide them in our hearts, it is surely pleasing and honoring to God that we learn by heart as much of His Word as we can. HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Trust God Beyond Understanding

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. Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 (AMPC)

I have heard many people say that reading the Bible is confusing. They say, “I have tried to read the Bible, but I don’t understand what God is saying, and I end up feeling frustrated and confused.”

In seeking God’s guidance regarding this situation, I sensed Him saying, “People keep trying to figure out everything. Tell them to stop trying to reason and explain everything.” As the above verses point out, we cannot always rely on our understanding. There are some things that we are not meant to know or understand.

Moses understood this concept, and he explained to the children of Israel that there are “secret things” known only to God. He pointed out that when God revealed His will—making things clear—those were the words they should obey.

It really is that simple. Like the psalmist, we can say, Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole heart (Psalm 119:34 AMPC). We must ask God to show us what to do, and then we must not question it when He reveals it to us.

Too often people try to reason things out, but that can be dangerous. When we start trying to figure out why God says or does something, our first mistake is thinking we’re smart enough to understand the mind of God.

Reasoning can also move us in a particular direction that, although it may seem logical, may not be the will of God. A biblical account found in 1 Samuel is a good illustration of this point. Saul, the first king of Israel, made a decision to offer sacrifices. As a part of the tribe of Benjamin, it was unlawful for him—even as the king—to offer sacrifices. The king and his army waited several days for Samuel, the high priest, to arrive. But eventually Saul grew impatient (or perhaps fearful) and offered sacrifices just before the holy man arrived. When Samuel rebuked Saul for doing such a thing, the king had what he believed to be a reasonable explanation: I thought, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord. So I forced myself to offer a burnt offering (1 Samuel 13:12 AMPC).

Samuel rebuked the king, told him he had acted foolishly, and said the Lord was going to strip him of the kingdom.

That was Saul’s mistake. He reasoned that it would be wise to sacrifice, and he didn’t wait to hear from God.

The human mind likes logic, order, and reason. We like to deal with issues we can wrap our understanding around and come up with solutions that make sense to us. We have a tendency to think small because we are limited creatures, and we don’t have the perspective to understand from God’s point of view. We tend to put things in tiny, neat compartments in our minds, telling ourselves this must be right because it fits nicely there.

By contrast, we read the words of the apostle Paul: I am speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying; my conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with me (Romans 9:1 AMPC). He was making the point that he was doing the right thing—not because he had figured it out or analyzed the situation, but because his actions bore witness in his spirit.

That’s the attitude you need in your life. You need to depend on God to show you things in such a way that you know—with an inner certainty—that what has been revealed to your mind is correct. You must not allow yourself to reason with your mind, searching for logical solutions. Instead, you must say, “My trust is in the Lord, and whatever He tells me to do, I will obey.”

Prayer of the Day: Dear God, thank You for loving me more than I can even comprehend. In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask You to help me love and honor You so much that when You speak, I will have only one thought in my mind, and that is to obey, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

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