Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Great Reunions: Reunited in Heaven

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Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-4

We often experience the sorrow of separation—a child leaving for college, friends or family moving to another city, children getting married and leaving home. In each of these cases our sorrow is tempered by the fact that we know we will likely be reunited with them.

At Thessalonica some of the Christians were concerned about fellow believers who had died prior to the return of Christ. Paul wrote to them to assure them that they would be reunited with their deceased loved ones. At what we refer to as the Rapture of the Church, Christ will raise deceased believers from the grave, followed by those who are alive. “And thus we shall always be with the Lord”—deceased and living believers reunited in heaven.

Take comfort in Paul’s words if you long to be reunited with deceased friends or family who died in Christ. A great reunion is coming which will last for eternity.

The church is the only society in the world that never loses any of its members, even by death.
John Blanchard

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Gifts Repurposed by God

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Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. Exodus 4:2 nlt

Today’s Scripture

Exodus 4:1-5, 10-11

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Today’s Devotion

Captain Tim Mullane diligently worked at sinking the SS United States—a massive ocean liner. In fact, he was paid to send it down to the depths. Mullane repurposes ships from sailing the seven seas to serving as instant artificial reefs on the ocean floor. Sunken vessels provide attractive destinations for scuba divers and help protect coastlines as they curb the erosion of beaches. While no longer riding ocean waves, the ships continue to provide value lying far beneath them.

Moses’ shepherd’s staff was repurposed for something that would prove to be invaluable for the Israelites. God asked him, “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A shepherd’s staff” (Exodus 4:2 nlt). Moses cared for sheep for forty years (Acts 7:29-30), but his staff would now be used to shepherd his people out of Egypt. The staff was a symbol of God’s working through Moses, and as he “[performed] the signs with it” (Exodus 4:17), God’s power was revealed. As Moses stretched out his “staff toward the sky” God rained hail on Egypt (9:23) and later allowed the Israelites to pass through “the sea on dry ground” (14:16).

God repurposed Moses’ staff and role to accomplish His purposes. He’ll often use our gifts and talents in fresh ways too. How might He be using your “staff” in a new way during this season of life?

Reflect & Pray

Why can it be hard to let go of roles and responsibilities? 
How might God be using your gifts and talents in new ways?

Loving God, please help me see how You’re using my gifts and talents in fresh ways.

Today’s Insights

Exodus 4 records how God repurposed Moses’ staff (vv. 1-5) to accomplish His purpose. The gospel of John describes how a boy’s meager meal was repurposed. A great crowd of people had followed Jesus and were hungry. Christ asked His disciples, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (6:5). A boy had a boy-sized lunch, barely enough to satisfy a boy-sized appetite. But when the seemingly insignificant was surrendered to God (v. 9), hungry people were fed (vv. 10-13), and God received the glory (v. 14). Today, we can ask God to use us to accomplish His purposes.

For further study, read: The Confidence to Grow

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Three-quarters of Americans are not conservative or liberal

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If you’ve ever stared at your ballot on election day and come away thinking, “None of these people represent me,” you’re not alone. It turns out that more than three-quarters of Americans do not fit neatly under either the conservative or the liberal label. As a recent study from Searchlight found, “Only 14 percent of the electorate can be classified as completely ideologically conservative and 10 percent as ideologically liberal.”

They’re quick to add, “This doesn’t mean the rest of the electorate doesn’t care about the issues. Quite the opposite. It’s just that the vast majority of voters hold a heterodox collection of beliefs that range across the ideological spectrum.”

Most of those who run for office, though, fit far more neatly into one of those two ideological poles. And the same is often true for the most vocal parts of their base. As a result, it’s easy for the national discussion to paint a much more homogeneous picture of the nation than reality represents.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Three-quarters of Americans are not conservative or liberal →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Brevity of Life

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 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. 

—Psalm 90:12

Scripture:

Psalm 90:12 

When you’ve had an encounter with death—a near-death experience of your own or the sudden passing of a loved one—it inevitably leads to a few essential questions: “What is life all about, anyway? Why am I alive, and what am I really living for?”

In other words, what gets you out of bed in the morning? What gets your blood pumping? Is it an alarm clock or a calling that gets you up each day? Every one of us needs some motivating passion, some ideal, something that gives our lives purpose and drives us on.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know what they’re living for. They’re merely marking time instead of making the most of their lives. Their favorite day of the week is “someday”: “Someday my ship will come in. Someday my prince (or princess) will come. Someday it’s all going to get better. Someday my life will change.”

But while they’re simply enduring the present and waiting for something better to happen, there’s something they don’t plan on: death. They don’t expect it to rear its head until they or their loved ones are quite old. They file it under “Worries to Think About in Fifty or Sixty Years.” And for some of them, that may be the case. But eventually death knocks at every door. The Bible says that each of us has an appointment with death: “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27 NIV).

So, as we wrap up this week of talking about facing the future, I want to point out that our appointment with death may come much sooner than we expect. Statisticians tell us that 2 people die every second, 120 die every minute, and 7,000 people die every hour. This means that every day, on average, 174,000 people enter eternity.

The New Testament author James wrote, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14 NLT).

I say this not to alarm you but to motivate you. The psalmist wrote, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12 NLT). As we grow in wisdom, we recognize that every day is a chance to serve the Lord. To make a difference for His eternal kingdom. To seize the opportunities He sets before us. To stretch and grow beyond our comfort zone. To discover what we’re capable of. To embrace and enjoy every blessing.

Here is the bottom line: Live every day as though you may never have another one. Live in such a way that you’re ready to step into God’s presence at any moment.

Reflection question: What would it look like for you to live every day as though you may never have another one? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Glory of the Lord

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.” (1 Kings 8:10–11)

This remarkable glory cloud filling Solomon’s temple at its dedication had also been present when the tabernacle in the wilderness was dedicated. At that time, Moses recorded how “a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34). Furthermore, this “cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys” (v. 38). There could be no doubt as to His presence.

It is well known that this cloud of divine glory was called the shekinah. Although this actual word never occurs in the Bible itself, it is closely related to the Hebrew words for “dwell” (shakan) and “tabernacle” (mishkan).

The significant truth here, of course, is not the name but the fact. The glory cloud was removed when Israel became apostate. “And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city” (Ezekiel 11:23).

When God returned to Earth in the person of His Son, “the Word was made flesh, and [tabernacled] among us.” Then, once again, those who had eyes to see “beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). By His Spirit, He now even lives in those who receive Him, and “Christ in you” becomes our own “hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Then, as we live in His Word, “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Why the Storms?

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.

Psalm 42:5 (AMPC)

Let’s focus for a moment on this part of a well-known New Testament story. The disciples were in the middle of the Sea of Galilee at midnight when they looked up and saw Jesus walking on the water. That is amazing, but as the story continues, Matthew wrote of the boisterous winds, yet Jesus kept walking on top of the waves.

The disciples were afraid—and that makes sense. Who would expect to see anyone walking on top of the water, even under the best of conditions?

Then Jesus cried out and told them, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! (Matthew 14:27 AMPC). This is the powerful moment in the story. What will happen now? Do they move over and give Jesus a place to sit in their boat? Should they get out and join Him on the waves? Do they huddle in fear, reminding themselves that human beings can’t walk on top of water?

Peter was the only one who responded in true faith. And let’s make no mistake here. For Peter to say, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water (Matthew 14:28) was a tremendous act of faith. You’ll notice that he was the only one who spoke that way.

That was a powerful moment of faith. It was a defining moment that pointed out Peter’s great faith and belief in Jesus, the Anointed One of God. He was so convinced that Jesus truly was the Son of God that he was ready to get out of the boat and walk on top of the water with Him.

How many of you would get out of the boat? I emphasize this because it would be easy enough to say, “Lord, I see You walking on the water, and I believe I could walk on the water alongside You.” But would you? Do you have the kind of faith that would enable you to step out of the boat? Of the 12 disciples, Peter was the only one who took that step of faith.

I’m not citing this example of faith to discourage you or to make you feel that your faith is somehow lacking. I’m simply pointing out the great triumph of a man who dared to believe! Peter believed so strongly that he took a step of faith over the side of the boat and started walking toward Jesus.

Most of us know the rest of the story. Some might even smirk, saying, “Big deal! He got out of the boat, started walking on the water, got scared, and began to sink.” And he also received a rebuke from Jesus: O you of little faith, why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:31 NIV). But think about it—Jesus didn’t say those words to the other disciples. He directed the words “you of little faith” to Peter. The implication is the others had no faith at that moment.

Think of these words not just as words of rebuke, but also as words of encouragement to Peter, the one who had enough faith to step out of the boat and begin walking on the water. But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]! (Matthew 14:30 AMPC).

What if you saw this as Jesus’ great encouragement, not just to Peter, but also to you? What if you looked at this event as Jesus saying to you, “You started so well. You believed Me and got out of the boat. You did it! You walked on water just as I did. But then you allowed doubt to enter, and when that happened, you began to sink.”

This powerful story is a wonderful reminder that Jesus is always with you, and He will suspend natural laws to reach out to you and care for you.

Prayer of the Day: Lord Jesus, please forgive my lack of faith. Increase my faith in Your Word and help me to trust You enough to follow Your leading. When the circumstances around me threaten to pull me into deep waters of doubt, help me to focus on You. I ask these things in Your holy name, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Arrival in Jerusalem

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Read Ezra 8:31–36

Reaching the end of a long journey is a beautiful thing—you step out of the car, stretch your legs, and look forward to some rest and relaxation. In our study of the book of Ezra, we’ve seen this godly leader and his co-travelers reach the end of their long trip to Jerusalem—all without the benefit of planes, trains, or automobiles!

Earlier in chapter 8 Ezra refused to ask the king for protection on the journey, even though the returnees were bringing with them an enormous amount of silver and gold. In today’s market, the value of the materials listed in 8:26–27 reaches $604,081,991.20. Ezra was wise to proclaim a fast and ask for the Lord’s protection on their trip home!

In verse 31 we read that the Lord indeed answered their prayers: “The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.” As we’ve seen many times already since meeting Ezra in chapter 7, he is quick to credit the Lord for his success. He never took credit for himself but rather consistently acknowledged God’s grace and kindness toward him. Ezra and the returnees rested for three days (v. 32). Then they “weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred articles into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest” (v. 33). The men proved faithful: “Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that time” (v. 34). The exiles then worshiped the Lord. They sacrificed “twelve bulls for all Israel” (v. 35), again reminding us that the people returning from exile represent all Israel and not just the ten tribes of Judah (see discussion on September 19). Now in Jerusalem, Ezra and his group of Levites and temple servants “gave assistance to the people and to the house of God” (v. 36).

Go Deeper

What are some ways you can cultivate gratitude and trust for the Lord as Ezra demonstrated?

Pray with Us

Because of Your great love for us, You hear our prayers, God. Help us recall the ways You have answered in the past, and today we offer our thanks for Your faithfulness.

The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies.Ezra 8:31

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Look to Others

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So [Jonah] prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!”
Jonah 4:2-3

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:3-5

The Assyrians were powerful and brutal. Jonah disobeyed God’s command to go and preach to them because he was afraid of what they might do to him. When he eventually went and the Assyrians repented, Jonah was not happy because they were spared judgment.

Jonah fell into the trap of being more concerned about himself than about others. His very words—“It is better for me”—indicate that his priority was on his own desires rather than the well-being of others—even others who had been his enemies in the past. Instead of rejoicing at the Assyrians’ repentance, Jonah was mad at God for having mercy on them.

The apostle Paul wrote that we should look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-5)—the very attitude that Jesus Himself demonstrated.

Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit. 
Hannah More

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Acts of Devotion

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The other events of Josiah’s reign 
and his acts of devotion . . . are written 
in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 2 Chronicles 35:26-27

Today’s Scripture

2 Chronicles 35:20-27

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Today’s Devotion

Like all early departures from this life, Joe’s death shocked those who knew him. Just before he died, he’d begun making poor decisions. Now this husband, father, coach, and youth leader would no longer be there for those who’d relied on him.

It’s easy to focus on Joe’s recent bad choices. Yet when his daughter spoke at his funeral, she rightly highlighted how her dad, though flawed like all of us, had served Jesus with his life.

We find something similar in the story of Judah’s King Josiah. When Egypt’s King Necho mounted a military offensive against Babylon, Josiah foolishly “marched out to meet him in battle” (2 Chronicles 35:20). Necho had no intention of attacking Judah (v. 21), and Josiah’s intervention ignored “God’s command” (v. 22). It cost him his life (vv. 23-24).

Though Josiah finished unwisely, the prophet Jeremiah “composed laments for Josiah” (v. 25). The story concludes, “The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion . . . are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah” (vv. 26-27). Acts of devotion. A timely epitaph for an untimely death.

It’s good to ponder the apostle Paul’s words: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). As we consider how our heavenly Father sees us in Christ, it’s easy to recall the acts of devotion done by His children who’ve left us.

Reflect & Pray

Who have you lost to death? What acts of devotion might you recall in memory of them?

Thank You, heavenly Father, that You see Your children in Christ.
For further study, read The Oldest Theology: Jesus’s Victory over Adam’s Curse at odbm.org.

Today’s Insights

In addition to authoring Jeremiah, the longest book in the Bible, the prophet Jeremiah also wrote the book of Lamentations, a record of his mourning over the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. In 2 Chronicles 35:20-27, we’re told that Jeremiah was also a songwriter, and the songs mentioned were tributes to Josiah, the king of Judah (v. 25). We don’t need to be songwriters, however, to honor the memories of those who’ve gone before us. We can encourage others as we share our memories of them. And we also receive comfort ourselves when we privately reflect on their acts of devotion to Jesus.

For further study, read: The Oldest Theology

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Judge temporarily blocks White House media ban

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A District of Columbia judge has ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate access to the White House for three news outlets banned from the building last week by the president. The temporary restraining order means CNN, MS NOW, and Politico must have their access restored for fourteen days as the legal process over this issue continues.

However, according to the Washington Post, it remains unclear when the reporters will have their access restored. Reporters from all three outlets were still blocked from entering the White House at this writing.

President Trump is only the latest in a string of presidents who were frustrated by the media. Thomas Jefferson complained, “Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle.” Bill Clinton condemned “purveyors of hatred and division” on the public airwaves. The Obama administration tried to block Fox News from a joint interview in 2009.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Judge temporarily blocks White House media ban →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – He Is Coming Back

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 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.’ 

—2 Peter 3:3–4

Scripture:

2 Peter 3:3-4 

No mini-set of devotions about facing the future would be complete without a discussion of the Lord’s return. Nothing looms larger in the future of believers than Jesus’ coming.

It also looms large for many unbelievers, although for different reasons. In the contentious arena of social media, many opponents of Christianity point to Christ’s return, or the lack of one so far, to suggest that the Bible can’t be trusted. They conclude that if He hasn’t come back in over two thousand years, He’s not going to.

In doing so, they completely miss the mercy and patience that lie at the heart of His delay. The apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

But you don’t have to deny or even question the truth of Christ’s return to miss the point of it. Many believers acknowledge that Christ will come back someday but refuse to allow His impending return to influence their daily actions and decisions.

So, instead of preparing for His return and making sure their lives align with His will, they choose to do things that are wrong. They know what the Bible says but choose to ignore it. They play around with sin. They try to have their cake and eat it, too, by living as they please in the present, reasoning that they can repent in the future.

But that’s a dangerous game. Not only are they missing the immediate blessings of obedience and discipleship, but they also have no way of knowing when Christ will return.

What we do know is this: The Lord’s coming draws closer every day. Paul wrote, “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living” (Romans 13:12 NLT). It’s time for us to wake up.

One thing that always amazes me when I get up really early in the morning is that it’s pitch-dark outside. Sometimes I have to double-check the clock. I think to myself, “It can’t be 5:30; it’s got to be 1:30. It’s so dark.” But sure enough, every morning the sun slowly begins to rise. What was only darkness a few moments earlier begins to lighten up. And the next thing you know, the sun is out and everything’s lit up.

This is how our world is right now. It’s dark. And it’s been dark for a long time. We start to think that it will always be this way. But it won’t. The darkness will not last forever. Christ is going to come back again. Be ready for His return.

Reflection question: What impact does the realization that Christ will return have on your daily actions and decisions? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – My Lord and My God

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.” (John 20:28)

Thomas has been called “doubting Thomas” because of his initial reluctance to believe in the Lord’s resurrection, but neither the Lord nor the other disciples ever viewed him in such a light. His later ministry as the first missionary/martyr to India speaks clearly of his great faith.

It is only in John’s Gospel that we have any specific insight into Thomas’s character. When the other disciples sought to dissuade Jesus from returning to Jerusalem, it was Thomas who urged, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). Thomas understood the dangers awaiting them but was ready to go wherever Jesus desired him to go. In the upper room when Jesus spoke of going away, Thomas, still willing to go with Him anywhere, was the only one to ask, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (14:5). Then, just a few hours later, the Lord had been crucified, and soon “the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews” (20:19) as they hid themselves in the upper room.

But Thomas was not hiding! The Scriptures do not say where he was when Jesus appeared in their midst, but he was not hiding there like the others. He may well have been out working or witnessing, doing whatever he could to follow the Lord. But he (like the others) had failed to understand Jesus’ promise that He would rise again.

When the other disciples reported that they had seen the resurrected Lord, Thomas, realizing the tremendous significance of such a miracle if it were true, insisted he must see the proof firsthand. When he saw the Lord, he showed a higher comprehension of what had taken place than any of the others, as he whispered in awe: “My LORD, and my God!” HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Cooperate with God’s Plan

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For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 (AMPC)

God has a plan for every person, and His Word clearly says it is a good plan. But Satan starts his dirty work early in your life, attempting to pervert and destroy God’s good plan. He arranges for all kinds of disappointing, discouraging, hurtful, and frightening events to take place. And often he does a lot of damage.

But no matter how much you have been hurt, God can restore you. If you experienced a bad beginning, do not despair. God is in the business of repair, and His repairs are better than new. However, this restoration will not happen automatically. You must believe the Word of God and fully cooperate with Him during the restoration process. Look to Jesus, the One who loves you unconditionally. He is the Author and Finisher of everything in you and your life.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for Your good plan for my life. Help me trust You through the hurt, cooperate with Your restoration, and look to, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Where to Take Your Hurt

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Play

Ahab and Jezebel were dead. Their Son Ahaziah, a chip off the old demonic block, had assumed the throne. He took a fall. Maybe he was paralyzed and in pain. Whatever his malady, he sought relief.

Where do you go when you hurt? Some people turn to alcohol. Others to opioids. Still others to a frenzied schedule. How many turn to Jehovah? Ahaziah could have. But, no, pain drove him to consult a false god, Baal.

The most insidious work of the devil is counterfeit religion. Why? The devilish cunning of counterfeit religion is that it mixes in just enough truth to make the lie all the stronger. Satan sold a bag of lies to Ahaziah. Don’t let him do the same with you.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Safe Journey

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Read Ezra 8:21–30

You’ve mapped out your journey. The car is packed. The children are buckled in. But before you embark on a cross-country road trip, what else do you do? If you were Ezra, you would stop and plead yet again for the Lord to give you a safe and successful journey. In 8:21, Ezra said: “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.”

We’ve already seen Ezra trust the Lord time and again during his preparations to return to Jerusalem. Today’s reading gives us insight into Ezra’s thought process. He was “ashamed to ask the king” for protection on the journey. Why? He had already assured the king that “the gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him” (v. 22). Ezra didn’t want to appear to dishonor the Lord by asking for human help when he’d already been clear in saying that God would care for him. So, Ezra says, “we fasted and petitioned our God about this” (v. 23). Just as we’ve seen God do many times throughout the book of Ezra, God answered their prayer (v. 23).

The rest of today’s passage lists the many valuable items that Ezra and the returnees brought with them to Jerusalem. Here we see Ezra’s practical wisdom again. He entrusts “twelve of the leading priests” with care of the valuables and charges them to deliver the items safely to their destination (v. 24). For all the details involved in this journey, Ezra trusts the Lord, fasting and praying. He also takes appropriate steps to ensure success. Both were needed.

Go Deeper

Are there areas in your life that you have entrusted to the Lord through fasting and prayer but haven’t taken the practical steps you need to take to ensure success? Or the other way around?

Pray with Us

Lord, echoing Ezra in today’s reading, we thank You that Your hand is on everyone who looks to You! Please give us the courage to always stand up and give You glory.

We fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.Ezra 8:23

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Fair Warning

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Yet the house of Israel says, “The way of the Lord is not fair.” O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not fair?
Ezekiel 18:29

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-32

Many people say that if there is a God, He is not fair. Even in times of great trauma and loss, Christians understand that life doesn’t seem fair. This is especially true in a culture that says everyone should be treated the same.

What do we do, then, when we encounter more difficulty than others, when we face our own unique troubles, and when we’re tempted to feel disappointed in God? Ezekiel told the people of his day to trust in the wisdom and ways of the Lord. He said, “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:31).

When Abraham could not fully understand what the Lord was doing, he simply said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) That is a good sentence to remember, for we can rest assured and give thanks today that the Judge of all of the earth will always do what is right.

[The Christian] believes [God] to be too wise to err and too good to be unkind. 
Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Words from Friends

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[None of Job’s friends] said a word to him, 
because they saw how great his suffering was. Job 2:13

Today’s Scripture

Job 2:7-13

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Today’s Devotion

As I sat in a Bible class at the age of twenty-six, I was baffled. 
 Some of my classmates’ comments were discouraging. They 
 seemed to have so many problems. I responded by asking, “If we’re Christians, why are we so down? Don’t we know how this thing really ends?” I was referring to the promise of eternal life in Christ but also to the many promises in the Bible of God’s care for His people. The instructor simply smiled and moved on. But my comment has stuck with me for years.

Eventually life hit me. Job loss, bereavement, illness, and more led me to feel discouraged. Yes, God’s promises are comforting and true, but they don’t promise an easy life. Jesus said we “will have trouble” (John 16:33).

Quite naturally, we feel the impact of such troubles, just as a man named Job did. He was tested, and it hit him hard: He lost his children, his property, and his health (Job 1:13-20; 2:7). His friends came to visit him to console him (2:11-13). In the beginning they simply supported their friend quietly, noting “how great his suffering was” (v. 13). But then they began asking unhelpful questions, not too dissimilar to the one I posed in Bible class.

As we encounter others going through trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us respond with love and compassion. And as we experience sorrow, we can remember the comfort of God’s promises.

Reflect & Pray

How has a friend helped you during a rough time? 
How can you help others by using sensitivity and discernment?

Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom when sympathizing with others.

Today’s Insights

For seven days, Job’s friends were a silent presence with their suffering friend (Job 2:13). Silence tends to make us uncomfortable, so we may try to fill that void with words. But in times of great suffering (like Job’s), words alone are often inadequate to express the comfort or help that the hurting person truly needs. Job’s friends caused more hurt when they began to offer answers that didn’t ease his hurt, pain, or loss. We can ask God to give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to offer the comfort of a silent presence with those who are hurting.

For further study, listen to the Discover the Word Podcast: Rediscovering Friendship

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Youth sports and the things that matter most

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The landscape of youth sports has changed dramatically over the last three to four decades. Youth sports once revolved around neighborhood teams, school programs, and local leagues. Today, it is a $40 billion industry. And it’s rapid growth is attracting increasing attention from private equity.

A growing scholarship and elite-development mindset has helped fuel travel teams, sport specialization, and private coaching at younger ages and with greater intensity. No sport seems immune. And for better or worse, the big business of youth sports is changing our society and appears here to stay.

So how should a Christian respond? What should we be aware of as our world changes in this area?

See your community (Matthew 22:39)

Sports were once a great vehicle for creating connections within your local neighborhood. Practices and games were a chance to build shared history with families whose lives you already had some overlap with. For the believer, it gave us opportunities to see how other families were doing and what their needs were. It also gave us natural opportunities to model our faith and serve as salt and light among people already woven into our lives.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Youth sports and the things that matter most →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Turning Worry into Prayer

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 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

—Philippians 4:6–7

Scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7 

Worry is an obstruction that keeps us from seeing the bright future on the horizon. Yet it’s an obstacle that we put in our own way, for no good reason. Of all the things we worry about, how many are within our control? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer is probably very few.

Martin Luther had the right idea when he wrote in a letter to his wife, “Pray, and let God worry.” God isn’t going to worry, of course. But we still need to pray, because worry is persistent. It keeps popping up unless we bring it to God.

Some people try to elevate worry to a virtue. They say things like, “I worry because I care.” But is worry actually a virtue? I don’t think so. In fact, I think worry can be a sin. I’m not saying that all worry is sin, but I am saying that it can be. And I would readily admit that worry is a sin I’ve committed.

I have unnecessarily worried about things. I have fretted and been filled with anxiety. So why is it potentially a sin? Because it’s evidence of a lack of trust in God. When we worry, we’re essentially saying, “God isn’t in control. He isn’t taking care of me in this situation. I’m not trusting in the providence of God.”

But if you’re a Christian and believe the Bible, then you know God is in control of all the circumstances that surround you. There are no so-called accidents in the life of a believer. Nothing that touches the life of a believer is outside God’s knowledge, care, or control. This is an important truth to remember because worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it instead empties today of its strength.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT).

Turn your worries into prayers. The next time you’re gripped by fear and worry, turn it into a prayer like this one: “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but I trust You. You are in control, and I commit this to You right now.” Look to the Lord and let Him give you His peace.

Your future is secure in Him. Don’t let worry convince you otherwise. Jesus asked, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27 NLT). Worry can’t change anything. Prayer can move mountains, transform lives, produce soul-deep comfort, and reveal God’s wisdom. Choose prayer.

Reflection question: What worry do you need to turn into prayer? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – For Thy Name’s Sake

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by John D. Morris, Ph.D.

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3)

In this psalm of misery and mercy, we see David’s testimony. “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness” (Psalm 31:1). His faith was strong, but afflictions and opposition were on all sides. He appeals to God for relief (v. 2) and is confident of the reply and that that reply will reflect God’s omnipotence and grace. His total trust was in this benevolent God. “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth” (v. 5), which, of course, was quoted by Christ at the moment of His death on the cross (Luke 23:46).

But note David’s grounds for appeal to God for action: “For thy name’s sake,” as recorded in our text. David’s heartfelt desire here is more than merely relief from his persecution, as desperate as was that need. It was for the glory of God and the honor of His name.

God’s name and reputation are at stake when His children are being persecuted. Indeed, the national leaders of Israel had frequently prayed for God to act on the same grounds (for example, see Exodus 32:12). Even in the New Testament we are encouraged to pray in that name: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).

Even though we are always warranted in using this plea in our praying, we must do so in recognition of and submission to the fact that there are limitations. God will never contradict His nature or His Word, and in His sovereignty He knows better solutions to each problem than we can ask for. His greater plans must always take precedence. But when these prerequisites are recognized and accepted, the prayer in His name and for His glory is the one that prevails. JDM

 

 

 

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

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