Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Slaves

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Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
Romans 6:16

Recommended Reading: Romans 6:15-19

Paul begins Romans by calling himself a bondservant of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1). He uses the same Greek word, doulos, in chapter 7. But here in chapter 6 it is translated as “slave.” We were at one time slaves to the law and to sin. Now, he says, we are slaves to righteousness. He adds in verse 22: “Having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness.”

Everyone serves someone. Are you a slave to sin or to righteousness? By birth we are slaves to sin, but by grace and faith we have become slaves of God. There’s no need to be enslaved by shame, addiction, sin, guilt, and death. Christ wants to set you free from all of those things that you might be a slave to God.

Have you become a servant of God? If not, take time today to accept Christ as Savior, and He will set you free.

Obedience to God releases His blessings and joy, here and hereafter…. Humbling acts of service to others, as Jesus modeled when He washed the feet of His disciples, releases joy in our hearts.
Bill Bright

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – New Life for Dead Hearts

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You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

Today’s Scripture

Colossians 3:1-4

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Today’s Devotion

Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.

When Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.

Our prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

We see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!

Reflect & Pray

What does understanding God’s heartwood in trees teach you about Him? How are you embracing His transformational power in your life?

 

Dear God, I pray You would strengthen my inner being, my life hidden in You.

 

To learn more please watch You’re a Fixer Upper!

Today’s Insights

In his letters, Paul frequently talks about how believers in Jesus have “died” (Colossians 3:3) to sin. In Romans 6, the apostle reminds believers that they’ve been united with Christ in His death and will be “united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that the old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with” (vv. 5-6). Because of Jesus’ death, sin is no longer our master. We no longer live to gratify our desires or “cravings of our flesh” (Ephesians 2:3) because we serve another master, Christ. Our sins are forgiven, and we’re alive in Him. He’s canceled the debt we owed and could never pay “by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). That doesn’t mean we no longer sin, but that God helps us in our struggles, transforming us to be more like Him.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – What Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diaries tell us about him

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“It is not hyoperbole [sic] to say that today I am the most famous and talked about person in the country and one of the most recognizable peson [sic] in the world.” This is what Dr. Anthony Fauci wrote in his personal diary on May 21, 2020, part of more than a thousand pages of entries published by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) over the weekend.

Dr. Fauci was director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades. When the coronavirus pandemic began, he became a central figure in America’s response, appearing regularly in television interviews and alongside President Trump in press conferences.

Sen. Paul has long maintained that the virus emerged from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China rather than originating in animals, and he has accused Dr. Fauci and other government officials of misleading the public and Congress about the source of the leak. He heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee and released the journal entries, which date from December 2019 until December 2022, in preparation for Dr. Fauci’s appearance today before his committee.

Continue reading Denison Forum – What Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diaries tell us about him →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Salt of the Earth

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 You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 

—Matthew 5:13

Scripture:

Matthew 5:13 

In the ancient world, salt was used as a preservative. It still is today—ham, corned beef, olives, pickles, and even anchovies are preserved in brine, a saltwater solution. The purpose of the salt is to stop the food from spoiling, to prevent its corruption.

Jesus referenced the crucial role that salt plays when He said to His followers, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matthew 5:13 NLT).

His point was that Christians should seek to be a preservative wherever we are. We should be active agents against corruption. For example, if you’re a parent, you can guide your children in what they see and interact with on social media. You can teach them Christian values and live as an example to them. If you’re the only Christian in your family, then you’re probably always the one who’s asked to give the blessing over the Thanksgiving meal. That’s good, because it means your family notices that you’re a Christian, that your life is different from theirs. So, seize the opportunity.

You also need to be salt in the place where you work. You can refuse to gossip about coworkers, you can do your work without grumbling, and you can be an encouragement to others. You may experience instances when your coworkers are gathered around, telling certain jokes. But when you walk in, everyone suddenly falls silent. Instead of being uncomfortable about such treatment, recognize it for the begrudging acknowledgment it is. Your coworkers know that you’re a representative of Jesus. You’re functioning as a preservative in that situation.

Or maybe you’re that one Christian student in your classroom. You need to stand up for Christian values. You can refuse to participate in harmful activities and tell your friends why. That’s what it means to be salt. No one ever said that being a Christian would make you popular. But it does make you salt. And though it may be hard at times, it’s a responsibility you need to embrace.

When we speak of the need for revival in our nation, we tend to think of it in grand, sweeping terms. In reality, revival is a big movement triggered by countless small acts. In that sense, it’s like the civil rights movement. Civil rights weren’t won in one dramatic moment. They were won by countless acts of resistance and courage.

Likewise, revival begins when individual believers take seriously their assigned roles as salt of the earth. Let the Holy Spirit help and guide you as you add a distinctive Christian flavor wherever you go.

 

Reflection question: How can you add a distinctive Christian flavor wherever you go? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Voice of the Lord

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by Michael Hansen

“The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.” (Psalm 29:3–4)

When did you last consider the majesty of God and the power of His voice? From creation to consummation, Scripture proclaims the power of God’s voice. His Word begins with His speaking everything into existence (Genesis 1), and He completes His Word with eternal declarations (Revelation 21:5–8).

Today’s psalm draws our eyes to God’s power over the natural world. Think about mighty, rolling ocean waves and booming thunder during the fiercest storm. Many would describe them as powerful. While that is a good description for our finite minds to comprehend, as believers we ultimately don’t ascribe power to nature itself (e.g., Mother Nature or natural selection). We choose to give praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, who created and sustains each element of creation (Colossians 1:16–17).

Spurgeon expounded, “The thunder is not only poetically but instructively called ‘the voice of God,’ since it peals from on high; it surpasses all other sounds, it inspires awe, it is entirely independent of man, and has been used on some occasions as the grand accompaniment of God’s speech to Adam’s sons.”

The book of Job also portrays God’s powerful voice. “After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend” (Job 37:4–5). “Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?” (Job 40:9).

The voice of the Lord is unique. His voice alone can create and control. Let us use our words to praise His name and proclaim His wondrous deeds! MH

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

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…God, your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of jubilation.

Psalm 45:7 (AMP)

It’s one thing to have a goal, but in order to see that goal become a reality, there are accompanying action steps you have to take. And one of those steps is having the right attitude. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression Your attitude determines your altitude. Well, this expression is popular for a reason—it’s absolutely 100 percent right! You’ll never be a confident, successful, happy person with a doubtful, defeated, sour attitude.

The first step to take in order to realize any goal is to adjust your attitude. Instead of thinking, I can’t, choose to think, I can do all things through Christ! (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer of the Day: God, help me choose a positive, faith-filled attitude each day. Strengthen me to believe I can do what You have called me to do, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Turn to Your Father 

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We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath!  This was the reassuring message from the miracle of the bread and fish.  In an event crafted to speak to the anxious heart, Jesus told his disciples to do the impossible: feed five thousand people.

You aren’t facing five thousand hungry bellies, but you are facing a deadline in two days, a loved one in need of a cure. On one hand you have a problem. On the other you have a limited quantity of wisdom, patience, or time.  Typically, you’d get anxious. You’d tell God, “You’ve given me too much to handle.”

This time, instead of starting with what you have, start with Jesus. Start with his wealth, his resources, and his strength. Before you lash out in fear, look up in faith. Turn to your Father for help!

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Wise and Foolish Builders

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Read Matthew 7:24–27

Have you ever played Jenga? In this game, players take turns removing wooden blocks from below, then re-placing them higher up. Everything must balance, but as the game goes on, the structure becomes increasingly unstable. When the tower collapses, the game ends.

As we near the end of Matthew 7, Jesus once again uses true and false contrasts to challenge everyone hearing or reading the Sermon on the Mount. He first describes a wise man who built his house on a foundation of rock (vv. 24–25). As a result, when the storm came, the house stood firm. This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice,” that is, obeys them.

By contrast, a foolish man built his house on a foundation of sand (vv. 26–27). As a result, when the storm came, the house collapsed. In fact, “it fell with a great crash.” This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice” that is, disobeys them (also see Ezek. 33:31).

Wisdom, obedience, life, and endurance or perseverance all go together. In the same way, foolishness, disobedience, death, and destruction all go together. These are the two ways the two gates lead to in Matthew 7:13–14. Jesus Himself said He is the one and only way to God (John 14:6). And Scripture also testifies that God is the Rock (Ps. 18:2; 62:2). Lives built on the Rock won’t be spared the storms of life, but they will be able to endure them. Lives built on sand, on the other hand, will ultimately collapse: Jesus never knew them.

Jesus’ challenge or exhortation is clear: Obey My words. As He also said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

Go Deeper

On what is your house built? Are you like the foolish man, building your life on things that will ultimately collapse? In what ways can we put Christ’s words into practice?

Pray with Us

We build our lives on You, our Rock. We are grateful for Your constant presence with us. We know that You will never leave us, even when things feel hard. Praise be to God!

It did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.Matthew 7:25

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Formed

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My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.
Galatians 4:19

Recommended Reading: Galatians 4:17-20

It takes time to grow into the image of Jesus Christ. This reality is counterintuitive to our instant gratification culture where we can get same-day delivery for packages and instant accessibility to the world from the palms of our hands. But forming our souls does not happen at digital speed. It occurs slowly and often painfully.

The apostle Paul told the Galatians that he was laboring for Christ to be formed within them. This is the ultimate goal of our Christian experience. We want our souls and spirits to be shaped into the personality of Jesus Christ. And, for the glory of God, we want others to see this.

If you spend time with someone for a while, you can know what they’re like. Similarly, when someone spends time with us, we want them to be able to tell by our actions that we are Christ followers. Are you living in a way that proclaims your commitment to the Lord?

Spiritual maturity is marked by spiritual knowledge being put into action. 
Edward Bedore

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Company We Keep

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Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

Today’s Scripture

Proverbs 13:14-20

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Today’s Devotion

A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So, too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior.

Solomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14).

As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it vital to learn from people who love others and act wisely? How can you encourage others to grow in love and wisdom?

Loving God, thank You for the people who’ve taught me wisdom, kindness, and love.

Today’s Insights

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings penned by several people. Today’s text comes from a portion of Scripture that King Solomon wrote. Tragically, the challenge was one that he himself failed to follow. He wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Yet he’d surrounded himself with one thousand pagan wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), which was forbidden by God (v. 2), and they drew Solomon away from Him: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (vv. 4-5). God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others.

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Should Christians preach the gospel on airplanes?

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Today’s headline is not a theoretical question. A recent Washington Post article reports that “self-described evangelists are seizing the opportunity to share their faith with other passengers, whether fellow travelers asked for the word or not.”

Such passengers constitute the quintessential “captive audience.” As one airplane evangelist explains, “When I have a gift and I have a life raft, if you’re drowning, I want to give you that life raft so you can be saved.”

Jesus said of himself, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18). If everyone on earth has a terminal disease and I have the only cure, shouldn’t I do everything I can to share it? From preaching on airplanes to witnessing to diners in restaurants to knocking on my neighbors’ doors, what could I be doing that is more urgent than sharing Christ with as many people as I can?

And yet, if surveys are to be believed, 80 percent of Christians do not consistently witness, and less than 2 percent are involved in the ministry of evangelism. I think such reticence has something to do with what is in the blockbuster movie The Odyssey. Or, more accurately, what is not in the film.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Should Christians preach the gospel on airplanes? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Healing from Within

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 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. 

—Psalm 51:7–13

Scripture:

Psalm 51:7–13 

As we look at the trouble and turmoil in our country now, it isn’t hard to see that the United States is reaping the results of years of disobedience to God and His Word. We’ve worked hard to remove God and His Word from our courtrooms, from our classrooms, and from society in general.

But our society’s troubles are all symptoms of a deeper problem. Simply put, it’s the effect of sin that we’re seeing. We’ve been so careful to arm ourselves against the enemy on the outside, yet we’ve forgotten the enemy on the inside. And we’ve missed one of the most important blessings of history.

Abraham Lincoln made this proclamation in 1863: “Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.” Honest Abe was right. We are rotting from within.

How will we solve this problem? Politicians can’t do it for us. While they can offer some help, their efforts won’t get to the root of the problem. The only answer is a heaven-sent spiritual awakening. The only answer is a revival.

The words of the psalmist reflect the spirit necessary for a revival. “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you” (Psalm 51:7–13 NLT).

There will never be a spiritual awakening in this nation until we believe in the one and only true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Without this, there will never be moral change or a cure for our countless social ills.

This is the message God has entrusted to believers. This is the message we must deliver to the nation as we pray for and work toward revival.

 

Reflection question: What would it look like in your life to be restored to the joy of your salvation? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – From Prayer to Praise

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by Michael Hansen

“Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psalm 28:6–7)

The story of David facing fears of surrounding enemies and impending death seems to be on repeat in the Psalms. But before we allow it to become redundant, consider your own life. How often do you face trials that strain your heart with fear, worry, and doubt? Perhaps David’s life isn’t too far from your own, just with fewer spears and battle cries.

In today’s psalm, David spends the first portion crying out to the Lord for help. But for our encouragement and edification, pay special attention to the close of this installment of Scripture. David goes from heart-wrenching prayer to heartfelt praise!

Consider practicing praise throughout your daily prayer pattern. Here are several reasons why you should bless the Lord.

Join your heart today with the psalmist. Rejoice greatly and sing praises to the Lord! MH

 

 

 

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

Uncategorized

Joyce Meyer – Fullness of Joy

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You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 (AMPC)

The presence of the Lord is always with us, but we do not always recognize it or take time to be conscious of it. I think this is why there seems to be a lack of joy in the lives of many believers. There are a lot of unhappy people who are spending their lives chasing things, when nothing can keep us satisfied except God Himself.

When people are not satisfied inwardly, they usually look for some outward object to satisfy their hunger. Often they end up in a fruitless search for that which cannot fill the emptiness within. We’ve heard it said, many people spend their lives climbing the ladder of success, only to find when they reach the top that their ladder is leaning against the wrong building.

When we keep our priorities straight, we discover that everything we really need in life is found in the Lord. Seek to dwell in His presence. In Him is the path of life, the fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.

Prayer of the Day: God, help me seek You above everything else. Teach me to find my joy, peace, and satisfaction in Your presence instead of temporary things, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God’s Near Presence 

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God repeatedly pledges his presence to his people. To Abram, God said, “Do not be afraid…I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15:1 NKJV). God told Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).

In the ultimate declaration of communion, God called himself Immanuel, which means, “God with us.” He became flesh. He became sin. He defeated the grave. He is still with us. In the form of his Spirit, he comforts, teaches, and convicts.

Don’t assume God is watching from a distance. Isolation creates a downward cycle of fret. Choose instead to be the person who clutches the presence of God with both hands. We can calmly take our concerns to God because he is as near as our next breath. And because the Lord is near, we can be anxious for nothing!

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – False Followers

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Read Matthew 7:21–23

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory,” Jesus said, “and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” This judgment parable is marked by surprise and simplicity. Both sides express surprise to which Jesus responds simply, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (see Matt. 25:31–46).

Similar dynamics are found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7, the people condemned to hell are surprised. They say to the Lord, “Did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (v. 22). And Jesus responds simply, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (v. 23).

How is this possible? How could people do amazing things in the name of Christ and yet He never knew them? Because there really are false teachers, false prophets, and false disciples out there! Despite appearances, their fruit is rotten at the core. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 21).

How can we tell the difference between true and false? In the context of following Christ—not one’s initial salvation—the difference is simple. “The one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is the true disciple (v. 21; Mark 3:35). The fact is that miracles can come from supernatural sources other than God. But only true disciples obey God. That’s why “evildoers” (v. 23) can also be translated “lawbreakers.” While we can sometimes be mistaken about “fruit,” God’s judgment is perfectly accurate and just.

Go Deeper

Today is a good day for self-examination. Are you an obedient follower of Christ? Can others see it in your “fruit,” that is, your words and actions?

Pray with Us

Father, we are grateful for the assurance of our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving us. Help us obey You wholeheartedly.

Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”Matthew 7:23

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Friendly Places

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As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.
1 Chronicles 28:9

Recommended Reading: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10

A recent survey found the top friendliest small businesses in America. The results included a candle company in South Dakota, a chocolate company in Minneapolis, and a bookstore in Montana.1 These enterprises had gone above and beyond in serving their clientele. The survey didn’t include churches, but wouldn’t we expect local churches to be the friendliest places town?

That depends on you and me. How important to know God and to serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind. When we serve others outwardly, it strengthens our inner being. And it not only glorifies God, but it also benefits us as Christians.

If you are not serving, you are not living and nourishing your inward being. Consider places in your church where you can serve, and volunteer with a willing heart.

One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor.
John Wesley

  1. Irving Betesh, “Study Reveals the Top 150 Friendliest Small Businesses in the U.S.,” Advance Funds Network, February 19, 2026

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Recovering from Betrayal

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If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it . . . . But it is you, . . . my close friend. Psalm 55:12-13

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 55:12-20

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Today’s Devotion

In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, friends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer.

As anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13).

How should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50).

Can a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. As God helps us, let’s treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.

Reflect & Pray

Why would it have been wrong for Nel to stay friends with Sula? How can Jesus’ response to Judas help us keep reconciliation open?

Dear God, please empower me by Your Spirit to be a faithful, trustworthy friend.

Today’s Insights

David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain (Psalm 55:4-5) caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship” (vv. 13-14). Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain. He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he thought would provide him with a safe place of refuge (vv. 6-8). Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe (vv. 16-18). He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you” (v. 22 nlt). Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we’re experiencing the pain of a betrayed relationship. He provides grace as we trust in Him for repentance and healing.

 

 

 

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Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Suspect in Berlin attack tried to join Islamic State

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The man suspected of carrying out a fatal attack near a Pride celebration in Berlin last Saturday tried to join the Islamic State, local officials have said. He was released from detention in May after he was sentenced to prison for preparing a serious act of violence that could endanger the state.

Now, a heated debate is taking place over why the man, who was killed in a police shootout, was freed on probation.

If you wish I would write on something else, I understand. I had no plans to write on this story, but I was sitting in worship Sunday morning and heard our pastor speak from Psalm 139, where David praises God because he is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (v. 14). In that moment, I knew what I needed to say to you, and to myself, about the Berlin attack.

Let’s begin with some facts, then a personal confession.

Why this story seems irrelevant to us

If you match the demographic profile for the majority of our readership, you are probably an evangelical Christian living in America. This makes an article focusing on a Pride event in Berlin seem less relevant to you on multiple levels.

It is human nature to care more about events that occur closer to people we care about. My wife and I once spent a memorable day in Berlin, but I don’t know that I know anyone there. And I would be even more surprised if I knew anyone who attended the Pride event in the city.

The Bible teaches that God makes us male and female (cf. Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4) and that he intends sexual relations only within a covenant of marriage between one woman and one man (cf. Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:5). As a result, Pride events celebrate behavior I consider to be unbiblical and damaging to those who participate in it. They normalize sin and encourage others to celebrate and even participate in it.

To be clear: We are all broken sexually as a result of the Fall. I am just as tempted by heterosexual sin as someone else is by homosexual sin. But heterosexual adulterers do not gather for public events to celebrate their adultery. Nor do those addicted to pornography stage events to celebrate porn and the sex trafficking and child abuse so endemic to the industry.

Accordingly, when I saw the news from Berlin, I was saddened that such terrorism still persists and that innocent people have been its latest victims. But I had no desire to write an article on the tragedy and no idea what I would say if I did.

A personal confession

Now comes the confession: my desire to avoid focusing on the Berlin attack neither mirrors the heart of God nor reflects the fruit of his Spirit.

As Psalm 139 declares so beautifully, God creates each person and loves each person he creates. This is not because we merit such love but because “God is love” (1 John 4:8). I often quote St. Augustine’s observation that God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Consequently, there is nothing those who participate in a Pride event can do to change God’s love for them. LGBTQ behavior is not the unpardonable sin. It is often more visible than “private” heterosexual sin, as I noted, but no more sinful.

If Jesus could love and pray for those who were crucifying him, don’t you think he can love and pray for us all, whatever our sins and failures?

Three practical results

We’ll close this conversation with three consequences.

One: The more a person is living outside God’s will, the more urgently we should offer them the compassionate grace of Christ.

If those attending the Pride event were my children, I would love and grieve for them. The more I loved them, the more I would grieve for them, and the more I grieved for them, the more deeply I would love them. Our Father feels the same way about us all and calls us to be his hands and feet, manifesting his heart to our broken culture.

Two: The more lost the culture, the more urgently we should pray and work for the lost to hear and respond to the gospel.

Only 2.1 percent of Germans are evangelicals. The odds are that many attending the Pride event in Berlin have not heard or responded to the gospel. As a missionary once said to me, if ten people are holding up one end of a log and one person is holding up the other, which end needs my help the most?

Three: We will manifest God’s unconditional love for all people to the degree that we are yielded to the Spirit who produces such love in us (Galatians 5:22).

I assumed that vocational clergy were by nature more godly than the rest of us until I became one. My license, ordination, and seminary degrees did not change my heart. I have no capacity by which to care deeply for those I don’t know or love unconditionally those with whom I disagree. Nor do you.

But Jesus lives in us. He will not enhance our love for others—if we yield our hearts to his Spirit, he will give us his love for them. And his love has changed every heart it encounters.

It will again today.

 

 

Denison Forum

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Standing Strong Against Opposition

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 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said 

—Acts 27:25

Scripture:

Acts 27:25 

Many Christians are tempted to believe the lie that when we’re in the will of God, everything will be smooth sailing. But often just the opposite is true. Doors slam in our faces. Obstacles appear in our paths. Storms arise that threaten to drive us off course.

That’s why we need to remember that we have a spiritual enemy who wants to stop us from doing what God wants us to do. And he will use any means at his disposal to accomplish his work, including causing us to doubt God’s goodness and protection.

Acts 27 tells the story of the apostle Paul’s voyage to Rome. Though he was a prisoner facing trial, he recognized that his circumstances would give him a momentous opportunity to share the gospel with several highly placed Roman officials. He reasonably could have expected smooth sailing all the way to his destination. After all, he was doing the Lord’s will even as his life hung in the balance.

But that’s not how this story goes. An incredible storm arose that caused the people on his ship to despair of their lives—but not Paul. It seems there was no obstacle big enough to stop the apostle. He always seemed to rise above his circumstances. His words to his sailing companions in Acts 27:25 summarize his mindset: “So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said” (NLT). As he went through the storm, he knew God had shown him what to do, and he would let nothing deter him from that course.

When a hard time hits, when a crisis hits, when a tragedy hits, often our first instinct is to look for a way out. We ask God for an airlift out of our problems.

But God wants us to learn in the midst of them. Romans 8:35 and 37 say, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (NIV). Notice the phrase “in all these things.” It isn’t saying we won’t face some of these things. But it says that in them we are more than conquerors.

If you’re seeking to obey the Lord, expect opposition. Expect obstacles. Expect difficulties. But also expect God to see you through.

That applies on a national level as well. Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, once gave a speech in which he talked about “the man in the arena”—that is, a person, such as a national leader, who is heavily involved in doing what he believes is right, all the while enduring the attacks, criticism, and second-guessing of those who sit on the sidelines.

In an earlier devotion we talked about how electing believers into office facilitates revival in our nation. But we also need to stand by those leaders because our spiritual enemy will do his best to wear them down or neutralize them through continuous attacks.

They need our support.

 

Reflection question: How can you show real support for the Christian leaders of our nation? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

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