Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – May Mothers: The Submission of Mary

Leave a comment

 

NEW!Listen Now

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:51

Perhaps the most important thing we know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes from her own words to the angel Gabriel when she was told of God’s plan for her.

First, she referred to herself as a “maidservant of the Lord.” This word could be translated as “servant,” “bondservant,” or “slave.” It carried with it the idea of compulsion or obligation—that is, a role that Mary wasn’t free to reject. How did Mary come to view herself as a young woman obligated to serve God with her life? We don’t know. But we do know that her commitment to God resulted in Gabriel referring to her as “highly favored” in God’s sight (Luke 1:28). Second was her response to Gabriel’s announcement: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Once she received the amazing explanation of how she, a virgin, could give birth to a baby (Luke 1:35), there was no hesitation, questioning, or debate. Mary simply said “Yes” to God.

When it comes to submitting to God, the fewer words the better. Only one word is truly necessary: Yes.

The essence of sin is arrogance; the essence of salvation is submission.
Alan Redpath

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Imitating God’s Forgiveness

Leave a comment

 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 4:25-32

Listen to Today’s Devotion

Apple LinkSpotify Link

Today’s Devotion

I used to work with a woman named Madge, who was an amazing cook. “You should taste my pea and ham soup!” she said one day. After replying that I really didn’t like peas, Madge smiled and said, “You will after you try my soup.” The next day she handed me a container of her soup, made especially for me.

“Did you try my soup?” Madge asked me a couple of days later. “I will—soon!” I said, hoping she wouldn’t ask me again. But she did—the next day, and the next. “Don’t leave it too long or it’ll spoil,” she added on the fourth day.

A week later, Madge’s uneaten soup had spoiled, and I threw it away. I felt dread as she approached me. “You did try my soup, didn’t you?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “It was . . .  delicious.”

In Ephesians 4, Paul calls us to deal with speech-related sins like angry words (v. 26), unwholesome talk (v. 29), and slander (v. 31). But before these comes a more basic call to “speak truthfully to your neighbor” (v. 25). I had looked at Madge and told her a lie. I knew what I needed to do.

I walked into Madge’s office, confessed my lie, and sheepishly asked for her forgiveness. Madge walked to me and gave me a hug. “Of course I forgive you,” she said. “How could I not, when I know how much God’s forgiven me?”

Reflect & Pray

How many sinful words or actions has God forgiven you for? How can that reminder help you forgive someone today, with the Holy Spirit’s strength?

Forgiving God, please enable me to forgive others.

For further study, read The Risk of Forgiveness.

Today’s Insights

Paul sets up these instructions in Ephesians 4:25-32 by reminding his readers what life was like without Christ: “You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (vv. 17-18). Then he implicitly acknowledges how every believer in Jesus once lived that way: “You must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (v. 25). As we shed our old way of living, exchanging it for the new life in Christ, we’ll find it natural—even fulfilling—to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32).

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – The new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AI

Leave a comment

 

Earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV presented his first encyclical: a letter from the pope to the Catholic Church and its leaders. The 42,300-word document, titled Magnifica Humanitas, or “Magnificent Humanity,” outlined his thoughts on technology—with a specific focus on artificial intelligence—and called for remembering the importance of people as we integrate it into our lives.

While the document was presented on Monday, it was actually signed on May 15 to mark the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, an encyclical written by his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, in 1891 to provide Catholics with guidance amid the Industrial Revolution. The current pope sees AI as potentially having a similarly revolutionary impact on our world.

At the same time, his letter encourages Catholics and all “people of good will” to be wary of the potential impact artificial intelligence could have on our culture, without being fearful of the technology itself. In his view, the chief danger is far less dystopian than many of the books and movies featuring a future dominated by AI might suggest.

Rather than artificial intelligence conquering humanity on its way to taking over the world, Leo suggests a far greater risk is humanity giving up our position in God’s created order and elevating our own creation instead.

Continue reading Denison Forum – The new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AI →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – A Spiritual Badge of Honor

Leave a comment

 

 I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 

—2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 11:23–27 

Sometimes as believers we tend to be spiritual lightweights. At the first indication of a hardship or difficulty, we fall like a house of cards. We say, “I didn’t sign up for this. I don’t want difficulty; I just want to get along with everyone.”

But if you’re a true follower of Christ, there will be suffering in your life. The apostle Paul was certainly a true follower. And here’s how he described his experience: “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27 NLT).

You’ll find no trace of self-pity or resentment in his words. Paul understood the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers.

The harsh reality is this: If you’re going to be used of God, then you’re going to be attacked. If you live as a real Christian, you will find yourself at odds with the world around you. You’ll face opposition, some of it intense. Think of suffering as a spiritual badge of honor. In fact, if you don’t experience at least occasional suffering or hardship in your life, you might want to examine your Christian walk.

And keep this in mind: The life that Christ offers is well worth any hardship.

Reflection question: How can you develop a proper perspective toward suffering? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Man Must Repent

Leave a comment

 

by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3:10–11)

From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator in the Garden, humanity has attempted to deflect conscious acceptance of guilt. Adam blamed God because “the woman” was given to him by the Creator. Eve blamed the serpent—and you and I have continued that reaction ever since.

That is precisely why repentance is a requirement for salvation. When Adam rebelled, the relationship between man and God was destroyed: “By the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation,” and “by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” (Romans 5:18–19). All men have “no hope, and [are] without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

The death that entered the world because of Adam (Romans 5:12) not only introduced physical death into the entire creation (Romans 8:22) but a spiritual separation from the life of God, as well. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). For millennia God bore man’s ignorance of what God was going to do through Christ Jesus at Calvary by faith in the promise of the coming “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Each of us must change our mind and admit we are sinful and desperately need God’s gracious forgiveness, praying, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Worship Before You Ask

Leave a comment

 

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

Matthew 8:2 (ESV)

Sometimes, people read today’s scripture and skip over its most important part. They first focus on the fact that the man had leprosy, a terrible disease that would have taken a miracle to cure. Then they turn their attention to his question and wonder if Jesus will be willing to heal him. We also need to pay attention to the fact that the man “knelt before him.”

The fact that he knelt before Jesus reveals the condition of his heart. He was humble in the presence of the Lord, and he worshipped and honored Him before he asked Him for a miracle.

When we need something from God, we can easily become so focused on our situation that we completely overlook the importance of worshipping and honoring God. We jump straight into talking about what we need from Him and forget to thank Him for who He is.

No matter what you need today—whether it’s something minor or something major—God can help you. But before you ask Him to do anything for you, take time to praise, worship, and honor Him for who He is.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to worship You before I ever ask You to do anything for me. In Jesus’ name amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – A Place to Run

Leave a comment

 

Read Numbers 34–35

A sanctuary is often defined as a sacred place. Some church members will refer to the worship building or the area around the altar as the sanctuary. But the word has also been defined as a place of safety, a refuge for someone seeking protection.

One of those original meanings for the word sanctuary appears in Numbers 34–35, where God establishes both territorial boundaries and cities of refuge for His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 34 meticulously outlines Israel’s borders. These were divine borders, defining where God’s people belonged. The detailed tribal allotments ensured every family had their place in the covenant community. But God’s justice system required more than territorial boundaries—it needed places where mercy could operate alongside justice. God commanded Moses: “Select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee” (35:11). This wasn’t about protecting criminals but ensuring justice for those who unintentionally caused death.

The cities of refuge provided crucial protection: “They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly” (35:12). Six cities—three on each side of the Jordan—offered sanctuary until proper investigation could determine guilt or innocence.

These cities represented God’s heart for both justice and mercy. The guilty faced consequences, but the innocent received protection. The high priest’s death would eventually free even those guilty of accidental killing (35:25), pointing toward ultimate redemption. In Jesus, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this idea. He becomes our refuge, not just from earthly consequences but from the judgment our sins deserve.

Go Deeper

What purpose did the cities of refuge serve in Numbers? How has God provided a refuge for us in Jesus?

Pray with Us

What a blessing it is, Lord, to take refuge in You! You are our sanctuary, our safe place. You not only provided salvation but know us and protect us and guide us each day. Thank you.

In the LORD I take refuge.Psalm 11:1

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Be a Friend

Leave a comment

 

NEW!Listen Now

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

Recommended Reading: John 15:12-15

Far too many churches and denominations have been founded for reasons that were less than loving. Yet Jesus told His disciples that love among Christians would be the hallmark of those who follow Him. He gave His disciples a new name—He called them friends rather than servants. And a new command: As friends, they were to love one another.

If all followers of Jesus are His friends, that makes all followers of Jesus friends with one another. As mutual friends, love for one another is to be what separates Christians from the world. So serious was Jesus about love for one other that He said it would require laying down one’s life for one’s friends—which is what He did for His friends (John 15:13). Do you have a friend who would lay down his or her life for you? Are you the kind of friend who would lay down your life? “Friend” is a covenant term in Scripture (James 2:23). Under the old covenant, a true friend was closer than a blood brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Be the kind of friend you would like to have and show the world that you are a friend of Jesus.

In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, [love].
Richard Baxter

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Waiting on God

Leave a comment

 

Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 27:7-14

Listen to Today’s Devotion

Apple LinkSpotify Link

Today’s Devotion

As a little girl, I got so excited when I’d see special signs appear on the side of the road. I thought colorful signs meant my family had arrived at the popular amusement park we were driving to. I’d joyfully start gathering my things, only to be disappointed to see more signs and have to wait even longer before we reached the park. Eventually I realized those signs announced that visitors were getting closer but were still miles away.

Like an excited child wondering “are we there yet?” we can also be impatient and anxious to arrive at our next destination.

Waiting for God to move in our lives, or to rescue us from our trials, can be challenging. David was facing much adversity, which he mentions throughout Psalm 27. Yet he still placed his hope and trust in God and waited for Him to respond. David didn’t know how long it would take for God to act, but he knew God would help him. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (v. 13).

It may take longer than we’d like to experience our breakthrough, but let’s take courage in these words: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). As we turn to the Psalms and the rest of Scripture for encouragement, we can take comfort in knowing God is working even while we wait.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it hard sometimes to wait for God’s answer? How can you remain hopeful as you wait?

Dear God, thank You that You’re working even while I wait.

Today’s Insights

When pursued by powerful enemies, David focused on God instead of the danger he was in. With God as his “light” and “salvation” and the “stronghold of [his] life,” he had nothing to fear (Psalm 27:1-3). God would keep him safe—“out of reach on a high rock” (v. 5 nlt). Even in the unlikely event of being abandoned by his parents, who were supposed to protect him, David confidently trusted that “the Lord will take care of me” (v. 10 nkjv). God would deal with the difficulties and dangers just as a human father would for his child. The psalmist invites us to “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). To wait for God is to put our trust in Him. We affirm with David, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield” (33:20).

Watch more about waiting for God.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – First the roof, then the rest

Leave a comment

 

Why Housing First is the most Christ-like response to homelessness

On June 1st, the Trump Administration is changing how homelessness-reduction initiatives are funded. According to an official statement, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is reversing the “status quo of ‘housing first’ and ‘harm reduction,’” arguing that those approaches “have failed at great cost to those suffering on our streets and to working American taxpayers.” Instead, the administration is prioritizing treatment-focused responses aimed at addressing addiction and mental illness.

On its surface, that sounds compassionate. Addiction should be treated. Mental illness should be taken seriously. Christians, of all people, should care deeply about helping people heal.

Yet the new funding requirements misunderstand both the causes of homelessness and the conditions people need in order to recover.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness defines Housing First as an approach that “does not require people experiencing homelessness to address the all of their problems including behavioral health problems, or to graduate through a series of services programs before they can access housing.” This approach is founded on the belief that “people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical.”

Continue reading Denison Forum – First the roof, then the rest →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord

Leave a comment

 

 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 

—2 Corinthians 5:6–9

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:6–9 

What happens to us as believers when we die? We go straight into the presence of God. The apostle Paul wrote that when we are “away from these earthly bodies . . . then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). There’s no waiting period or shipping delays. The moment our time on earth ends, our time in God’s presence begins.

That’s why Paul wrote, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live” (Philippians 1:21–24 NLT). He wanted to continue his work on earth, but the thought of Heaven was irresistible.

When Stephen was being martyred for his faith, he was given a glimpse of glory, which he then described to the people who were putting him to death. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’” (Acts 7:55–56 NLT).

According to Acts 6:15, “Everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s” (NLT). Because Stephen was seeing the other side, his face radiated God’s glory.

When the great evangelist D. L. Moody was on his deathbed, his last words were, “Is this dying? Why, this is bliss. There is no valley. I have been within the gates. Earth is receding; Heaven is opening; God is calling; I must go.” After saying this, Moody soon breathed his last breath and passed into eternity.

It comforts me to think that when my son Christopher left this world, he was carried by angels into God’s presence. I believe that with all my heart. And I believe that’s true of all Christians when their lives on earth come to an end.

When we leave this world, we’ll be carried by angels into the presence of the Lord, where we’ll stay forever, filled with utter peace, fulfillment, joy, and awe. If we, too, could see how glorious Heaven is, I’m sure that it would change everything about how we view death.

Enjoy this life while you can but never lose sight of what lies beyond it.

Reflection question: What are you most excited about when it comes to Heaven? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Worship of Idols and Demons

Leave a comment

 

by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.” (Deuteronomy 32:17)

This terrible indictment was in the farewell song of Moses, written just before the tribes of Israel prepared to enter the promised land. Perhaps Moses was thinking mainly of the golden calf fashioned by Aaron, who had told the people: “These be thy gods, O Israel” (Exodus 32:4).

Aaron and the people certainly knew that the man-made calf was not a god, but they knew that there were many invisible spirit beings in the world and that these “devils” (actually fallen angels) could indwell images made by men as objects of worship. These evil spirits do possess certain powers, which can be used to impress their worshipers with the magical insights and abilities of the images.

This was also a problem in the early church. Paul warned his converts at Corinth, “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils” (1 Corinthians 10:20). John’s closing word to his own flock was “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

It is a serious problem today—not only in lands where images and animalistic spirits abound, but even in the “Christian” West, both in the proliferating New Age cults and in mainline churches that have diluted sound Bible teaching with humanism and ritualistic pantheism. And remember, too, that “covetousness” (that is, coveting money, or power, or anything more than the will of God) “is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). When the prince of these devils himself sought the worship of Jesus, the Lord answered: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). We need to remember and follow His example. HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – The Most Important Thing

Leave a comment

 

And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect).

Matthew 22:37 (AMPC)

I once heard a great woman of God say, “Love God and then do what you please.” My initial thought was that if we all did what we pleased, we would do a lot of bad things. But if we truly love God, that would not be the case. Jesus said, If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands (John 14:15 AMPC). Out of our love for God, we want to please Him. We’ve become sons and daughters, not slaves.

A slave follows all the rules in order not to get into trouble, but sons and daughters learn the Father’s heart and delight in pleasing Him. When we find an area of disobedience in our lives, or we feel that we cannot resist temptation to sin, instead of fighting the sin, we have a better option: We can draw closer to God, falling more deeply and intimately in love with Him, recognizing His amazing goodness. Then the sin will not be tempting or attractive. As we draw close to God, we are resisting sin and it finds no place to make its nest in our lives.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I want to please You at all times. Draw me to You and teach me to know You better and to love You more, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Life of Joy and Abundance 

Leave a comment

 

Play

Jesus was accused of much, but of being a grump, sourpuss, or self-centered jerk?  No. People didn’t groan when he appeared. They didn’t duck for cover when he entered the room.  He called them by name. He listened to their stories. He answered their questions. He visited their sick relatives and helped their sick friends. He fished with fishermen and ate lunch with the little guy and spoke words of resounding affirmation. He went to enough parties that he was criticized for hanging out with rowdy people and questionable crowds.

People were drawn to Jesus! Thousands came to hear him. Hundreds chose to follow him. They shut down their businesses and walked away from careers to be with him. His purpose statement read, “I came to give life with joy and abundance” (John 10:10 The Voice). Jesus was happy and wants us to be the same.

 

 

Home

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Remember the Journey

Leave a comment

 

Read Numbers 33

Samuel Pepys, a 17th-century English naval administrator, kept daily diary entries in 1660–1669, documenting everything from the Great Fire of London to personal finances. Years later, those journals would become valued historical sources, preserving important truths about England’s past. Memory has the power to sustain us when the road ahead looks uncertain.

The principle of remembering our journey lies at the heart of Numbers 33, where Moses presents a detailed record of Israel’s wilderness wanderings. The chapter opens with Moses’ careful documentation: “Here are the stages in the journey of the Israelites” (v. 1). At God’s command, Moses created a permanent record of divine faithfulness through four decades. The list reads like ancient GPS coordinates, they “left Rameses and camped at Sukkoth. They left Sukkoth and camped at Etham…They left the Red Sea and camped in the Desert of Sin” (vv. 5–11). Each location held memories—some of rebellion, others of provision. Every stop represented encounters with God’s grace and judgment.

This detailed record served multiple purposes. For the generation entering Canaan, it demonstrated God’s faithfulness despite their parents’ failures. God had sustained them through every stage, providing manna, water, and protection. But the record also included sobering reminders of consequences, such as Aaron, who would not enter the Promised Land, “because both of you broke faith with me” (Deut. 32:51; Num. 33:38–39). Moses concludes with future instructions for conquering Canaan (vv. 50–56). Their experiences with God would give them confidence for future battles. God never wastes a step. Every part of the journey shapes us to trust Him more deeply and walk more faithfully into our calling.

Go Deeper

Reflect on the “stages” of your life. What has God taught you along the way? Let your past remind you of His unfailing guidance.

Pray with Us

Father God, thank You for Your guiding hand on our lives. You have been with us through the twists and turns of this journey. We rest assured that nothing is a surprise to You!

I will remember the deeds of the LORD.Psalm 77:11

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Christ in You

Leave a comment

 

NEW!Listen Now

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
John 16:7

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:9-11

Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for His return to the Father in heaven was disconcerting for them. For three years they had witnessed His teaching and His merciful healings—not to mention His companionship and counsel. What would they do without Him?

The solution He revealed to them was new. He would send to them a Helper who they came to understand was the Holy Spirit—given to them a few weeks later at the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). In fact, Jesus said it would be to their advantage for Him to go away and for the Spirit to come in His place, enabling them to do even greater works than He had done (John 14:12). So the Holy Spirit was given to all believers to empower the life of Christ in each one who believes (Romans 8:11; Galatians 2:20; 5:22-23).

Never forget during difficult moments: If you belong to Christ by faith in Him, He dwells in you by His Spirit.

He who has the Holy Spirit in his heart and the Scripture in his hands has all he needs.
Alexander MacLaren

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – It Was Me

Leave a comment

 

If [Israel] will confess their sins . . . I will remember my covenant with Jacob. Leviticus 26:40-42

Today’s Scripture

Leviticus 26:40-45

Listen to Today’s Devotion

Apple LinkSpotify Link

Today’s Devotion

In an old movie comedy, a bumbling but brilliant programmer is chosen for the first manned mission to Mars. Constantly making foolish mistakes, the programmer has a habit of blurting out, “It wasn’t me!” When the crew lands on Mars, the programmer slips from the top of the ladder and falls to the planet’s surface—just before his partner sets foot on it. The first words spoken on Mars are, “It wasn’t me!”

It’s a farcical story, but that programmer’s phrase is hauntingly realistic. Whenever there’s blame to go around, our response can sound a lot like, “It wasn’t me!”

God desires our obedience. But He also knows we’re prone to disobey Him. In Leviticus 26:1-13, God outlined His plan for Israel. If they obeyed His commands, He said, “I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers” (v. 9). But habitual disobedience would bring curses and afflictions designed to bring the people to repentance. Then God said that if disobedient Israel would “confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors” (v. 40), He would remember His covenant with them.

The key to restoring relationship with God is our admission of what we’ve done wrong. Blaming others keeps us trapped in the guilt cycle, powerless to vindicate ourselves.

Feeling far from God? A good place to start is by saying, “It was me.”

Reflect & Pray

What is your reflexive reaction when you might be to blame for something? Think of a time when you’ve been truly honest with God. What did it look like?

Loving God, I want to be honest with You about _______.

Today’s Insights

The word translated “confess” (yadah) in Leviticus 26:40 can also be translated “praise” (Genesis 29:35; Psalm 18:49) or “give thanks” (Psalm 7:17). The first time in the Bible, however, this word carries the idea of “confession” is in Leviticus 5:5: “When anyone becomes aware that they are guilty . . . they must confess in what way they have sinned.” Here we find a guiding principle: When sin is exposed, it should be acknowledged and confessed. Sometimes, the Scriptures and the Spirit bring conviction from within. At other times, God uses people and circumstances to help us see what we can’t or are unwilling to see. Regardless of how the discovery comes, the prescription remains the same: Our relationship with God is restored when we confess and take responsibility for our sin. As John writes, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Learn more about the gift of confession. 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Hormuz deal “hangs in balance” as Iran targets US air base

Leave a comment

 

Iran said this morning that it had targeted a US air base in response to recent US military attacks. According to Forbes, a deal over the Strait of Hormuz now “hangs in [the] balance.”

The US shot down four Iranian drones and struck a ground control station near the Strait of Hormuz that its military assessed as presenting a direct threat to American forces and commercial shipping. Iran’s announcement today came as US ally Kuwait reported its air defenses were responding to “hostile missile and drone threats.”

Hours earlier, President Trump signaled that an agreement between the two sides wasn’t close. The global oil benchmark soared above $98 per barrel early this morning after reports of the attacks emerged.

When Americans were captured at the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979, ABC News covered the ongoing crisis under the title, “America Held Hostage.” It seems we have been held hostage to Iran ever since.

Our country is six times larger than theirs; our population is nearly four times larger. Our economy is over sixty times larger than theirs. They are some six thousand miles from us. And yet, for my entire adult life, Iran has been in our headlines, nearly always for nefarious reasons.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Hormuz deal “hangs in balance” as Iran targets US air base →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Cheerful Giver

Leave a comment

 

 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 

—2 Corinthians 9:6–7

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 

If you ask people to list the top priorities in their lives, you’ll probably get a lot of thoughtful and inspirational answers. But if you really want to know what their top priorities are, you have to look at their financial records. The way people use their money is one of the best indicators of where their priorities lie.

Jesus explained it this way: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Luke 12:34 NLT). The reality is that we all invest in our passions. If you want to find out what people are truly passionate about, follow the money.

God certainly does. Not because He needs our money, but because everything we have ultimately comes from Him. Not only does He supply our needs, but He also expects us to be wise stewards of our resources, which are actually His resources.

The apostle Peter wrote, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).

The author of Proverbs wrote, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT).

The message is consistent throughout Scripture. We need to take what God has given us and be wise stewards of it, investing generously in the work of the kingdom of God. God will generously bless those who heed the message.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7 NLT).

Some people may say, “I can’t afford to give.” Really? I can’t afford not to give. Giving isn’t just for rich people; it’s for all people. Everyone should invest in God’s kingdom. Here’s something to consider: If you’re having financial struggles, maybe one of the reasons is that you’re not honoring the Lord in your giving.

I’m not saying that if you give, God will make you rich. But there’s no denying that the Bible makes a connection between giving and receiving. Paul follows up his words in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 with this statement: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (verse 8 NLT).

Make God’s work your passion and then invest accordingly. See what happens in your life.

Reflection question: What would cheerful giving look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – A Little Flock

Leave a comment

 

by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

The world tends to measure success by size, and this seems generally true in the Christian world as well. The most successful churches are considered to be those with the largest congregations, the largest budgets, the greatest number of converts baptized each year, or some other quantitative index. But this is not God’s criterion. At the judgment seat of Christ, “the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:13): not how big it is but of what sort it is! Quality, not quantity, is the criterion.

Christ’s encouraging words to the “little flock” were given toward the end of an extended warning against the desire to accumulate wealth. “Take heed, and beware of covetousness,” He had said (Luke 12:15), speaking to His small group of followers. He was their Shepherd and would provide for the needs of His “little flock.”

Christ’s warnings against individual covetousness evidently apply also to group covetousness. A church or any other Christian organization needs continually to guard against the desire to be impressive in the eyes of the world. The cities of Christendom exhibit many ornate cathedrals and temples that are now mostly empty and spiritually dead.

The Lord Jesus promised an “open door” to the little church at Philadelphia because it had “little strength” and had “kept [His] word” (Revelation 3:8), but He threatened to “spue . . . out of [His] mouth” the tepid church at Laodicea, which was boasting that it was “rich, and increased with goods” (Revelation 3:16–17). Not every “little flock” has kept God’s Word, nor has every big flock become lukewarm, but Christ’s words serve as both warning and encouragement. The greater blessings of the coming kingdom have been promised to the faithful “little flock.” HMM

 

 

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

Scriptures, Lessons, News and Links to help you survive.