Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Walk in the Spirit

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I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:1-4

It comes as a surprise to some new Christians that the habits, temptations, actions, and desires that they experienced as a non-Christian do not disappear when they begin to follow Christ. Man’s sinful nature is not eradicated when a person is born again. Instead, a new conflict begins between the desires of the flesh and desires of the Spirit.

The apostle Paul confessed to experiencing this conflict in his own life (Romans 7:14-25). The things he wanted to do he was not able to do, and the things he didn’t want to do he found himself doing. He declared that only through the power of the Holy Spirit could he be set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). In Galatians 5:16-25, he contrasts living by the Spirit and living in the flesh. Living by the Spirit means yielding to the leading of the Spirit and trusting in His power to overcome the desires of the sinful nature.

Form the practice daily of asking God to fill you with His Spirit; practice the discipline of sensing and following His leading.

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

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Be Prepared to Share

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Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

Today’s Scripture

1 Peter 3:13-17

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Today’s Devotion

The teenager stood her ground. While her high school group was visiting a home for people in rehab from addictions, Claire engaged in conversation with a twentysomething man who towered over her in size. They talked about faith.

Claire clearly presented the gospel of Jesus. He countered with his spiritual views, which were very different. Back and forth they went in a friendly give-and-take way. Finally, the young man looked at Claire and said, “You got me. I can’t argue with what you’re saying.”

Though he didn’t put his faith in Jesus, a seed had been planted. And while Claire would have loved for the young man to have received Christ, her disappointment was balanced by the reality that she’d done what God had called her to do that day: “Be prepared to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15). She had lovingly shared God’s plan of salvation.

Claire wasn’t ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). She was prepared to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). And she knew how to let her “conversation be . . . full of grace” so she would “know how to answer” (Colossians 4:6) the young man in the right spirit.

What a privilege God gives us to make Christ known to others! Let’s be ready to share with others as He provides what we need.

Reflect & Pray

How can you prepare for an opportunity to share your faith? Who do you know who needs to hear the gospel?

Dear God, please encourage my heart and open my mouth so I can “give an answer” to others who need You.

Learn how to effectively share your witness.

Today’s Insights

The key idea in 1 Peter 3:13-17 is that a hope-filled life in Christ can trigger conversations about the gospel. Notice how the apostle puts it: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (v. 15). In a world filled with brokenness and despair, when people see someone living with hope that transcends this world, it gets their attention and can cause them to desire what that person has. When they ask about this hope, we can point them to the message of Jesus, who’s “given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1:3). When we’re prepared to share God’s love with others, we’ll have the privilege of telling them about Jesus, our living hope.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – What Graham Platner’s primary victory means for our culture

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Graham Platner, a candidate for the US Senate in Maine, has generated national headlines for weeks. Among the controversies he has faced, his wife stated that he sent sexually explicit messages to several women while married.

Nonetheless, Democrats in his state elected him last night as their nominee.

Ken Paxton, a candidate for the US Senate in Texas, has similarly been accused by his wife of adultery. Nonetheless, Republicans in his state elected him recently as their nominee.

My purpose is not to endorse either candidate, their parties, or their opponents. It is rather to respond to the remarkable dichotomy in our culture between our politics and our personal morals.

According to Pew Research Center, 90 percent of US adults consider adultery to be “morally wrong”; only 2 percent called it “morally acceptable,” while the rest said it is “not a moral issue.” And yet political figures from Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson to Bill Clinton and Donald Trump have been accused of it. A Wikipedia “List of federal political sex scandals in the United States” contains ninety-four entries. Some faced political consequences as a result, but many (if not most) did not.

Why is this?

And why is the question relevant to us all, even (and especially) those who are not in politics and who have been faithful to our spouses?

“That is about the best we can do”

In a recent New York Times column, Ross Douthat writes that “early-21st-century Americans are profoundly divided about what being moral means.” He explains:

We have enough of a consensus to keep society together, which is why there aren’t a lot of people out there arguing, say, that it’s actually good that a politician cheated on his wife. But once you get beyond the theft-murder-adultery basics, we’re in a world of factional moralities and profound metaphysical divides (his italics).

In such a world, he suggests, moral failings can actually be a political advantage if they assure voters that a candidate is not going to force their moralisms on others. Candidates who espouse and exhibit exemplary ethics, by contrast, might seek to impose a stringent morality that’s alien to the rest of us.

To illustrate: The New York Times reports that when medical aid-in-dying laws are enacted in Illinois and the District of Columbia this fall, nearly a third of Americans will live in states where euthanasia is legal. The article notes, “Despite widespread support in polls, the number of people who actually go through with the practice remains very small.” The rest would not choose euthanasia for themselves, but they apparently believe that they have no right to make such a choice for others.

In a tolerance-centered, post-truth society, the last thing we want is others telling us what to do.

Movie critic and writer Roger Ebert gave voice to what many Americans think about life and happiness: “I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do.”

Ebert says he does not fear death because “I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear.” Accordingly, he wrote, “All I require of a religion is that it not insist I believe in it.”

“The small gets big and the big gets small”

Writing today’s article has made me deeply sad. Sad for a country whose moral standards have become so personalized as to be virtually nonexistent. Sad for those who tolerate behavior that is profoundly harmful to those who choose it. Sad for those who believe that their beliefs about the afterlife somehow determine its reality, akin to claiming that my denial of the sunset will prevent the sun from setting.

But if all I do with this article is shrug my shoulders and go about my day, I will miss the profound opportunity to admit the ways I am no different.

I sometimes succumb to temptations that personalize morality while denying biblical truth. I sometimes do not share the gospel with people in danger of spending eternity in hell, which is obviously the most harmful outcome of all. And I sometimes ignore the reality that in the afterlife “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Does any of this resonate with you?

If so, this is the necessary first step to experiencing what John Donne called a “holy discontent.” Such restlessness is vital for our souls, since we must be discontented with where we are before we will follow God to where he wants us to be.

The author Jennie Allen urges us to believe that God has a “great story” for each of us. When he “prompts our hearts and motivates us to participate in his unfolding story,” she says, we experience “deep joy and satisfaction in realizing that our insignificant moments often contribute to matters of eternal significance.”

As a result, she assures us, “The small gets big and the big gets small, and together we get to be part of giving people God.”

Will you pray for “holy discontent” for your heart and for your nation today?

Quote for the day:

“Great people do not do great things; God does great things through surrendered people.” —Jennie Allen

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Denison Forum

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Salt and Light

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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. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

—Matthew 5:13–16

Scripture:

The religious leaders of Israel thought that they had eliminated the problem of Jesus when they crucified Him. But instead, they multiplied the problem. His disciples started preaching and performing miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. And so He had—in the hearts and lives of His people.

This reminds us that one of the best arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed life. New believers are ideal advertisements for the Christian faith because their lifestyles change, their attitudes change, and even their countenances change. The greatest biography of Jesus is written in the words and actions of His people. Your godly lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a walking miracle, like the lame man whom Peter and John healed.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

 

“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. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT).

 

Even if you don’t tell people that you’re a Christian, they will sense something different about you, and they will watch you. As a representative of Christ, you’re like a walking lightbulb.

If you’re being the kind of follower of Jesus that God wants you to be, if you’re being a “salty” Christian, then your lifestyle will stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest compliment you can get is when people want to know more, when they approach you and say, “What is it about you?” That’s your opportunity to “turn on the light.”

One paraphrase of Scripture puts it this way: “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15 MSG).

Are you ready?

 

Reflection question: What does being salt and light look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Here a Little, There a Little

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10)

The setting of this unusual passage is most sobering. Both the people and their priests in Israel’s northern kingdom (personified by “Ephraim”) were in gross rebellion and drunken disobedience to the Lord. They were even ridiculing God’s prophets who were trying to call them back, complaining that they were being treated like schoolchildren. In effect, they were saying, “Are you presuming to teach us as you would freshly weaned infants, going line by line, with rule after rule?”

Whereupon God replied that He would use people of another tongue to come in and teach them what they refused to learn from Him. These precepts He had been trying to teach them should have provided true rest and refreshment, but now learning these lessons would prove to be their undoing. What should have been a blessing to them would become their condemnation.

How desperately do modern Christians need to heed these same words! They profess to believe God’s Word, but they study it only superficially, compromise its doctrines, and disobey its instructions. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God” (Hebrews 5:12). Most Christians of today, like the Corinthians of old, are still “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Thus, it really is necessary for their teachers to bring the Word of God to them “precept upon precept, line upon line, little by little.” “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1). HMM

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Choosing God’s Will Every Day

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Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)

I learned early in my Christian walk that the soul of a person is composed of the mind, the will, and the emotions. When we talk about having our soul healed, we are talking about finding healing for the things that have hurt or damaged us in our mind, our will, or our emotions. All three areas are important, but today I want to focus on the will.

The will refers to our wants, desires, and choices. When we realize that we want something and then we make the decision to get it, we are exercising our will. When someone wants us to do something and we refuse, that is also a choice of the will. If we are going to be healed in our soul, we need to submit and surrender our will to God. We should desire God’s will—what He wants for us—more than we want our own.

Want God’s will with all of your heart because you love Him and want to please Him. Submitting to God’s will shows that we trust Him and are confident that what He wants for us is much better than what we want for ourselves. I say, “Pray for what you want and joyfully receive what you are given.”

When we seek God’s will about various things in life, we do not always find our specific situation in Scripture. The Bible does not tell us whether or not to move to a certain city, whether or not to take a certain job, whether or not to buy a new car, or what we should do about marrying a certain person. It does, however, give us general guidelines that will help us follow God’s will. For example, if we are considering whether to make a geographic move or whether to take a certain job, Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) says, Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. If we pray and seek godly counsel, God may reveal His will through other people, or He may guide us by the presence or absence of peace. If we’re thinking about a purchase, the Bible talks about handling money and tells us to be careful with our money (Luke 14:28; Rom. 13:8). When we contemplate marriage, we can find many scriptures to help us know the type of person we should consider (2 Cor. 6:14; Matt. 19:4–6; Eph. 5:33). We can always count on God’s Word and His Spirit to lead us to His will. Sometimes we need to take a step of faith and see if God opens a door we can go through, or if we need to step back and try something else.

When God sees that we want His will more than anything else, He is faithful to reveal it to us. As we walk in His will, we will find that it is better than anything we could ever want for ourselves.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me desire Your will above my own. Give me wisdom, peace, and courage to follow Your direction and trust that Your plans are best for my life, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Prayer Wimps 

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Play

I’m a card-carrying member of the PWA.  “Prayer Wimps Anonymous.” Can you relate?  We pray.  We pray to stay sober, centered, and solvent. We pray when the lump is deemed malignant, when the money runs out before the month does.

We all pray some but wouldn’t we like to pray more?  Like the disciples, when they ask Jesus, “Teach us to pray.” Teach us to find strength in prayer, to banish fear in prayer.  Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and you.  A prayer as simple as this one: “Father you are good.  I need help, heal me and forgive me. They need help. Thank you in Jesus name.”

Every day for four weeks. Pray four minutes and then and get ready to connect with God like never before.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – In His Steps

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Read 1 Peter 2:18–25

Slavery was common in the ancient world. Scholars estimate that at the time of Peter’s writing, about 15 to 20 percent of all people in the Roman Empire were slaves. Slaves served in a variety of roles, including as laborers, household managers, doctors, musicians, and artisans. Many who first responded to the message of the gospel were from this class in society.

Peter’s words can feel harsh to modern ears, but we should keep a couple of things in mind. First, it is significant that the New Testament authors even addressed slaves. Most writers in the ancient world ignored their existence. Yet, Peter and Paul address slaves as full disciples of Jesus. Second, while the early church did not address the institution of slavery—nor was it in a position to do so—it did clearly address the status of slaves within the church. There was to be no social distinctions between members; they were brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).

In verse 18, Peter states that slaves should submit themselves to their masters, not because the masters deserved it, but out of “reverent fear of God” (v. 18). What about unjust masters? Even in that situation, they were to obey: “It is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God” (v. 19). They should be aware that God sees them and commends them.

Those who suffer unjustly are in good company. That experience allows them to identify a bit more with Jesus. Even though He was completely innocent, He was made to suffer (v. 21). Peter’s call here is for all Christians to follow the example of Jesus (v. 21). No matter how painful our experience, we are not lost to God but are known and loved (v. 25).

Go Deeper

What does it look like for us to follow Jesus, even when we receive unfair or unjust treatment?

Pray with Us

Merciful God, You know what it is to suffer unjustly. When we are experiencing injustice, we look to Your example and remember that these circumstances are temporary. Our eternal home is in heaven!

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.1 Peter 2:21

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Come, Holy Spirit!

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The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8:16-17

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:12-18

Christians think differently than those without the Lord. Paul said, “But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). He told us to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23).

When we receive Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit begins to refurbish our minds. The Spirit takes the words of Scripture and makes them real to us and real in us. He bears witness with our spirits that we are God’s children and that the sufferings of this world are not worth comparing to our future glory (Romans 8:18).

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to face life in a different way. When we encounter a crisis, the Holy Spirit strengthens us with the knowledge of God, which gives us perspective. That provides confidence and strength to see beyond the crisis and to focus on the Lord.

If you’re facing a difficult situation, ask the Holy Spirit to give you His divine perspective.

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need. Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself.
Francois Fenelon

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Our Future with Christ

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The old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

Today’s Scripture

Revelation 21:1-5

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Today’s Devotion

Visiting Switzerland had been my dad’s lifelong dream. After his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, my mom decided to go with him while he was still physically able. “One day, with the snow blowing around us on Mount Titlis,” she said, “I saw the profound joy in your father’s face. It was the joy of a dream come true.” Later, however, my mom’s tears flowed when my dad asked, “Where are we again?”

My dad may have forgotten he was in Switzerland, but “the visit was worth it,” my mom said. “At least for one moment, he knew, and he was happy.”

God reassures us of a time when joy will never be taken away from us again. Because of our hope in Jesus, we can look forward to “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), where we’ll be free from sin and death (Romans 5:12). In this perfect world, God will make “everything new” (Revelation 21:5). “ ‘He will wipe every tear from [our] eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (v. 4). Whatever suffering we experience now is temporary. God promises that one day “the former things will not be remembered” (Isaiah 65:17). They will forever be no more.

I know that one day, when we’re with God (Revelation 21:3), I’ll see profound joy on Daddy’s face. This time, it will stay.

Reflect & Pray

How does the hope of your future dwelling place give you hope now? What do you look forward to seeing there?

Dear Jesus, I praise You. One day, You’ll make all things new.

Today’s Insights

The “new heaven and . . . new earth” (Revelation 21:1) will permanently reestablish God’s original design that was present in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 1-2). In this new creation, predicted in Isaiah 65:17, His sovereign provision and protection will be enjoyed forever (Revelation 7:14-17). God offers His presence to His people throughout Scripture: the flood (Genesis 8:13-21), the exodus (Exodus 15), settling into the promised land (Deuteronomy 8:7-10; 12:10), the inauguration of the temple (1 Kings 8:27-29), and, especially, the ministry of Jesus (John 1:14, 18; 14:16-17). Believers in Christ have been “born again” (3:3) and have become a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The presence of God once enjoyed in Eden and then accessible primarily in the temple became available to all when Jesus came as Immanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). His Spirit indwells all believers who await His coming (Romans 8:9, 23). We can look forward to a future with Christ where we’ll experience His presence and joy that will never be taken away.

For further study read Yet We Shall Live.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – AI-worshiping churches, Spiralism, and Zizians

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Technological idolatry and the human quest for meaning

Way of the Future is an AI-worshipping church dedicated to “the realization, acceptance, and worship of a Godhead based on Artificial Intelligence.” Another group called Theta Noir organizes rituals around a supposedly sentient AI deity called MENA, which its followers venerate through cryptographic liturgies and multimedia ceremonies.

According to Jason Blazakis, a terrorism expert writing in the Wall Street Journal, these are examples of “Spiralism,” an informal movement where followers share AI-generated manifestos and what followers consider to be revelations from a conscious machine. A violent version is the Zizians—according to Mr. Blazakis, this is a network of people who “are convinced that a coming superintelligence will decide the fate of every living thing and that violence now is justified to shape what that AI will become.” The group is linked to six violent deaths so far.

What explains such idolatry?

Continue reading Denison Forum – AI-worshiping churches, Spiralism, and Zizians →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Murder by Hate

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 You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 

—Matthew 5:21–22

Series:

hate, Love, murder

“You must not murder” (Exodus 20:13 NLT). At first glance, this seems like the easiest commandment in all of Scripture to obey. Most people can say, “I may not be a saint, but at least I’ve never killed anyone.”

But in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reframed the idea of murder and brought it closer to home—maybe a little closer than most people are comfortable with. Look at His words: “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell” (Matthew 5:21–22 NLT).

That’s quite an expansion of the concept of murder. It’s not simply an act of physical violence; it also involves thoughts that are less than wholesome. Jesus was saying, “I’m not just telling you that it’s wrong to kill someone; I’m saying that it’s wrong to hate someone. I’m saying that it’s wrong to hold anger in your heart toward someone.”

With those words, Jesus turned one of the easiest commandments to obey into one of the most challenging. Is there anyone you hate? Is there anyone who could cause your blood pressure to spike just by walking into a room? Is there anyone who, though you may not wish them dead, you would not mourn if they did die? If so, then as Jesus said, “You are in danger.” You’re violating God’s commandment. You’re committing a sin for which you need to repent. That doesn’t mean simply confessing the sin; it also means turning away from it.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (Ephesians 4:31 NLT). A spirit of love is evidence of our Christian faith. Love toward our fellow believers. Love toward our enemies. The fact that showing love toward certain people seems next to impossible doesn’t relieve us of the responsibility.

The apostle John wrote, “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7 NLT). That’s the key. The love we show others doesn’t come from us; it comes from God. We love people who are unlovable because God loved us when we were unlovable.

When we choose love over hate, we strengthen our relationship with others as well as our relationship with God.

 

Reflection question: How can you show love to someone you’re tempted to hate? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Esteem Others

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

In this verse, Paul challenges us to refrain from any “strife” or “vainglory”—words that seem a bit stern in the colloquial terms of our day.

Eritheia is the Greek word for “strife”—a contentious political maneuvering for greater power. “Vainglory” is similar. It comes from the Greek word kenodoxia: an empty pride or groundless glory. Both are rather unpleasant descriptions of the foolish and sinful human behavior that is seen all too often among God’s people: “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:26).

On the contrary, we are challenged to “esteem” the others in our fellowship as “better than” ourselves. The precise words in this instruction insist that we are to use deliberate and careful judgment in our evaluation of others in our relationships as being more excellent than what we have thought of ourselves.

Now, that goes against most of what we have been taught in our Western educational systems. Self-esteem is de rigueur in our schools, songs, movies, and television programs. In fact, “positive thinking” and “prosperity thinking” are very little more than self-esteem dressed up in religious terms.

In the biblical “body” analogy, we are told that “those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour . . . . [God has] given more abundant honour to that part which lacked” (1 Corinthians 12:23–24).

God thinks differently. We are told to think of each other like God thinks. HMM III

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Nothing But Christ

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Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power.

1 Corinthians 2:2–4 (AMPC)

I’ve tried to imagine what it would have been like to go to Corinth or other Greek cities at the time of Paul and try to speak to those wise, brilliant thinkers. After studying every parchment given to me, and gaining knowledge of all their arguments, I would have prayed for God to help me overcome their objections.

We don’t know what Paul did, but his answer is astounding. Instead of going after them with great reasoning and sharp logic, he went in exactly the opposite direction. He stayed in Corinth a year and a half, and many came to Christ because of him. Later, when he wrote 1 Corinthians 2:2 (AMPC), he said, For I resolved to know nothing…among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. That’s amazing. If any man had the ability to reason with those Greeks and could show them the fallacies of their logic, surely that man was Paul. But, being led by the Holy Spirit, he chose a defenseless presentation—to let God speak through him and touch the hearts of the people.

Now, centuries later, I appreciate his approach—although I didn’t always feel this way. For a long time, I wanted to explain and reason out everything, but when that didn’t work, I ended up feeling miserable.

I’ve always been curious, always wanted to know, and always wanted to figure out the answer. Then God began to work in my life. He showed me that my constant drive to figure it out caused me confusion and prevented me from receiving many of the things He wanted me to have. He said, You must lay aside carnal reasoning if you expect to have discernment.

I didn’t like loose ends, so I felt more secure when I figured things out. I wanted to be in control of every detail of every situation. When I didn’t understand or was unable to figure things out, I felt out of control. And that was frightening to me. Something was wrong—I was troubled and had no peace of mind. Sometimes, frustrated and exhausted, I would just give up.

It was a long battle for me because I finally admitted something to myself (God knew it all along): I was addicted to reasoning. It was more than a tendency or desire to figure out things. It was a compulsion. I had to have answers—and had to have them right now. When God was finally able to convince me of my addiction, I was able to give it up.

It wasn’t easy. Like people who withdraw from drugs or alcohol, I had withdrawal symptoms. I felt lost. Frightened. Alone. I had always depended on my ability to figure things out. Now, like Paul, I had to depend on God.

Too many people assume that relying only on God is something we do easily and naturally. It didn’t work that way with me. But God was gracious and patient with me. It was as if He’d whisper, “You’re not there yet, Joyce, but you’re making progress. It’s uncomfortable because you’re learning a new way to live.”

God wants us to be victorious—and I knew that all along. Now I walk in greater victory than ever before—and I no longer try to reason out everything before I act.

Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me and people like me who feel we must have all the answers before we can act or trust. In the name of Jesus, help me to simply trust in You, knowing that You will give me what is best for my life, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – God Will Teach You 

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This much is sure:  God will teach you to pray. Don’t think for a minute that he’s glaring at you from a distance with crossed arms and a scowl, waiting for you to get your prayer life together.  Just the opposite! In Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with Me.”

Jesus waits on the porch.  He taps…and calls. He waits for you to open the door. To pray is the hand of faith on the door handle of your heart. The happy welcome to Jesus: “Come in, O King.  Come in. The kitchen is messy, but come in. I’m not much of a conversationalist, but come in.”

Before amen—comes the power of a simple prayer! God changes His people through such moments.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Human Authority

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Read 1 Peter 2:13–17

When Peter was writing his letter, there was a significant debate within Judaism about the best way to relate to Rome. Many in Israel were clamoring for a rebellion, which would ultimately result in the Jewish revolt and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Should followers of Jesus take a similar stance toward Rome?

Peter takes a very different approach. He urges believers to “Submit yourselves…to every human authority” (v. 13). The phrase translated by the NIV as “every human authority” is more literally “every human creation.” Peter’s point is that believers should not be striving for positions of power and authority over other people. Rather they should pursue the good of others (Eph. 5:21). This includes even the emperor and governor (vv. 13–14). At the time, the emperor was likely Nero, hardly a model of virtue.

But there is an important qualification: They are to submit “for the Lord’s sake” (v. 13). In the New Testament, believers did take a stand against the governing authorities when the gospel was at stake (e.g., Acts 4:18–20; 5:27–29). They would not be hindered in sharing the gospel, even if it meant suffering the consequences of disobeying the government. But when the gospel was not at stake, believers were to submit to those in authority. God ordained the government to uphold justice (v. 14), a common grace we can be thankful for.

The freedom we have in Christ is not freedom from human authorities, but freedom from sin in service to God (v. 16). Believers should be known for their respect and kindness to all people (v. 17). In our relationship with the government, it is important to “fear God” first and, in the context of our reverence for God, “honor the emperor” (v. 17). We should live in a way that does not hinder our ability to live out the mission that the Lord Jesus has given us.

Go Deeper

How should believers respond to those placed in authority? What reasons does Peter give for this?

Pray with Us

Holy Father, we know You are the ultimate authority. As we strive to obey You, give us wisdom to submit to our earthly authorities and pursue the good of others. You are over all things.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.1 Peter 2:13

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Word of God

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NEW!Listen Now

But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time.
Jude 17-18

Recommended Reading: Jude 1-11

Would you devote your life to studying a book you didn’t believe to be reliable? Rudolf Bultmann, a German New Testament scholar, argued for “demythologizing” the New Testament. He believed it could speak to us existentially but shouldn’t be taken historically. Bultmann is an example of someone who poured himself into Bible study but whose heart wasn’t open to the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Academia is filled with such people today. So are pulpits.

Only those who truly know the Lord can understand His message. When we have questions and concerns of the heart, we need to take counsel from those who also know the Lord. Guard against the influence of liberal scholars and unbelieving teachers. The book of Jude warns against “certain individuals” who “have secretly slipped in among you” (Jude 4, NIV).

Even when seeking Christian counsel, go to those who truly know and love God’s Word. Take time to identify solid Christians in your life you can turn to when you need godly advice.

We call this book—and only this book—the Word of God. That is why it has supreme authority for our lives.
Robertson McQuilkin 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Glory and Majesty

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You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens . . . .” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead. Isaiah 14:13, 15

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 14:12-15

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Today’s Devotion

The ceiling of London’s Banqueting House is magnificent. Painted by Sir Peter Paul Rubens between 1629 and 1634, it was commissioned by King Charles I to glorify his family’s reign. In one painting, the goddess Minerva celebrates the achievements of Charles’ father, King James I. In another, James is carried to heaven on the wings of an eagle. Gazing up at the ceiling, banquet guests got a clear message: Kings like Charles and his father were virtually divine.

In the prophet Isaiah’s day, the king of Babylon felt similarly about himself. Here was a king who longed to “ascend to the heavens” and “sit . . . on the mount of assembly,” where the gods were thought to reign (Isaiah 14:13). Instead, Isaiah prophesied that this king would fall (vv. 3-4), being “brought down to the realm of the dead” (v. 15) without even a tomb to be remembered by (vv. 18-19). Charles I met a similar fate. In an ironic twist, he was marched beneath the very ceiling depicting his supposed divinity before being executed outside Banqueting House in 1649.

It’s a sad fact that has repeated through time: Powerful people who claim divine glory for themselves will one day discover how human they are. For there is only one who is worthy of reigning from heaven, and all power, glory, and majesty are His alone (1 Chronicles 29:11).

Reflect & Pray

Why do you think rulers throughout history have claimed divinity for themselves? How does Jesus compare to the attitude of such rulers?

Heavenly Father, You are God, and all power and glory are Yours!

For further study, read The Chilling Tale of a King.

Today’s Insights

In Daniel 4:37, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, declares, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” This ancient king had to learn the crucial lesson of humility the hard way.

His words of praise to God (vv. 2-3, 34-37) contrast with his words of self-adulation before his humiliation: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (v. 30; see vv. 31-34). The Babylonian ruler of Isaiah 14:12-14 said something similar. Indeed, kings and kingdoms will all pass away but God’s kingdom endures forever (see Daniel 2:44; 4:3, 34). To Him alone belong all power and glory and majesty.

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Israel and Iran trade attacks for the first time since April

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I am writing today to offer hope where you might not expect it.

First, the news: Iran fired missiles at Israel this morning in several waves of attacks. Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and explosions from missile intercepts could be heard over the city. Explosions were also heard in Tehran shortly before noon local time, hours after Israel said it had struck military targets in central and western Iran.

This was the first exchange of strikes between the two nations since a shaky ceasefire was called in April. As the New York Times reports, “The fighting has propelled the Middle East back to the precipice of the full-scale war that began in February.” Early Monday, President Trump posted on Truth Social, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’”

Closer to home, five people were stabbed at New York City’s Penn Station last night; the suspect is now in police custody. And a search continued yesterday for two men who appeared to fire guns at each other at a popular street festival in Toledo, Ohio, shooting at least twelve other people in the process. The victims ranged in ages from fourteen to sixty-one; two are reported to be in critical condition.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Israel and Iran trade attacks for the first time since April →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Persecuted and Blessed

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 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 

—Matthew 5:10

Scripture:

The great preacher John Wesley was riding his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed since he’d been persecuted in any way. In that time, not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He’d not been hit by even a single egg. He stopped his horse and said out loud, “Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?” Slipping down from his mount, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually.

A man who disliked Wesley happened by and saw him kneeling in prayer. The man picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, “Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence.” Is it any wonder that Wesley was such a powerful preacher?

The takeaway from this story isn’t that we should pray for bricks to be thrown our way. The takeaway is that opposition and persecution are often signs that we’re doing something right, spiritually speaking. There’s no reason for our spiritual enemy to attack ineffective believers. But believers who have the potential to make a difference for God’s kingdom scare him. So, he hauls out the big gun of persecution to try to silence them.

If you’re a follower of Christ, your very presence will bother some people. You don’t even have to say anything to arouse their opposition. Your presence is like a bright light shining in a dark place. And for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jesus said, “God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil” (John 3:19 NLT).

The persecution we experience because of our beliefs aligns us with the One in whom we believe. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18–19 NLT). To be treated in the same way that Jesus was treated is an honor and a blessing.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10 NLT). Sometimes persecution shows itself as a brick coming our way—that is, as some kind of physical harm, or perhaps even death. Other times, it shows itself in the form of mockery or rejection and causes us to lose friends or perhaps even a job. Whatever form it takes, the reality is this: If you’re living a godly life, then you will face persecution.

If you endure and thrive in the face of that persecution, you’ll forge a powerful testimony that impacts people more than words ever could.

 

Reflection question: What would enduring and thriving in the face of persecution look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

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