Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – How to Overcome the World

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For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:4-5, NIV

Recommended Reading: Revelation 21:6-7

How do we overcome our fleshly attraction to the things of the world? The answer is simple: We overcome the world by our faith. And by faith, John means obeying God’s commands (1 John 5:3).

There are two stages to our overcoming the world through faith. The first is when we put our faith in Christ, overcoming Satan’s desire to keep us from yielding to God (“has overcome”—past tense). The second is when we continue to obey God and His commands by faith (“overcomes”—present tense). These two tenses in 1 John 5:4-5—past and present—represent the beginning and continuation of our overcoming the world. First, we obey God by putting our faith in Christ. Second, we continue to obey God as we follow Christ as Lord of our life. By obeying God, we overcome the world.

If you find yourself yielding to the temptations of the world, look for an area in which you are failing to obey God.

If I could simplify the Christian life to one thing, it would be obedience.
John MacArthur

https://www.davidjeremiah.org
Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – You Do It to Me

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He . . . heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:4

Today’s Scripture

Acts 9:1-6, 17-20

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Today’s Devotion

In September 1963, Welsh artist John Petts heard the news that a racially motivated bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, had killed four African American girls. Wanting to help, he offered to replace the church’s shattered stained-glass window. The people of Wales soon raised the funds.

Petts’ striking replacement window shows Jesus on the cross, His right hand pressing against the frame to signify His pushing out hatred, and His left hand open, offering forgiveness. Along the bottom of the window run the words, you do it to me. One wonders who Jesus is talking to in those words—the racist group that killed those three young believers or the Welsh people who donated the window?

Maybe we don’t have to choose. Before his conversion, Saul persecuted Jesus’ disciples (Acts 9:1-2). Yet, when Christ appeared to him, He said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). Jesus identifies so closely with His people that to harm or bless them is to harm or bless the Lord Himself.

As Saul discovered, Jesus pushes out hatred by offering transforming forgiveness (9:17-20). His right and left hands always work together—and are never taken off the shoulders of His suffering people.

Reflect & Pray

How might Jesus’ example motivate you to serve the persecuted church? How might it change how you view generosity to any believer in need?

Dear Jesus, I want to serve You by serving Your suffering people today.

Today’s Insights

Believers in Jesus are distinctively described as “the faithful in Christ” (Ephesians 1:1; see Colossians 1:2). Paul says that we who are “in Christ . . . though many, form one body” (Romans 12:5). This solidarity between Jesus as “head” of the church, His body (Ephesians 4:15), is clearly affirmed when He warned Saul that an attack on the church was an attack on Him (Acts 9:4-5). In the gospel of Luke, Christ teaches through a parable about helping those in need (10:25-37). In another parable, He says that whatever help given to believers is a service rendered to Him personally (Matthew 25:40). Today, we can “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10) knowing that when we serve those who are suffering, we serve Jesus.

For further study, listen to the podcast: Give Up

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – No more excuses: Hotels are now held liable for trafficking

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For most people, a hotel is a place of refuge following a long drive, during a fun vacation, or at the end of a day of business. For others, a hotel represents a reality darker and more dismal than most of us could fathom.

Hotels and motels are the second most-reported venue for sex trafficking in the United States, following illicit massage spa businesses. In a study of federally prosecuted human trafficking cases, 1,062 hotels or motels were identified as crime locations across 2,500 cases.

For many years, the only party held legally responsible for such horrific crimes was the traffickers themselves. But now, we are increasingly seeing the hospitality industry hauled into court for its complicity, and sometimes even its encouragement, of the atrocities occurring within its walls.

How are hotels held liable for sex trafficking?

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, amended by the 2003 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), a survivor of human trafficking can bring a case against any person or entity that financially benefited, or attempted or conspired to benefit, from his or her victimization, and knew or should have known that the activity violated human trafficking law under 18 U.S. Code § 1595.

This does not mean a hotel is expected to somehow know everything that occurs within the walls of each room. However, federal liability may arise when circumstances clearly point toward exploitation occurring within the rooms of the hotel, and no action is taken, or when employees assist traffickers in carrying out their activities.

The case Ricchio v. McLean, filed in 2015, paved the way for holding the hospitality industry responsible in sex trafficking cases as the first lawsuit brought against a hotel under the TVPRA. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit found the hotel owners, who had previous commercial dealings with Ricchio’s trafficker, McLean, were aware of Ricchio’s victimization and denied her plea for help. Appallingly, the case described McLean and one owner exchanging high-fives in the motel parking lot and discussing “getting this thing going again.”

Coupled with their observation of “McLean’s coercive and brutal behavior to a physically deteriorating Ricchio,” the Court found it plausible that the owners knew Ricchio was a victim of human trafficking and sought some benefit from her exploitation. Consequently, the Court reversed the district court’s dismissal of Ricchio’s claims. The case settled in 2019.

Sex trafficking lawsuits against hotels are on the rise

In the decade following Ricchio v. McLean, lawsuits against hotels and motels have increased, with over 600 cases naming a hospitality-industry defendant. Victims are seeking justice not only from traffickers, but also from the establishments that provide a space for their exploitation to occur.

Last month, a federal jury in Georgia returned the largest sex trafficking verdict in United States history. A survivor identified as J.R. received $164 million in damages from the operator of Super 8: $44 million in compensatory damages, and $120 million in punitive damages, representing $1 million for each of the 120 days J.R. was trafficked.

Testimony showed J.R. was denied help from a hotel employee while attempting to escape, and some of the employees received compensation for watching for and warning traffickers of police presence. J.R. was only 15 years old when she was sold for sex at this hotel.

Currently, lawsuits in Houston and Orlando allege hotel operators had knowledge of trafficking within their properties and profited from the activity. A victim in the former case stated the hotel staff observed her trafficker with a “rotating cast of minors” as men came in and out of her room and did not intervene. Women in the latter case stated they stayed at the hotel between 500 and 600 times over seven years. Their attorney suggested hotel operators are aware of what occurs, and “[i]t’s actually part of their business plan.”

What does the Bible say about human trafficking and injustice?

The grim reality of thousands of people, unique individuals whom God loves and knows by name (Isaiah 43:1), being sold for their bodies in hotel rooms all across our country is sickening. Perhaps equally sickening is the thought of hotel operators who are in the position to help victims but choose instead to either ignore what they see or, worse, choose instead to participate in their exploitation for their own profit.

The Bible is clear that there is a consequence for turning the other way when we see people “being taken away to death.” We may claim ignorance, but “does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?” (Proverbs 24:11-12). God does not overlook even a sparrow falling to the ground (Matthew 10:29), and he certainly does not overlook our cries (Psalm 18:6). He sees every victim of human trafficking, and he sees those who have knowledge and argue I didn’t know.

He does not close his eyes when he sees harm being done to one of his beloved children, and neither should we. We are called not just to refrain from participating in evil, but to actively “seek justice” and to “correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17). Evil flourishes with silent bystanders, and hope arises when people speak up.

Next time you observe injustice occurring around you, how will you respond?

Denison Forum

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – He Who Keeps

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I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

—Psalm 121:1–3

Scripture:

Psalm 121:1–3

Doubt is often at the root of many fears we face as believers. The reality is that we live in an unpredictable world. It’s hard to maintain a sense of assuredness when we’re surrounded by potential threats to our safety and security. Add to that the uncertainties of daily existence—concerns about job security, financial security, the health of aging family members, and the well-being of our kids.

Add to that the cracks in our spiritual resolve that threaten to give way when life’s pressures start to mount—the circumstances that cause us to question whether the Bible is trustworthy, whether God truly cares for us, or whether we are actually saved.

It might make you feel better to know that the most mature Christians in your life—the people you look up to as spiritual mentors—struggle with similar doubts and the fears that arise from them. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.

You see, even the greatest men and women of God who ever lived had moments of doubt and fear. The prophet Elijah once faced down 450 prophets of Baal in a life-or-death contest by himself. He trusted God to perform an unprecedented miracle to give him victory. Yet as soon as the contest was over, when he learned that Queen Jezebel wanted him dead, he got scared and ran.

Even John the Baptist had moments of doubt. According to Jesus, John was the greatest of the Old Testament prophets. Yet after Jesus started His public ministry, John sent a message to Him asking, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:19 NLT). But Jesus didn’t rebuke John for his doubt; instead, He reassured him.

If you’re struggling with doubt or fear, here’s what you need to know: God is going to keep you. The psalmist understood that—and celebrated it. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:1–3 NKJV).

The Hebrew word translated as keeps means “watches,” “guards,” or “places a hedge around.” The idea is that God places a wall around you that is impenetrable. The devil cannot scale or penetrate that wall unless God allows it for His purposes.

The apostle Paul wrote, “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT). And the apostle Peter wrote that “through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see” (1 Peter 1:5 NLT).

Were it not for this protection from God, we would have every reason to doubt and fear. But we are kept by His power—and nothing is greater than that.

Reflection question: How have you seen God watch over and protect you in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie
Days of Praise

Days of Praise – To the Animals

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6–8)

Adam and Eve originally were given dominion over all the animal creation (Genesis 1:26), but sin came in and things changed. Then, after the Flood, God placed the fear and dread of man “upon all that moveth upon the earth,” and the primeval fellowship between man and his animal friends was broken (Genesis 9:2).

More seriously, their fellowship with God was broken, and soon, in their autonomy, the source of true wisdom was largely forgotten. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things” (Romans 1:22–23).

Ironically, God now directs such foolish people to the animals they worship to find the wisdom they should have learned from God. “Go to the ant,” says the Lord, to learn industry and prudence. “There be four things which are little upon the earth,” the Word says, “but they are exceeding wise: the ants . . . the conies . . . the locusts . . . the spider” (Proverbs 30:24–28). “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider” (Isaiah 1:3).

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee” (Job 12:7–8).

If nothing else, the intricate design of even the lowest animal is eloquent testimony to the wisdom of its Creator and the madness of those who deny Him. HMM

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

Joyce Meyer – Trust God with Your Pain

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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds . . .

Psalm 147:3 (AMPC)

It is fairly easy to trust God for something that you want, but what about trusting God when life hurts? Are you willing to trust God with your pain? When I am hurting, I find that my faith is tested. We don’t like pain, and we usually don’t understand why we have it.

We may find it difficult to see beyond it, let alone believe that anything good can come out of it. However, God does promise that He will heal our wounds, and that He will take our pain and turn it into something good as we continue trusting Him (Genesis 50:20). If you are hurting right now, I encourage you to offer your pain to God and ask Him to use it for His glory and work it out for your good!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, when life throws difficult things my way, hurts me and I don’t understand why, help me trust You with my pain. Please turn my hurt into something good for Your glory.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Hear God’s Name

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Jesus says to us what he said to the disciples on the stormy sea. “It is I, don’t be afraid” (John 6:20). The literal translation of what Jesus said is, “I AM, don’t be afraid.”

I AM. That’s God’s name. When we wonder if God is coming, he answers with his name, I AM. When we wonder if he is able, he declares, I AM. When we see nothing but darkness, feel nothing but doubt, and wonder if God is near or aware, the welcome answer from Jesus is this: I AM.

Pause for a moment and let him tell you his name. Your greatest need is his presence. Yes, you want this storm to pass. Yes, you want the winds to still. But yes, yes, yes, you want to know and need to know and must know that the great I AM is near. Remember friends, you are never alone.

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – By Our Fruit

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Read Matthew 7:15–20

The giant hogweed is an impressive but dangerous plant. It can grow up to fourteen feet tall and resembles parsley or Queen Anne’s lace, with white flowers. So what’s the problem? Its sap is toxic and can cause grievous skin irritation, even blistering, which can lead to permanent scars. If the sap comes into contact with the eyes, blindness can result. Though found in the United States, this plant is thankfully not common.

In Matthew 7, Jesus taught that a tree is known by its fruit. His point is both simple and profound. Good trees bear good fruit. Bad trees bear bad fruit. It’s impossible for it to be any other way (vv. 16–18). We like to say, “Only God knows the heart,” which is true. And we don’t want to commit the sin of being judgmental (Matt. 7:1–2). But there’s also some avoidance or “niceness” in saying this. Biblically, we’re empowered by these verses to speak out against bad fruit. Specifically, we should be watching out for false prophets, who might appear to be sheep but are actually wolves (v. 15). If we don’t do so, we’re allowing ourselves to be deceived.

It’s also important to remember not to evaluate “fruit” by cultural standards. To Americans, for example, abundant fruit might mean numbers and achievements. But God defines “fruit” differently and so should we. Galatians 5:16–26 contrasts the fruit of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. These two lists represent two ways of life. In action, we can easily tell the difference between them. Part of the biblical meaning of “fruit,” then, is character and maturity through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. For such a simple lesson, there is much at stake! Bad trees—literally, “rotten” or “diseased” trees—are “cut down and thrown into the fire” of hell (v. 19; see also Heb. 6:7–8).

Go Deeper

What type of fruit are you bearing? Do others see Jesus in your words and actions?

Pray with Us

Holy God, Your commands give us a blueprint for a life that will bear abundant fruit. Please help us overflow with the fruits of the Spirit. May others seek You because of us.

By their fruit you will recognize them.Matthew 7:16

https://www.moodybible.org/
Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Identifying the World

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For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

The word world can have at least three meanings in the New Testament. It can refer to planet Earth and all it contains. It can refer to the people in the world. And it can refer to the world system—the underlying principles and assumptions that stand in opposition to God and His purposes and programs.

When we are told not to love the world (1 John 2:15), it obviously does not mean that we are not to love God’s creation or the human beings made in His image. Rather, we are not to love the system of values and priorities that manifest in ungodly actions and behaviors. Pride, greed, selfish ambition, immorality, spiritual idolatry, anger, violence, and the like are all characteristics of the world we are not to love. God redeemed us out of that world system, and we are no longer to have affection for it (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Colossians 1:13-14).

Thank God today that He has introduced you to a Kingdom that you can love and desire to be part of!

Identification with the world and its needs is one thing; imitation of the world and its foolishness is quite another.
Warren Wiersbe

https://www.davidjeremiah.org
Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Lesson in the Ruins

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Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us . . . worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Today’s Scripture

Ezekiel 26:1-6, 17-18

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Today’s Devotion

“You have to be careful about the snakes, insects, jaguars and everything else,” said archaeologist Ivan Šprajc. Wielding chainsaws and machetes, he and his team slashed through thick jungle to try to reach the lost city of Ocumtún. The ancient metropolis had disappeared along with the rest of the once-vibrant Mayan civilization on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. No one knows why.

“The study of history is, in large measure, the study of ruins,” says author George Will—an apt testimony to our human inability to do things that last.

In the Bible, we read a prophecy about a thriving city. “They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers,” God said through His prophet Ezekiel (26:4). “Out in the sea she will become a place to spread fishnets” (v. 5). Tyre had been “a power on the seas” who put “terror on all who lived there” (v. 17). They’d also celebrated Jerusalem’s fall (v. 2). A companion prophecy says of Tyre’s destruction, “The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor” (Isaiah 23:9). Tyre fell because of its pride.

Working hard to create new things is one way we reflect God’s image. But beware the fatal trap of pride. Whatever we do, let’s do it for our eternal God and in His strength. He promises us “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).

Reflect & Pray

What city or civilization do you admire and why? How do you think of it when you consider that one day it will no longer exist?

Dear God, please help me serve You well as a citizen of Your kingdom, which can never be shaken.

Today’s Insights

Ezekiel pronounces judgment not only against Jerusalem but also the nations who celebrated the downfall of God’s people. Chapters 25-32 include prophecies against seven nations, including Tyre (26:1–28:19). Judgment would be thorough; for instance, Egypt would go down “to the earth below . . . to the pit” (32:18), a reference to the place of the dead. And Tyre, a preeminent naval power (26:17), would disappear beneath “the ocean depths” as they also would go “down to the pit” (vv. 19-20). Pride inevitably leads to a fall. Serving God ultimately leads to peace (28:26). Today, God can help us serve Him in His strength.

For further study, read: The Promised King

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Are sports commercials becoming too inappropriate for kids?

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If you’re a sports fan, October is a premier month on the calendar. Football is back in full swing. The baseball playoffs provide nightly drama. And even hockey, basketball, and European soccer are all revving up a bit. It’s a most wonderful time of year. Yet, as it turns out, October can also be a bit dangerous for viewers.

During just the first quarter of a football game recently, I sat through several political ads smearing opponents, multiple trailers for two disturbing horror movies, and at least six gambling ads, three of them featuring essentially a naked woman walking around the entire time. I caught myself almost shamefully looking over my shoulder each commercial break, wondering if my five kids were going to see what I was watching on the television.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Are sports commercials becoming too inappropriate for kids? →
Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Fear Is Inevitable

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But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

—Luke 14:28

Scripture:

Luke 14:28

In this week’s devotions, we’re going to talk about facing and managing your fears. And we’re going to start by talking about how to anticipate fearful situations.

As a Christian, it’s not a matter of if you’ll face circumstances that unsettle or even frighten you; it’s a matter of when. The apostle Paul wrote, “You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:11–12 NLT).

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will suffer persecution. There’s no avoiding that reality. So, as believers, we can either live in fear of the inevitable persecution we’ll face, or we can prepare for it.

We can prepare for it by rethinking our response to persecution. Instead of giving in to our fears and doing everything we can to avoid or end persecution, we can embrace it for what it is. That’s not to say we need to welcome it or seek it out—or to pretend that it doesn’t hurt and frighten us. But we mustn’t ignore the fact that persecution identifies us with Christ.

Jesus explained to His disciples, “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).

Living in a place where you’re hated is a scary proposition. Being able to turn to Jesus—who knows exactly what it’s like to live in such a place—makes it less scary.

And that’s what these warnings of inevitable persecution are intended to do: make us turn to the Lord. The good news is that we don’t have to wait for fear to get a foothold in our life before we do something about it. We can be proactive in dealing with it.

We can pour out our hearts to God in prayer. We can tell Him what makes us uneasy. We can ask for His comfort and courage.

We can come to grips with what to expect as followers of Jesus. Jesus Himself warned His disciples, “Don’t begin until you count the cost” (Luke 14:28 NLT). The cost of following Jesus includes facing some frightening experiences. Acknowledging that reality is a key step in preparing for it.

We can arm ourselves with comforting and encouraging truths from Scripture. For example, God promises in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (NLT).

You can’t eliminate fear from your life, but you can anticipate and manage it with God’s help.

Reflection question: How can you be proactive in dealing with your fears? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie
Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Fatherhood of God

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:28)

“The fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man” was a religious cliché promoted for many years, especially by religious liberals in the period between the two world wars. However, continuing hostilities between and inside most nations now make the idea of universal brotherhood in this present world almost farcical.

The fact is, however, that God truly is the Father of all men in the sense that He created them all. “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10). That was the rhetorical question posed to Israel in the last book of the Old Testament. In the New Testament the apostle Paul confirmed the same great truth to the pagan Gentiles. “[God] hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth,” and “we are the offspring of God” (Acts 17:26, 29).

The sad fact is, however, that most men and women have actually become “children of the wicked one” because of sin (Matthew 13:38). We can only become spiritual children of the heavenly Father by being born again through faith in Christ. But we then truly “become the sons of God,” as assured to all those who “believe on his name” (John 1:12).

Now we believers can all rejoice in the wonderful truth that we have the same heavenly Father. We have been “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew . . . but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:10–11).

May God help those of us who are (or will someday become) fathers on Earth to truly be children of our Father in heaven and thereby be genuine models of the heavenly Father to our human children here on Earth. HMM

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

Joyce Meyer – Jesus Understands How You Feel

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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

Today’s scripture speaks of our “high priest,” and this refers to Jesus. He experienced every emotion and suffered every feeling you and I do, yet without sinning. Why didn’t He sin? Because He didn’t give in to ungodly feelings. He knew God’s Word in every area of life because He spent years studying it before He began His ministry.

Luke 2:40 (NIV) says that as a child, Jesus grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. By the time He was 12 years old, He thought He was old enough to go to the temple in Jerusalem and be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:41–52). But He still had years of learning before He entered His full-time ministry.

You and I will never be able to say no to our feelings if we don’t have within us a strong knowledge of God’s Word. Jesus felt the same feelings we feel, but He never sinned by giving in to them.

When I feel hurt, angry, or upset, it’s such a comfort to me to be able to go to God and say, “Jesus, I’m so glad You understand what I’m feeling right now and that You don’t condemn me for it. Help me, Lord, to manage my emotions and not feel condemned, thinking I shouldn’t feel this way.”

Because we’re human, we have emotions. Sometimes they are intense. But we can be honest with God about them, knowing Jesus understands how we feel, and we can ask for and receive His help to manage them in a godly way.

Prayer of the Day: Thank You, Jesus, for being willing to become human and to understand the emotions I feel. Help me manage my emotions in ways that please You.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Jesus in the Storm

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Jesus’ disciples went down to the lake where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark. Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. The disciples were too far from the shore, too long in the struggle, too small against the waves. And Jesus was nowhere to be seen.

Have you ever encountered a dangerous, ominous, seemingly God-forsaken storm? Storms overtake us, and it sometimes seems they will never end. But then the unimaginable happens. John gives no details, just this economical statement. “They saw Jesus walking on the water” (John 6:19). That’s all we need to know. Before Jesus stills the storms, he comes to us in the midst of our storms. And he’ll come and meet you in yours. Remember friend, you are never alone.

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – The Mustard Seed

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Read Matthew 13:31–32

A simile is a comparison using “like” or “as.” We use similes all the time. For example, “It fits like a glove” or “I’m feeling like a fish out of water.” Similes are often found in the book of Proverbs; for example: “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf” (Prov. 11:28).

Jesus also used similes in His teaching, including: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed” (v. 31). What did He mean by this comparison? This statement is followed by a single sentence of explanation: “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (v. 32). There is a very small start but a very big finish here. “Tree” is a bit of an exaggeration, but the mustard plant can grow to more than ten feet tall. This is unexpected, even surprising. Birds nesting in the branches paint an image of safety and security.

In the same way, the kingdom of God might appear small at first, like a mustard seed, but it will grow to be impressively large. God has designed all seeds to do something like this, so we know the principle even if we’ve never seen a mustard seed. Jesus’ listeners weren’t looking for a “mustard seed Messiah” but rather the final “tree.” Even so, since Christ’s first coming, the kingdom has been ripening across history, though we can’t necessarily see the big picture. When He returns, the process will be complete, and we’ll be able to see it. Since the kingdom is God’s, its ultimate triumph is assured. Though it began as an apparently insignificant movement in first-century Judaism, it will one day be a worldwide kingdom ruled by Christ.

Go Deeper

In what way is the kingdom of heaven like a mustard seed? Have you seen examples of this growth happening from one small seed planted?

Pray with Us

Father, You delight in using humble beginnings to accomplish Your grand plan. Give us eyes to see the beautiful things You are making from the small beginnings in our lives.

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.Matthew 13:31

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Ripe for Harvest

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Read John 4:27–41

The “State of the Great Commission” report released by the Lausanne Movement in 2024 revealed two surprising facts: First, although 40 percent of the world has not yet been evangelized, the vast majority of missionaries (97 percent) are reaching those who have already had a chance to encounter the gospel. Second, while more than 80 percent of Christians lived in the West (Europe and North America) in 1900, today about 75 percent live in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania).

“The fields are ripe for harvest” is a well-known missions slogan drawn from today’s passage. It takes place at the end of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. The disciples were returning from their errand to town to get food. On their way, they must have passed the woman as she headed back to town to tell others that she’d met the Messiah (vv. 27–30). They offered Jesus food but He cryptically responded, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (vv. 31–34). Then He explained that by “food,” He meant doing the will of His Father. As usual, the disciples were a bit lost.

Attempting to enlighten them, Jesus urged them to open their eyes “and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (vv. 35–38). We’re not sure of the exact timeline, but Jesus may have been gesturing toward the town. If the disciples looked in that direction, they may have seen the townspeople headed their way in response to the woman’s testimony. In God’s plan, sowers and reapers each have their part to do. They can be glad together. Clearly, the Spirit had been at work in this place prior to their arrival. When the Samaritans arrived, perhaps all the disciples worked together to tell them about the Messiah. However it happened, many from that town believed (vv. 39–41).

Go Deeper

What role are you playing in the “harvest,” including local community outreach and world missions? How about your church? How can you become more involved?

Pray with Us

You are always attentive to the lost, Lord. Open our eyes and nudge us toward anyone who has a tender heart toward the gospel. What a privilege to be part of bringing someone to salvation!

Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.John 4:35

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Fishers of Sheep

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I will send you out to fish for people. Matthew 4:19

Today’s Scripture

Matthew 4:18-22

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Today’s Devotion

It was one of those videos that makes you stop and do a double take—Yemeni fishermen frantically rescuing hundreds of sheep from the Red Sea. A ship carrying thousands of sheep had run aground off the coast of Ras Al-Ara, Yemen. The vessel was headed for Djibouti when it capsized, leading to the drowning of more than 160 sheep. However, many were saved due to the combined efforts of a group of fishermen who found themselves, well, fishing for sheep.

Isaiah’s words came to mind when I first saw that image: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray” (53:6). In the same moment, perhaps reflecting the way the Old and New Testaments beautifully work in tandem, Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples surfaced from my memory. Matthew’s gospel records His invitation as He walked beside the Sea of Galilee: “ ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people’ ” (4:19).

For those of us intent on being Jesus’ disciples today, that same invitation is offered. Jesus calls us to fish for people. And why? People—and that means all of us—are like sheep who have strayed from God’s ways and will and words. We need rescue. Being introduced to the Savior can take place by way of His disciples. In His beautiful way, Jesus makes us—His sheep—fishers of other sheep.

Reflect & Pray

Who in your vicinity is like a drowning sheep? What part can you play in their rescue?

Dear God, please make me a fisher of sheep.

Today’s Insights

The account of Jesus calling His disciples to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19) strongly emphasizes the force of Christ’s call on their lives. Typically, someone who wanted to study under a rabbi would make the decision to approach the rabbi about being a disciple. But Jesus is the one who approached His disciples and commanded them to follow Him. Immediately after the description of Christ calling His first disciples, we’re told of His healing ministry (vv. 23-25). His healing actions revealed that He was bringing God’s kingdom (v. 17) down to earth in a powerful way—and He’d chosen the disciples to be part of that mission. Those called by Jesus immediately left fishing—their livelihood—as well as their families (v. 22) to devote all of themselves to living out the mission of reaching those who need God. Today, as well, God has called us to share the gospel with others.

For further study, read: Waiting on God’s Rescue

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Searching for God in the Oregon school shooting

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Around 1:00 in the afternoon on Thursday, a sixteen-year-old shot through the locks on the doors to the Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. He then proceeded to kill three students and one teacher before a local bystander who’d noticed him enter the building shot him. As of this writing, another student and teacher are alive but wounded from the attack.

Police responded quickly to the flood of 911 calls, arriving at the school only a few minutes after the shooter entered. However, by that point, he was already dead. The surviving students were then taken to a nearby church, where they were reunited with their families.

Officials have yet to release more information on the shooter, his potential motives, or the weapon used, though law enforcement sources suspect it was a shotgun.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler spoke for many when she told reporters,

A school should be a safe place where children can learn and feel secure. What happened today should never happen. Like so many in our community, I’m struggling to make sense of a loss that feels unimaginable.

Perhaps you’re feeling the same way. I know dropping my kids off at school will feel different today than it did yesterday, even though what happened in Oregon is unlikely to have any direct impact on our lives here in Texas. Still, I imagine the parents who are grieving the loss of their children, as well as those who will have to try and explain what happened to the ones who survived, thought much the same yesterday morning.

So, what do we do with those feelings?

The churchy answer—which also happens to be the correct one, in this case—is to take them to the Lord. But the truth is, tragedies like this can make it hard to seek comfort from a God who could have stopped them and didn’t. What do we do then?

Reasons to be grateful

In a previous article, I argued that suffering is not only redeemable but necessary in light of God’s goodness. I still believe that’s the case, but tragedies like yesterday’s shooting are among the most difficult to view through that lens, even if they are also when it’s most necessary to do so. As I’ve thought and prayed about how to do that, though, I felt like the Lord brought two thoughts to mind that I hadn’t considered before.

At the end of the day, God’s omniscience means that he knew this attack would happen, and his omnipotence means that he was more than capable of stopping it. As a result, it’s completely valid to ask why he didn’t. But the new thought—at least, new to me—was that if God bears any sense of responsibility for the lives that were lost, then he bears at least some responsibility for the lives that were saved as well.

The shooter managed to kill four people in under three minutes, and it could have been so much worse. While we don’t know much about the bystander who stopped him, what are the odds that someone who was not only armed but brave and capable enough to intervene would happen to be near the school as that sixteen-year-old broke in? How many more might have died if he hadn’t risked his own life to stop him?

Moreover, how many more would-be shooters are stopped by friends, family, or other people in their lives who notice them heading down that path and choose to intervene before they ever make it on campus? Thursday’s attack was the first mass shooting in a school since a fourteen-year-old killed four in Winder, Georgia, more than two years ago. It seems unlikely he was the first to consider it, though, and it is right to thank God that more haven’t done the same.

Again, that does not mean it’s wrong to have questions and doubts in the aftermath of a tragedy like this, but if we’re inclined to blame God for the four who died, then we should also thank him for the nearly five hundred who survived.

That said, it can still be difficult not to give the tragedy more weight than the blessing, though. And that basic impulse is important as well.

A lingering reminder of God’s image

The second direction God took me as I reflected on the tragedy of this shooting is how strangely natural it seems for the negative to hold our attention rather than the positive. I think at least part of the reason why that’s the case is that enough of who God created us to be still exists in all of us to recognize that this world is broken.

If God weren’t real and this world was simply the result of random chance, then there would be no reason for us to be this shattered by something like a school shooting. That kind of tragedy would simply be an expected part of living in this fallen, depraved world.

But that’s not the case. Rather, being appalled at something like this is seen as a basic test of our humanity. And there’s no logical reason why that should be the case outside of the fact that a shred of that imago Dei with which we were all created still cries out against such violence and loss of life.

That someone was willing to shoot up an elementary school shows that it is possible for sin to break us so completely that the image of God in our lives is all but buried. But that’s the exception rather than the rule, and it’s important to recognize that fact.

Again, none of this is meant to keep us from asking the hard questions about why God would let something like this happen. Those are entirely fair and appropriate, and the Lord is not offended by our asking them. But that grief is also a reminder that we were created for so much more than this world can offer, and the desire for what only God can provide is still woven deep inside each of us.

Perhaps at least part of the way God will redeem the Silver Rail shooting is by using it to awaken those desires on the other side of the grief and fear endemic to this moment. So, with that possibility in mind, let’s conclude for today by taking some time to pray.

How to pray

If this list is something you need to come back to throughout the day, that’s fine. Just don’t rush through it. After all, those who are hurting deserve more than empty thoughts and a quick prayer. Let’s make sure our prayers reflect that fact.

  • Start by praying for the families who lost loved ones in this horrible tragedy. And don’t just offer a generic “Lord, please be with them” kind of prayer. Take the time to genuinely seek God’s help with knowing how to pray for those who are hurting, then follow through in obedience to what he shows you.
  • Next, thank God for all the lives that were saved. Again, take the time to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in knowing how to offer that prayer, particularly if gratitude in this moment still feels more forced than natural.
  • And if you’re still beset by the doubts, fear, and anger that a tragedy like this can bring to the surface, take those thoughts to God and ask for his help in working through them well. Don’t stuff them down or move on until you’ve genuinely wrestled with them in the presence of the Lord.
  • Finally, ask God to make you aware of any opportunities to help people know him that will come about in the days ahead as a result of the shooting. The Holy Spirit knows the hearts and minds of the people around you better than you ever could, and he knows who is ready for that kind of conversation. If God brings someone to mind or helps them to cross your path, ask the Lord to help you be ready to have that conversation well.

Quote of the day:

“The true wonder of human beings is not that we are sinners, but that even in our sin we are haunted by goodness, that even in the mud we can never wholly forget the stars.” —William Barclay

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Denison Forum

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – God the Owner

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)

In communist countries, “the people” own the lands, while in capitalist countries individuals may own “private property.” Both are myths unless these are viewed as a stewardship from God. We don’t really own anything, “for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7).

In the mineral kingdom, the most important substances are the precious metals upon which monetary standards are based, yet God makes it clear that all “the silver is mine, and the gold is mine” (Haggai 2:8). The greatest members of the plant kingdom are the mighty trees of the forest, and God reminds us that “the trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted” (Psalm 104:16). All the birds and beasts in the animal kingdom are His also. “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).

Again and again God reminds us that “all the earth is mine” (Exodus 19:5), and even the infinite heavens belong to Him. “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is” (Deuteronomy 10:14).

God has, indeed, given man “dominion . . . over all the earth” (Genesis 1:26), and Satan has, indeed, laid false claim to “all the kingdoms of the world” (Luke 4:5–6), but the fact remains that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:32).

Most of all, every Christian should understand that he and all he has belong to God by both creation and blood-bought redemption. “Know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). HMM

 

 

 

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

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