Daily Archives: May 28, 2026

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Christ in You

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

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:9-11

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

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

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

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

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – It Was Me

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

Today’s Scripture

Leviticus 26:40-45

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Today’s Devotion

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

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

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

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

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

Reflect & Pray

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

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

Today’s Insights

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

Learn more about the gift of confession. 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – The Cheerful Giver

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

—2 Corinthians 9:6–7

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – A Little Flock

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Finding Freedom from Emotional Pain

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You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:43–45 (NIV)

Many of us have suffered emotional wounds over the course of our lives, or we may still be in emotional pain. These wounds can fester and cause us to struggle in various ways if we do not seek the healing God offers us.

Emotional wounds may come from abuse, rejection, abandonment, disappointment, criticism, judgment, or other types of hurt. If you have an emotional wound of any kind, I want you to know today that Jesus can heal you everywhere you hurt. According to the prophecy in Isaiah 61:1 (NIV), Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives. He heals our broken hearts and sets us free from pain and other forms of bondage. He also came to comfort all who mourn and to give us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:2–3).

To begin to heal emotionally, we need to make godly choices while we are still hurting. Pressing through our feelings in this way can be difficult, but it’s worth doing because it leads to freedom and wholeness. For example, according to today’s scripture, the world would tell us to love people who are good to us and hate our enemies. But this leads to bitterness. And bitterness is a negative emotion that keeps our pain fresh and prohibits us from feeling peaceful.

Jesus says to forgive those who have hurt us and to love and pray for our enemies. This is the way to peace, healing, and freedom.

Prayer of the Day: Thank You, Jesus, for teaching me to forgive so I can be healed and set free from emotional pain.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Finish the Race 

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The Christian race is demanding, grueling, and sometimes agonizing.  It takes a massive effort to finish strong. But many don’t. They may come to church and warm a pew, but their hearts aren’t in the race.

Jesus is the classic example of one who endured, in spite of temptation, accusations, and shame. The devil tempted Jesus nonstop for forty days. Jesus’ own family called him a lunatic. And, on the cross, he bore the collective shame of all humanity. How did he endure?  By focusing on “the joy that God put before him”—that was the prize of heaven. And what he saw gave him strength to finish—and finish strong.

Someday we will be seated, and Christ will christen the meal with these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And in that moment, the race will have been worth it.

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Comfort and Compromise

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Read Numbers 32

In 2008, financial advisor Bernie Madoff promised investors huge returns. What they didn’t know is that he was using money from new investors to pay off earlier ones. When the Ponzi scheme finally collapsed, it destroyed thousands of lives. His victims learned that hidden shortcuts and easy paths often lead to devastating consequences.

This principle of inevitable accountability emerges powerfully in Numbers 32, where two and a half tribes attempted to take an easier path. As Israel approached the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad noticed something appealing about the land east of the Jordan River: “They saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock” (v. 1). Why cross the Jordan and fight for land when good pasture lay right before them?

Their request to Moses was reasonable on the surface: “If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan” (v. 5). But Moses immediately recognized the danger, comparing their attitude to the faithless spies who had discouraged Israel forty years earlier (vv. 6–15). Moses’ response contains a principle that transcends every generation: “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (v. 23). Our choices have consequences that cannot stay hidden forever.

The tribes eventually agreed to fight alongside their brothers before settling east of the Jordan (vv. 16–19), but their compromise would have lasting effects. These eastern tribes would be the first captured when enemies invaded, separated from the protection and unity of the main community.

Go Deeper

Why was the request from those tribes problematic? As you reflect on your own life, are there hidden sins or compromises you need to bring before God?

Pray with Us

Jesus, open our eyes to see the areas in our life where we might be sinning or making compromises that will allow sin to creep in. We ask Your forgiveness, Lord, for the times we have failed You.

You may be sure that your sin will find you out.Numbers 32:23

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/