Daily Archives: September 7, 2026

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Your First Impulse

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Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.
Jonah 1:17–2:1

Recommended Reading: Psalm 32:6-7

When we find ourselves faced with a seemingly unsolvable challenge, someone usually reminds us, “When all else fails, read the directions!” A similar reminder is sometimes issued among Christians: “When all else fails, pray!” We often have to be reminded that prayer should be our first impulse, not our last.

Jonah would have done well to have received that reminder when he found himself cast into the Mediterranean Sea. He had rebelled against God, been accused of causing calamity by his shipmates, and been thrown overboard in hopes of placating the storm “gods.” And adding insult to injury, he was swallowed by a great fish! Finally, Jonah decided it was time to pray: “Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.” He didn’t exactly confess his sins, but at least he repented of his pride by calling out to God for help.

Don’t wait until you have tried every solution before turning to prayer. Regardless of the situation, make prayer your first impulse.

Before we can pray, “Thy kingdom come,” we must be willing to pray, “My kingdom go.”
Alan Redpath

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – God’s Loving Eye

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I will instruct you and teach you in the 
way you should go; I will counsel you 
with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 32:6-8

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Today’s Devotion

My wife, Sue, and I had just finished walking five miles across the Mackinac Bridge, which links Michigan’s two peninsulas. This annual Labor Day event in the United States is a tradition in our state dating back to 1958. We grabbed a seat on a park bench to rest. A man sat down next to us to catch his breath as well. Soon his wife and adult daughter joined him, and we learned that their family—also believers in Jesus—had suffered through the death of a teenage girl just as we did many years ago.

Together we were able to share how God has sustained us and given us strength and faith through the years. It was amazing to think that among the 33,000 walkers that day, we found a family that understood our hearts.

Two families with similar stories ending up together in a sea of people. It sounds a little like something that can happen only because of what God told King David in Psalm 32. After David expressed his appreciation to God for protection and deliverance, he got this encouraging word from Him: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (v. 8 nkjv).

God watches over His children, and He brings them together because they need each other. It’s another indication that “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).

Reflect & Pray

When have you experienced something that reminded you that God has His loving eye on you? What does His unfailing love mean to you?

Dear God, thank You that You’re real and that You’re always watching over me.

Today’s Insights

Psalm 32 is one of seven penitential psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), where the petitioner confesses his sins and turns to God for forgiveness. David penned Psalm 51 after repenting from his sins of adultery and murder (see 2 Samuel 11-12), and many scholars believe this was also the context for the writing of Psalm 32. The psalmist speaks of his heavy burden of guilt (vv. 3-4) and the joy of receiving God’s forgiveness (vv. 1-2). David notes the importance of confession of sin (v. 5) rather than stubbornly resisting like “the horse or the mule” (v. 9). God will deal graciously with the contrite and repentant, for “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10). He’s promised us His watchful guidance and loving care: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (v. 8).

For further study, listen to the Evening Meditations Podcast: The Lord Sees You

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Miley Cyrus drops last name, inspiring me to do the same

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A Labor Day reflection on identity and grace

Singer and actress Miley Cyrus has announced that she is dropping her last name and will henceforth be known simply as “Miley.” Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, supports the decision: “I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more . . . Elvis . . . Prince . . . and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”

The news prompted me to consider other people commonly known by only their first name these days. Some sports figures are obvious for the uniqueness of their name: “Tiger” Woods, “LeBron” James, and “Dirk” Nowitzki come to mind. Others are more location-centric: in Dallas, “Troy” Aikman, “Emmitt” Smith, “Michael” Irvin, and “Nolan” Ryan are examples.

And some are transcendent: in basketball, there will only be one “Michael” Jordan, just as in country music, there will only be one “Dolly” Parton and “Reba” McEntire.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Miley Cyrus drops last name, inspiring me to do the same →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Useful to the Lord

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 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

—1 Corinthians 10:31

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 10:31 

The Bible is full of amazing truths. In this week’s devotions, we’re going to focus on six specific truths and what they mean for us. The first amazing truth is this: God can use you in a profoundly impactful way.

I remember when, as a young Christian, I would sit in the pews at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and listen to Senior Pastor Chuck Smith speak. I would think to myself, “I wonder if God would ever use me. I wonder if the Lord would ever speak through me.” Never in my wildest dreams did I think that God would allow me to be a pastor with the privilege of proclaiming the gospel to many. It was beyond my own aspirations.

If you’re planning your future right now, if you’re thinking about what course you want to follow in life, ask God for His direction. Say, “Lord, I want to be the person that You want me to be. I want my relationships and my future to honor You. I want to be in the center of Your will. I don’t want to go out there and blow it. Help me to do Your will.” God’s plans for you are better than anything you’ve ever planned for yourself.

God has given each of us certain abilities, talents, and resources. The question is, what are you doing with them? Are you seeking to use them for His glory? Are you offering your resources and future to Him? The apostle Paul wrote, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT). That covers pretty much everything, doesn’t it? His point is that bringing glory to God should be our highest priority. When you strive to bring glory to God in every area of your life, He can open doors, bring the right connections, and provide the amazing opportunities.

I’m not saying that you must be a pastor or a missionary. But whatever you do, whether you’re a doctor, an architect, a secretary, a computer programmer, a stay-at-home parent, a builder, a musician, a teacher, a carpenter, or work in some other field, you should want to serve the Lord and do it for the glory of God. That’s what matters. Your life can be a testimony and a witness for Jesus.

We should also keep in mind that our idea of what’s important, profound, or impactful may be far different from God’s idea. God may use us in ways that seem comparatively insignificant to the ways He uses other people. This is when we need to remind ourselves that we have an obstructed view. We can’t see the big picture of God’s plan. We can’t see how things fit together. So, we must be faithful with what He gives us, prioritize His glory in everything we do, and then trust Him to accomplish His will through us in a profoundly impactful way.

 

Reflection question: What would doing “all for the glory of God” look like in your life? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Yokefellows

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by Henry M. Morris III, D.Min.

“And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:3)

Although the word “yokefellow” is out of use today, the meaning is easily understood. Most of us know a yoke is a device that connects two animals together to increase the power for the work that needs to be done.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). From a spiritual perspective, we labor together with the Lord Jesus. Among ourselves, we labor in the gospel. It is worth noting that God sees the marriage bond as “joined together” (same term) with a yoke (Matthew 19:6).

Interestingly, as Paul speaks highly of the women who labored with him, he uses two very different concepts to recognize their contribution. First, he describes them as sunathleo, or those who are “engaged in the contest” with him, like “a man also [strives] for masteries” (2 Timothy 2:5). Then, Paul uses sunergos to describe those who have accomplished meaningful work alongside him. Titus is described as Paul’s “partner and fellowhelper” (2 Corinthians 8:23). These women had evidently earned Paul’s respect for their commitment to the kingdom work.

Although the picture drawn by these synonyms rests on the work aspect, surely there is the assumption that those who are yoked together anticipate a common goal. Jesus, with “the joy that was set before him endured the [work of the] cross” (Hebrews 12:2). And we labor in the kingdom since our “names are in the book of life.” HMM III

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Pursue a Life of Excellence

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Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

Matthew 7:13-14 (The Message)

Many people are trapped in a mediocre lifestyle. They seem to lack personal motivation, so they are easy targets for those who promise an easy way to success that requires little effort on their part. They do just enough to get by, but they never go the extra mile.

Living that kind of life is a poor substitute for the real rewards in life that can only be found in being a person of excellence, which was God’s plan for you from the beginning.

Learn the truth about God’s good plan for your life and vigorously pursue it. You will sense a wonderful fulfillment, and the fruit of your life will be abundant and bring glory to God.

Prayer of the Day: God, help me reject the easy way and vigorously pursue the excellent life You planned for me. Let my life bear fruit that brings You glory, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado –Deceive No More 

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1 Kings 18:40 (NIV) reads, “Elijah commanded them, ‘Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!’ They seized them, and Elijah had them…slaughtered there.”

This moment does not sit well in our modern, westernized mindset. Elijah, a man of God, brandishing a sword and executing several hundred men? Except for the fact that these weren’t just men; they were disciples of the devil. They were demonic in their devotion to the cause of hell, all in the name of God.

In the final days, as recorded in Revelation 20:3 (NKJV), God will “cast him [Satan] into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him so that he should deceive the nations no more.”

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – List of Names

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Read Ezra 2:3–60

Ezra opens with a full chapter that speaks to God’s sovereignty to move the hearts of kings and bring His people back from their well-deserved exile. The second chapter of Ezra is like pulling the emergency brake while flying down the highway at 100 miles per hour. Who is Shephatiah? Adonikam? Mikmash? Hagabah? Why are we given this list of names? And why should we care?

Good questions! The names in Ezra 2 may puzzle us because we’re not accustomed to long lists of family trees. In fact, I’d imagine most of us can’t even name our great-grandparents. Proverbs 22:1 tells us that “a good name is more desirable than great riches.” “Name” in that verse refers to a person’s reputation or standing in the community, but we can extend the principle out a bit as we reflect on this long list of names in Ezra. God’s people had been in exile for 70 years. If you remember your biblical history, you know they were in exile because they committed idolatry—spiritual adultery—and joined in marriage with people who did not follow the Lord. You’ll also remember that when they entered and conquered the land, God gave each tribe a certain allotment of land to tend and care for.

So, as God’s people prepared to return to the land of promise, two things were of paramount importance. First, despite exile, God’s people would remain stewards of the land God owned. Because of this, they should return to the land of their inheritance as outlined in the book of Joshua. Second, God’s people must be faithful to God, unlike those who were exiled. This list of names serves both purposes. The returnees were indeed returning to their ancestral land, and these people were indeed God’s people, descended from Abraham. Through them, God would bless the entire world.

Go Deeper

Why is this list of names important for the book of Ezra? How does this list of ordinary people encourage your faith?

Pray with Us

Gracious Lord, as we steward what You have given us, please help us be faithful. Let us bring blessing to those around us through our good stewardship.

A good name is more desirable than great riches.Proverbs 22:1

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/