Tag Archives: jesus christ

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – The Great Outdoors: Nature Is for Enjoyment

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How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:24, NIV

Recommended Reading: Psalm 104:24-27

National Geographic had a story with this title: “Letting Kids Run Wild Outside is Surprisingly Good for their Brains.” Harvard Medical School published a report entitled, “Six Reasons Children Need to Play Outside.” The Washington Post wrote on the same subject: “How Time in Nature Builds Happier, Healthier, and More Social Children.”

Many children spend too much time sitting on couches, looking at screens, and playing video games. How they need to be outside more, under God’s sky, climbing His trees, running across His grass, blowing the tufts off His dandelions!

But wait! It’s not just children that need more time outdoors. It’s you and me too! God has given us two sources of revealed truth—His Written Word and His world of nature. We can learn much about Him by looking at His manifold works, crafted with omniscient wisdom. The whole earth is full of His glory!

This summer spend more time outdoors—and if you have kids, take them along!

One of the central teachings of Scripture is that the natural world is not at all natural. It is the creation of a supernatural God. What we routinely call “nature” is in fact “creation.”
T. M. Moore

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – One Sure Thing

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He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

Today’s Scripture

Colossians 1:15-23

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Today’s Devotion

Trees in cold climates prepare for winter through a process called “hardening.” Water drains from cells so they won’t freeze, expand, and burst the tree. The water that remains between the cells is too pure for ice crystals to attach. Its temperature may now drop to forty degrees below zero without cracking the tree. Trees harden at the same time each year because they take their cues from the fixed calendar of shortening days. They don’t stake their lives on the weather, which may be unseasonably mild. They trust the sun, their one sure thing.

The Son who made the sun is surer yet. He is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created,” and “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). Who tells trees when to harden each year? The same Son who makes the sun rise each morning and puts it to bed each night, pulls tides with the moon, whirls electrons in every cell, pumps your heart and inflates your lungs, and holds you when your heart is broken.

What holds the world together isn’t a force within nature but a person outside it. A person who entered the world He’d made so he could “reconcile to himself all things,” including you (v. 20). In this unpredictable world, you’ve got one sure thing. Jesus will “present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (v. 22).

Reflect & Pray

What frightens you? How does Jesus’ power over the world encourage you to pray and rest in Him?

Dear Jesus, I trust You today with whatever comes my way.

Today’s Insights

In Colossians, Paul refutes false teaching about who Jesus is and affirms His identity, deity, and authority. He’s God (1:15), the creator who sustains all creation (vv. 16-17). He’s the head of His new creation, the church (v. 18). And He’s the Savior who redeemed and reconciled us to God by shedding His blood on the cross (vv. 19-23). The apostle praises the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus as Savior: “In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (2:9-10 nlt). Paul says, “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him” (v. 7 nlt). Our salvation is certain in Jesus, and we can trust Him no matter what we face.

Learn more about overcoming fear by reading When Fear Seems Overwhelming.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Stress on San Andreas Fault at thousand-year high

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Three biblical reasons for hope in hazardous days

Rescuers in Venezuela worked through the night Friday to save hundreds trapped in rubble and find thousands more missing in the aftermath of Wednesday’s earthquakes, the strongest to strike the country since 1900. What happened there could happen here: New research warns that stress on Southern California’s San Andreas and San Jacinto fault lines has reached the highest level in a thousand years, putting the region in a “critically loaded” state that could cause a large, multi-fault earthquake.

Whether you and I live in an earthquake zone or not, we need hope that sustains our hearts in hazardous days. I found such encouragement recently in an unexpected place.

Dodgeball as a metaphor for life

My wife and I were keeping two of our grandkids, and I took them to a local indoor trampoline park. It includes a dodgeball arena where kids bounce up and down while throwing balls at the other side. I am proud to report that each of them won a game, outlasting everyone else on their team while “knocking out” everyone on the other side.

Upon reflection, I see their experience as a metaphor for my own. While I have never competed in trampoline dodgeball, it seems I have done little else for much of my life.

I have thrown my “ball” at targets that seemed appropriate while trying to dodge those thrown at me. All the while knowing that even if I win, the game starts again and the competition resumes. I’m never done for long. And even if I outlast others, there are days when I wonder if I’m doing anything that truly matters or just playing a game to while away the time until the game is over.

With regard to those suffering in Venezuela, I don’t live in an earthquake zone, but tornadoes are common in our part of the world. We don’t fear hurricanes this far inland, but we don’t get to see sunsets on the ocean. And terminal illnesses are just as threatening here as anywhere else.

If I’m not facing disaster or disease today, that doesn’t mean I won’t tomorrow. In this “game,” there’s ultimately no winning. Unless Jesus returns first, a “ball” will one day knock me out. Perhaps today.

But the more I reflected on this fact, the more I was drawn to hope that redeems it.

What my horoscope said for today

There is no logical way to prove in this life that this life is not all there is. Near-death experiences come close, but even they have their skeptics. As John Hick’s parable illustrates, when a Christian walks with an unbeliever down the road of life and they come to the last turn in the road, one will be proven right and one wrong.

In the meantime, is religion the “opium of the people,” as Karl Marx alleged? Believing that there is a Supreme Being ruling this world gives us hope, but is this hope real? The Greeks presumably had such hope in Zeus and his fellow deities, but we would not make their faith ours. Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus have their religious hopes, but I don’t believe what they believe simply because they believe it.

I am confident that God redeems all he allows (cf. 1 Peter 5:10), but I must admit that I cannot demonstrate such redemption for all suffering on this side of eternity. Paul claimed, “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Is my similar trust in God’s redemption just wish fulfillment akin to a horoscope?

I checked mine this morning, something I’ve never done before and absolutely do not recommend. I am doing so now only for illustrative purposes: it tells me that “clearing backlogs and improving workplace systems can attract positive attention,” but I knew that already. If I do what it says and experience what it promises, I can fallaciously credit its “wisdom” or I can correctly view this as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Is this how our faith in Christ works in the face of innocent suffering?

Why I believe in the sun at dawn

I’ll respond with three interrelated biblical facts.

One: Innocent suffering does not disprove our faith. To the contrary, it shows that Jesus was right when he told his followers, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul even warned us, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Two: A worldview should be evaluated by the degree to which it does what it promises to do. With regard to God’s redemption, trusting him to redeem all he allows positions me to experience such redemption (cf. Psalm 130:7). When I ask for his help, I draw close enough to him to receive it—to hear his voice, to feel his touch, to experience his empowering presence.

Three: The best way to know my hope in Jesus is real is to experience Jesus (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6). When Paul and Silas sang hymns to God in prison at midnight, an earthquake miraculously freed them from prison (Acts 16:25–26). Writing later from another imprisonment, Paul testified that “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” gave him hope and purpose that sustained him in the hardest places and times of life (Philippians 3:8–14).

I walked around a pond in our neighborhood yesterday morning at sunrise. The sun was not yet visible to me, but the dawn it produced was nonetheless spectacular.

My experience called to mind an observation from C. S. Lewis. To paraphrase: I believe in the sun at dawn, not because I can see it, but “because by it I see everything else.”

Why do you need to make his faith yours today?

Quote for the day:

“No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in the wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in a prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through fire. The greatest poets have ‘learned in suffering what they taught in song.’” —George MacDonald

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Denison Forum

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Attacking Giants

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 David asked the soldiers standing nearby, ‘What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?’ 

—1 Samuel 17:26

Scripture:

David may have thought to himself, “This is a joke. This guy can’t be serious!”

David was on an errand for his father, who had sent him to the front lines to deliver food to his brothers. He arrived to find Goliath bellowing from the valley, mocking the God of Israel, blaspheming his Lord that he loved so deeply.

Goliath was a gigantic Philistine—nine feet and six inches of solid muscle, covered in armor. Every day he would taunt the Israelites, shouting something to the effect of, “I’ll make you a deal. Send someone out to fight me. If he wins, we’ll be your servants. But if I win, you’ll be our servants. Any takers?”

No one wanted to go near him.

Meanwhile, there stood David. Though David was a musician, a poet, and a tenderhearted guy, he was also as tough as nails. When there were threats against his sheep, he took them on. He had killed a lion and a bear. He wasn’t afraid. And he wanted to know why someone wasn’t responding to Goliath’s challenge.

“David asked the soldiers standing nearby, ‘What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?’” (1 Samuel 17:26 NLT).

David wasn’t intimidated by this giant because David looked at things differently than everyone else. Everyone else saw a giant of a man and, apparently, a small God. David, however, saw a big God. That giant didn’t intimidate David the way he intimidated everyone else. And we know how that perspective paid off for David in the end.

Maybe you have a giant in your life that’s taunting you right now. Maybe it’s some kind of threat. Maybe it’s a habit or an addiction that has you in its grip. Maybe it’s a situation that needs to be dealt with once and for all. Or, in keeping with the theme of preparing for the Harvest Crusade next month, maybe your loved one does not have a personal relationship with Jesus. This giant, so to speak, seeks to control you. It seeks to hurt you. It seeks to torment you.

What should you do? Like David, you should see God for who He is and your giant for what it is. Align your perspective with spiritual reality. Nothing in your life is too big for God. Nothing is too complex for Him to solve. Nothing is beyond His experience or expertise. Call on the Lord and pray for His power. Pay attention to His prompts. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone in faith, to do the hard—but doable—things necessary. Attack your giant and see what God does in and through you.

 

Reflection question: How can you attack the most prominent giant in your life right now? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – Vessels of Wrath

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by Michael J. Stamp

“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction?” (Romans 9:22)

Most of us have met people who appear to be beyond salvation. We may even judge them to be “vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.” Is there any hope for them?

Consider some of the characters Jesus interacted with: the woman at the well, tax collectors, lepers, cripples, the demon-possessed, the woman caught in adultery, and the thief on the cross. These were outcasts and seemed to be without hope.

But God tells us, “As I live . . . I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). Clearly, Jesus did not come “into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

Despite appearance, words, or actions, no one is beyond saving. Christians are instructed to witness to and pray for all who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, not judge their spiritual standing. We are exhorted to love them and preach the gospel to them, for the gospel exists “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18).

The “vessels” Paul mentions are people who persistently rebel against God, and only He knows whether they will be hardened or saved. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). We not only can’t know all His ways, but we aren’t supposed to!

Do you know someone who appears beyond redemption: a family member, friend, or even foe? Prayerfully place them in Jesus’ saving hands. Our God is gracious and merciful, and miracles happen! MJS

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Enjoy the Journey

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. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!

Psalm 100:1-2 (AMPC)

So many Christians are headed somewhere, but not many of us are enjoying the trip. It would be such a tragedy to arrive at the end of your journey only to realize you had not enjoyed life to its fullest. Often, you think you must do something great, and you forget the simple things that bless the Lord. Serving the Lord with gladness is a worthy goal. He rejoices when your heart is filled with joy and your mouth is filled with praise.

You should be determined to finish your course. But like Paul, you should strive to run the race with joy. Whatever your present station in life, whatever you are called to do, wherever you are called to go, enjoy the journey. Don’t waste one day of the precious life God has given you. Rejoice in the Lord, and again I say, rejoice!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me enjoy each day You’ve given me. Teach me to find joy in the journey and live with gratitude, purpose, and a heart full of praise, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Precious Words

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Read 2 Peter 3:1–7

Someone once said that if you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth. One reason lies are so destructive is because humans tend to believe what they hear first or what is repeated most often. That is why we should be careful which voices we allow to speak into our lives.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter warns the church that “in the last days scoffers will come” (v. 3). There would be many people treating faith in the Lord Jesus with contempt. These scoffers will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” (v. 4). As Christians, we believe Jesus will keep His promise to return (John 14:2–3). When Peter wrote this letter, it had been at least 30 years, and Jesus had not yet returned. This led some to mock Christians for their belief. This same criticism is often used against the church today, some 2,000 years later.

Instead of listening to scoffers, believers should pay attention to the real source of truth. Peter advises, “I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles” (v. 2). In other words, we are to saturate our minds in Scripture. This aligns with Jesus’ prayer for the disciples: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).

God’s Word is powerful, life-giving, authoritative, and true. It is worthy of our careful study and obedience. We need to not just understand it, but to stand under it. We should come under its authority and allow it to shape our belief, thoughts, and actions. As the Lord Jesus taught, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, quoting Deut. 8:3).

Go Deeper

Have you seen “scoffers” who doubt Jesus’ Second Coming? How does Scripture help us stay the course in these last days?

Pray with Us

Lord, open our eyes to see the truth that You have revealed in the Bible for us. Convict us of areas where we are not obeying Your commands. Help us stand under Your Word!

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.2 Peter 3:2

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – God’s Will

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Recommended Reading: Romans 15:30-33

The subject of God’s will for the individual Christian always promotes lively debate. How are we to know what God’s will is for us? While the discussion continues, we can know for certain at least three things that are God’s will for every Christian: to rejoice always, to be persistent in prayer, and to live with an attitude of gratitude in all things.

When Paul wrote that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” he was likely referring to all three of the disciplines he had just mentioned—not just to the last one about giving thanks. And it is not incidental that his very next words were a warning about quenching the Holy Spirit’s fire (1 Thessalonians 5:19). When the Holy Spirit is given free range in the Church, Christians will manifest joy, will be consistent in prayer, and will be grateful (along with other manifestations—Galatians 5:22-23). Joy, prayer, and gratitude are three “barometers” which can reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit and how yielded Christians are to His filling and leading.

Based on these three measures, are you walking in God’s will today?

The essence of Christian ethics is gratitude.
R. C. Sproul

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Who’s My Neighbor?

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“Who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29

Today’s Scripture

Luke 10:30-37

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Today’s Devotion

An elderly woman became unconscious on a hot sidewalk after a terrible fall. Several people stopped to help. One called 911. Another gently placed a coat under her head. Others put towels under her arms, and still another held an umbrella over her head until paramedics arrived. The person who posted the video wrote that it was an especially heartwarming scene because those who stopped included people of different ages and ethnicities—all working together to help someone in distress.

When an expert in God’s law asked Jesus who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29)—that is, who he was obligated to show love to—Jesus told a story of a man badly beaten by robbers, lying near death by the side of the road (vv. 30-31). A priest and then a Levite approached, but both passed by on the other side. Finally, a Samaritan stopped to help. What made this so unusual was that Jews and Samaritans had a bitter history of scorn for each other. Yet it was the Samaritan who stopped and “took pity” on the man (v. 33).

After telling this parable, Jesus asked which was a neighbor to the fallen man. The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him” (v. 37). Jesus told him, and us, “Go and do likewise.”

May God help us see that everyone we meet is our neighbor, another human created by Him and deserving of our aid.

Reflect & Pray

To whom do you find it difficult to be a good neighbor? How does Jesus show what it means to be a loving neighbor to others?

Dear God, please help me to love others—regardless of differences—as my neighbor.

Today’s Insights

When a law expert asked, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), Jesus didn’t answer directly. Instead, He told a story lifting up a Samaritan as a role model (vv. 30-35), part of a population many Jewish people despised and saw as heretics. This challenged the law expert’s likely self-centered and self-righteous perspective, forcing him to confront his own prejudice. He was called not only to extend his love to all, even his enemies, but to learn from the compassion of someone he’d looked down on. When Christ asked him who’d been “a neighbor” in this story (v. 36), the law expert couldn’t even bring himself to say “Samaritan,” instead replying, “the one who . . .” (v. 37).

Instead of trying to define the limits of who to love, we’re called to question our prejudices and focus on being a good neighbor to all.

Join the Discover the Word team as they discuss the story of the Good Samaritan and what it means to love your neighbor.

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Soccer players glorify Jesus on the biggest stage in sports

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After America’s World Cup victory over Australia last Friday, Christian Pulisic shared a photo on Instagram showing several US players gathered in a circle on the field, their heads bowed in prayer. His teammate Mark McKenzie responded by referencing Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 and its reminder that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (v. 12).

The American players are by no means unique in demonstrating their faith. After Germany defeated Curaçao recently, players from both teams gathered together to pray on the field. German midfielder Felix Nmecha later explained: “Overall, we all believe that Jesus is glorified through the game. During the game, we are opponents facing one another, but after the match, we are all Christians, and we are like brothers.”

Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy

However, such faith is no guarantee that Christians will not suffer and struggle as do others. Natural disasters such as the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday, likely killing thousands, affect believers and nonbelievers alike.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Soccer players glorify Jesus on the biggest stage in sports →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Everyone Needs Jesus

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 When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. 

—Titus 3:4–7

Scripture:

Self-righteous people don’t think they need forgiveness. Self-righteous people don’t think they need Jesus. A self-righteous person will say, “You go preach that gospel in the prisons and on the streets and to the criminals. But don’t bother with me. I’m an educated and intelligent person. I’m a moral person. I don’t need it.”

The Bible takes a different stance on the matter. The apostle Paul wrote,

 

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (Titus 3:4–7 NLT)

 

Self-righteous people are different from what I would call garden-variety sinners. Self-righteous people are kind people. They are considerate people. They volunteer and help wherever they’re needed. They do benevolent things. We all know people like this. In fact, I’ve met some non-Christians who are nicer than some Christians I know.

It isn’t wrong to say that there are some relatively “good” people from a worldly perspective, because there are. The Bible acknowledges that, in a human sense, some people appear more moral than others. But the Bible does say that no one is good enough to get to Heaven. We don’t get to Heaven based on niceness. Heaven is not a place for near-perfect people; it’s a place for forgiven people.

We see classic examples of this in John’s Gospel. In John 3, we’re introduced to Nicodemus, who was an upstanding, respected, religious, moral guy. In John 4, we’re introduced to a Samaritan woman, an immoral person who was living in sin. What do these two have in common? They both encountered Jesus. And they both were confronted with their need for Him.

Their encounters remind us that everyone needs Jesus—both the moral and the immoral, both the down-and-outer and the up-and-outer. That message is at the center of our Harvest Crusades. It’s why we do what we do.

Look around at the people in your life. Every one of them who hasn’t received Christ as Savior and Lord needs Him, whether they realize it or not. Your mission is to help them recognize that need and then lead them to the One who can fulfill it.

Will you accept that mission?

 

Reflection question: How can you convince an unbeliever of their need for Jesus? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The Meek of the Earth

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“Seek ye the LORD all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.” (Zephaniah 2:3)

This phrase, “the meek of the earth,” occurs three times in the Bible (see also Psalm 76:9, which promises their salvation; and Isaiah 11:4, which assures them justice). Our text promises deliverance from God’s wrath.

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,” said Jesus (Matthew 5:5), referring to the promise of Psalm 37:11: “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

There are many other similar promises: “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9). “He will beautify the meek with salvation” (Psalm 149:4), so we need to put on “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4).

That meekness is not weakness is made clear from the first use of the word in the Bible. “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Moses was strong and courageous but also deeply humble and self-sacrificing—a man of prayer and trust in the Word of God, willing to defend it at all costs. The Lord Jesus defined meekness in terms of His own human character: “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29).

A meek spirit enables a Christian to maintain composure in the face of opposition, to accept adversity without complaint, promotion without arrogance, demotion without resentment. It produces a peace that no trouble can disturb and that no prosperity can puff up. Therefore, as our text commands, “Seek meekness!” HMM

 

 

 

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

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Let Disappointments Go

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. But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity).

1 John 2:5 (AMPC)

It can be disappointing when people who are close to us don’t do what we would like for them to do. But if we really love them, we should encourage them to follow the Holy Spirit rather than try to keep us happy all the time.

Help others grow spiritually by encouraging them to listen for God’s voice. Remind them that God will help them through mistakes and lead them to a good life. Soon they will be making Spirit-led, rather than people-led, decisions. It is tremendously gratifying to see loved ones mature spiritually in Christ.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me love others without controlling them. Give me patience and wisdom to encourage their growth and trust You to guide their lives, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Assembly Required 

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Play

Do you want to see a father’s face go ashen as he discovers three words on the box of a just-bought toy: some assembly required. What follows are hours of squeezing A into B, bolting D into F, sliding R over Z, and hoping no one notices if steps four, five, and six were skipped altogether. I’m convinced the devil indwells the details of toy assembly. Somewhere in perdition is a warehouse of stolen toy parts.

“Some assembly required.” Not the most welcome sentence but an honest one. Life is a gift, albeit unassembled. The pieces don’t fit. When they don’t, take your problem to Jesus. He says, “Bring your problems to me.” In prayer, state them simply. Present them faithfully, and trust him reverently.

 

 

 

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Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Recognizing False Teachers

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Read 2 Peter 2:10b–22

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained how to recognize false prophets. He admitted they may be hard to detect. Outwardly, they look like harmless sheep, but inwardly, “they are ferocious wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Jesus recommends the fruit test, “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matt. 7:20). Look at their lives and the results of their teaching. Do they exemplify the fruit of the Spirit?

Peter uses a similar strategy in today’s reading. At length, he describes the fruit of the false prophets’ ministry, and it’s not pretty. They are “bold and arrogant” (v. 10). To illustrate this, Peter uses an obscure analogy. Commentators are divided on exactly what he is referring to with his reference to “celestial beings” (v. 10). But his overall point is clear; that is, these false prophets do not hesitate to “blaspheme in matters they do not understand” (v. 12). They speak without any real knowledge.

These false teachers are like unreasoning animals, motivated by instinctive pleasure and greed (v. 12). They have “eyes full of adultery,” “seduce the unstable,” and are “experts in greed” (v. 14). They are modern-day Balaams (v. 15). The Moabites hired Balaam to use his prophetic gift to curse the Israelites (Num. 22). When that did not work, Balaam advised the Moabites to send seductive women into the camp to lead Israel into immorality and adultery (Num. 31:15–16).

False teachers claim to bring freedom, but they are selling slavery to sin (v. 19). I may be free to eat and drink the wrong things. There is no law against it. But as a result I may have significant health problems or worse. In the same way, sin has consequences. Since we have been freed in Christ, why would we want to go back to our old way of living (v. 22)?

Go Deeper

Peter warns about those who know the truth and then turn their backs on it (v. 21). What lesson can we take away from this in our own faith journey?

Pray with Us

Thank You for the freedom You have given us through Your death and resurrection, Jesus! Help us use this freedom as a testimony for You. We want to be holy as You are holy.

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.2 Peter 2:17

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Turning Point

Turning Point; David Jeremiah – Conquering Worry

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His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness … by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.
2 Peter 1:3-4

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:31-34

Someone has said that it is hard to be mad at a person you are praying for! So the best way to deal with negative emotions about another person is to pray for them. Likewise, it is hard to worry when we consider God’s promises. So when we start to worry, the best thing to do is to immerse our mind in Scripture to be reminded of God’s promises to care for us.

The apostle Peter wrote his two epistles to Christians who were scattered in churches across Asia Minor. First Peter dealt with persecutions from outside the churches; 2 Peter dealt with radical attacks from within the churches. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter prescribes a defense for withstanding both situations: God’s “great and precious promises” that provide “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” The defense against all sources of worry or anxiety is God’s promises found in Scripture.

When worry rises, go to the Word and meditate on it until the promise of peace is met (Isaiah 26:3).

Worry is like a rocking chair; it will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. 
Anonymous

 

 

 

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – The Father’s Open Arms

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In you the fatherless find compassion. Hosea 14:3

Today’s Scripture

Hosea 14:1-7, 9

Listen to Today’s Devotion

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Today’s Devotion

Mary Slessor’s compassionate heart led her to open her arms to those in need. The Scottish missionary, born in 1848, served among the people of Okoyong in a distant land. Superstition led people of that region to believe that when twins were born, one was good and one was the child of a demon. This often led to both twins dying—being abandoned to starvation or other dangers. Reflecting the loving heart of God, in time Mary helped save hundreds of the at-risk children, adopting nine as her own!

In his inspired words to the rebellious nation of Israel, the prophet Hosea offers a glimpse into God’s caring heart for children. The prophet said of Him, “In you the fatherless find compassion” (14:3). Hosea stated that God cared for His own and desired to “love them freely” (v. 4). But they needed to turn from their defiance of Him and embrace His ways. They were instructed to turn from pagan deities to the true God who cares for the most helpless, the orphans. And if they returned to God, they’d find forgiveness from the one who would “receive [them] graciously” (vv. 1-2).

As we open our arms to those around us, including at-risk children, we reflect the love of God. Let’s embrace His compassionate heart and extend His care to those in need as He helps us.

Reflect & Pray

How has God’s loving example led you to care for those in need? How does it encourage you to know that in Him “the fatherless find compassion”?

Compassionate God, please open my heart and my arms to children and others who are in need around me.

Today’s Insights

The book of Hosea begins with a bitter, living picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, lived out in the promiscuous lifestyle of Hosea’s unfaithful wife (1:2). Ultimately Hosea buys her back out of her enslaved condition—a picture of God’s redemption of His wayward people (3:1-5). At the time, Israel faced severe judgment for their sins. The book’s final chapter brings hope and an appeal. The prophet says, “Take words with you and return to the Lord” (14:2). He counsels them, “Say to [God], ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips’ ” (v. 2). Some scholars believe the “fruit of our lips” is a reference to their honest confession before God—a far preferable sacrifice than the empty rituals they’d been performing (6:6). As we share what God has done for us, we invite others to accept the love of our gracious and forgiving Father.

Learn what it means to be a sacrificial servant by reading Who Is Your Neighbor?

 

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Denison Forum

Denison Forum – Should Christians use The Passion Translation?

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There has been a significant amount of controversy and discussion around The Passion Translation (TPT) over the course of the past few years, but perhaps none more polarizing than last week when prominent Bible teacher, apologist, and YouTuber Mike Winger chose to uninstall the YouVersion Bible App over its inclusion of the TPT due to its lack of accuracy and translation standards. Some believers considered this a worthy hill to die on, while others felt it was an overreaction. Regardless, the TPT’s creator and translator, Brian Simmons, has formed a quite controversial Bible translation that demands research and understanding.

How are Bible Translations Created?

To understand what the TPT is and what it is not, one must understand how Bible translations are formed.

First, there are the ancient biblical manuscripts, with the oldest and most dependable being in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Koine Greek (New Testament). The Old Testament also contains some Aramaic manuscripts, though far fewer than the many Hebrew manuscripts.

Continue reading Denison Forum – Should Christians use The Passion Translation? →

Greg Laurie

Harvest Ministries; Greg Laurie – Good Isn’t Good Enough

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 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 

—Romans 3:23

Scripture:

Years ago, I was a guest on a morning television show. The host and I were having a nice chat when, near the end of the program, he dropped a bombshell. He said, “Greg, I have a question for you. You believe that most of the world is non-Christian and that because of that, they are going to burn in Hell for all eternity. What kind of loving God would ever create such a scenario? Is that like a petty boss that some people have created, not understanding God?”

I had about two minutes to respond to that question. But after the show ended and the cameras stopped rolling, our conversation continued. He went on to ask me about good people and how a God of love could allow them to face judgment.

I pointed out that we must define what “good” is. As humans, we have a sliding scale of good. Everyone seems to believe that they are good. They are always the moral center of their universe. They immediately give themselves a free pass and believe that other people aren’t as good as they are. The problem is that we have conflicting views regarding what is good.

So, how do we determine what good is? We all have the answer, and it’s found in the Bible. God says, “No one is righteous—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NLT). This doesn’t mean there aren’t good people in a broad sense; it means no one is good enough to get to Heaven on their own merit.

In the end, it’s not our standards of goodness that matter; it’s God’s. And, as the apostle Paul makes clear a few verses later in Romans 3, God’s threshold for goodness is much higher than ours. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (verse 23 NLT).

Our efforts to be “good enough” on our own don’t impress God. Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (NLT). Our good deeds can’t help us escape the judgment we deserve for our sin. Only God’s forgiveness can do that.

From an eternal perspective, being good isn’t about being the nicest person or the kindest person. It’s about being a forgiven person. That’s who will be in Heaven: forgiven people.

If you’ve always put your faith in your own goodness, now is the time to reevaluate. Consider the warnings of Scripture carefully. Admit that your best isn’t good enough. Confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. Trust in the righteousness of Christ for your salvation.

If you’ve already done that, embark on your own personal mission to take the gospel message to the people around you. Help them understand why good isn’t good enough.

 

Reflection question: How would you respond to someone who believes that they’ll go to Heaven when they die because they’re a good person? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

 

 

 

Harvest.org | Greg Laurie

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – In the Midst

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.” (John 20:26)

In His earthly life, Jesus was often “in the midst” of things. At the age of 12 He was found in the temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Then, early in His adult ministry, His hometown enemies at Nazareth attempted to kill Him, “but he passing through the midst of them went his way” (Luke 4:30). Later, in Jerusalem, a group of Pharisees sought to stone Him, but He simply went “through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).

Finally, however, they were able to put Him to death, and as a bitter testimony of their hatred, they had Him crucified with two common criminals: “on either side one, and Jesus in the midst” (19:18). Three days later, the tomb was emptied, and He would never again be in the midst of enemies. Instead, He met His disciples in the upper room.

There, “when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (20:19). Eight days later, with Thomas present, Jesus once again appeared in their midst and greeted them with reassuring words of peace.

Though now in heaven, His presence still speaks peace to us through His Holy Spirit, for He promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Even in the ages to come, He will be in our midst, for John says, describing that scene, “In the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,” and then all creation will sing “unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:6, 13). HMM

 

 

 

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