Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?
Matthew 11:3

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 11:1-6

There’s a difference between doubt and unbelief. The latter involves the heart. Doubt is a matter of a rational mind asking good questions, often during periods of stress. John the Baptist had such a moment in Matthew 11. It didn’t upset Jesus. God isn’t scared by our doubts. He can use our doubts to draw us closer to Himself. He has solid answers for honest questions.

If your children or grandchildren are asking questions—or if you are—don’t panic. Learn to search out the answers. Josh Rasmussen is a philosopher who went from Christianity to atheism. But his honest questions led him to evidence that drove him back to God. “The biggest threat to the discovery of God, and to productive truth seeking more broadly,” Rasmussen wrote, “is blind faith…. Seek truth. Follow the evidence. Align with reason…You may come to discover that the foundation of reality is greater than you had imagined.”[1]

When people fight their way through their doubts to the conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord, they have attained to a certainty that those who unthinkingly accept things can never reach.
William Barclay

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.
Hebrews 12:15

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 32:3-5

Many Southern home gardeners have made the mistake of planting mint to enjoy in their iced tea in the summer. After a few years they dig up the mint and then discover a year later that they didn’t dig up the mint. It’s still growing and spreading. Mint is one of many decorative yard species that are hard to eradicate once they gain a foothold—especially those that spread by extending their roots (rhizomes) underground. Leaving even a sliver of root in the ground will guarantee that your yard will be continually “defiled.”

Speaking of roots that defile—the writer to the Hebrews warned about a “root of bitterness” that can spring up and defile many. In other words, bitterness is an invasive spiritual species that can spread quickly throughout a group of people. Moses warned the Israelites about letting their hearts turn away from God in pursuit of idols, becoming a “root among you that produces such bitter poison” (Deuteronomy 29:18, NIV).

Don’t be bitter. Rip up bitterness by the root! Stay focused on God’s love, grace, and forgiveness—and extend the same to everyone you are around.

Difficulties make us either better or bitter.
Unknown

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation.
Psalm 18:2

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:14-16

An American missionary to Africa asked a tribal chief why the churches in Africa saw God work so many miracles. The chief replied, “In America, you have blessed insurance; in Africa, we have only blessed assurance!”

Insurance protects against catastrophic loss or injury and is prudent, especially if the law mandates it. But there is a danger in putting our trust in man-made forms of protection instead of trusting in God’s protection. There are biblical warnings to that effect: trusting in horses, chariots, and horsemen “because they are very strong” instead of looking to “the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 31:1). When we become a Christian, we enter into the family of God, thereby coming under the protection of God Himself. The apostle Paul wrote that there is nothing that can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39).

Begin each day by affirming your trust in God’s provision and protection. Never doubt that His goodness and mercy are following you each day (Psalm 23:6).

A sovereign Protector I have, unseen, yet forever at hand; unchangeably faithful to save, almighty to rule and command.
Augustus M. Toplady

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

 Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-15

Jesus was a Jew, so when He taught, He used typically Jewish literary styles. For example, He used comparisons for purposes of illustration. In Matthew 13 there are eight kingdom parables, seven of which compare the kingdom of heaven to ordinary things: agriculture, seeds, treasure, a fishing net, and the like. Jesus illustrated something complex by comparing it to something familiar.

The apostle Paul also used a comparison to illustrate how we are to forgive others. We are to forgive others “as God in Christ forgave you.” The question then becomes, how did God in Christ forgive us? He forgave us unconditionally, willingly, generously, permanently, graciously, completely, sacrificially…and the list goes on. That means we are to forgive others the same way. If that sounds daunting, it is. But it also provides insight into the depth of God’s love for us and the love He expects us to extend to others in the form of forgiveness.

As God forgives others, so must we. Rather than resentment, let forgiveness be our response to any who have offended us.

True forgiveness breaks a man, and he must forgive.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6

 Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:29

“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). These familiar words of Jesus suggest that our life is to accomplish the two benefits of salt: seasoning (attractiveness) and preservation. Paul applied the salt metaphor to speech when it came to relating to nonbelievers: Our speech should be graceful (kind, compassionate, encouraging, understanding)—seasoned with salt.

How might the two uses of salt—seasoning and preservation—apply to our speech when relating to those who might be opposed to our beliefs or actions? Seasoning suggests speech that adds an attractive flavor to the conversation or dialogue. And preservation suggests doing whatever we can, not just to preserve a relationship but to strengthen it. As Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” “All men” includes everyone we encounter—even those who may have done us wrong. Let us speak only “what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

Look for an opportunity to encourage someone today with gracious words that are “flavorful” and that strengthen the relationship.

It is bad to think ill, but it is worse to speak it.
Matthew Henry

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Psalm 4:4

 Recommended Reading: Romans 12:17-21

The list of circumstances in life in which we may be tempted to anger is endless. And because those events happen frequently, it pays to be prepared. How should we respond when we feel anger rising up? The timeless advice of “Take a breath; count to ten” could have easily had its origin in Psalm 4:4.

David wrote Psalm 4 in response to an unknown circumstance in his life—something he called “distress” (verse 1). He seems to have been persecuted by a group he called “sons of men” (verse 2)—a generic term, but at least suggesting a “relationship” matter. And in verse 4 he seems to pen advice to himself (or others in similar circumstances): Do not sin by lashing out or retaliating. Instead, step back and meditate on what has happened; be still when you are tempted to say or do something you will surely regret. Jesus took it a step further: Instead of retaliating, “do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44).

When anger rises, let it be a motivation not to sin. Step back, consider, and pray for understanding and guidance and for a way to replace harm with goodness.

Anger is just one letter short of danger.
Unknown

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

 Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:26-27

A case can be made for pride being the oldest sin. Paul said as much when he wrote that it was this sin that condemned the devil (1 Timothy 3:6). And in Isaiah 14:13-15, we have the description of Satan expressing his fivefold intent to be like God. Satan’s failure was his unwillingness to submit to God, an unwillingness that God opposed.

The apostle James warned that Satan might tempt Christians to be prideful, resulting in God’s opposition (James 4:1-7). Why would Satan tempt us to be prideful? Because pride can lead us to a failure to submit to God. Any time we are tempted to sin against God, we can be sure that Satan is fueling that temptation. So what should we do when that happens? Two things—which are the two sides of the same coin of victory: (1) Submit to God and (2) resist the devil (James 4:7). When we are tempted to sin, we resist the devil by submitting to God. And when we submit and resist, the devil “will flee from [us].”

Satan is always looking for a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Stop him in his tracks by resisting him and submitting to God.

Nothing is more powerful to overcome temptation than the fear of God. 
John Calvin

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

 Recommended Reading: James 1:13-15

Jesus Christ was tempted to sin. For example, He underwent three major temptations from Satan after fasting for forty days (Matthew 4:1-11). But He resisted not only those temptations but others as well (Hebrews 4:15).

How did Jesus resist temptation and not sin? By taking “the way of escape” that God provided—in His case, biblical refutations from Deuteronomy to all of Satan’s lies. And because He “suffered” during temptations, “He is able to aid those [us] who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Because temptations don’t come from God (James 1:13), He is more than willing to provide a “way of escape” so that, like Jesus, we can avoid falling into sin.

First Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will provide a way of escape. Our task is to find the way and take it. If you don’t immediately see the way God has provided, ask Him to reveal it (James 1:2-5).

[We must] pray constantly for His enabling grace to say no to temptation, of choosing to take all practical steps to avoid known areas of temptation and flee from those that surprise us.
Jerry Bridges

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

 Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6

Eagles usually build their nests high in the branches of a tall tree. In the winter, when icy rain, sleet, or snow falls, the parents and eaglet(s) are left exposed. In such weather, one of the parents will gather the baby eagle(s) under their wings and provide shelter through the storm.

On our own “stormy nights,” God is with us. The apostle Peter reminded his readers that it is possible to love, worship, and follow the Lord whom we have never seen (1 Peter 1:8). Peter may have been remembering Jesus’ words in John 20:29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We sometimes think that because we can’t see the Lord, He cannot meet our needs. But Paul wrote that the One who gave us His Son will surely meet all our other needs (Romans 8:32). The best way to be assured of God’s presence is to be in His presence daily through prayer, Bible study, and worship.

Read and pray a promise of God today and be reminded of His presence with you.

Anxious care is out of place in a heavenly Father’s presence. 
Kenneth Wuest

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The oil of joy.
Isaiah 61:3

 Recommended Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3

A woman in South Carolina pulled into an auto shop for an oil change, but on the way home her engine light came on, and the car stopped running. It turned out the shop employee had installed the wrong filter. It fell off, causing the oil to drain from the engine.

The joy of the Holy Spirit is the oil of a healthy heart. Guilt is the wrong filter in our life. When our joy and gladness drain from our mind, we need to pull into the divine repair shop for a tune up. When we recognize and confess our sin, God restores the joy we have in our relationship with Him.

An old hymn says, “Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” Ask the Lord to look under the hood of your heart. Is there a bad habit? A hidden sin? Have you neglected His Word? Developed a hardened heart? Damaged a relationship? The Lord knows how to give much needed tune ups to our heart.

May the oil of joy cycle through your spirit today!

The joy of the Lord is your strength, and as your Master was anointed with the oil of gladness in his work, so must you be.
Charles Spurgeon

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 5:2

 Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

One day Victoria Pierce of Nashville opened her front door and her dog raced in, yelping and covered with skunk spray. With Victoria chasing him, the dog ran through every room, rubbing himself against every cushion, rug, and piece of upholstered furniture. The whole house had to be decontaminated.

The stench of sin is worse than all the foul odors of earth. When we dishonor the commands of Scripture, it’s a stench rising to heaven. Ecclesiastes 10:1 says, “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.”

Only the Bible tells us how to rid our life of the foul effects of sin. We must confess and turn from them, letting the Lord bathe us in grace. The apostle Paul said, “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14). When sin stinks up your life, turn in confession to the Lord; He will forgive.

We can never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty.
Max Lucado

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.
Luke 6:21

 Recommended Reading: Luke 6:20-23

When William K. Vanderbilt visited Constantinople, he invited the actor Coquelin the Elder to perform on his yacht. Several days later, Coquelin received a check. Vanderbilt paid him $2,400 “for laughter, twelve times.”

Orison Marden, who told that story in an old book, said, “Laughter begins in the lungs and diaphragm, setting the liver, stomach, and other internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibration, which gives a pleasant sensation and exercise, almost equal to that of horseback riding.”[1] 

Most of us worry more than we laugh. But remember, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). In Luke 6:21, Jesus promised laughter to the weeping. We’ll enjoy many good laughs in the cheerfulness of heaven, but don’t wait until then. Cultivate a merry heart now. Instead of focusing on what might be, focus on what will be.

Keep your mind regulated by the reality of God’s eternity. When we focus on life eternal, we diminish the worry of temporal things. Cheerfulness is knowing God has us today, and He also has tomorrow under His perfect control.

Mirth is God’s medicine. Everybody out to bathe in it. Grim care…anxiety, all this rust of life ought to be scoured off by the oil of mirth.
Henry Ward Beecher

[1] Orison Marden, Wisdom and Empowerment (Chicago, IL: Musaicum Books, 2017).

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:31-34

Recently a website offered tips to help people calm down if a horror movie triggers their anxiety. Horror movies are designed to elicit emotions like fear and stress, which can cause panic attacks. Moviemakers use a technique called “jump scare” to shock viewers and make them jump. The scenes can result in nightmares and generate anxiety.

Most of us would say there’s an easy answer to that—don’t watch horror movies!

But life itself can do the same thing—elicit emotions of fear and stress, cause panic attacks, shock and scare us, give us nightmares, and generate anxiety. And we can’t very easily avoid life!

But we can minimize anxiety. One of the greatest techniques of peaceful people is learning to go about today’s business while leaving tomorrow in God’s hands. As you focus on what God has placed in front of you today, the giant of worry about the future will fade! God will take care of today and tomorrow.

Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
Corrie ten Boom

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Be diligent to come to me quickly….Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:9, 11

 Recommended Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25

When King Solomon wrote that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), he wasn’t speaking literally. Obviously, there were no smartphones when he wrote those words. He was talking about human experience—the repetitive cycles of human life with its ups and downs and joys and defeats. And one of those experiences is loneliness.

Something else that isn’t new is this: our tendency to think we are the only one struggling in a difficult experience like loneliness. But that isn’t true—the Bible contains the records of many servants of God who experienced loneliness. And one of them was the apostle Paul when he was in his final imprisonment before his martyrdom. In 2 Timothy 4:9-18 he recounts how, except for his friend Luke, he was alone in Rome, having been deserted by others. To assuage his loneliness, he asked Timothy to bring Mark to Rome.

What is the Bible’s answer for loneliness? Fellowship within the Body of Christ. The more deeply connected we are with fellow believers, the stronger our defense against loneliness. Connect with others in the Body of Christ and defeat loneliness together.

Loneliness is the first thing which God’s eye named not good.
John Milton

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

 Recommended Reading: Acts 1:8

The 1956 film The Ten Commandments is the grand story of Moses leading the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt. One of the most dramatic scenes is the Hebrews fleeing Egypt—six hundred thousand men (Exodus 12:37), plus women and children. The feeble, old, and disabled were in carts, on crutches, or riding on donkeys.

But wait—were there weak and feeble among them? Psalm 105:37 says, “He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes” (emphasis added). Perhaps this summary view by the psalmist has to do with what the Hebrew slaves did the night before the Exodus: They consumed a Passover lamb in their homes. They entered into obedient fellowship with God and, for the first time in centuries, found hope in their redemption and liberation. Their weakness turned to certain hope and strength.

Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). He has promised us the power of His Spirit (Acts 1:8) that we may have strength for our journey of faith. He will provide you with the strength you need for whatever you face today.

Christianity is the power of God in the soul of man. 
Robert B. Munger

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16, NIV

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 25:16-22

Loneliness is a global pandemic of sorts. The most vulnerable are people younger than 25 and older than 55. Also singles, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those suffering from chronic disease. Perhaps you fit into one of those groups. Even if you don’t, our technologically advanced world is a lonely place. But God doesn’t want us to live in perpetual loneliness. He has given us a prayer to offer: Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

That prayer was originally composed by David, the man after God’s own heart. When you feel lonely, it helps to remember the biblical heroes who suffered bouts of the same affliction. But our ever-present God can show us how to turn our loneliness into love for others. Even something as simple as writing a note, smiling at passersby in the grocery store, or calling an ailing friend can help.

Cast out the temptation to move from loneliness to self-pity. Use your lonely feelings to push you toward someone lonelier than you are. The God who blesses you will make you a blessing!

There’s no better place to discover the healthiest possible response to loneliness than the Word of God.
Ruth Graham

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.
Psalm 119:32

 Recommended Reading: Acts 20:22-24

Jaime Chien of New York City began running for exercise in 2013 after watching a friend in a marathon. Now she’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of running. “What keeps me going is being able to motivate other people,” she told Runner’s World. “There are times I don’t feel like running…. But I lead a Monday night running group, so people are relying on me.”[1]

The Bible compares our Christian life to a running course. We’re to “run in such a way” that we’ll obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24), to “run with endurance” (Hebrews 12:1), to run without stumbling (Proverbs 4:12), to “run and not be weary” (Isaiah 40:31), and to finish our course (2 Timothy 4:7).

One thing that keeps us going is the ability to motivate and encourage the other Christian runners around us; God uses the act of encouraging others to bring us encouragement too. Next time you are discouraged, reach out and encourage a fellow believer in Christ; you will both end up being encouraged!

Discouraged people don’t need critics. They hurt enough already…. They need encouragement.
Charles Swindoll

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 1:21

 Recommended Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-4

It’s natural to become discouraged, but it’s unhealthy to stay that way. Satan loves to utilize the giant of discouragement to cast down our faith and progress. John Bunyan called it Giant Despair in his timeless classic The Pilgrim’s Progress, and it imprisoned Christian until he found the Key of Promise in his clothing.

If Giant Despair has you in his dungeon today, remember you have the key to escape. It’s inside your Bible, found in one of the hundreds of promises God has given you. For example, you can claim Joshua 1:9, which says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (NIV).

Discouragement is the temptation to evaluate your momentary circumstances apart from the overarching plan of God for your life. God is a God of encouragement. As soon as you become discouraged, cry out to Him in prayer and ask for His help. God wants to hear your prayers, even when discouraged. He will answer and bring encouragement to your heart.

Discouragement can be defeated only when the full truth of everything that is for us confronts and conquers the half-truth of fear and despair.
Jason Meyer

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

 Recommended Reading: Psalm 27

When we walk into a new situation in life, there is often some fear in our heart. Whether it’s the first day of school in a new town or the first day at a new job, venturing into the unknown can make us feel anxious and fearful. It is only when we begin to build relationships and adjust to our surroundings that the fear subsides. The unfamiliar becomes familiar.

Investing in our relationship with the Lord has the same effect. When we spend time with our Heavenly Father, the fears in our life subside. When we study His Word, we see how He protected His children from their enemies and worked miracles on their behalf. We become confident in His unchanging love and care for us.

Our God is all-powerful. He is with us no matter where we are or what we are experiencing. He alone makes the unfamiliar familiar and changes our fear into peace.

Allow these truths to settle into your heart and mind so that when fear comes, you can be confident knowing who your God is.

If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear.
John Newton

https://www.davidjeremiah.org

Do not fear.
Deuteronomy 1:21

 Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 1:19-33

We all encounter circumstances in our life which cause us to experience fear. These could be mental, physical, or spiritual struggles. The characters in the Bible were no exception. They, too, experienced fear. Think of the disciples rowing on the Sea of Galilee or David battling against Goliath. Fear and the courage to conquer it are mentioned often in God’s Word. But it is important to remember the role of faith in conquering fear.

Joshua and Caleb were men of faith. When they and the other spies left Kadesh Barnea to enter the land of Canaan and inspect the land that God had given them, their cohorts were afraid. But not Joshua and Caleb. They didn’t let fear keep them from God’s plan for the people to enter the Promised Land. Nor did they let fear convince them to disobey His commands. While others rebelled against God, Joshua and Caleb remained steadfast in their faith in God and His promises. And they were eventually blessed because of it.

Deuteronomy 1:21, 30 says, “Do not fear or be discouraged…. The Lord your God…He will fight for you.” Reflect upon the promises found in God’s Word; they will enable you to conquer all your fears.

The only known antidote to fear is faith.
Woodrow Kroll

https://www.davidjeremiah.org