Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, July 23

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 11:20-22 [ http://iz3.me/06pm1zwXd1A1 ]

Francis Crick, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their research into the nature of the genetic code -- that information contained in human cells that is passed from generation to generation. We receive genetic information from our parents and pass it on to our children, a living chain that ties the human race together from beginning to end.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/16pm1zwXd1A1 ]

Scientists now know that human genes can be affected by environmental and lifestyle choices. It behooves us, therefore, to be good stewards of what we receive for the benefit of succeeding generations. And the same is true of spiritual blessings we inherit. That is, we have been blessed to be a blessing. Not only have we been called, as children of God, to inherit a blessing; we have been sent out into the world in order to be a blessing to others as well. The grace of God in us is for our giving as well as for our keeping -- a never-ending supply of blessing for the world.

As God has been a blessing to you, ask Him to show you someone to whom you may be a blessing today.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.
Robert Robinson

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 32-34 [ http://iz3.me/26pm1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 24

Future Focus

For [ Abraham ] waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:10

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 11:13-16 [ http://iz3.me/ltxm1zwXd1A1 ]

Parents are sometimes heard telling their young adult children, "You need to stop dreaming about the future and get a job today!" Some adults can't stop thinking that their true destination in life is just around the corner. Instead of sowing seeds today, they dream only of a harvest (Proverbs 12:11).

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/ntxm1zwXd1A1 ]

Just the opposite is true of some Christians. Instead of keeping our eyes focused on our eternal calling, we become enamored with "today" -- the things of this world that are only temporal (1 John 2:17). The writer to the Hebrews singled out Abraham and Moses as examples of those who lived their lives by faith in the future. Abraham might have been travelling to Canaan, but he knew he was destined for an eternal city. And Moses didn't mind giving up the riches of Egypt because "he looked to the reward" God had planned for him in eternity (Hebrews 11:26).

Both the present and the future are important, but only one will last forever. In fact, our present life is to be lived with our eternal life in mind (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Whatever your plans are for today, fulfill them for eternal reasons.

Too often we concentrate only on the things we can see now; but our focus should be on that place we can only envision, but will enjoy for all eternity.
David Jeremiah

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 35-37 [ http://iz3.me/ptxm1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, July 25

Trust in God and Do the Right

Trust in the LORD, and do good.
Psalm 37:3

Recommended Reading
Psalm 37:1-6 [ http://iz3.me/Ni8n1zwXd1A1 ]

It took some courage, but a Texas Girl Scout Troop helped nab a shoplifter while they were selling cookies at a Houston supermarket. From their table near the entrance, they watched a suspicious man wheel his shopping cart out the door and toward the curb. The girls were suspicious because none of the items were in bags and the man looked as if he were trying to sneak out. They alerted authorities who found $2000 in stolen merchandise in the man's possession -- not just groceries but small appliances and alcohol as well. "He was stealing a lot of stuff," said one girl. "We caught a bad guy."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/Oi8n1zwXd1A1 ]

Sometimes while minding our own business throughout the course of a day, we're confronted with a challenge -- a wrong to right, a correction to make, a task to finish, or a soul to influence. Most people look the other way, apathetic or frightened. But remember that the word "bold" is a New Testament adjective for God's people; and the Lord expects us to be of "good courage."

Having faith will give us courage even when the challenge seems intimidating or the task seems impossible. We must always trust God and do what's right.

Some will hate thee, some will love thee, some will flatter, some will slight; turn from man, and look above thee; trust in God and do the right.
Norman Macleod, Scottish poet

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 38-40 [ http://iz3.me/Pi8n1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, July 26 & 27

Four Presents You Can Give: Prayer

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:12

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 4:14-16 [ http://iz3.me/rXFn1zwXd1A1 ]

Marianne Adlard, a bedridden girl in 1860s London, read about the success of evangelist D. L. Moody and longed for his ministry to touch her own local congregation. She prayed, "O Lord, send this man to our church." In 1870, Moody was indeed invited to speak at Marianne's church; but that morning there was no response to his message. Marianne prayed earnestly that afternoon. In the evening Moody asked if anyone wanted to give their lives to Christ. A flood of people rose to their feet. Moody was so surprised he had them sit down while he clarified his invitation. Still they stood. In a ten-day period, four hundred people professed faith in Christ.

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/sXFn1zwXd1A1 ]

Like Marianne, Epaphras wrestled in prayer for the church he loved, asking God to work among the people. He believed his greatest ministry to others was in prayer.

When we present the needs of others in prayer to God, we're exercising Throne Power -- the power of coming to the Throne of Grace so another soul can receive mercy and grace to help in time of need. Only heaven knows the power of such a ministry.

Our prayers should be insistent. There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways... when we must wrestle.... The Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven.
Cameron V. Thompson, in  Master Secrets of Prayer

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 41-46 [ http://iz3.me/tXFn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, July 28

The Painter Did It

By faith Moses... refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
Hebrews 11:24-25

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 11:23-29 [ http://iz3.me/D9Hn1zwXd1A1 ]

During a hotel stay in France, the founder of Greater Europe Mission, Robert Evans, determined to share his faith with the staff he encountered there. He quickly discovered that many of them were familiar with Gospel, and some had already come to faith in Christ. Evans was interested in how they came to know about Christ and found that it was one of the workers -- the hotel painter -- who had shared his faith. "Almost everything here gets constant painting," explained the man. "My work gets me into every department of the building, I know everybody and everybody knows me. Of course, I tell them about my Lord."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/E9Hn1zwXd1A1 ]

This is a great reminder that our mission field is wherever we are. For Moses, it was the desert. He did his greatest work for the Lord in the hardest locations. Sometimes our situations are difficult and challenging, but having a Moses-like faith can help us see beyond the temporal and into the eternal. Don't be frustrated if you're tending sheep in the desert or painting a wall somewhere. God has a wonderful way of using us to reach people wherever we are.

"A sage seeks opportunities in difficulties, and a fool finds difficulties in opportunities." We are born to overcome difficulties through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Christiana Tsai, Chinese heroine

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 47-49 [ http://iz3.me/F9Hn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, July 29

By Faith

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 5:1-8 [ http://iz3.me/MlOn1zwXd1A1 ]

William Sangster began pastoring London's Westminster Central Hall just as World War II broke out. His courageous ministry, powerful evangelism, and undying optimism helped keep London alive for Christ even in her darkest hours. After the war, Sangster was diagnosed with progressive muscular atrophy. His condition deteriorated until he was virtually paralyzed. But his attitude never faltered. He told others that he had made four rules for himself at the outset of his illness: "(1) I will never complain; (2) I will keep the home bright; (3) I will count my blessings; (4) I will try to turn it to gain."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/NlOn1zwXd1A1 ]

Things don't always go as we'd wish, and we often don't have all the information we desire. Such times aren't just  testing  times; they are  trusting  times. The Bible tells us to walk by faith and not by sight, for without faith it is impossible to please Him. Those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6)

Let's adopt Sangster's rules as our own. In times like these, it's critical to have faith in God and to trust every word of His every promise.

There have been great gains already from my sickness. I live in the present. I am grateful for little things. I have more time -- and use it -- for prayer.
William Sangster

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 50-52 [ http://iz3.me/OlOn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, July 30

Forgivable Sins

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
Hebrews 11:31

Recommended Reading
1 John 1:8-9 [ http://iz3.me/kFXn1zwXd1A1 ]

Sometimes Christians wonder if they have committed a sin that God cannot forgive. Or they wonder if they have committed  the  unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-32). As for the latter possibility, Jesus was speaking to Pharisees who willfully rejected Christ's divine credentials as the Son of God. No Christian is in danger of committing that sin.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/mFXn1zwXd1A1 ]

As for committing a terrible sin that God cannot forgive, the Bible is clear: All have sinned (Romans 3:23), and all may receive eternal life (John 3:16). Because we live in societies that are required to exact punishment for crimes, it is difficult to comprehend the idea that "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). But He is! A pagan prostitute named Rahab found that out personally. She threw herself on the mercy of the Israelites' God when His people entered Canaan. And she was forgiven her past and rewarded for her faithfulness (Joshua 2).

God withholds forgiveness from no one who needs and seeks it. If that applies to you today, confess your sins and be forgiven.

He may look on death with joy, who can look on forgiveness with faith.
Thomas Watson

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 53-56 [ http://iz3.me/nFXn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 31

Black Sheep

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
James 2:25

Recommended Reading
Romans 3:21-31 [ http://iz3.me/dJjn1zwXd1A1 ]

Most families have a "black sheep" somewhere in the family. How that person is viewed depends on distance. If the person is a faint memory, he is seen as a laughing matter, a faint shadow in the past. But if the person remains a fresh memory, then there is no mention of him or her in polite company.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/eJjn1zwXd1A1 ]

Such distinctions are made only among those who place great pride in human respectability. But in biblical terms, there are no white sheep! We are all black sheep in the family of humanity. None of us deserves mention in the holy company of heaven -- except for the grace of God. That grace is demonstrated by God sending His own Son to be born as the descendant of human sinners. They ranged from a harlot like Rahab (Matthew 1:5) to a deceiver like Jacob (Matthew 1:2); to occasional sinners like Abraham, kings that struggled to rule righteously; and Joseph, a seemingly good man. But they were sinners all, chosen by God to play a role in His grand purpose of redemption.

Because all have sinned, all can be forgiven in Christ and all can serve. Don't ever let your human past keep you from imagining a redeemed future.

No creature that deserved redemption would need to be redeemed.
C. S. Lewis

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 57-59 [ http://iz3.me/fJjn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, August 1

Law of Imitation

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

Recommended Reading
Colossians 3:12-14 [ http://iz3.me/Ousn1zwXd1A1 ]

The Latin phrase lex talionis refers to the "law of retaliation," illustrated by the biblical instruction of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus 21:24). The biblical guideline was meant to limit punishment, not mandate it; and the New Testament suggests a better response to wrongdoing: love and grace instead of retaliation.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/Pusn1zwXd1A1 ]



Nothing is more impulsively human than retaliation, and nothing is more supernaturally surprising than the extension of grace in all things -- especially when one has been wronged. And in Ephesians 4:32, there is a reason for such an unnatural response: We should extend grace to others because of the grace that has been extended to us by God. It takes a measure of disregard and contempt to say, "Even though God has extended grace to me, I choose not to extend that same grace to others." God had every reason not to extend grace to humanity, but He did anyway. And He calls us to do the same. We can know it's the right thing to do when we feel a natural resistance to doing it.
Instead of the law of retaliation, practice the law of imitation. Do for others what you have seen God do for you.
  A sound theology must be a theology where grace is central to it.
  R. C. Sproul

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
  Isaiah 60-63 [ http://iz3.me/Qusn1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, August 2 & 3

Five Words to Live By: Love

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
John 15:13

Recommended Reading
John 3:16-17 [ http://iz3.me/oW2o1zwXd1A1 ]

It was the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning who began one of her most famous poems with this line: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." She went on to enumerate the various ways her love could be measured and described. And her last line comes close to a biblical thought: "I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death."

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/pW2o1zwXd1A1 ]

Saying that her love would only be perfected in heaven comes close to the idea Jesus shared with His disciples: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Love may be perfected in heaven, but the pinnacle of love on earth is to deny oneself and prefer the needs of others over one's own -- even to the point of laying down one's life, as Jesus would demonstrate only a few hours after stating these words. It would be wrong to think Jesus was talking only about literal death. There are many ways to die to oneself in the pursuit of loving and serving others while living.

Paul said the greatest virtue of all is love (1 Corinthians 13:13), and Jesus said the best way to demonstrate it is by dying to self while living for others.

We are as we love, not as we know.
Richard Sibbes

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 64-Jeremiah 3 [ http://iz3.me/qW2o1zwXd1A1 ]