Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Friday, August 15

Past and Present

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 1:15

Recommended Reading
Romans 5:20-21 [ http://iz3.me/FqSp1zwXd1A1 ]

The apostle Paul is often called "the apostle of grace" because his writings are filled with references to the grace of God. "Grace" appears 83 times in Paul's epistles, especially when he wrote about his past and present.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/GqSp1zwXd1A1 ]

First there's the grace of forgiveness. Paul referred to himself as the "chief" of sinners. For him, his pre-Christian life of persecuting the Church of Jesus Christ was beyond the pale (1 Corinthians 15:9). He never seemed to get over the fact that the grace of God was greater than all his previous sins (Romans 5:20). Regardless of our past sins, we each feel the same way: How could God forgive all I have done and said? But He does.

Then there's the grace of endurance. Even as a mature Christian, Paul suffered in various ways; and he was not shy about asking God to relieve his suffering. On at least one occasion, God granted him grace to endure rather than removing the cause of his suffering (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Regardless of our present situation, that same grace is sufficient for our every need.

God knows every detail of your past sins and present situation. And His grace is sufficient for both.

Thank God, He does not measure grace out in teaspoons.
Amy Carmichael

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 37-39 [ http://iz3.me/HqSp1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, August 16 & 17

Five Words to Live By: Lost

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10

Recommended Reading
Luke 15:3-7 [ http://iz3.me/ucbp1zwXd1A1 ]

Jesus said His mission was "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). The Jews to whom He said those words were confused. How could they be lost? After all, they were the chosen people of God.

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/vcbp1zwXd1A1 ]

People today who hear the biblical term "lost" have an equally hard time comprehending the meaning. Lost from who or what? In the Jews' case, God had rebuked the spiritual leaders of Israel, her shepherds, for allowing their "sheep" to wander off into carnality and captivity. He said through the prophet Ezekiel, "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away" (Ezekiel 34:16). The Jews were lost because they had wandered away from God and they needed to be found. That's what Jesus meant in the three parables He told about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (Luke 15:3-32). Jesus was fulfilling God's promise to seek "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).

But His mission was extended to all of God's creation -- to reconcile the world back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). If you are apart from Christ, you are lost. But Christ has come to seek and save you today.

I do not know if there is a more dreadful word in the English language than that word "lost."
Charles H. Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 40-46 [ http://iz3.me/wcbp1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, August 18

The Seeking God

There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.
Romans 3:11

Recommended Reading
Matthew 18:12-13 [ http://iz3.me/Xpfp1zwXd1A1 ]

There is a seeking instinct hardwired into human beings. When a hiker is lost in the wilderness, when a child doesn't return from school on time, when a fishing party fails to return to port, when an airliner vanishes over the ocean without a trace -- the human instinct to seek and save those who are lost is inevitable. Individuals, groups, armies, and nations commit limitless resources to seeking.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/apfp1zwXd1A1 ]

But there is one case in which humans don't seek as they should. We don't seek after God. Solomon wrote that we have an eternal sensibility in us (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and Paul wrote that our lack of seeking God is inexcusable (Romans 1:20). But there is also a powerful, sinful inclination that argues against any innate desire to seek after God (Romans 3:10-18). If that is true, how do any of us find God? We don't find God; He finds us. From heaven, "the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). God sent His Son into the world so that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17). None of us are saved by our efforts but by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Thank God today that He is a seeking God who looked for, and found, you.

As in paradise, God walks in the Holy Scriptures, seeking man.
Ambrose

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 47–48 [ http://iz3.me/bpfp1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, August 19

Daily Grace for the Daily Grind

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.
Song of Solomon 2:15

Recommended Reading
Romans 5:12-17 [ http://iz3.me/mEkp1zwXd1A1 ]

The small problems of life aren't always small. Consider what happened at the McMillen Community Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when a little squirrel managed to get into the place. The building was under construction and due to open within weeks. The furry guy chewed into some wiring and caused a power surge that fried three HVAC systems and destroyed the building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. The damages exceeded $300,000.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/nEkp1zwXd1A1 ]

Perhaps you're not facing traumatic, life-altering events right now; but the little foxes are trying to ruin the vines, and the little squirrels are short-circuiting your happiness. God's grace is endless and amazing, but it also comes in small doses and daily allotments. The same grace that keeps us from losing our souls in hell also keeps us from losing our temper in the office. The same grace that transports us to heaven also gives us composure when our flights are delayed or the traffic is jammed up.

God's grace is infinite, but accessible. It's an ocean of grace, but it also falls in gentle drops at our feet. It's more than enough for the little problems you'll face today.

Give us this day our daily grace.
Charles Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 49  [ http://iz3.me/oEkp1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, August 20

Heaven More Precious

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2

Recommended Reading
Revelation 22:1-5 [ http://iz3.me/gHtp1zwXd1A1 ]

Harvey H. Springer was called the Cowboy Evangelist. Once during a trying time in ministry, he looked down from the pulpit and saw his father in the audience. Harvey asked his dad to stand, and he told the church how his dad prayed for him, supported him, stood by him, and encouraged him. After church, the elder Springer drove into the country to be alone with God and pray. Somewhere alongside a rural lane he collapsed. A passing motorist found him, but it was too late. Harvey later told his congregation he was going to work harder than ever for the Lord now, for his dad was watching from the grandstands of heaven. Knowing his father had preceded him, he said, "makes heaven more precious."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/hHtp1zwXd1A1 ]

God won't always remove our pain. If we live life with no problems, we take our eyes off things that are eternal. Knowing our loved ones are awaiting us in heaven keeps us focused on the future. Remembering the brevity of life keeps us working for things unseen. Our daily problems and persecutions can deepen our longing for heaven. Think about New Jerusalem today, and anticipate the glories God has prepared for you.

Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand.
Jennie Wilson, hymnist

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 50  [ http://iz3.me/iHtp1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, August 21

Then God Said, "No"

And Abraham said to God, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!" Then God said: "No."
Genesis 17:18-19

Recommended Reading
Romans 4:16-22 [ http://iz3.me/Uc4q1zwXd1A1 ]

Abraham once asked God for something special. He wanted Ishmael to be the "son of promise" through whom the prophecies of redemption would be fulfilled. Abraham knew God had promised to multiply his descendants in a way that would bring salvation to the world. The real meaning of Abraham's request in Genesis 17:18 was that Ishmael would live before God in the fulfillment of those promises. But God said no. He had a better plan. He was preparing for the birth of Isaac and for the establishment of the Jewish nation as progenitors of the Messiah.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/Vc4q1zwXd1A1 ]

Stormie Omartian wrote, "Praising and worshiping God doesn't guarantee that our prayers will be answered exactly the way we pray them. That doesn't happen to anyone all the time ... prayer is not telling God what to do. It's sharing our heart and making our requests known to Him. He then answers in accordance with His will."1

If God says no, there is a reason.

If your prayers haven't been answered, it doesn't mean they won't be answered. In fact, they may already have been answered, but just not the way you wanted or expected them to be.
Stormie Omartian

1Stormie Omartian, The Prayer That Changes Everything  (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2004), 216.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Jeremiah 51-52 [ http://iz3.me/Wc4q1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, August 28

Puppy Love

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.
Luke 17:15-16

Recommended Reading
Luke 17:11-19 [ http://iz3.me/Vloq1zwXd1A1 ]

Last spring, a dog became stranded in the water at the bottom of a canal in Romania. A passerby, seeing the pooch whimpering and trying to climb to safety, scaled down the wall, jumped into the water, pulled the dog out by the scruff of its neck, and carried it back up to dry land. The dog ran away and shook itself; but then it quickly returned, ran to its rescuer, and showered the man with lots of nuzzles and licks. The video of the grateful canine became a sensation.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/Wloq1zwXd1A1 ]

Sometimes we can learn a lot from our four-footed friends. Jesus once healed ten lepers, but only one came back with thanksgiving -- and he was a Samaritan. Everyone who is in Christ has been rescued. We've been healed. We're the most blessed people on earth. Some days may be harder than others, and some seasons of life might be tumultuous. But gratitude isn't situational. It isn't based on what we have or where we are, but on our relationship with the God who pulled us out of deep waters, set our feet on a rock, and put a new song of praise in our mouths.

When I praise Him, He is exalted in my life, and when He is exalted, I am happy and whole.
Vernon Whaley

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 16-17 [ http://iz3.me/aloq1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, August 29

Possessing the Promises

....who through faith... obtained promises.

Hebrews 11:33

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 11:32-40 [ http://iz3.me/Goxq1zwXd1A1 ]

The Bible is full of promises, but how are they obtained? Can we purchase them like items in a store? Can we earn them like wages in a factory? Can we win them like dollars in a lottery? If you have a perplexity in your life presently, there's surely a promise in the Bible meeting your need. If you're worried about the future, there's a word from God to give you confidence. But how do you occupy that promise?

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/Hoxq1zwXd1A1 ]

Through faith! It's like salvation. Christ has already purchased what we need and it's available by grace. Our job is to receive it by faith, which means trusting Him to do just as He has said. God has given us the gift of faith that we can take what's unseen and make it part of who we are.

Hebrews 11 gives lots of examples of that, including Abraham (see Hebrews 11:8-18). He didn't know where he was going or how to find the land promised him, but he took every forward footstep with the assurance that God could and would unerringly guide him. We can do the same and through faith obtain the promises.

We "obtain promises" by faith.... We have "access by faith" into the grace that is given us in our Lord Jesus Christ... and are enabled to live by faith, to stand by faith, to walk by faith.
Hannah Whitall Smith, in The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 18-20  [ http://iz3.me/Ioxq1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, August 30 & 31

Five Words to Live By: Father

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:9

Recommended Reading
Romans 8:14-17 [ http://iz3.me/Pc6r1zwXd1A1 ]

English "father" was vader in Dutch, fader in early German, vater in later German, and fader in Middle English. And all those words were built on Latin pater, which was very close to Greek pater. But all those Western spellings were a radical departure from Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke. He would have pronounced "father" as abba, derived from Hebrew ab.

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/Qc6r1zwXd1A1 ]

In fact, Jesus' use of "father" represented a major shift in how the Hebrews used the term -- almost exclusively to refer to human fathers. God was rarely called Father by the Jews (Isaiah 63:16; 64:8; Jeremiah 31:9; Malachi 2:10), but Jesus called God "Father" (Abba -- Matthew 11:26) and taught His disciples to do the same (Matthew 6:9). But this was not the formal, Victorian "father" of the English language. This was the abba of the Hebrew family unit -- the "papa" or "daddy" used by children the world over today (Mark 14:36). Jesus introduced a new way to relate to God -- a familial way of fondness and closeness.

However you view and address your earthly father, feel free to address your heavenly Father the way Jesus did -- as Abba Father.

The name Jehovah carries majesty in it; the name Father carries mercy in it.
Thomas Watson

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 21-24 [ http://iz3.me/Rc6r1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, September 1

Eyes and Arms Open

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13a

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 3:5-6 [ http://iz3.me/1N8r1zwXd1A1 ]

Driving the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway is an explorer's delight. From northern Virginia to the Tennessee-North Carolina border, there are wonders around every bend in the mountainous road. You may see wildlife, a pioneer cabin, gorgeous vistas, a country church, a stream or waterfall -- the beauty never ends. The Parkway is not for the hurried; it is for the expectant -- those eager for new experiences and discovery.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/2N8r1zwXd1A1 ]

And the same is true for the Christian life -- if, that is, we take seriously the foundational biblical truth that our God is a guide through life. Even though we do not know what is around every bend in the road, God does. There are encounters, discoveries, people, events, opportunities, blessings, and challenges to be found. Instead of being shocked at a circumstance or event, we should look at our path through the lens of heaven. There is a time, season, and purpose for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). There is something to rejoice in, give thanks for, and pray about around every curve (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Today, trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding you into all truth. Live with eyes and arms open to embrace what you discover.

God is never taken by surprise.
John Blanchard

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 25-27  [ http://iz3.me/3N8r1zwXd1A1 ]