Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

One Day at a Time


LORD, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You.

Psalm 88:9b


     

Recommended Reading

Philippians 4:6-9





Suppose you have a long glass tube the exact diameter of a marble, lying on its side, with openings at both ends. Presently, the tube contains exactly 100 black marbles filling the tube in single file from one end to the other. Your goal is to fill the tube with 100 white marbles, but you can remove only one black marble per day. How many days will it take to fill the tube with white marbles? Obviously, 100 days. As you push one new white marble in one end of the tube each day, a black marble will fall out of the tube on the opposite end. By the one-hundredth day -- in with a white marble, out with a black -- the tube will be full of white marbles.


Can you do the same with spiritual growth? Can your mind -- the battlefield in spiritual warfare -- be filled more and more with godly thoughts, driving out ungodly thoughts of fear, worry, and anxiety? Yes, but it won't happen overnight. Following Paul's admonition in Philippians 4:8-9 is a good place to begin by meditating daily on what is noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy.


The more we fill our heart and mind with godly prayer and meditation, the less room there will be for worry.



Read-thru-the-Bible
3 John 1:1 -- Jude 25

[Judy Harder]

A Word From the Lord


My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.

Psalm 119:28


Recommended Reading

Psalm 119:25-32


Tony Evans suggests that as we study the Bible objectively we should also remember that the Lord leads us subjectively in its application. The Holy Spirit often gives us promises for particular needs in life. Evans wrote: "Have you ever heard someone say, 'God gave me a verse'? That person finds an application of the verse to his life even though the verse itself may have been written about Moses or Abraham, or someone else. How does this Christian know that this verse can be applied this way in his life? ...I believe the answer is in the internal witness of the Spirit. He applies different verses to different Christians in different ways at different times." 1


Dedicating our minds to Christ allows the Spirit to guide our thoughts into pathways that are positive and restorative. When we're prone to impure or anxious thoughts, the Holy Spirit can transform our lives through the renewing of our minds. As we study Scripture, He gives us new verses for every day and every dilemma. Do you have a word from the Lord today?



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 1:1 -- 2:29

1 Tony Evans, The Promise (Chicago: Moody, 1996), 285.

[Judy Harder]

Why Bethlehem?


Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea...

Matthew 2:1


     

Recommended Reading

Micah 5:2-5





Someone once said that the hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable. There were thousands of towns in the days of Christ. But only one had been predicted as Messiah's birthplace by Micah 5:2: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."


The word "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread," for Christ was the Bread from heaven. "Ephrathah" means "fruitfulness," as Jesus later told His disciples, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit" (John 15:8a). In a forgotten corner of a forgotten town came the most unforgettable news the world has ever heard. In the House of Bread, Bread was served. In the town of fruitfulness, someone came as the sweet fruit of heaven.


Just as the Child quietly arrived in that town of towns, so He longs to be born again in the hearts of every one of us.



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 3:1 -- 5:14
Revelation 6:1 -- 7:17

[Judy Harder]

Like Mother, Like Son


Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Luke 1:38a


Recommended Reading

Matthew 26:36-39

Life is filled with dubious distinctions. Like the soldier chosen by his commanding officer to crawl up to enemy lines to spy on their operations. Or the accounting whiz who is chosen by his boss to work late for a month, crunching the numbers on a project. Or the college running back whose quarterback calls his number to run straight into the meanest defensive line in the conference. In every case, the response is, "Thanks a lot!"


What if God gave you the distinction of bearing the Son of God's human birth? An honor on one hand, an embarrassment to you and your fiancé on the other. But young Mary did the right thing: She submitted to the word and will of God by faith, trusting Him for the outcome. It's no surprise that her Son, when faced with the distinction of sacrificing His life for the sins of the world, followed not only His father's, but also His mother's example: "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).


The next time God calls you to do something challenging -- loving another, giving away your money, forgiving a family member, forgiving yourself -- follow Mary's and Jesus' example. Take God at His Word and trust Him by faith.



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 8:1 -- 10:11

[Judy Harder]

Party and Pause


And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.

Matthew 2:11a

Recommended Reading

Luke 2:8-20

Today, it's not uncommon to receive pictures by email taken in a hospital room. There's a tired, but radiant mom; a bundle full of newborn joy; older brothers, sisters, and cousins crowding in to see the new baby; and a host of adults as well: Dad, grandparents, adult siblings -- it's like a party! That picture is in stark contrast to the images of a few generations ago: Seen from within the newborn nursery, that same crowd would be standing outside the glass viewing window, staring silently and in awe at the swaddled infant whose bassinet bore their family's last name.


The birth of Jesus was a combination of both pictures. In the skies over Bethlehem, were the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. But later in the quiet stable, there was a hushed reverence as the shepherds bowed before Jesus; likewise for the magi who appeared later bearing gifts.


This Christmas, let both responses be yours: Sing "Joy to the World" at the top of your lungs to celebrate your salvation. And "Silent Night, Holy Night" with the awe befitting the birth of the King of Kings.



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 11:1 -- 13:18

[Judy Harder]

The Wonder of Christmas


And His name will be called Wonderful...

Isaiah 9:6b

Recommended Reading

Psalm 131

A former prisoner in Folsom, California, was arrested recently for trying to break back into prison. The parolee was caught attempting to scale the seven-foot-tall, barbed-topped fence that encircles the infamous penitentiary. Authorities haven't yet determined the reason for the attempted break-in. They speculate he was trying to smuggle drugs or cell phones to other inmates.


Jesus offers a way out of the prison of sin, but many people would apparently rather scale the walls of wickedness than enjoy the freedom of Calvary. They don't understand the wonder of Christmas or the message of redemption, nor do they embrace the wonder of the name of Jesus. But you can. Let Jesus free you from whatever's holding you back -- sin, failure, addiction, shame, brokenness, fear, sadness. He breaks the power of cancelled sin and sets the prisoner free. He came to set us free; and if the Son of God sets us free, we are free indeed.


Isaiah 29:9 says: "Pause and wonder!" So pause and wonder about that. And shout: Alleluia!



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 14:1 -- 16:21

[Judy Harder]

A Simple Christmas


Son, why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."

Luke 2:48

Recommended Reading

Luke 21:1-4

Have you ever wondered if Joseph and Mary struggled to pay their bills? They were hardworking people raising a large family in a mountainside town. Surely there were cycles to the economy in ancient times just as today. Do you suppose they ever weathered a recession? Do you suppose Joseph ever had a day when he had to stay home and work around the house because the building industry was in decline? Think the siblings ever squabbled? Think Mary ever sat up with a feverish child?


We envision the "Holy Family" with haloes on their heads, moving serenely through life in layered sheens of light. But on at least one occasion, Mary was upset with her twelve-year-old firstborn who hadn't kept up with the group returning home.


The point is that Jesus came from a simple background and grew up in an ordinary family. The Lord can greatly bless and use simple, ordinary people like us. He gives grace to the humble. Don't be afraid of a simple Christmas. The Savior likes the simple things of life; He grew up that way.



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 17:1 -- 18:24

[Judy Harder]

Something About That Name


His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21

Recommended Reading

Luke 2:21-24

There's just something about that name! As He is King of kings, so His name is above all names. "Jesus" is a simple word -- five letters in the English. Yeshua in Hebrew. Joshua in the Old Testament -- the name of a warrior (Joshua 1:1) and of a priest (Zechariah 3:1). Yet somehow His name stirs the deepest passions in humanity. To believers it's a holy word; to others it's a curse.


The Bible says, "Call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). We're to forsake all for His Name; and though we'll be hated of all nations because of His name, yet the message of repentance and remission of sins is to be preached in His name to all nations (Matthew 19:29, 24:9; Luke 24:47).


Peter reminds us, "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). And at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Jesus! Because of His name, ours are written in Heaven.



Read-thru-the-Bible
Revelation 19:1 -- 20:15

[Judy Harder]

Stewards of Health


You shall come to the grave at a full age, as a sheaf of grain ripens in its season.

Job 5:26

Recommended Reading

Deuteronomy 34:5-7

The English author Daniel Defoe may have said it first, but it's Benjamin Franklin's version that has become the standard: "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Setting aside taxes, we can agree regarding death: "And as it is appointed for men to die once . . ." (Hebrews 9:27).


The real question is not whether we die, but how. The picture painted for Job by one of his friends is a strange one when compared to modern reality. Eliphaz pictured life as a growing season, with the harvest of full fruit coming at the end. In a garden, harvest only happens when plants are nourished richly and consistently to encourage the bountiful fruit God intended. Gardening is a matter of stewardship of soil and plants together. And so is life and health a matter of good stewardship. As stewards of the gifts of God, we are called to care for our physical life just as faithfully as our spiritual life; to nourish our bodies with good food, exercise, and plenty of rest.


As you look toward the coming year, what new practices can you bring to bear on the stewardship of your health?

The fundamental truth in the matter of stewardship is that everything we touch belongs to God.

John Blanchard



Read-thru-the-Bible
Romans 8:1-39; 12:1-21

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, December 28

Family Perspective

  ... you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
  John 13:35

  Recommended Reading
Nehemiah 5 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%205&version=NKJV )

"Hey, you!" It's probably not your favorite way to be summoned. If you need your spouse, you might call out, "Sweetheart" or "Honey." Everyday we use friendly expressions like, "Hey, buddy," or even "Dude." These familiar names for each other help keep us close.

  Listen to Today's Radio Message ( http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio.aspx?tid=email_listenedevo )

Scripture calls Christians believers, disciples, friends, servants, and saints. But my favorite name--from a family perspective--is brethren. Brothers can be close, and yet they can fall into disagreement. But because we are brethren, we need to live in harmony.

Nehemiah was a leader who promoted unity among the Jews when disharmony was crumbling the effort to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. The divide between the rich and poor had created an economic squeeze that was about to destroy their unity. Nehemiah knew that when God's people don't get along, our testimony is damaged. Nehemiah successfully gathered the Jews together, and the rebuilding project was accomplished.

The badge of our discipleship is our love toward each other. Maybe you've been avoiding one of your Christian brethren who is hard to love. Since unity is God's goal for us, what could you do to show God's love to them?

  Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.
  Corrie ten Boom

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Philippians 3-4 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203-4&version=NKJV )