Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Victim or Victor

  ...we do not lose heart.
  2 Corinthians 4:1

  Recommended Reading
Psalm 42:5-11 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2042:5-11&version=NKJV )

A woman lamented losing $50,000 worth of heirlooms dating back to the Civil War that were stolen from her home last July. The nineteenth century antiques were discovered missing after a new maid cleaned out more than she was hired to do.1 We all treasure earthly heirlooms. But God has given a promise to believers that is far more precious than any keepsake--and it needs protection.

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

Prowling around, discouragement creeps inside the safe haven of our Christian homes. When we close the door at night, drained from life's unceasing activity, discouragement can rob us of the full and joyful life God wants to give us: "...for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). So how do we bolt the doors and keep the bandit of discouragement from stealing God's promise?

As believers, we have the right to claim God's promises. When discouragement sneaks in and you don't feel like reading the Bible--go to the Word. When you're frustrated with life's circumstances and are tempted to quit--go to the Word.

Protect your heart from discouragement. Open the Bible. Claim His promises. And that old desperado named discouragement will be driven away.

Fear knocked at the door and faith answered. No one was there.
  Old English Proverb

  1news4jax.com/news/Stolen-Heirlooms-Pawned-Off/index.html, accessed on October 27, 2011.

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 8:1-10:20 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%208:1-10:20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, February 2

The Best Do Rest

  ...men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
  Luke 18:1

  Recommended Reading
Ephesians 3:13-21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:13-21&version=NKJV )

When thinking of public health epidemics, insufficient sleep probably doesn't come to mind. But the lack of a good night's sleep is linked to astounding statistics of motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical and occupational errors.1 Feeling sleepy? Can't get to sleep? Besides endangering yourself and others, you're also vulnerable to the disparaging influence of discouragement.

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

"Fatigue makes cowards of us all," quipped the great American football coach Vince Lombardi--and I can identify. How many times have you fallen vulnerable to discouragement when you're extremely tired? Even Jesus couldn't work 24/7. Withdrawing to a quiet place, He prayed. Minds and bodies dulled from lack of sleep and constant activity are hindered from radiating God's powerful love.

If you're discouraged today, set aside time from your busy schedule and tell God how you feel. Spend time in the Word. Also, get a good night's sleep. When you awake, you'll be refreshed and energized to continue the work you're doing for God.

  Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength... It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.
  C. H. Spurgeon

  1www.enotes.com/public-health-encyclopedia/epidemics accessed 9/3/2011.

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 11:1-13:44 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2011:1-13:44&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, February 3

Fellowship in Loneliness

  The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
  Psalm 121:5

  Recommended Reading
2 Timothy 4:9-18 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%204:9-18&version=NKJV )

Different types of loneliness invade our lives. Standing at the gravestone of a loved one, we feel the pang of separation. No message on our cell phone--we long to hear the voice of a loved one. But there's also a type of loneliness that invades our schedules as we minister to others.

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

When you ache with loneliness, remember that you're in good company. The Bible gives abundant examples of lonely saints. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, spouse, parent, or child, we all experience loneliness somewhere along life's journey.

Even the apostle Paul, an incredibly gifted and blessed man, was not immune to loneliness. He was taken to heaven and shown things too wonderful to share with earthly beings. He authored much of the New Testament and founded all the missionary churches during New Testament times. But on occasion, he ached with loneliness: "Only Luke is with me..." (2 Timothy 4:11a).

Today you may encounter a lonely person hiding behind a smile. If you were that person, how would you hope to be greeted? Friendship is a sure antidote to a lonely soul. Be cheerful medicine to someone today.

  The next time you find yourself alone ...stand still, whisper God's name, and listen. He is nearer than you think.
  Max Lucado

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 13:45-15:33 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2013:45-15:33&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, February 4 & 5

Things Change: A Change of Heart

  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes...
  Ezekiel 36:26-27

  Recommended Reading
Ezekiel 36:24-32 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2036:24-32&version=NKJV )

New York newspapers recently carried the sad story of a woman who lost her chance for a needed heart transplant because of shoplifting. A judge had previously freed her from prison so she could go on the transplant waiting list; but before a donor became available, the woman stole about $500 in toiletry items and ended up in jail again. She no longer qualifies for a transplant.

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

This woman is emblematic of millions of people who forfeit the new heart God offers them. The Bible teaches that God wants to exchange our heart of stone for a new heart, a tender heart, a forgiven heart, a heart that will beat forever in heaven. It's a gift to be received by grace and through faith.

Having a change of heart doesn't just mean we've shifted our opinion or altered our attitude. It literally means that we have changed hearts. Don't forfeit your new heart. If you don't know Jesus as Savior and Lord, ask Him to give you a new heart today.

  Give me a new, a perfect heart, from doubt, and fear, and sorrow free.
  Charles Wesley

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 16:1-21:24 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2016:1-21:24&version=NKJV )

                                                       

[Judy Harder]

Monday, February 6

Sitting by the Fire

  How can one be warm alone?
  Ecclesiastes 4:11b

  Recommended Reading
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%204:7-12&version=NKJV )

According to the show  60 Minutes , new questions have arisen about the death of artist Vincent Van Gogh. Two journalists have written a book claiming Van Gogh didn't shoot himself after all, but was murdered by local teens. It's an interesting theory, but historians point out that Van Gogh was obviously troubled and lonely. He once said: "One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way."1

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

As Christians, we need to take time to sit by the fire with a lonely soul. Our churches should be blazing with love and fellowship. It's not just that the church is a place where your own loneliness is relieved; it's a place where you can relieve the loneliness of another. Look around at faces. See who's sitting by themselves. Watch for someone needing a smile.

In showing love to someone else, your own complaints will lessen.

  Cheer for all the lonely, comfort for the sad, sacred, blessed duty, make some other glad.
  Hymnist, Lanta W. Smith

  1Quoted by Anthony St. Peter,  The Greatest Quotations of All Time  (Bloomington, IN: Xlibris Corporation, 2010), 583.

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 22:1-24:23 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2022:1-24:23&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, February 7

Practical Atheism

  Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
  Matthew 6:31-32

  Recommended Reading
Philippians 4:6-7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:6-7&version=NKJV )

It has been said that the worst day for an atheist, or an irreligious person, is the day he feels really thankful to be alive but has no one to thank. On the other hand, the best day for a theist, or a religious person, is the day he is tempted to worry about the present or the future but remembers he worships a God who knows his every need.

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

In Jesus' most extended speech on the subject of worry, he connects the futility of worry with one true fact: the existence of a loving, generous God. In other words, if God exists and takes care of creation, which includes you, that means He knows your needs. And if He is loving, as He proves Himself to be in caring for creation, then He will meet your needs. Faith (lack of worry) is a statement of belief in God's existence and character. Worry (lack of faith) is a statement of disbelief in God's existence and character.

If you are worried today, the question is not, What will happen? but, What do I believe? Worry is practical atheism. Faith says, "I believe."

  Opposition to divine sovereignty is essentially atheism.
  C. H. Spurgeon

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 25:1–26:46 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2025:1 )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, February 8

Read Me

  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
  Matthew 6:33

  Recommended Reading
Luke 18:29-30 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018:29-30&version=NKJV )

In the early days of software development, PC-oriented software packages would normally come with a text document titled "READ ME." This was a document that explained anything the installer needed to know about installation, late changes to the software that didn't make it into the manual, system requirements, or possible incompatibility issues. In other words, READ ME first--before installing the software--in order to avoid problems.

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

God's READ ME file is in Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God." All who aspire to enter and dwell in the kingdom of God need to know this: If you will put God and His kingdom first in your life's priorities, everything else necessary in life will be added to you. The inverse can be assumed to be true: Seek your own glory and authority in this life and you will find God's blessings absent.

If you want to avoid worries with your software, read the READ ME file first. If you want to avoid worries in your life, seek God's kingdom first and above all else. If you find yourself worrying about anything today, you'll know something has taken the place of the kingdom of God.

  Worry is an indication that we think God cannot look after us.
  Oswald Chambers

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Leviticus 27:1-Numbers 1:54 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2027:1-Numbers%201:54&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, February 9

His Magnum Opus

  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
  Psalm 103:12

  Recommended Reading
Psalm 51 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NKJV )

"Guilty!" Your subconscious whispers to you as you agonize over a past sin. Sometimes portrayed morbidly through paintings and music, guilt can be a devastating emotion. But for the Christian, guilt should drive us to confession.

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

King David was a man after God's own heart, yet he succumbed to adultery. Whatever fleeting enjoyment he experienced was annihilated by the agony of his guilt. And in his quest to cover up his sin, murder was committed. Finally David confessed his sin, and that's when God stepped in--He forgives when we repent.

Writing to the Colossian church, the apostle Paul portrayed sin's removal: "having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us..." (Colossians 2:14). The Greek translation of "handwriting" refers to the handwritten certificate of debt signed by a debtor. Dramatically, Paul describes the permanence of God's forgiveness to wiping ink off a parchment--erasing our debt.

Don't allow lingering sin to rob you of the blessings that are yours in Christ. Your debt has been erased.

  Sins are so remitted, as if they had never been committed.
  Thomas Adams

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 2:1-3:51 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%202:1-3:51&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, February 10

When It's Good to Forget

  Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
  Psalm 32:1

  Recommended Reading
Psalm 32 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2032&version=NKJV )

Plop! Your spaghetti slides off your fork onto your new pants. Your only thought is, "Will this stain come out?" Unfortunately, some stains are permanent. But one stain, if confessed, is removed forever.

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

It's difficult for us to understand God's forgiveness. We remember. It's hard to forget. Yet God illustrates His forgiveness beautifully: "...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." (Isaiah 1:18). There's only one condition God requires for His miraculous work of forgiving: We must confess our sin (1 John 1:9).

When King David sinned with Bathsheba, he perceived it as a stain on his soul and asked God to "cleanse me" (Psalm 51:2). The Hebrew word translated "cleanse" referred to the cleansing of a leper. David explicitly used the dreaded disease of leprosy to describe his sin and to vividly illustrate God's healing work of forgiveness. It's like David is saying, "Lord, take away the leprosy from my soul, and make me clean again."

Can you think of a sin you want forgotten--permanently removed? The cleansing price has been paid by your Redeemer. Confess it now, and rejoice that He forgets!

  It does not spoil your happiness to confess your sin. The unhappiness is in not making the confession.
  C. H. Spurgeon

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 4:1-5:31 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%204:1-5:31&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, February 11 & 12

Things Change: Changing Your Mind

  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
  Romans 12:2

  Recommended Reading
Philippians 4:8-9 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:8-9&version=NKJV )

The best way to change your life is to change your thinking. And the best way to change your thinking is to change your mental diet. Psalm 37:3 says, "Feed on His faithfulness." Jesus promised to lead us to find pasture (John 10:9). Jeremiah 15:16a says, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."

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

If a spiritual nutritional analyst conducted a study of what goes into your mind each day, what would be the report? What proportion of your mental food is godly and scriptural? While it's sometimes very hard to control our thoughts, it's not so hard to control what feeds our thought lives. Improving our mental diet enriches our thinking, elevates our attitudes, and renews our spirits. Cut out junk food and fill your mind with whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and good (Philippians 4:.

  Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.
  Anonymous

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 6:1-9:23 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%206:1-9:23&version=NKJV )