Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Friday, March 22

A Living Book

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:18

Recommended Reading
Psalm 119:17-24 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:17-24&version=NKJV )

According to theologian Erich Sauer, the Bible isn't merely an old volume of once-upon-a-time stories; it's a living Book. "The Spirit of God has not only inbreathed the written Word," wrote Sauer, "He accompanies it and makes it operative .... God comes to us now through His Word, and the Word that is centuries old remains fresh and eternally young. It is as if it had been written yesterday,  as if the ink was not yet dry,  never growing old, superior to time, ever present."1

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

The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible makes it new every morning to those who prayerfully study it. The words of David, Matthew, Peter, Paul, and the other writers teach us fresh lessons, remold our thoughts, refresh our hearts, and help us achieve a renewed mind. In the process, we discover for ourselves on a daily basis "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Let's learn to pray as we study our Bibles:  Lord, open our eyes that we may see wondrous things from Your Word.

The Bible is a living Book ... not only a written word, but a spiritually living Word.
Erich Sauer

1Erich Sauer, From Eternity to Eternity, (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), 134.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 1-3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201-3&version=NKJV )

 

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 23 & 24

Will Power: I Will Give You Rest

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 4:1-13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%204:1-13&version=NKJV )

Eight hours of sleep has long been the prescription for the average person, but the average American is getting far less sleep than they need. And it shows -- we are more susceptible to illness, our work productivity suffers, and we live on the edge emotionally. We need rest!

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast   ( http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/television.aspx?tid=email_watchedevo )

Those in Jesus' day needed rest as well, but of a different sort. Their exhaustion was not so much physical as spiritual. The religious leaders of their day would "bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay  them  on men's shoulders" (Matthew 23:4). Those burdens were based in the Law and the hundreds of traditions that the Pharisees had added to it. One could spend day and night consciously attempting to "please God" and still think of himself as a failure. In our modern performance-based culture, we can have the same exhausting feeling at the end of the day as we attempt to please those around us -- including our attempts to please God. But Jesus said, "Come to Me ..., and I will give you rest."

If you need rest, start by changing your schedule to get a good night's sleep. Then, think about your need for spiritual rest and consider letting Jesus lift the burden you are carrying.

You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.
Augustine

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 4-12 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%204-12&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, March 25

Trusting God, Knowing God

My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him.
Daniel 6:22

Recommended Reading
Job 13:11-19 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2013:11-19&version=NKJV )

A Christian bishop from Africa was visiting churches in the United States. When commenting on the differences between the Church in America and the Church in Africa, he laughed and said, "In America, you have blessed  insurance . In Africa, all we have is blessed  assurance! "

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

The story of the people of God suggests that the deepest knowledge of God comes from those who have had to trust Him most. That connection can be seen in the life of the prophet Daniel in Babylon and Persia. It is no surprise that the most detailed and far-reaching prophecies in the Old Testament were delivered through a man who, beginning as a teenager, had to trust God with His very life. More than once Daniel put his life on the line out of obedience to God. And in each case, God honored Daniel's faith with deliverance and revelation.

Instead of placing confidence in plans of our own making, we are called to be available to His purpose and to trust God when He leads. You can be confident that when He is needed the most -- God will be there to lead and to guide.

You will never understand why God does what He does, but if you believe Him, that is all that is necessary. Let us learn to trust Him for who He is.
Elisabeth Elliot

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 13-14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2013-14&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, March 26

Jesus on Daniel

When you see the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:15-16

Recommended Reading
Daniel 9:24-27 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%209:24-27&version=NKJV )

Standing on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24, Jesus delivered a great sermon on the signs of the times and the end of the age. He foretold the events leading to His return. He reached back to the writings of Daniel and spoke of the abominable image to be erected by the Antichrist in the future temple (Daniel 9:27). In doing so, Jesus stamped His seal of approval onto the pages of Daniel. Jesus spoke approvingly of Daniel; and Daniel, of course, spoke prophetically of Jesus.

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

Daniel is one of the Bible's most fascinating books. It contains vivid images like Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the vision of the four beasts, and the prophecy of the seventy weeks. It might seem overwhelming to read, but remember that Jesus was a student of this Book. He read it, studied it, and quoted it. These prophetic portions of Scripture provide vital information for understanding the times and anticipating the future. You can trust every word in the Book of Daniel and claim every promise.

Jesus did.

I wish to stress... that none of the prophets has so clearly spoken concerning Christ as has this prophet Daniel.
Jerome (A.D. 347-420)

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 15-16 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2015-16&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 27

Walking on Egg Shells

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.
Daniel 1:8

Recommended Reading
1 Timothy 4:12-16 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204:12-16&version=NKJV )

A report from Zimbabwe recently told of two teens who were prowling around the town dump, looking for anything they could salvage. They found fifty eggs discarded by chicken producers. Taking the eggs home, they hatched them. More eggs. More chicks. Now the two boys have a business going with more than 500 chickens, and the proceeds pay their school expenses.

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

Teenagers have a way of surprising us. They're resourceful, innovative, and full of promise. In the Bible, many of our greatest heroes excelled as teens -- Joseph in Egypt, David in Bethlehem, Timothy in Macedonia, Josiah on the throne.

In Babylon, Daniel and his three friends purposed in their hearts to live for the Lord despite the pressures of a pagan culture. The decisions they made in their youth sustained them throughout life. If you  are  a teen, or if you  have  a teen, or if you  know  a teen, remember these words: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Dare to be a Daniel.

Renewal and revival often begin when young people take a stand for God.
Jim Burns

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 17-18 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017-18&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, March 28

Resurrection Bay

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
Hebrews 6:19

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 6:13-20 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%206:13-20&version=NKJV )

In the movie The Hunt for Red October, the opening scene was filmed in Resurrection Bay, Alaska. This dramatic setting received its name in 1792 when the Russian trader and explorer Alexandr Baranov was forced to find refuge there during a vicious storm on Easter Sunday. Resurrection Bay has the distinction of remaining ice-free even in the dead of winter. Even in squalls and storms, it provides safe harbor.

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

As Christians, we anchor our souls in Resurrection Bay. The world may be caught in a thousand tempests, and storms may arise from all directions. But the empty tomb assures us of tranquility and a passageway to heaven that will never ice over. Jesus died and rose again to give us peace  with  God and the peace  of  God -- life both eternal and abundant. We anchor our souls in the haven of rest.

As hymnist Priscilla Owens put it: "We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love."

In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
Edward Mote

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 19-21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2019-21&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, March 29

Many Infallible Proofs

He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs.
Acts 1:3

Recommended Reading
Acts 1:1-3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:1-3&version=NKJV )

Albert L. Roper was a prominent Virginia attorney, a graduate of the University of Virginia and its law school, who eventually became mayor of the city of Norfolk. He once began a thorough legal investigation into the evidence for the resurrection of Christ, asking himself the question: Can any intelligent person accept the resurrection story? After examining the evidence at length, he came away asking a different question: Can any intelligent person deny the weight of this evidence?

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

Even those who traveled for three years with Jesus experienced disbelief over His resurrection, but Jesus showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs. We don't base our faith on legends, myths, or fairy tales. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is well-documented, and many critics have been silenced (and even converted) when they've carefully investigated the evidence.1

We have a risen Savior! He offers Himself to us today with many infallible proofs.

Many people say the Bible is a myth, but they're myth-taken, myth-guided, and myth-erable.
Vance Havner

1Albert L. Roper,  Did Jesus Rise From the Dead  (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1965), foreword.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 22-24 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2022-24&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 30 & 31

Will Power: I Will Not Cast Out

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
John 6:37

Recommended Reading
John 6:35-40 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20John%206:35-40&version=NKJV )

A thoughtful Christian entertains no greater question than how to discern and do the will of God. As a man, Jesus Christ had the same challenge. But He had no doubts about God's will for His life: "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day" (John 6:38-39).

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast ( http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/television.aspx?tid=email_watchedevo )

The will of God for Jesus Christ was that He (Christ) would not fail to bring a single soul, chosen by the Father and given to the Son, into the eternal kingdom. That was the impetus for Jesus' words, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).

Two implications bring great security to the Christian: If you belong, by faith, to Jesus Christ, it is because you were chosen by the Father. And if you belong to Christ, you will  always  belong to Him. There is nothing you have done or will do that would keep Jesus Christ from accomplishing the will of God for His life -- which means He is keeping you secure for all eternity.

We believe in eternal security, [but] we do not believe in eternal presumption.
Donald Grey Barnhouse

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 25-31 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2025-31&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, April 01

Choosing Courage

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

Recommended Reading
Nehemiah 2:1-6  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%202:1-6&version=NKJV )

Courage begins with a choice and becomes visible when we take a stand in the midst of adversity. After taking hostages from Judah, the King of Babylon sought to assimilate these young men into Babylonian culture. The rules for these youthful hostages were clear: Learn the Babylonian language and knowledge while enjoying the King's food and drink. None of us would blame Daniel for submitting. He was young and far from home, but Daniel knew the meat was ceremonially unclean. God's word prohibited its consumption.

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

Speaking out could have meant death for Daniel, but he did it anyway. His unexpected courage overlooked the circumstances and focused on God. Our courage, or lack of courage, begins with our perspective. If we fix our eyes on the possibility of failure and the barriers to obedience, we will fail. But if we fix our eyes on God, His greatness and faithfulness, we will have the courage to obey.

Holiness begins in our minds and works out to our actions.
Jerry Bridges

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 1-3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%201-3%20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, April 02

Prepare to Say "No"

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:8

Recommended Reading
John 12:25-26  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012:25-26%20&version=NKJV )

Peer pressure is "social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted."1 Peer pressure can be felt at any age, but during adolescence the pressure to conform is perhaps the greatest -- and the ability to say "No" is the hardest.

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

Daniel was one of many young people taken from Judah and made captive in Babylon. But when Daniel and three of his friends were pressured to adopt the diet of the Babylonians as part of their training for royal service, they refused. They risked their lives by saying "No" to the king of Babylon. Because of their obedience to God and respect for His covenant stipulations, they were elevated to ranks of service and honor in Babylon.

The time to avoid peer pressure is before the pressure arrives. Decide today what your values and commitments are so you are prepared when the test arrives.

Obedience is the hallmark of faith.
Charles H. Spurgeon

1 Dictionary.com.  The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy,  Third Edition. dictionary.reference.com/browse/peer-pressure (accessed December 26, 2012).

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 4-7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%204-7&version=NKJV )