Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Monday, February 17

The Endless Song

So I will sing praise to Your name forever.
Psalm 61:8

Recommended Reading
Revelation 4:6-8 [ http://iz3.me/kwHS1zwXd1A1 ]

Someone just paid a million and a half dollars for a ruined violin that can't be played. Its value isn't in its musical quality but in its history, for it was played the last time in April 1912 by a doomed musician named Wallace Hartley aboard the Titanic. Hartley and his fellow musicians reportedly played "Nearer, My God, to Thee" as the vessel slipped beneath the icy North Atlantic. Hartley's body was recovered ten days later with his violin strapped to him.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/lwHS1zwXd1A1 ]

God's children never know when we'll sing our last song on earth; but we know that because of Christ, we'll be part of an endless choir in the heavens. The palmist said, "I will sing praise to Your name forever."

Since heaven is a literal place, and since we'll have resurrection bodies, we'll all be capable of singing and rejoicing and praising. It's not that heaven is merely a never-ending church service. The New Heavens and New Earth are literal places with never-ceasing meaningful activities. And praise will be a rich part of that activity.

Our joy there will be unending and unsinkable.

I want to be fluent in heaven's language. I want to become an expert at praise.
Ruth Graham, in In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 25-26 [ http://iz3.me/mwHS1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, February 18

A Great Shining City

The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
Revelation 21:23

Recommended Reading
Revelation 21:22-27 [ http://iz3.me/bFNS1zwXd1A1 ]

In his book on heaven, evangelist D. L. Moody quoted an acquaintance who said: "When I was a boy, I thought of heaven as a great, shining city, with vast walls and domes and spires, and with nobody in it except white-robed angels, who were strangers to me. By and by my little brother died; and I thought of a great city with walls and domes and spires ... and one little fellow that I was acquainted with ... And now so many of my acquaintances have gone there, that it sometimes seems to me that I know more people in heaven than I do on earth."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/cFNS1zwXd1A1 ]

What comes to mind when you think of heaven? Heaven is referred to in fifty-four of the Bible's sixty-six books, and the final two chapters of the Bible are a virtual travelogue of our heavenly home. To visualize heaven accurately, study the Bible continually. The more we study God's Word, the more we can anticipate the features of the fabulous forever home He is preparing for those who love Him.

Remember: the Bible is our only authoritative source of information about Heaven.
Billy Graham, in The Heaven Answer Book

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 27-29 [ http://iz3.me/dFNS1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, February 19

Dress Rehearsal for Heaven

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
2 Corinthians 5:9

Recommended Reading
Revelation 5:11-14 [ http://iz3.me/0wWS1zwXd1A1 ]

Actors know the value of rehearsals. And the most important rehearsals are the dress rehearsals in which every aspect of the performance -- costumes, script, lights, music -- is carried out exactly as it will be in the actual performance. Non-dress rehearsals are fine for getting oriented, but dress rehearsals are where one prepares for the actual performance.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/1wWS1zwXd1A1 ]

There is a sense in which the Christian's life on earth is a dress rehearsal for heaven. Not in terms of costumes and theatrics, but in terms of worship and devotion to the One we will worship for all eternity -- the Lamb who sits on the throne of heaven. If He is to receive "blessing and honor and glory and power ... forever and ever" (Revelation 5:13), then the more we rehearse that worship now, the more seamless our transition to eternity will be -- the more comfortable and secure we will be in our role as eternal citizens of the New Jerusalem.

Because our eternal life has already begun (John 17:3), so should our dress rehearsal for eternity!

I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.
A. W. Tozer

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 30–32 [ http://iz3.me/2wWS1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, February 20

From Practice to Presence

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9

Recommended Reading
Psalm 100:1-5 [ http://iz3.me/oTiS1zwXd1A1 ]

When Handel's  Messiah  is performed at Christmas, some conductors will invite members of the audience to join the trained choir on stage to sing "the Hallelujah Chorus." Those bold enough to accept the invitation discover the powerful effect of joining voices with scores of singers and musicians at a "professional" level. It's one thing to sing alone in the shower or the car; it's altogether different to join a throng who are lifting their voices in unified praise to God!

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/pTiS1zwXd1A1 ]

That transition -- from pew to stage -- may suggest what it will be like to join the untold number of worshippers who will one day stand before the throne of the Lamb in heaven and worship Him. Imagine the thunderous sound of the voices! That is not to denigrate the worship we offer Him on earth. It is simply to say that life on earth is simply a foreshadowing, a foretaste, of what life in heaven will be like -- and that certainly applies to worship.

So, "Come before His presence with singing" this Sunday (Psalm 100:2) -- a warm-up for what is to come!

Nobody can call himself a Christian who does not worship Jesus.
John R. W. Stott

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Numbers 33-36 [ http://iz3.me/qTiS1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, February 21

The River of Life

And [ the angel ] showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelation 22:1

Recommended Reading
John 7:37-39 [ http://iz3.me/9JrS1zwXd1A1 ]

The Ogallala Aquifer is the largest freshwater aquifer in the United States, lying beneath eight Plains states. Its waters have been heavily used, primarily for agriculture, and may contain only another 25 years' supply. This is not good news not only in terms of personal consumption but for agricultural uses as well. Scientists and ecologists agree -- water is the most endangered, fastest shrinking resource on the planet.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/AJrS1zwXd1A1 ]

Fortunately, there will be no shortage of water in the New Jerusalem. A "pure river of water of life" (Revelation 22:1) will flow from the New Jerusalem to water all the earth. Jesus made reference to "rivers of living water" which the apostle John said referred to the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Just as the Holy Spirit gave life to those in the earthly Jerusalem, so will there be a river of life in the New Jerusalem. Everything we need for life, forever, God will provide.

No earthly shortage should be a cause of concern for those who belong to Christ. Eternal provision has been made in the New Jerusalem for physical and spiritual abundance!

Those who have the New Jerusalem in their eye must have the ways that lead to it in their heart.
Matthew Henry

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 1–2 [ http://iz3.me/BJrS1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, February 22 & 23

Four Seasons: A Season of Rededication

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19

Recommended Reading
Romans 12:1-2 [ http://iz3.me/kr0T1zwXd1A1 ]

The second law of thermodynamics says that disorder increases over time unless it is interrupted. Not only is that true physically, it is also true spiritually. Left to ourselves, our carnal nature wars against the Spirit to pull us in the direction of spiritual disorder (Galatians 5:17).

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/lr0T1zwXd1A1 ]

Moses called each generation of Israelites to affirm their allegiance to God. The Exodus generation dedicated themselves to God at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24) and the second generation was called to do the same (the book of Deuteronomy). Moses then instructed Joshua to lead Israel to rededicate themselves to the Covenant before they settled the land (Joshua 8:30-35). And after their expansion into the land, they rededicated themselves again (Joshua 24).

Why not let February -- even today -- be when you rededicate yourself to God: to love and obey Him in everything in the coming year.

The year is made up of minutes. Let these be watched as having been dedicated to God. It is in the sanctification of the small that hallowing of the large is secure.
G. Campbell Morgan

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 3–8 [ http://iz3.me/mr0T1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, February 24

Full Circle

Cursed is the ground... And there shall be no more curse.
Genesis 3:17; Revelation 22:3

Recommended Reading
Philippians 1:20-26 [ http://iz3.me/sN3T1zwXd1A1 ]

In a well-crafted novel, a problem is usually introduced in the opening pages, often involving life-and-death matters. A plot then unfolds with twists and turns, all connected with a heroic protagonist. Then the story climaxes and concludes in a way that satisfies the reader.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/tN3T1zwXd1A1 ]

The Bible isn't a novel, but it  is  inspired by a Master Author. In its opening pages we're introduced to a set of terrible problems. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, centered around one heroic personage -- Jesus Christ. The book concludes with the story coming full circle in a satisfying way.

In Genesis 1-3, humanity is separated from God by a serpent and by sin, and a curse falls over creation. In Revelation 19-22, sin is dealt with, the serpent condemned, paradise restored, and God's people eternally satisfied. In the New Earth, the curse of sin will be reversed, revealing once again the beauty God designed for us. No curse will spoil the new creation, and no dullness will dim our eyesight. So we will see it. How wonderful to read God's Book, knowing it is all written for us to claim!

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.
C. S. Lewis, in  Mere Christianity

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 9-11 [ http://iz3.me/uN3T1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, February 25

Joy to the World!

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
Psalm 98:4

Recommended Reading
Psalm 98 [ http://iz3.me/fKBT1zwXd1A1 ]

It might surprise you to know that when Isaac Watts wrote "Joy to the World," he wasn't thinking of Christmas. He had been studying Psalm 98 and contemplating the millennial reign of Christ. When Jesus comes again, He will establish a thousand-year reign on earth, and heaven and nature will sing. Fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains will repeat the sounding joy. Only during the Millennium, which comes after the second advent of Christ, will the words to "Joy to the World" really be fulfilled. The Millennium will be an earthly foretaste of the New Heavens and New Earth, which will be our eternal home.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/gKBT1zwXd1A1 ]

If you want to know what the Millennium will be like, read passages like Revelation 20 and Isaiah 11. This is earth's future. When you hear now of wars and rumors of war, and when you despair over the coarsening of society, and when you worry about global issues, remember: He will come to make His blessings flow as far as the curse is found -- a joy for earth and a foretaste of heaven.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove, the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.
Isaac Watts

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 12-15 [ http://iz3.me/hKBT1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, February 26

Swords Into Plowshares

They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4

Recommended Reading
Isaiah 2:1-4 [ http://iz3.me/3ILT1zwXd1A1 ]

In the garden of the United Nations in New York City, a dramatic sculpture -- a 1959 gift from the old Soviet Union -- bears the words of Isaiah 2:4: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares." The sculpture shows the figure of a man holding a hammer in one hand, and in the other, a sword that he is beating into a plow. It expresses the great aspiration for world peace.

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

But here's the problem: Isaiah 2:4 has a first part to the verse. It begins: "He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people." Isaiah 2 is about the Second Coming of Christ and the establishing of His millennial reign. Without the Prince of Peace, there can be no lasting peace on earth; for the hearts of humanity are evil. Christ alone can usher in a period of global peace. Pray for peace on earth, but also pray: "Your kingdom come." Only when Christ returns will there be lasting peace. We can't imagine how wonderful that peace will be, but we can pray, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

When Christ returns, and only then, will the angel's message to the shepherds be totally fulfilled: Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.
David Jeremiah

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 16-19 [ http://iz3.me/4ILT1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, February 27

Precious in His Sight

But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
2 Samuel 12:23

Recommended Reading
Luke 8:49-56 [ http://iz3.me/JmTT1zwXd1A1 ]

The death of children is one of earth's greatest sorrows. Throughout much of history and in much of the world today, childhood mortality figures are astoundingly high. Some reading these words have lost a child or a grandchild, either through illness or accident. Some have lost preborn children through miscarriage or abortion.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/KmTT1zwXd1A1 ]

God loves children. He loves the preborn and He loves the newborn. He loves the infant and He loves the toddler. "Jesus loves the little children of the world -- red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight." He is not willing for children to be lost. David said about his child who died: "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." Our few moments on earth are like the pop of a flashbulb compared to eternity. Be comforted: Our separation is short; our reunion is eternal.

Those little children have not yet any understanding to desire His blessing; but when they are presented to Him, He gently and kindly receives them, and dedicates them to the Father by a solemn act of blessing.
John Calvin

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 20-22 [ http://iz3.me/LmTT1zwXd1A1 ]