Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 26

The Fourth Man

"Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
Daniel 3:25

Recommended Reading
Daniel 3:19-29 [ http://iz3.me/DjkW1zwXd1A1 ]

In reading the Old Testament, we occasionally meet a Stranger who defies explanation -- the Guest who showed up at Abraham's tent, the Traveler who wrestled with Jacob, the Commander of the Lord's Army who puzzled Joshua, the Fourth Man who appeared in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, the Angel of the Lord who appeared to Moses.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/EjkW1zwXd1A1 ]

Many scholars believe this Personage was Jesus Himself in His pre-Bethlehem state. When Jesus became a human through the womb of the Virgin, He literally became the God-Man. From that moment He was both fully God and fully human. We call this the incarnation. But prior to that, He sometimes appeared in a preincarnate form. In other words, in the Old Testament Jesus occasionally appeared in the form of a man; at His birth He literally became  a man.

How comforting to know that Jesus will always find a way of being with His people. Even now He is present by His Holy Spirit, and He constantly speaks to us through His Word. We have a Savior who is always near and always dear. He's the Fourth Man in the furnace, but He's first in our hearts.

To throw the Christian into the furnace is to put him into Christ's parlor; for lo! Jesus Christ is walking with him.
Charles Spurgeon, from his sermon "God's People in the Furnace"

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 15-16 [ http://iz3.me/FjkW1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, March 27

The Greatest Authority on Angels

....things which angels desire to look into.
1 Peter 1:12

Recommended Reading
Matthew 26:50-56 [ http://iz3.me/f8wW1zwXd1A1 ]

Jesus had more encounters with angels than anyone else in history. During His earthly life, angels -- both good and evil ones -- appeared to Him many times. He conversed with them, argued with them, silenced a few of them, and on one occasion stated that He had several thousand of them at His disposal. Angels were present at His birth, during His temptation, during His agony in Gethsemane, at the tomb on Easter Sunday, and at His ascension. Now they're awaiting instructions regarding His return.

Listen to Today's Radio Message[ http://iz3.me/g8wW1zwXd1A1 ]

The angels were drawn to Him and desired to look into the depths of the Good News He was bringing us. It's no wonder He commands the heightened attention of heaven's host. If the ultimate purpose of angels is to glorify His name, then we would expect them to be drawn to Jesus.

Come to think of it, the same is true of us, isn't it? If our ultimate purpose is to worship and praise our Lord, should we not, too, be drawn to Him? Should we not also sing "Holy, Holy, Holy"? And should we not seek to serve Him as the angels do, especially because we have a song that even angels cannot sing -- the song of redemption?

Yea, sinners may address their King in songs that angels cannot sing.
John Newton

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 17-18 [ http://iz3.me/h8wW1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, March 28

Scheduling Rest

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Recommended Reading
Matthew 4:1-11 [ http://iz3.me/rQ7X1zwXd1A1 ]

In the desert Jesus withstood intense temptation. Three times the devil enticed Him to sin, but Jesus responded with the power of God's truth. When Jesus had successfully overcome the temptations, angels came and ministered to Him. The word "ministered" in the New Testament language carries with it the idea of spreading out a table of nourishment and strength. The ordeal Jesus faced was followed by peace and refreshment.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/sQ7X1zwXd1A1 ]

Throughout Jesus' ministry, He took time away from the crowds and even His disciples to pray by Himself. Jesus modeled the importance of not only serving God with our actions but of being still and drawing close to God to renew our souls. If we rush forward, forgetting to rest, we may miss the very guidance and encouragement God wants to give us to face upcoming challenges.

God alone knows our deepest needs and the difficult circumstances we may be facing. In the coming days, let's set aside time to get away, as Jesus did, to rest in God's presence and allow Him to nourish and strengthen us with His Word.

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.
Charles H. Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 19–21 [ http://iz3.me/tQ7X1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 29 & 30

The Approval Process: Appeal Process

Meanwhile praying also for us...
Colossians 4:3

Recommended Reading
John 17:9-20 [ http://iz3.me/fwIX1zwXd1A1 ]

Missionary J. Hudson Taylor oft recounted his conversion. One day while a teenager, he was home alone and bored. In the study he picked up a small pamphlet. His mother, meanwhile, who was eighty miles away, felt a sudden burden to pray for him. Going to her room, she turned the key and resolved to stay in prayer until the burden lifted. As Hudson read, his eyes saw a sentence in the pamphlet about the finished work of Christ. It was as if a light flashed in his soul. Falling to his knees, he gave his life to the Lord. When his mother returned two weeks later, he met her with the news. She said, "I know, my boy; I have been rejoicing for a fortnight."

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/gwIX1zwXd1A1 ]

You can express your approval, affirmation, and encouragement to others by being a fan, in word, pen, and deed. But the greatest results are achieved by our prayer appeals. Thomas Chalmers, the Scottish pulpit giant, said, "Prayer does not enable us to do a greater work for God. Prayer  is  a greater work for God." The greatest encouragement is conveyed in prayer.

[ Intercessory prayer ]... is our instrument to impart spiritual blessing to others.
Andrew Murray, in The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 22-27 [ http://iz3.me/hwIX1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, March 31

Inspired Worship

And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan. For it is written, "You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve."
Luke 4:8

Recommended Reading
Genesis 1:1-29  [ http://iz3.me/JtLX1zwXd1A1 ]

Feelings of awe alert us to the fingerprints of God. Whether we feel it in response to a sunset, the rushing of a waterfall, or the majesty of angels, it's easy to be swept up in the moment and to forget the Creator behind the breathtaking beauty.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/KtLX1zwXd1A1 ]

Our natural instinct is to move from awe to worship. When John came face-to-face with angels, they were beyond anything he had seen before. He fell facedown to worship them. Swiftly, the angel rebuked him, "See  that you do  not  do that.  For I am your fellow servant ...Worship God" (Revelation 22:9). The angel reminded John that only God is worthy of our worship.

God created the heavens and the earth to reveal His glory. Don't allow creation to eclipse and steal the worship God desires and deserves. Our feelings of awe can increase our worship of God. The brilliant radiance of a sunset reminds us of His radiance. The crashing of waves reminds us of His power. If we focus our adoration on creation, we miss the point. God is greater. Who or what will you worship today?

[ Worship is ] the specific act of ascribing to God the glory, majesty, honor, and worthiness that are His.
Jerry Bridges

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 28-31  [ http://iz3.me/LtLX1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, April 1

Heavenly Companion

For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11

Recommended Reading
Genesis 28:10-22  [ http://iz3.me/0cVX1zwXd1A1 ]

When God created man, he left no detail to chance. The precision and perfection of our body's systems are without equal: our circulatory, digestive, immune, and muscular systems are designed to sustain our life.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/1cVX1zwXd1A1 ]

God's care for us goes beyond the formation of our bodies. The world was created for us to inhabit, rule over, and enjoy. Even in the creation of His angels, we see God's great care and concern for us. Angels protect and watch over us in life; and in Luke 16:22, the Bible describes Lazarus as being ushered into heaven by angels. Later, in Luke 24:51, Jesus is carried up into heaven.

What a loving God we serve! Not only has He prepared a heavenly dwelling for us, but His angels also accompany us as we transition from this world to the next. Our hearts will be filled with great comfort and joy as we reflect on God's goodness. He has provided more than we could have imagined or asked for.

When my time to die comes, an angel will be there to comfort me. He will give me peace and joy even at the most critical hour, and usher me into the presence of God, and I will dwell with the Lord forever. Thank God for the ministry of His blessed angels!
Billy Graham

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 1-3  [ http://iz3.me/2cVX1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, April 2

The Ultimate Relationship

Woe to him who says to wood, "Awake!" To silent stone, "Arise! It shall teach!" Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet in it there is no breath at all.
Habakkuk 2:19

Recommended Reading
Psalm 115:4-8 [ http://iz3.me/oNiX1zwXd1A1 ]

To the modern, Western mind, trained in logic and rational thinking, nothing seems as illogical or irrational as some of the practices of people in the ancient Near East: Create an image out of wood or stone, then treat the image as if it was a living, breathing being -- a god with whom the worshipper can relate.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/pNiX1zwXd1A1 ]

Educated people don't do that today because we know that inanimate objects can't be animated just because we want them to be. We know that a true relationship requires two sentient beings, at the very least. Even our family pet has more life than a stone idol. Relating to a pet or person is better than trying to relate to wood or stone, but it still leaves us wanting more. It is only when we enter into the relationship for which God created us -- a personal, intimate relationship with Himself -- that our hunger for knowing and being known can be satisfied.

If you are seeking the ultimate relationship in life, don't seek it in things that cannot respond and relate in the way you are meant to. Seek it in the One who said He is the life (John 14:6).

Man, made in the image of God, has a purpose -- to be in relationship to God, who is there.
Francis Schaeffer

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 4-7 [ http://iz3.me/qNiX1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, April 3

Certain Peace

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Recommended Reading
Philippians 4:6-7 [ http://iz3.me/LirX1zwXd1A1 ]

We know the bus we need to catch is always on time. A friend who has promised to help us on Saturday is one who always keeps his word. The pension check we need by the end of the month has never been late. Certainty -- or as close as we can get to it in human terms -- brings peace of mind.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/MirX1zwXd1A1 ]

But the truth is, nothing is absolutely certain in life. Things happen that have never happened before. So if we achieve a degree of peace by trusting in things that are less than certain, how much more peace could we enjoy by trusting in Someone who has never failed? The psalmist wrote, "Your testimonies, which You have commanded, are righteous and very faithful" (very certain; Psalm 119:138). And the apostle Paul said that when we commit our uncertainties to God in prayer, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). We have peace because we believe in God's absolute trustworthiness.

If peace seems elusive in your life today, commit yourself to God, commit your concerns to Him in prayer, and then rest peacefully as you trust in Him.

To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
Annie Johnson Flint

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 8-11 [ http://iz3.me/NirX1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, April 4

Reflecting His Holiness

So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."
Isaiah 6:5

Recommended Reading
Luke 5:1-8 [ http://iz3.me/4J3a1zwXd1A1 ]

Tennis players like to play opponents who play at a higher level than themselves. Parents encourage their children to make friends with upstanding peers. Teachers encourage promising students to take advanced placement classes. Why? Because we can always do better; there is always a higher level of potential achievement. Fortunately, in most areas of life there are examples of outstanding achievement to emulate.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/5J3a1zwXd1A1 ]

When it comes to holiness, however, grasping the concept is harder because none of us knows a perfectly holy person. That is, it is not normal today for people to have personal, face-to-face encounters with God, the Angel of the Lord, or Jesus Christ -- those who personify pure holiness. But we can read from Scripture what happened to people who did: Their lives were radically changed; they became more holy.

When Moses met with God face-to-face, it was obvious to everyone (Exodus 34:29-30). That's why worship, Bible study, and communion with God are so important. The more we see His holiness, the more like Him we can become.

Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness.
A. W. Pink

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 12-13 [ http://iz3.me/6J3a1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, April 5 & 6

Page Turners! David and Goliath

Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of [ Goliath ]; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."
1 Samuel 17:32

Recommended Reading
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 [ http://iz3.me/o5Ca1zwXd1A1 ]

Rudy Ruettiger dreamed of playing football for the "Fighting Irish" of Notre Dame even though his chances were slim. But Rudy made it to Notre Dame, made the team, and actually got to play in the last game of his senior year. The 1993 movie, Rudy, is one of the greatest underdog dramas of all time.

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/p5Ca1zwXd1A1 ]

Rudy's heroic story took four years to play out; but another one, even more dramatic, lasted for forty days. When the Philistine giant, Goliath, taunted the armies of Israel for more than a month, the Israelite soldiers cowered in fear. It was a common practice in the ancient world to have two champions fight and decide a matter instead of risking the lives of many soldiers in a mass battle. But no Israelite soldier would step forward to accept Goliath's challenge -- until a teenager named David volunteered (1 Samuel 17). So, after forty days of intimidation, Goliath lay dead and Israel was saved.

God has stepped in at the last minute more than once in history (remember Moses at the Red Sea?). And He can do the same for you. Keep turning the pages by faith and let the story play out to the end.

The Bible has a story-line. It traces an unfolding drama.
Edmund P. Clowney

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 14-19 [ http://iz3.me/q5Ca1zwXd1A1 ]