Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, September 2

Divine Foresight

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Recommended Reading
Isaiah 46:9-10 [ http://iz3.me/1BAr1zwXd1A1 ]

If you have 20/20 vision, you can see what a normal person sees on a chart when standing 20 feet away. If you have 20/40 vision, it means that you, while standing 20 feet from the chart, can see what a normal person can see from 40 feet away -- meaning your eyesight is imperfect. The expression "hindsight is 20/20" means that everyone sees the past clearly. What seems fuzzy before it happens is always clear after the fact.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/2BAr1zwXd1A1 ]

We humans might have 20/20 hindsight, but God also has 20/20 foresight. That is, His view of the future is just as clear as His (and our) view of the past. We try our best to see the future clearly -- we pray, do our research, seek counsel, and prepare. But only God knows the future. That is the heart of biblical prophecy. God knows and declares, through His prophets, "the end from the beginning ... things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:10). God's heart is to give His people "a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

You know your past today, and God knows your future. If you trust Him with what has already happened, trust Him as well with things to come.

Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.
Augustine

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 28-30  [ http://iz3.me/3BAr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, September 3

Night Lights

The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun.
Psalm 74:16

Recommended Reading
Psalm 139:7-12 [ http://iz3.me/FCKr1zwXd1A1 ]

The book of Psalms is full of nocturnal verses. Psalm 1 tells us to meditate on God's Word day and night. Psalm 16:7 says, "My heart also instructs me in the night seasons." According to Psalm 30, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 77 reminds us to sing at night, and Psalm 92 speaks of God's faithfulness to us every night.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/GCKr1zwXd1A1 ]

Psalm 134, one of the shortest chapters in the Bible, was written to priests on the graveyard shift: "Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!"

Sometimes our "nights" are metaphorical as we go through dark seasons in life. But sometimes they're literal, for we often have trouble sleeping, sometimes due to anxious care. Remember, you can lift up your hands in the night seasons as well as in the light, for both the day and night belong to the Lord.

All praise to Thee, my God, this night, for all the blessings of the light! Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, beneath Thine own almighty wings.
Thomas Ken, author of the  Doxology

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 31-32 [ http://iz3.me/HCKr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, September 4

Digging Deep

Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.
Psalm 71:3

Recommended Reading
Psalm 71 [ http://iz3.me/UQUr1zwXd1A1 ]

When our lives progress according to our plans, we feel confident and secure. We value our independence and sense of control. This sense of security dissipates when we face trials, difficulty, or loss. Instead of feeling secure, we become acutely aware of our vulnerability. As our plans unravel, we realize the limitations of our control and power. As Christians, we may wish for an exemption from suffering, but this was never promised to us. In the midst of our insecurity, we have a choice.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/VQUr1zwXd1A1 ]

We can be like trees whose roots grow deep into the ground to withstand the winds shaking them, or we can allow the circumstances to separate us from God, our strength and foundation. He is the only one who can provide the power and peace we need to survive trials. The security offered by other sources is temporary. God alone is steadfast and constant.

Start a list of God's attributes and the ways in which He has worked in your life. This can serve as a reminder when you face trials. When we remember who God is and His faithfulness to us in the past, we are encouraged to continue depending on Him in the midst of new challenges.

Just as the roots of trees take firmer hold when they are contending with the wind; so faith takes firmer hold when it struggles with adverse appearances.
Robert Murray McCheyne

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 33-35 [ http://iz3.me/WQUr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, September 5

Expert Counsel

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever.
Psalm 146:5-6

Recommended Reading
Psalm 46  [ http://iz3.me/D3gr1zwXd1A1 ]

Who will help me? Our natural response to challenges is to react in our own strength. We strategize and try to think our way to a solution. When that fails, we turn to those around us. Have you experienced this? What did you do?

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/E3gr1zwXd1A1 ]

While these methods sometimes work, we have forgotten our most powerful ally. This simple refrain from a children's song reminds us, "He holds the whole world in His hands." True wisdom and help come from the One who not only holds the world, but created it. If we are struggling to trust God's insight and sovereignty, all we need to do is spend time in His creation. The details, structure, and creative coloring of each plant and creature point to God's power.

Instead of running to God as an afterthought, we can start with Him. We are His creation and He knows what we need. God knows more about you and your situation than any other being, including you. He is also the only one who can control the outcome. When we realize this, we will seek His expertise and help first. As we surrender ourselves and our situation to His expertise, we gain the hope and confidence of knowing that He is in control and that He loves to help us.

When trouble comes, focus on God's ability to care for you.
Charles Stanley

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 36-38 [ http://iz3.me/F3gr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, September 6 & 7

Back to School: Backpack

Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)

Recommended Reading
Ezra 7:1-10 [ http://iz3.me/PEnr1zwXd1A1 ]

Are you familiar with phrases about having our daily devotions?  Where did that term originate? We don't know when the word  devotions was first used for our periods of Bible study and prayer, but it's appropriate. The word devotion means "earnest affection for a person or a cause." It's a better term than the word commitment. We can be committed to a cause out of sheer duty; but to be devoted implies commitment plus affection.

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast [ http://iz3.me/REnr1zwXd1A1 ]

When we're devoted to learning God's Word, it helps to have the right study tools. The primary point is having a Bible; and a good study Bible is indispensable. Many Christians also use a personal notebook to record their thoughts. A concordance (either online or in book format) can help locate all the occurrences of particular words in Scripture. And a simple one-volume commentary can yield helpful insights on difficult passages.

As our children head back to school, it's time to don our backpacks and enroll in the Ezra School of Bible Study -- devoting ourselves to the study and observance of God's Word and to teaching it to others.

As you study your Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit, and live out the truths that God reveals to you, you will discover new stability, strength, and confidence.
Kay Arthur

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 39-43 [ http://iz3.me/SEnr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Monday, September 8

Promises That Are True

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2 Peter 3:13

Recommended Reading
Psalm 119:160 [ http://iz3.me/p2pr1zwXd1A1 ]

Consider how you feel when you're in a relationship with a person -- spouse, friend, coworker, boss -- who has never been untrue in word or deed. The longer that person goes without betraying your trust, the higher your confidence soars. But should something untrue be said or done, your confidence crashes. It can take a long time to restore trust.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/q2pr1zwXd1A1 ]

We serve a God who has never been untrue in word or deed. In fact, Jesus called Himself "the truth," personifying the quality that is an attribute of God (John 14:6). While man is constantly redefining truth -- Pontius Pilate famously asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) -- Jesus and the psalmist declared that God's Word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). And God's promises are part of His Word (2 Peter 1:2-4). Jesus said that the Christian's place in eternity, in God's family, is eternal -- that is a promise that will be eternally true (John 10:28). Nothing can separate the Christian from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

Whatever your need today -- provision, protection, perseverance -- cling to the promises from the One who has never been untrue.

The whole covenant is a bundle of promises.
Thomas Brooks

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 44-46 [ http://iz3.me/r2pr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, September 9

Singing Confuses the Enemy

When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army.
2 Chronicles 20:21

Recommended Reading
2 Chronicles 20:18-30 [ http://iz3.me/wowr1zwXd1A1 ]

Cliff Barrows, worship leader for the Billy Graham Crusades, tells how his father, an avid Gideon, traveled to Rangoon years ago. The area was under oppression and Gideon Bibles had been removed from hotels. While there, he met with local Gideons who were trying to restore the Bibles. During the meeting, Barrows had difficulty following the discussion because two men were singing hymns just a few yards away. Finally he asked, "Why are those men singing while we're trying to have this meeting?" The local Gideon replied, "Because this room is bugged, and the singing confuses the enemy who is trying to listen to us."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/xowr1zwXd1A1 ]

"There's a spiritual lesson in that," says Cliff. "When we sing, it confuses the enemy and allows the Lord's work to proceed." 1

When we're discouraged, attacked, or faced with unanswered prayers, singing a song of triumph brings us back into focus, allowing us to express our thanks to God for who He is.

The great hymns of the faith are continually flooding my mind. I revel in trying to recall their words.
Cliff Barrows

1Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: Book 3 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 282.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ezekiel 47-48 [ http://iz3.me/0pwr1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, September 10

Seeing Only One Side

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
Psalm 13:1

Recommended Reading
John 12:27-28 [ http://iz3.me/2M8s1zwXd1A1 ]

Directors of dramatic films often use a camera sequence that heightens the tension in a scene. Two enemies will be within feet of each other -- on opposite sides of a wall or on parallel streets in a city without knowing it. An aerial shot or split screen gives us, the viewers, the advantage of seeing both parties. But the actors are portraying extreme tension, not knowing where the other person is.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/3M8s1zwXd1A1 ]

That tension is what we feel sometimes when we can only see our side of the split screen without seeing God's side. We're in a situation of some sort -- trouble or danger is approaching -- and we cry out to God for His help and intervention. And either we don't hear immediately from God or we get an answer that is not what we wanted or expected. The problem is, we can only see our part of the drama. God is above it all and sees what we cannot. Consider the time the Israelites were delayed in reaching the Promised Land (Exodus 13:17-18), or the time the answer to Daniel's prayer was delayed for three weeks (Daniel 10:1-14) -- both delays were for good reasons.

If you are asking God for something and the answer is slow in coming, remember that you are seeing only one part of the equation.

Hope is the foundation of patience.
John Calvin

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Daniel 1-3  [ http://iz3.me/5M8s1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, September 11

Why We Worship

Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 29:2

Recommended Reading
1 Chronicles 16:29 [ http://iz3.me/TxIs1zwXd1A1 ]

Some things in life are negotiable, others are not. Civil laws are non-negotiable. The physical laws of the universe, like gravity, are non-negotiable. Going to the gym, raking the leaves, purchasing a desired item -- these, and other things in life, are negotiable. That means we can allow our feelings to help determine our course of action.

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/UxIs1zwXd1A1 ]

Non-negotiables in the kingdom of God are expressed as commands. Sometimes we are told they are laws, as in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), and other times their status as commands is implied by how they are written. As suggested by Hebrew grammar, worshiping God is not negotiable: "worship the Lord" is an imperative form (1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2; 96:9). We think of worship as an emotional act born out of love and gratitude -- those are good reasons to worship God. But what if we don't feel love and gratitude? At that point we worship God because of "the splendor of His holiness" (NIV). That is, we worship Him because He deserves to be worshiped as our Creator-God.

Don't let feelings be an obstacle to worship. Worship God because of Who He is and what He deserves -- and feelings will follow.

What or whom we worship determines our behavior.
John Murray

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Daniel 4-5  [ http://iz3.me/VxIs1zwXd1A1 ]

[Judy Harder]

Friday, September 12

Worshiping in the Darkness

I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You.
Psalm 138:1

Recommended Reading
Job 42:1-6 [ http://iz3.me/a2Ts1zwXd1A1 ]

The nineteenth-century South African pastor and writer, Andrew Murray, was feeling unwell one day when a woman came seeking his advice about a difficult situation in which she was involved. Unable to see the woman in person, he wrote down a few paragraphs on paper for his housekeeper to give to the woman. The last line he wrote was a summary for her to believe: "I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time."

Listen to Today's Radio Message [ http://iz3.me/b2Ts1zwXd1A1 ]

In short, Andrew Murray gave his visitor four reasons for worshiping God even in times of trouble. If we are where we are by God's appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time, what could we possibly have to worry about? Those four points are usually what we think when things are going well, when we really feel like worshiping God. But if they are true all the time, even when things are hard, why wouldn't we worship God in those times as well? We agree with Job: "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10)

We don't worship God because things are good or otherwise. We worship Him because of His sovereign oversight and care for our life.

Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.
V. Raymond Edman

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Daniel 6-8  [ http://iz3.me/c2Ts1zwXd1A1 ]