Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, June 30

Come, You Blessed!

Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 25:34

Recommended Reading
Matthew 25:31-46


In Matthew 25, Jesus warned of a day when He will return to judge the nations. He will separate them as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. He will say to the former, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you . . . ." To the others He will say, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (verse 41).

The former group is saved by grace through faith. Out of their salvation flows their good works--they feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, care for the imprisoned, and minister to "the least of these." We aren't saved on the basis of those deeds, for no amount of good works can save us. We engage in them because we have been saved; and our kindness is evidence of the grace of Christ in our hearts.

Our days should be filled with blessing those around us, living in expectation of the day when we hear the wonderful words of Christ calling us to "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

The seeming peace a sinner has is not from the knowledge of his happiness but from the ignorance of his danger.
Thomas Watson, Puritan

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Psalm 141:1-147:20

[Judy Harder]

Friday, July 1

The Coming Surprise

Watch  therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming--in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning.
Mark 13:35

Recommended Reading
Mark 13:32-37


Every day was hard for the Padgett children while their dad was deployed in Afghanistan. They missed him terribly and sometimes tearfully. Then one day last winter, Joseph and Cortney joined classmates in the school cafeteria for a program. The school band struck up "America the Beautiful," and a soldier in combat fatigues stepped through the door. Instantly the two youngsters leaped up and ran through the crowd with tears in their eyes. Their dad, Spc. Buddy Padgett, had surprised his children with an early return home.1

We don't know the day or hour of our Lord's return, but what a glorious surprise awaits us! Jesus told us to watch, for we don't know if He'll come when the alarm clock rings, the dinner bell chimes, or the clock strikes midnight. We must be ready to leap to our feet with joyful shouts of "He's back! He's home!"

For nearly twenty years a spiritual enrichment has come into my ministry because I have realized the great New Testament revelation of the personal return of our Lord.
Dinsdale Young, English Methodist preacher

1"Soldier Surprises Children at School with Early Return" by Derrick Ek in the Corning (New York) Leader, the-leader.com/news/x2097055957/Soldier-surprises-children-at-school-with-early-return, February 16, 2011.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Psalm 148:1-Proverbs 2:22

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, July 2 & 3

Joy Busters: Criticism (A Critical Spirit)

Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matthew 7:1

Recommended Reading
Matthew 7:1-6


With the rising trend of healthy eating, many people have returned to the practice of gardening. Sure the food may be better for us, and it may save us a few dollars, but it is also tedious work. Just one unnoticed weed can quickly make its way through the entire garden.

Much like an unkempt garden, Christians are susceptible to being over-run by a critical spirit. We allow a judgmental thought to linger too long, and it takes root. Soon it has infiltrated our lives--including those around us. Rather than being an encourager, a builder for Christ, we've become Satan's destructive tool. As George D. Watson once said, "[Criticism] is a parasite which...fastens itself on the tree of religion, and seeks to spread itself until it claims to be the tree, and...if not killed off, will succeed in killing the tree."

How do we avoid the strangling weeds of a critical spirit? Begin looking at things "NLOE" (in light of eternity). Focusing on eternity and desiring others to join us there will certainly help us to be less critical and more about encouraging others and spreading God's love, showing them we are a "<><" (follower of Christ)!

It is a delusion of Satan to get religious people to mistake censoriousness for sanctity.
George D. Watson

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 3:1-5:23
Proverbs 6:1-8:36

[Judy Harder]

Monday, July 4

"Encourage Him"

Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
Deuteronomy 1:38

Recommended Reading
Deut. 1:37-40


In Deuteronomy the aged Moses preached a final series of sermons to the younger generation who were entering the Promised Land. He poignantly recounted his forty years of hard service. The Israelites, he said in effect, had often plied him with discouragement. "The LORD was also angry with me for your sakes," he told them. Then as he introduced his successor, Joshua, he said, "Encourage him."

Maybe it's our human nature or our rebellious hearts, but we're sometimes quick to criticize those responsible for leading us--whether in government or in church. But leaders need encouragement every day as they bear "the strain of toil, the fret of care."

What can you do today to encourage a public representative you know? Perhaps a leader in your city or nation? Have you prayed for your elected official today? What about your pastor or church staff?

Paul wrote, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord... Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work... encourage..." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, NIV).

The really great person is the person who makes every person feel great.
G. K. Chesterton

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 9:1-11:31

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, July 5

Poems and Sparrows

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

Recommended Reading
Luke 12:1-8


Percy Shelley wasn't successful in life personally or professionally. When he drowned in a storm at age 29, he had only about fifty readers and little money. But he's remembered today as one of the finest poets in the English language. He once defined his craft like this. "Poetry," he wrote, "is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds."

As the apostle Paul originally wrote Ephesians 2:10 in the Greek, he used an interesting word for "workmanship"--the Greek term poema, from which we get our English word poem. It means something made or created. We're the living record of His happy creative genius. God places great value on each of us. We are His craftsmanship, His creation, His workmanship.

Though this earth teems with nearly 7 billion people, each of us is important to God. "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?" Jesus asked. "And not one of them is forgotten before God. . . Do not fear, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6-7).

I am somebody 'cause God don't make no junk.
Ethel Waters

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 12:1-14:35

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, July 6

"When You Are Discouraged..."

Do not fear or be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 1:21b

Recommended Reading
Deut. 1:29-33


Many of our favorite hymns tell us what to do when discouraged. One old standby by Johnson Oatman advises: "When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one."

Another asks, "Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come?" We should rather remember that "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

The beloved hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," gives us sound advice in saying we should "never be discouraged" over a burden, for we can "take it to the Lord in prayer."

The spiritual, "There Is a Balm in Gilead" says: "Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work's in vain, and then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again."

So if you're discouraged today, remember that a moment in the presence of our Lord can change your attitude. Count your blessings. Realize you're more valuable than the sparrows. Take it to the Lord in prayer, and let the Holy Spirit revive your soul again.

Do not fear or be discouraged.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Civilla  D. Martin

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 15:1-17:28

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 7

Friends for the Journey

Two are better than one.... For if they fall, one will lift up his companion....
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Recommended Reading
Romans 15: 4-7


In John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Christian is blessed with two friends for his journey to the Celestial City: Faithful and Hopeful. At one point in the story, Christian and Hopeful are captured by Giant Despair and locked away in Doubting Castle. The symbolic names give wise counsel. Faith and hope are key companions when we encounter the twin destroyers of doubt and despair--especially in these desperate days of economic catastrophes and natural disasters.

Bunyan's allegory of the believer's struggle through life toward heaven poignantly illustrates the difficult journey we face. But the indispensable lesson of faith and hope through Pilgrim's traveling companions reminds believers of another important truth: We need friends along life's path to pick us up when we fall, encouraging us to keep on keeping on.

No burden is too great to carry with the heavenly promise of our Lord (John 14:1-2) and encouraging friends who help turn our despair into joy and doubt into a stronger faith and hope. Look around your path today. There is probably someone not too far from you who needs your encouragement.

A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
Arnold Glasow

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 18:1-20:30

[Judy Harder]

Friday, July 8

iPause

Be still, and know that I am God....
Psalm 46:10

Recommended Reading
Psalm 46


Since its introduction in 2001, the Apple iPod has monopolized the mobile music player market, injecting sound into every possible moment of silence. It has even introduced the term, "iPod Generation," into Western vernacular. But what are the ramifications of this portable digital invention? Are we truly better off trying to fill all our silent moments?

Throughout Scripture, before God chose to use someone in a mighty way He strengthened them through solitude. Moses was assigned to the back side of a desert for forty years before God sent him to lead the Exodus. Elijah was removed from his duties and placed in a cave in Mount Horeb so he could hear the still, small voice of God. And the Lord Jesus Himself often withdrew to the seashore or to the mountains so He could be alone with the Father.

If it was important for God's servants to spend time in solitude before great works of ministry, we should reevaluate how we spend our quiet moments. Do we try to keep them filled with sounds--no matter how beautiful they may be? Or do we push the "pause" button in our daily routines and listen for the still, small voice of God?

There are times when silence has the loudest voice.
Leroy Brownlow

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 21:1-23:35

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, July 9 & 10

Joy Busters: Negativity (A Harmful Outlook)

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29

Recommended Reading
Philippians 4


On March 11 of this year, we were awakened to news stories that Japan had been ravaged by a massive 9.0 earthquake and a devastating tsunami. Through the technological advances we take for granted, the world saw the events happening in Japan within moments of it happening. Even though it's good to know what's going on in the world, frequently the news focuses only on the more troubling events--filling us with negativity.   With so much bad news being reported, how do we remain hopeful?

Thankfully, we have a choice. We can become discouraged about all the evil and trials in our world, or we can get excited about the good things God is doing!

Even now, Christian relief efforts are bringing physical and spiritual help to survivors in Japan. The Bible is being translated into more languages each year. Muslims are coming to faith in Christ in record numbers. Christians in Asia are risking their lives to spread the Gospel. And that is only scratching the surface. So, don't let negativity rob you of your joy--share the positive message of God's love and grace to a troubled world.

Great leaders understand that the right attitude will set the right atmosphere, which enables the right response from others.
John Maxwell

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 24:1-26:28
Proverbs 27:1-29:27

[Judy Harder]

Monday, July 11

Littered With Blessings

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night...
Psalm 92:1-2

Recommended Reading
Psalm 68:19-20


Police in Ohio responded to an unusual call earlier this year. Motorists along Route 23 near Columbus reported seeing large amounts of money scattered alongside the highway.  Although the exact amount wasn't announced, sources close to the case said it amounted to tens of thousands of dollars. Officials have no idea where the money came from.

That story is reminiscent of the blessings in our lives. Just like the cash littering the highway, blessings are often unexpected and many times are overlooked.  The highway of life isn't free of obstacles or traffic jams. Sometimes there are exhausting grades and precipitous curves. But God litters our way with blessings. The psalmist proclaimed, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits" (Psalm 68:19a).

Perhaps today we need to slow down and, with song and solitude, ponder how blessed we are. Tens of thousands of blessings attend our way. Goodness and mercy follow us all our days.

When God draws the curtain...mercy streams in on the sunbeam. When He shuts the eyelids of the day...it is mercy that...bids us rest. He "daily loadeth us with benefits."
Charles Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 30:1-Ecclesiastes 1:18