Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, January 7 & 8

New Year's Resolutions: Resolve to Glean

  These... searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
  Acts 17:11

  Recommended Reading
Ruth 2:1-23 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%202:1-23&version=NKJV )

When vines, trees, and fields were harvested in the Old Testament times, the harvesters deliberately left some produce in the field. The leftovers were for the poor and strangers to collect or glean. The harvest was concerned with the "low-hanging" fruit, while gleaning was focused on letting nothing go to waste. The best example of gleaning is the story of Ruth who gleaned in the fields of Boaz to support herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi.

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

Applying the idea of gleaning to spiritual growth, the low-hanging fruit is what we get in the Sunday sermon, a Sunday school lesson, or a home Bible study group. But there is more! We need to go back to the Word of God again and again, looking for what was missed the first time around. We should be like the Christians in Berea who "searched the Scriptures daily" to verify what Paul and Silas were preaching to them. Looking for truth "as for hidden treasures" (Proverbs 2:4) is the only way to make sure we will never go spiritually hungry.

In 2012 resolve to be a gleaner in the Word of God, letting no morsel of truth go undigested.

  As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct.
  Jerry Bridges

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Genesis 22:1-27:17 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2022:1-27:17&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, January 9

An Odd Offering

  Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
  Deuteronomy 16:17

  Recommended Reading
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2016:16-17&version=NKJV )

An Atlanta-area church recently faced an interesting dilemma. An anonymous attender dropped a ticket into the offering plate. It was the winning Georgia Lottery ticket worth $80,000. Such a gift would generate a variety of opinions in many churches. But most of us would agree on this--the secret to sustained stewardship isn't in lotteries but in Lordship.

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

If Jesus is Lord of all, He is Lord over our finances, expenses, and giving. He is Lord over our income and outflow. He is Lord over our financial involvement in His work. When we support ministries He lays on our hearts, we're not really giving to those ministries. We're giving to Him.

These are critical days for work and for His workers. In many places progress is faltering for lack of funds. Perhaps too many Christians are overspending on themselves when they should be economizing for the kingdom. The cause of Christ isn't going to be advanced by lottery tickets or lavish lifestyles, but by the faithfulness of those who proclaim Him Lord of all.

  Giving is an act of worship, and so every worshipper must be one of God's givers, whether rich or poor. The mites God values as much as the millions.
  A. T. Pierson

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Genesis 27:18-29:35 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2027:18-29:35&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Sustained!


Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22


Recommended Reading

Psalm 55:16-22


Today's devotion is sponsored by two simple syllables: Sustain. It's a word that means "to support, to hold, to bear up from beneath, to bear the weight of." Nehemiah 9:21 says about the Israelites, "Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing." The psalmist said, "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me" (Psalm 3:5). David promised that God would sustain the generous person even on a bed of sickness (Psalm 41:3).


Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even to your old age and gray hairs...I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you" NIV (1984).


Like the giant pillars of an unshakable bridge, the promises of God bear us up from beneath. His everlasting arms sustain us through every storm. A hymn by Anne Steele provides a good prayer for today: "My great protector, and my Lord, Thy constant aid impart; O let Thy kind, Thy gracious Word sustain my trembling heart."

Under every condition, in every circumstance, for every burden, in every need, through every sorrow, Christ, the source and sustainer of life, is more than sufficient.

A. L. Faust, early Methodist leader



Read-thru-the-Bible
Genesis 30:1 -- 31:55

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, January 11

Backpack Living

  He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.
  Ecclesiastes 5:10

  Recommended Reading
Psalm 121 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121&version=NKJV )

With airlines charging us extra fees if we want to take our suitcase with us on vacation, more people are learning to take less. Even on overseas trips, many seasoned travelers pack little more than a change of clothes and a toothbrush. Garments can be washed out in a sink at night, and other supplies can be picked up as needed. Traveling with a half-empty backpack is a liberating adventure.

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

The same is true of life. The more we acquire, the more we have to tend. Everything requires attention and maintenance. Costs increase. An escalating lifestyle brings accelerating pressure. Pretty soon our possessions possess us.

Rather than being upwardly mobile, why not deliberately downsize? Constantly be de-cluttering. Pour your money into eternal investments and live simply.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon admitted that he found little lasting satisfaction in his houses, vineyards, orchards, servants, herds, tools, toys, and treasures (2:4-11). Real joy was found in the simplest acts of eating, drinking, working hard, and laboring for the Lord (2:24).

For a better trip, throw a Bible in your backpack and travel light.

  We are traveling on with our staff in hand... We are pilgrims bound for the heavenly land.
  Fanny Crosby

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Genesis 32:1-34:31 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032:1-34:31&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Brawling Billionaires


And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth...

Deuteronomy 8:18


     

Recommended Reading

Genesis 22:13-14





Recently a Russian television show broadcast a panel discussion about the world's financial crisis. Two billionaires were among the guests. When the conversation grew heated, the men degenerated into name-calling. One of the billionaires became so livid he leaped up and pummeled the other with his fists, knocking him from his chair. Viewers were thoroughly entertained by the fracas, but it's safe to say no one was reassured about the men's leadership.


The world is facing global financial crisis, and even our best leaders seem unable to manage it. As Christians, we're to pray for wise rulers, but our confidence is in the Lord. He has promised to provide for His children. He gives us the power to gain wealth, which means He gives us the opportunity and the strength to gain the provisions we need. In His timing, He will provide the job, the work, and/or the provisions. As Martha Cook said, "In some way or other the Lord will provide; it may not be my way, it may not be thy way, and yet in His own way, the Lord will provide."

No word He hath spoken was ever yet broken: The Lord will provide!

Martha A. Cook



Read-thru-the-Bible
Genesis 35:1 -- 37:11

[Judy Harder]

Friday, January 13

Long-term Investing

  Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
  Matthew 6:19-20

  Recommended Reading
Proverbs 6:6-11 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%206:6-11&version=NKJV )

There is a place called the Four Corners where, theoretically, one can be in four states at the same time. The Four Corners is where the SW corner of Colorado, the NW corner of New Mexico, the NE corner of Arizona, and the SE corner of Utah meet. Like a contestant in a game of Twister, one could straddle the meeting point on all-fours with a foot and hand in each of the four states.

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

Christians live in two domains simultaneously. We are residents of an earthly state and citizens of heaven at the same time (Philippians 3:20). Earthly citizenship is temporary (Psalm 90:10) while heaven is eternal (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Living in two places impacts our stewardship. The Bible encourages us to be good stewards (investors) of what we have on earth (Matthew 25:14-30), but to focus on investing for eternity (Matthew 6:19-20).

As you begin 2012, take stock of your investments. Make sure you are investing for the long term--for eternity--as a steward of the gifts of God.

  A man is just as rich as his investment in the bank of heaven.
  Vance Havner

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Genesis 37:12-40:23 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037:12-40:23&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

New Year's Resolution: Resolve to Give


On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper . . .

1 Corinthians 16:2a

     
Recommended Reading

2 Corinthians 8:16-21


Technology has simplified our lives in many ways, including financially. We download monthly statements from our bank into financial software on our computer. We pay our bills online -- we can even have repetitive bills paid automatically from our bank account without even having to remember. Many church and ministry websites allow you to make financial contributions online.


There are no doubt efficiencies created by these technologies, but there is one dimension of our financial stewardship that may suffer: We are increasingly disconnected from money as it comes from God's hand to ours and our management of it. When Paul asked the churches in Macedonia and Corinth to collect money for the suffering church in Jerusalem, he asked them to set aside their money weekly -- "on the first day of the week" (our Sunday). That meant they had to account for what they had earned that week and decide how much to set aside for "God's work."


In 2012 resolve to stay intimately involved with what God gives you and what you give back to Him.

The fundamental truth in the matter of stewardship is that everything we touch belongs to God.

John Blanchard



Read-thru-the-Bible
Genesis 41:1 -- 45:28

[Judy Harder]

Monday, January 16

Spiritual Numbness

  Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.
  Matthew 25:40

  Recommended Reading
Matthew 25:34-40 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:34-40&version=NKJV )

The loss of feeling is a warning sign for athletes. Numbness usually arises from a lack of blood flow and causes a loss of sensation, especially in our extremities such as hands and feet. In a hard-hitting NFL game in November 2010, Philadelphia's kick returner Ellis Hobbs was tackled so hard he lost feeling in his body and was carted off the field. It was a career-ending injury. Cincinnati's Andy Dalton had a problem with his wrist following a rigorous tackle. "I just lost feeling," he said, "and could not grip the ball like I wanted to."

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

The loss of feeling is a warning sign to Christians too. When we lose our burden for the lost, our compassion for the poor, our concern for orphans around the world, or our excitement about the church... those are danger signs. Sometimes our affluence can make us insensitive to the needs of others. Sometimes busyness can do the same. Often the culprit is a backslidden heart.

If we stay sensitive to the needs of the "least of these," we'll be doing the most for Him.

  Break my heart for what breaks Yours; everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause.
  Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown, in the song "Hosanna"

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Genesis 46:1-48:22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2046:1-48:22&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Do You Believe It Now?


Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Galatians 6:7


Recommended Reading

Galatians 6:7-10

Evangelist D. L. Moody had just started preaching a sermon on Galatians 6:7 when a man in the audience stood up and shouted, "I don't believe it."


Moody replied, "My friend, that doesn't change the fact. Truth is truth whether you believe it or not, and a lie is a lie whether you believe it or not." When the meeting broke up, a police officer was at the door to arrest the man. He was convicted of theft and sent to prison for twelve months. Moody observed, "I really believe that when he got to his cell, he believed that he had to reap what he sowed." 1


Careless habits are like sowing to the wind. A wrong word, an immoral activity, an angry look -- all these will bring forth results. On the other hand, a wise word, a spiritual activity, a smile, a word of witness, a gift, a Gospel tract -- these will not return void.


The principle of the harvest is true in every aspect of our lives -- we reap according to what we have sown.

The evil harvest of sin and the good harvest of righteousness are as sure to follow the sowing as the harvest of wheat and barley. Life is not casual, but causal.

D. L. Moody



Read-thru-the-Bible
Genesis 49:1 -- Exodus 1:22

1 D. L. Moody, Sowing and Reaping (Ada, MI: Fleming Revell, 1896), 9-10.

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, January 18

How Your Garden Grows

  But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
  2 Corinthians 9:6

  Recommended Reading
Proverbs 11:24 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2011:24&version=NKJV )

Evangelist D. L. Moody had just started preaching a sermon on Galatians 6:7 when a man in the audience stood up and shouted, "I don't believe it."

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

In 2005 scientists germinated a date palm seed that was recovered from Herod the Great's palace atop Masada in the Judean wilderness--making it around 2,000 years old. And a 1,300-year-old lotus seed recovered from China was germinated in 1995.* These remarkable examples of preservation, however, are more the exception than the rule. Seed companies today don't normally guarantee the viability of their seed for more than a few years.

Lots of things determine the quality of a harvest: the quality of the seed, the number of seeds sown, the quality of the soil, and the amounts of moisture and nutrients provided. And the same is true with spiritual harvest. God's laws of the harvest apply to the sowing we perform. If our seeds are our good works, our financial investments, our prayers, our study, and our service and worship, then quality and quantity are important. No farmer would sow haphazardly and expect a beautiful, bountiful harvest. And neither should we.

As stewards, we have been entrusted with seeds to sow. And as we sow, so shall we reap.

  Anyone can count the seeds in one apple, but only God can count the apples in one seed.
  Unknown

  *en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_viable_seed (accessed 9-16-11).
  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Exodus 2:1-5:23 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%202:1-5:23&version=NKJV )