Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Monday, March 19

No More Fear

  Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.
  Isaiah 12:2a

    Recommended Reading
Isaiah 12:1-3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2012:1-3&version=NKJV )

The word "Armageddon" shows up daily as journalists discuss the fears facing our world. But perhaps the thing bothering you today isn't Armageddon. It's the deficit in your bank account, a problem in your home, or a rift in your church.

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

One of the great phrases in the Book of Revelation is "no more." We're told of a day for God's children when there will be no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain.

Clarence Macartney said: "When I read those great 'no mores' in the book of Revelation where the heavenly life is described... I feel I would like to add another great 'no more'--'There shall be no more fear.' When Christ was born at Bethlehem, that was what the angels said to the shepherds, 'Fear not.' Christ came to banish fear... Over the portals of heaven are written these words, greeting man as he enters the heavenly city, 'Fear not!'"

Whether you're worried about Armageddon in the future or aggravations today, trust Him and don't be afraid.

  The Psalmist said, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." That is good, very good. But still better is what Isaiah said, "I will trust, and not be afraid."
  Clarence Macartney

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Judges 21:1-Ruth 4:22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%2021:1-Ruth%204:22&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, March 20

Spread the Tidings All Around

  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
  Hebrews 6:19a

    Recommended Reading
Hebrews 6:16-20 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%206:16-20&version=NKJV )

Priscilla Owens was a schoolteacher in Baltimore, Maryland, and a faithful church worker. As time allowed she also composed Christian hymns. We know her as the author of the song, "Will Your Anchor Hold?" The chorus says, "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll." Priscilla also wrote the popular hymn that says: "We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus saves! Jesus saves!"

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

Jesus Himself is the only hope for the future of the world, for the future of the nation of Israel, and for those who comprise the final generations of history. He's also our only hope today. The Bible says, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Here's the great thing. When we hear the joyful sound and Jesus saves us, we discover we have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll.

Don't fear the billows today; rejoice in the blessings.

  Fastened to the Rock that cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
  Priscilla Owens

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 1:1-3:21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201:1-3:21&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 21

An Open Door

  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
  Revelation 19:16

    Recommended Reading
Revelation 19:11-21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2019:11-21&version=NKJV )

When Lucy cracks open the wardrobe door in C. S. Lewis's  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe , she symbolically encounters a spiritual world. Through that door she meets the King of Beasts, Aslan, who Lewis uses to represent Jesus, the King of kings.

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

Twice in the Book of Revelation, we are told that the door of heaven opens. The first time it opens, the Church is received into heaven at the Rapture (Revelation 4:1). The second time the door opens, Christ and His Church leave heaven and return to earth at the zenith of the Battle of Armageddon. Crowned with many crowns, Jesus returns as victor over sin, Satan, and death. King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16).

As followers of Christ, we know the heavenly door that awaits the Church. But do the lost souls around you know the door to salvation? Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved..." (John 10:9). Make sure the door of your life is open to welcome all who seek the answers to eternal life (1 Peter 3:15).

  ...Jesus' first coming inaugurated it [the Last Days]; His second coming will consummate it. The coming of Jesus was, therefore, the beginning of the end.
  R. T. France

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 4:1-8:22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%204:1-8:22&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, March 22

From Lamb to Lion

  He who testifies to these things says,"Surely I am coming quickly."
  Revelation 22:20a

    Recommended Reading
Zechariah 14:4-5 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah%2014:4-5&version=NKJV )

The first time Jesus came to earth, He arrived quietly. A babe in a manger. The Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world through His own death and resurrection. But the second time Jesus returns to earth, He will appear magnificently in the sky--the Lion of Judah, bringing judgment.

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

It might surprise you that references to the Second Coming outnumber references to the first by a factor of eight to one. Scholars count 1,845 biblical references to the Second Coming, including 318 in the New Testament. Second only to faith, the Second Coming is the most dominant subject in the New Testament. The Lord Himself referred to His return twenty-one times.

Are we anticipating His Second Coming as ardently as we celebrate the baby in the manger? Final victory and the eternal reign of Christ are in our future. As you live in expectation of that day, emmanate His love to others by showing a sincere interest in their lives. Don't waste a minute. Go touch someone today with the hope that is in you.

  As the bells ring out the joys of Christmas, may we also be alert for the final trumpet that will announce His return, when we shall always be with Him.
  Alan Redpath

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 9:1-12:25 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%209:1-12:25&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

 
Friday, March 23

The Believers' Shangri-la

  ...And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
  Revelation 20:4

    Recommended Reading
Revelation 20:1-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2020:1-10&version=NKJV )

Fictional utopia on earth is described in novelist James Hilton's 1933 novel,  Lost Horizon , and the subsequent film made from it. The people dwell in a harmonious valley called, "Shangri-La," enjoying unheard of longevity. The word "Shangri-la" has become synonymous with a Garden of Eden-like paradise.

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

However, surpassing man's idea of a Shangri-la will be the peaceful era of the Millennium when Jesus Christ physically returns to earth, defeats His enemies, and sets up His kingdom for one thousand years. Old Testament prophecies will be fulfilled as a final rebellion inaugurates the new heaven and new earth. King Jesus will be reigning and ruling on the throne of David in Jerusalem.

Understanding future events should awaken us from living in a routine of selfishness. Servanthood should characterize our lives. The Millennium is a reward for believers. We'll reign and rule with Christ and be given opportunities to serve Him in a utopian setting. Let's live in Christ-like readiness!

  We need to take down our "Do Not Disturb" signs...snap out of our stupor and come out of our coma and awake from our apathy.
  Vance Havner

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 13:1-15:35 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2013:1-15:35&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 24 & 25

March Madness: Marching to Jerusalem (Worship)

  Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses.
  Deuteronomy 16:16a

    Recommended Reading
Hebrews 10:24-25 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010:24-25&version=NKJV )

Watch This Week's TV Broadcast ( http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/television.aspx?tid=email_watchedevo )

Three times each year the men of Israel left their fields and flocks and traveled to Jerusalem to worship the Lord with offerings: the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. If one lived in Judea, worship at the temple in Jerusalem was a regular possibility. But for those who lived elsewhere, at least three times each year they worshipped corporately in Jerusalem.

The worship began even before they arrived at the temple. A section of Hebrew psalms found in Psalms 120-134 in our Bibles is known as the Songs of Ascents. Most biblical scholars believe these songs were sung as the pilgrims marched from the plains of Israel to the heights of Jerusalem, ascending to the "Mountain of the LORD of Hosts, the Holy Mountain" (Zechariah 8:3). It may have seemed like madness to march from Israel's farthest borders to Jerusalem, but worship was at the heart of their spiritual life.

Don't let the busyness of your life keep you from the blessing that is found when the body of Christ gathers to worship the Lord together. The admonition in Scripture not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25) is for our good.

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

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 16:1-20:42 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2016:1-20:42&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, March 26

Homeland Security

  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
  Isaiah 11:9

    Recommended Reading
Isaiah 11:1-9 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2011:1-9&version=NKJV )

The Millennium is a period of time after the Tribulation when Christ will return to earth to literally reign a thousand years, during which all the promises of the Old Testament concerning the nation of Israel will be fulfilled (Revelation 20:4). The redeemed Jews will live in their homeland in perfect security. The wolf will dwell with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion will play together, and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6).

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

The lesson of the Millennium is that when Jesus is in charge, He bestows peace. He's the Prince of Peace, and of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7). He says to you and me: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.... Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:27).

Until the Millennium arrives, we can still have the increase of His government and His peace in our lives. We can have total security in the homeland of our hearts today.

  Do not let your peace depend on what people say of you.... True peace and joy is to be found in [Jesus] alone.
  Thomas a' Kempis

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 21:1-24:22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2021:1-24:22&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, March 27

Don't Delay!

  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God.
  Revelation 20:12

    Recommended Reading
Revelation 20:11-15 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2020:11-15&version=NKJV )

Daily devotional readings like those in this magazine seek to be hopeful, uplifting, and encouraging. But they should also reflect the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). This is no time to sugarcoat the Gospel or delete the warnings of judgment that comprise so much of the Bible. Take Revelation 20:11-15, for example. Pastor John MacArthur calls this paragraph "the most serious, sobering, and tragic passage in the entire Bible.... It is the last courtroom scene that will ever take place.... There will be a prosecutor, but no defender; an accuser, but no advocate."1

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

Jesus Christ gave Himself on Calvary to bear the wrath of God, to atone for our sins, to die in our place, and to save us from judgment and hell. Those who know Him will never stand trial at the Great White Throne but are saved and safe in Him. If you've never received Him as your Savior, don't delay another moment. Prayerfully read Revelation 20:11-15 and confess Christ now as your Savior and Lord.

  Those who confess their sins and ask God to forgive them on the basis of Christ's substitutionary death on their behalf will be delivered from God's eternal wrath.
  John MacArthur

  1John MacArthur,  Because the Time Is Near  (Chicago: Moody, 2007), 305, 311.

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 25:1-27:12 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2025:1-27:12&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 28

Our Great Advocate

  If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins.
  1 John 2:1-2

    Recommended Reading
1 John 2:1-5 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%202:1-5&version=NKJV )

The Youth's Companion was the children's magazine that first promoted the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, which had been written by one of its staff members. Published for over a hundred years by the Perry Mason Company of Boston, this magazine was filled with entertaining and inspiring stories. One of its more enthusiastic readers was a boy named Earl Stanley Gardner, who later became a writer himself. When he created a fictional lawyer - one who never lost a case - he named him in honor of the company responsible for the magazine he had so loved in childhood - Perry Mason.

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

In countless novels, radio shows, and television programs, Perry Mason always saved the day. No matter how hopeless the case, his clients were always declared innocent in the end.

Of course, no attorney wins every case. None but Jesus Christ. When He is our advocate, He defends us by pleading His own blood. There is forgiveness instead of fear; justification instead of judgment. For He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised for our justification (Romans 4:25).

  I need no other argument, I need no other plea; it is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.
  Lidie Edmunds

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 Samuel 28:1-31:13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2028:1-31:13&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, March 29

Day of Wonders!

  Well done, good and faithful servant...
  Matthew 25:23

    Recommended Reading
Matthew 25:1-13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:1-13&version=NKJV )

One of the finest stories I've heard about men longing for their leader's return is that of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. In 1914, twenty-nine men set sail from England to Antarctica to become the first adventurers to cross the Antarctic continent on foot.

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

Five months into their voyage, the ship became entrapped in an ice pack and sank. Shackleton left his men on Elephant Island while he and five others set out to cross the Antarctic sea in a lifeboat to bring back rescuers. But perhaps the real hero in this story is Frank Wild, second in command to Shackleton, who was left in charge of the camp.

Shackleton later learned: "From a fortnight after I had left, Wild would roll up his sleeping bag each day with the remark, 'Get your things ready, boys, the Boss may come today.'" Wild's "cheerful anticipation proved infectious," and after 105 days of waiting, the "day of wonders" arrived when the crew was rescued.1

Unlike that desperate crew, we have a promise that the Lord will return. We're to remain busy living in love and serving in ministry, even when the days grow dark and the nights long. Be encouraged! Be anticipating!

  Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
  Andrae Crouch

  1gutenberg.org/files/5199/5199-h/5199-h.htm, accessed November 30, 2011.
  Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 Samuel 1:1-3:39 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%201:1-3:39&version=NKJV )