Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 5

Supreme Savior

  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
  Philippians 2:9

    Recommended Reading
Revelation 5:11-13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%205:11-13&version=NKJV )

Sometimes it's easier to take just a piece of Jesus, rather than become a full-fledged Christ follower. Our Christ-less society demeans His deity and entreats people to adopt a more "comfortable" approach to Jesus: He was a humanitarian and a good teacher.

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

Isn't it interesting that even religious people will rationalize and adjust theology to let them "have" Jesus, without letting Jesus "have" them? It's in fact a centuries-old problem. The writer of Hebrews appealed to first-century sects within Judaism who venerated angels instead of giving precedence to Jesus. Acceptance into their synagogues required the Jews to diminish Jesus to the status of a powerful angel--much less intimidating than the holy, righteous Son of God.

How do you respond to the pressure of making people feel comfortable with the person of Jesus? Are you in danger of compromising His superiority? Or do you unequivocally give Jesus His rightful place as supreme ruler of heaven, earth, and your life? What you believe about Christ determines your destiny. It's a deal breaker. You either believe 100% in the supremacy of Jesus, or you don't. Give Him His rightful place in your life.

  There are two hundred and fifty-six names given in the Bible for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I suppose this was because He was infinitely beyond all that any one name could express.
  Billy Sunday

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 15:1-17:28 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015:1-17:28&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, July 6

Spiritual Anchor
  Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
  Hebrews 2:1

    Recommended Reading
Proverbs 3:21-24 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%203:21-24&version=NKJV )

Before the days of GPS--the Global Positioning System--the greatest danger for anyone on the ocean was drifting out of sight of land or losing sight of a landmark. A fisherman just off shore might decide to shut his eyes for a nap and several hours later wake up and see nothing but water all around him. The scariest part of drifting is how subtly it happens.

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

The strong currents that cause drifting on the ocean or in rivers are also found in the spiritual realm. The writer to the Hebrews warns his readers about drifting away from the truth and commitments they had made. What serves as an anchor in the spiritual realm? Giving "earnest heed to the things we have heard" (Hebrews 2:1). The writer of Proverbs puts it this way: "My son preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight" (Proverbs 3:21 NIV). The spiritual truth we learn from Scripture serves as a landmark to keep us from drifting.

But landmarks must be established and referenced continually. Make God's Word your landmark today and every day to prevent spiritual drifting.

  When we learn to hold the world with a loose grip, we are learning to take hold of the world to come with a firm grip.
  Sinclair Ferguson

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 18:1–20:30 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:1%E2%80%9320:30&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, July 7 & 8

   Seeing Red: A Look From the Wall

  And [Rahab] sent them [the Israelite spies] away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window.
  Joshua 2:21

    Recommended Reading
Hebrews 11:30-31 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011:30-31&version=NKJV )

When Joshua was ready to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he chose two men and sent them to spy out the land--and especially the city of Jericho: "When you get to Jericho, find a local prostitute and spend the night in her house. You will be less conspicuous that way." No, that is definitely  not  what Joshua told the spies. He didn't tell them where to stay--he left that to their discretion and God's provision.

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

When the spies entered Jericho and met Rahab--who was, indeed, a prostitute in the city--they discovered a unique person. She had an immoral lifestyle, she lied to the officials of Jericho about the men being in her house, but she also had a striking spiritual sensibility. She knew God was going to give Jericho over to the Israelite army, and she didn't want to perish with the city, so she made a bargain with the spies and remained safe by binding a scarlet cord in the window on the city wall. For her faithfulness, the spies agreed her house and family would be spared in the attack.

We should never anticipate  how  God is going to accomplish His purposes. His ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). We should prepare to be surprised and submissive to His will.

  God's ways are behind the scenes, but He moves all the scenes which He is behind.
  John Nelson Darby

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 21:1–26:28 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021:1%E2%80%9326:28&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, July 9

Time to Bow Out

  "If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me..."
  John 8:54

    Recommended Reading
John 3:25-30 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:25-30&version=NKJV )

When you admire Leonardo da Vinci's  Mona Lisa , do you credit Lisa Gherardini--the subject of the painting--for its prominence as the most famous painting in the world? When you listen to Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major, do you congratulate the violinist for creating one of the most profound violin concertos of all time? I hope not. The artist and composer were obviously the creators.

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

But aren't we prone to this dysfunctional attitude in our own lives? We get a promotion. We're recognized for an accomplishment, and what do we do? Mentally take a bow--flaunting our own glory. As God's creation, we're only beautiful or accomplished when we're celebrating the work God has done in us. Boasting, brandishing, broadcasting an invitation for autographs is the opposite of how Jesus lived. Jesus kept the main thing in life--to glorify His Father--the main thing. His public and private life evidenced His desire to glorify His Father. And He left any personal glory up to the Father to communicate.

Have you perhaps unintentionally been drifting toward pride--away from your master Creator? Stay close to Christ. Glorify Him with your gifts and talents. Keep the main thing, the main thing.

  He is truly great who is little in his own eyes and makes nothing of the highest honor.
  Thomas à Kempis

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 27:1-29:27 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027:1-29:27&version=NKJV )
 

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, July 10

Blood Brothers

  Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren...
  Hebrews 2:17

    Recommended Reading
Psalm 8  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%208%20&version=NKJV )

Preferring not to attend church one Christmas Eve, a man was home when a flock of birds slammed into his landscape window, desperately seeking shelter from the storm. Repeatedly the kind-hearted man tried to lure them into his warm barn, but the birds were terrified of him. "If only I could be a bird," he thought to himself, "and mingle with them and speak their language. Then I could tell them not to be afraid. Then I could show them the way to the safe warm barn. But I would have to be one of them so they could see, and hear, and understand."1

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

This poignant story simply illustrates the incarnation. God became man to show us the way to eternal safety. Interestingly, Jesus called His followers disciples or friends during His earthly ministry. But the Cross changed that. After the Resurrection, His first words to Mary were to go and tell his "brethren" that He was alive (John 20:17). Because of His sacrifice, we are now sons of God and brothers in Christ.

If you're facing some challenges today, remember that Jesus Christ became man to show you the way.

  He became what we are that He might make us what He is.
  Athanasius

  1Paul Harvey's Christmas story, "The Man and the Birds," ABC Radio, December 24, 2004. 

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Proverbs 30:1-Ecclesiastes 1:18 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030:1-Ecclesiastes%201:18&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, July 11

Fireproof Intervention

  But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels... that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
  Hebrews 2:9

    Recommended Reading
Philippians 2:5-8 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:5-8&version=NKJV )

This past March, after escaping his burning home by jumping through a window with his wife, a decorated U.S. Special Forces soldier covered himself with a blanket and re-entered his North Carolina home in search of his two young daughters. Unfortunately, this rescue was unsuccessful, costing the lives of the father and two daughters. 1

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

When someone needs help, especially someone we love, we do whatever we can to relieve their distress--even if it demands sacrifice. Just as God intervened for us when man fell into disobedience and sin. He provided a way out--Jesus came to our rescue. He humbled Himself. Left His home in glory and lived as one of us. It was the only way to deliver us from death and bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).

Jesus has been through the fire for you. Approach Him today with confidence. Your Deliverer is waiting for your call.

  If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
  C.T. Studd

  1ktvz.com/news/30620187/detail.html, accessed March 8, 2012.

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ecclesiastes 2:1-5:20 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%202:1-5:20&version=NKJV )
 

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, July 12

The Bigger House

  The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me [Moses] from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.
  Deuteronomy 18:15

    Recommended Reading
Numbers 12:6-8 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2012:6-8&version=NKJV )

In Orthodox Judaism there is no one greater than Moses. He is called "Our Leader Moshe," "Servant of God," and "Father of All the Prophets." Joshua, David, Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah--they were all great leaders who accomplished much for God. But none can approach the greatness of Moses. He is the Jews' lawgiver, their redeemer from slavery, and their miracle worker in the wilderness.

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

When the New Testament writer to the Hebrews wanted to demonstrate the greatness of Jesus, he used Moses as a standard. It took something to be considered greater than Moses, but Jesus was. That takes nothing away from Moses--he was faithful in the "house" over which God made him a steward (Hebrews 3:5). But Jesus' house was bigger, more consequential, and more eternal. Moses was charged with bringing the Hebrews out of slavery into rest in Canaan, while Jesus' was charged with bringing those who believe into eternal rest. Both their cups were full--but Jesus had the larger cup.

Thank God today for faithful human servants who make it easier to see just how great a Servant Jesus Christ was for us.

  The light which men got from Moses and the law was at best only starlight compared to noonday.
  J. C. Ryle

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ecclesiastes 6:1–9:18 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%206:1%E2%80%939:18&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, July 13

Partaking of Jesus

  The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
  1 Corinthians 10:16-17

    Recommended Reading
John 6:47-59 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%206:47-59&version=NKJV )

Jesus told the Jewish leaders of His day that He was the bread of life. He said that unless they ate His flesh and drank His blood, they would have no eternal life. Conversely, whoever did eat His flesh and drink His blood would have eternal life (John 6:53-54). "Bread" was a reference to the manna God sent the Israelites. Flesh and blood called to mind the Old Testament sacrifices, though there was a strict ordinance against consuming any of the blood of the sacrifice. So what was Jesus getting at?

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

What we call the Lord's Supper has the same images--bread that represents His flesh, the cup that represents His blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). By partaking of that meal, we partake of Christ by faith. Jesus offered Himself to the Jews as the One who could nourish them eternally, far longer than the manna in the wilderness. Partaking of Christ means simply to embrace Him, believe in Him, and feed on Him spiritually.

Start today by thanking Christ for being the Bread of your life, for nourishing you with spiritual sustenance today and forever.

  The Bible is meant to be bread for our daily use, not just cake for special occasions.
  Unknown

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Ecclesiastes 10:1–Song of Solomon 2:17 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%2010:1%E2%80%93Song%20of%20Solomon%202:17&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, July 14 & 15

   Seeing Red: A Look at the Words of Jesus

  The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
  John 663b

    Recommended Reading
Proverbs 4:20-22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%204:20-22&version=NKJV )

In 2006, the Country Music Association's Single [Song] of the Year award went to "Believe," recorded by the country duo Brooks & Dunn. The song tells the story of a young boy who questioned an old man about his ability to withstand the trials he had experienced in his life--specifically, the death of his wife and child. In the song's chorus the old man says, "I raise my hands, bow my head, I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red."

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Most Bible-readers will understand immediately the reference to "words written in red"--Bibles that have the words of Jesus in the New Testament printed in red ink. The first red-letter editions of the Bible appeared around the turn of the twentieth century and have been popular ever since. But there's another reason to focus on the words of Jesus besides just locating them more easily. It's because they are just as Jesus described them: life. Proverbs 4:22 also refers to words that give life, and Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Word of God as "living."

If trials in life are weighing you down, turn to "the words written in red" for the new life you seek.

  God's Word is the instrument by which God's Spirit transforms the Christian.
  Robert M. Horn

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Song of Solomon 3:1-Isaiah 4:6 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%203:1-Isaiah%204:6&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

 
Monday, July 16

Hearing Loss

  ...Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding.
  Proverbs 2:2

    Recommended Reading
Isaiah 50:4-7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2050:4-7&version=NKJV )

A new study by John Hopkins found that people with mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling than people with normal hearing; and moderate hearing loss doubles the danger yet again. Losing your hearing could mean losing your footing.

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

The same is true spiritually. When our hearts grow hard and our ears dull, we can lose our spiritual footing. The Bible tells us to listen, to hear, and to give ear to His commands.

A tender heart toward the Lord means eager ears and guided feet. Spend time daily listening to the Lord and meditating on His Word, like the prophet who said, "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away" (Isaiah 50:4-5).

"For if you do these things you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:10).

  The best way to show someone you love them is to listen to them.
  Quoted by Michael Card

  Read-Thru-the-Bible
Isaiah 5:1-8:22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205:1-8:22&version=NKJV )