Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, February 27

Loving Life

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Recommended Reading
Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%209:1-10&version=NKJV )

Have you ever been around someone who totally enjoys life? A person who sees each day as an opportunity to live life fully for God and enjoy the blessings of that day? Knowing a person like that is an inspiration because they understand that every moment of our lives is a gift from God.

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

Such should be the way the Christian regards life and death. We tend to view heaven as being better than life on earth, and it certainly will be in many ways. Yet Scripture also suggests that life on earth should be fruitful and enjoyable. There is great good to be accomplished on earth, leading to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that we are maximizing our calling from God in Christ. We view death not as an escape from life, but a portal through which we enter the consummating reality for which we have been saved -- experiencing what it means to be in the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Take a fresh measure of how much you love the life God has given you. Jesus said He came to make it abundant (John 10:10b), and we should experience it just that way.

Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasure and the saints their joy because they don't have either one.
Martin Luther

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 20-22 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2020-22&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, February 28

Life Is Not Fair!

I returned and saw under the sun that -- the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 12:1-2 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-2&version=NKJV )

Where do children learn to say, "That's not fair!" Probably where they learn almost everything -- from adults. And we, and those children who imitate us, are usually right. Life is definitely not fair.

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

But, as the song says, "That's life!" It's impossible to explain or justify the unfair things that happen in life. Bad things happen to good people and bad people seem to get a pass; deserving people get overlooked and undeserving people get rewarded. It was that kind of inconsistency that caused King Solomon to declare that all of life is vanity. In today's vernacular it would sound more like, "It's fruitless to try to figure this out. Life is filled with unpredictable variables." Instead, from our New Testament perspective, we know to put our trust in God, live with humility, pursue wisdom, and enjoy the blessings of God when they arrive. And leave the secret things to Him (Deuteronomy 29:29).

The Judge of all the earth will one day "do right" (Genesis 18:25). Until that day, we rest in what He causes and allows.

Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts.
F.F. Bosworth

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 23-25 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2023-25&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, March 1

Fore!

Do not be afraid of sudden terror ... for the LORD will be your confidence.
Proverbs 3:25-26a

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 3:21-26 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%203:21-26&version=NKJV )

Did you hear about the shark on the twelfth hole? Golfers in San Juan Capistrano, California, were surprised recently when a shark dropped out of the sky and landed on the fairway. Weighing about two pounds, the young fish had been plucked from the ocean by a bird, which dropped him mid-flight. The shark was bleeding from the bird's talons, but when workers released him into the ocean he swam away as though nothing had happened.

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

We never know what a day will bring. We try to get along swimmingly with everyone; yet in an instant we can be snatched from our comfort zone, wounded without warning, clawed by an enemy, and dropped into the rough. But the same God who cares for the "birdies" and "eagles" will care for you. The Bible says to trust Him, seek His wisdom, and fall asleep each night without fear. "Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror" (Proverbs 3:24-25).

For Christians, a life without fear is par for the course.

Fear may fill our world, but it doesn't have to fill our hearts.
Max Lucado

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 26-27 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2026-27&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 2 & 3

Will Power: Whosoever Will

And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

Recommended Reading
Isaiah 55:1-3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055:1-3&version=NKJV )

When the first Europeans came to America, there was no immigration office. There was no way to become a naturalized citizen. There was nowhere to get a Social Security card or a driver's license. People -- whoever wanted to -- just came. Today, things are much different and certainly more complicated. No nation on earth is borderless. Every nation has a stop sign at its borders requiring that conditions be met before entering.

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There is one kingdom on earth that has a different "immigration" policy. In fact, its policy contains only one word and one requirement. The word is "Come!" and the requirement is faith. That kingdom is, of course, the kingdom of God. God's policy has always been the same -- whoever wills, whoever desires, may come in. In fact, the one requirement -- faith -- is assumed. Those who enter in gladly are those with a heart of belief in the gift they are offered. No one enters who does not truly want to be there.

Have you heard the invitation? Have you met the one requirement? The door to God's kingdom, where the water of life flows freely, is open for you.

We are encouraged to come freely to God but not flippantly.
John Blanchard

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 28-32 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2028-32&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, March 4

Fore!

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 28:2

Recommended Reading
Leviticus 26:3-13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2026:3-13&version=NKJV )

To a little child, a large backyard looks HUGE. It's filled with trees to climb, bushes to hide behind, a sandbox to play in, a swing set or jungle gym to explore -- what more could a child want? When Mom says, "You can play anywhere you want in the entire backyard, but you can't leave the yard," that doesn't sound restrictive at all. Who would want to leave the yard when the yard offers so much?

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

It's not a perfect analogy to how we should view the idea of obedience to God, but it is close. He gives us the entire kingdom of God to "play" in and only asks that we don't get distracted or tempted by the kingdom of the world on the other side of the fence. Just to make sure the Israelites understood, God gave them long lists of the blessings they would find within the limits He asked them to observe -- and the difficulties they would find outside those limits (Deuteronomy 28). Obedience is always the choice that leads to blessings.

Parents ask their children to obey for a reason -- a reason called love. And God does the same with us. Obedience begins at the point of believing that God knows best. Trust that He limits because He loves.

Faith is the starting-post of obedience.
Thomas Chalmers

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Deuteronomy 33-34 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2033-34&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, March 5

A Focused Mind

Fix your thoughts on Jesus.
Hebrews 3:1 (NIV 1984)

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 3:1-6 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%203:1-6&version=NKJV )

In his commentary on Hebrews, Kent Hughes tells about a brilliant mathematician, Norbert Wiener, who was walking across the campus of M.I.T. in deep thought. His concentration was so great he didn't respond when greeted by a student. But a moment later, he turned and asked the student, "Pardon me, could you tell me which way I came from?" The student pointed and said, "That way." "Thanks," said the professor. "Now I know I've had lunch!"

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

We're seldom so focused of mind that we lose track of our surroundings, but the Bible does tell us to devote intense concentration to thinking on spiritual things. Christians must learn to use their minds to ponder who God is, what He has said in His Word, and the majesty of our calling to be His disciples. We must learn to fix our thoughts on Him, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to think on things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Fixing our thoughts on Jesus requires time, for true reflection cannot happen with a glance. No one can see the beauty of the country as he hurries through it on the interstate.
R. Kent Hughes

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Joshua 1-4 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201-4&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, March 6

Right, Left, and Wrong

He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," him the people will curse.
Proverbs 24:24

Recommended Reading
Proverbs 24:23-26  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2024:23-26&version=NKJV )

According to British researchers, many toddlers are suffering delayed development in telling left from right. About 30 percent of all five-year-olds are not even sure if they are left or right-handed. Their research shows that the failure to distinguish left from right is the result of increased TV viewing and decreased interaction with their hands.

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

Many adults have similar problems -- the inability to distinguish right from wrong. As the prophet Isaiah said long ago, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). The world's value system has always been opposed to that of a holy God. Society now sees evil people or movements and says to them: "You are righteous."1

As Christians, we must view every issue, movement, trend, fad, and opinion in light of the unchanging Word of God. His holy character provides the moral baseline of the universe. If we learn to discern right from wrong, the benefit to the quality of our lives will be great. Don't be afraid to call good "good" and evil "evil."

Tolerance once meant that we could use our reason to discern good and evil in open debate. Today tolerance has been used to call good evil and evil good.
Charles Colson, in The Good Life

1findingdulcinea.com/news/health/2008/November/Children-Don-t-Know-Right-from-Left--Research-Says.html.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Joshua 5-7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%205-7&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, March 7

The Racket of Life

Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you.
Ezekiel 40:4

Recommended Reading
2 Corinthians 10:3-5  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3-5&version=NKJV )

Novak Djokovic is the Number One tennis player in the world. After beating Andy Murray at the Shanghai Masters, he told reporters, "A calm mind always wins. Confidence plays a key role for any person on this planet."1

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

For Christians, a calm mind comes from having our thoughts fixed on Jesus and our minds stayed on Him (Hebrews 3:1; Isaiah 26:3). Jesus told us to love Him with all our mind (Matthew 22:37). The Bible warns against an "anxious mind" (Luke 12:29) and instructs us to set our minds on "things above" (Colossians 3:2). We're to be renewed in the spirit of our minds. To be spiritually minded is "life and peace" (Ephesians 4:23; Romans 8:6). As we meditate on God's Word, the peace of God guards our "hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). 1

Amid the racket of life, a calm mind always wins. Learn to deliberately fix your mind on Jesus and His Word today. Focus on Christ and feed on His Word.

It is a grand thing when the mind becomes calm, when the soul grows strong, when courage increases, when confidence comes, when deep peace and quiet restfulness flow into the soul.
Charles H. Spurgeon

1examiner.com/article/djokovic-gears-up-for-friday-match-with-thomas-berdych-at-atp-world-finals.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Joshua 8-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%208-10&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, March 8

An Eternal Pursuit

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10b

Recommended Reading
Matthew 6:8-13  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:8-13&version=NKJV )

According to John Wesley, when we pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we're asking God to help us do His will in our daily tasks just as the angels do the same in heaven. They obey God willingly, continually, and perfectly. "We pray that we may do the whole will of God as He willeth, in a manner that pleases Him," Wesley said, "that this may be the sole reason and ground, the whole and only motive, of whatsoever we think, or whatsoever we speak or do."

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

When we determine to do God's will, our lives are transformed by His power working in and through us. Our thoughts, motives, and actions parallel what is happening in highest heaven. It's intriguing to think of God's servants currently serving Him in corresponding realms, both seen and unseen. According to Ephesians 1:10, one day "in the dispensation of the fullness of the times," God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Fulfilling God's will is an eternal pursuit, both for us and for angels, both in heaven and on earth.

We pray that we and all mankind may do the whole will of God in all things, and nothing else ... the holy and acceptable will of God.
John Wesley

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Joshua 11-13 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2011-13&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, March 9 & 10

Will Power: If the Lord Wills

Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
James 4:15

Recommended Reading
Acts 18:19-21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2018:19-21&version=NKJV )

Some principles of Christian living raise questions in the minds of new believers. For example they might have questions about Paul's admonitions to "pray without ceasing" and "in everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Does that mean we should never cease praying and stop to give thanks for every single thing in life? Another example is seeking God's will. Do we have to pray for His will about the clothes we wear and the food we eat?

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The apostle James provided an example about seeking God's will. He told of some men who had big plans to start a business in another city for a year and make a lot of money. He said (paraphrasing), "How do you know you will do this? You don't even know what will happen tomorrow much less a year from now. You should always say, 'If the Lord wills' when putting together your plans" (James 4:13-17). Seeking God's will is like prayer and giving thanks -- a mental and spiritual perspective. We always have in mind God's Lordship in our lives. And we live to know and do His will.

The more serious our plans, the more we ought to seek the Lord's will. And we should always be ready to accept His will when it becomes clear.

There are no disappointments to those whose wills are buried in the will of God.
Frederick W. Faber

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Joshua 14-20 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2014-20&version=NKJV )