Turning Point with David Jeremiah

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, December 19

Christmas Relief

[ Simeon ] took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word."
Luke 2:28-29

Recommended Reading
Revelation 5:9-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%205:9-10&version=NKJV )

The American Heritage Dictionary says  relief  is "a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress." Relief is what Simeon felt when he first saw the eight-day-old baby Jesus. What was the "anxiety or distress" Simeon felt? It was the stress of waiting and watching for God's Messiah to appear (Luke 2:25). Simeon was apparently an aged man. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah (Luke 2:26), and now he said to the Lord: "You are letting Your servant depart in peace."

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

Simeon was like Abraham. God had promised Abraham a son through whom a great nation would grow, but Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah was ninety (Genesis 17:17-18) -- they waited and God answered. God had promised Simeon he would see the Messiah but ... and then it happened! He didn't need to wait to see the Messiah's kingdom -- he only needed to know that the Messiah had come. He could depart this world "in peace."

For the same reason, we can celebrate Christmas in peace. The Messiah has come. God has fulfilled His Word. All will soon be right with the world when the Messiah establishes His kingdom on earth.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Hebrews 9-10 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%209-10&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, December 20

"This Is Serious"

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
Luke 2:15

Recommended Reading
Luke 1:26-38 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:26-38&version=NKJV )

If a stranger announced that you were the winner of a giant sweepstakes, would you believe him? It is doubtful. But if the Publishers Clearance House team arrived at your home with an official van, balloons, video cameras, and a huge check, would your reaction be different? Yes, it would -- but why? Because when important things happen, there is a need for verification, authenticity, and believability.

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

Now think about the first Christmas. If a friend told Mary she would give birth to the Messiah ... if a stranger told Joseph that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit ... if one of the shepherds said to the others, "I think the Messiah was just born in Bethlehem" ... if Joseph woke Mary up in the middle of the night and said, "I think we need to go to Egypt" -- how believable would any of these scenarios seem? Not very! Instead, in all four instances (and throughout biblical history) God sent angels to declare the message, "This is serious."

Thank God for "ministering spirits" this Christmas.

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Hebrews 11-13  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011-13%20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, December 21

Visions of Christmas: Seeing Blue

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6b

Recommended Reading
Isaiah 52:7 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2052:7&version=NKJV )

Blue is the calming color in the rainbow -- the color of infinite sky and ocean. "True blue" means loyal and faithful. In England, a blue sapphire engagement ring is a symbol of fidelity and loyalty. Blue ribbons signify the highest prize, a blue-ribbon panel consists of the most knowledgeable people, and a blue-chip stock is one of great value. A "blue blood" is a person of nobility or high rank, while a blue-collar worker is a hardworking tradesman who works with his hands.

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

Think how many of those images could be applied to Jesus of Nazareth, whose birth we celebrate this coming week: infinity, beauty, faithfulness, fidelity, high value, nobility, and a tradesman who worked with His hands. Blue is not a traditional color of Christmas, but it is a color brought to mind by the character of Christ. Blue calls to mind the wonder and infinity of the Savior who left the nobility of heaven to be born in a stable in blue-collar Bethlehem. Too often we focus on the celebration of Christmas while overlooking the Celebrant Himself.

This Christmas, remember the marvel and mystery, the wonder and wonderment of God coming to earth as Man -- and doing it for you!

Read-Thru-the-Bible
James 1-2 Peter 3 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201-2%20Peter%203&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, December 23

Hark! The Herald Angels!

Are they [ the angels ] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Hebrews 1:14

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 1:10-14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201:10-14&version=NKJV )

Angels appear six times in the biblical story of Christmas. First, Gabriel visited Zacharias in Luke 1. Then he paid a visit to Mary. An angel appeared three times to Joseph. And the sixth (and perhaps most awesome) angelic appearance was over the shepherds' field when an innumerable multitude of angels assembled the greatest mass choir in history.

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

But don't think angels are limited to the Christmas season. The Bible contains 234 passages about angels, and there are references to angels in 39 books of the Bible. The range of angelic activity spans the Scripture from Genesis 3:23 to Revelation 22:16. Nor is angelic activity limited to Bible times. The Bible teaches that angels are active today in the lives of God's children, transporting blessings to our lives, delivering us from judgment, protecting us in danger, guiding us in unseen ways, and watching over the events of our world. So in addition to all the carols you'll sing about angels this season, don't forget another song -- the old African-American spiritual that says, "All night, all day, angels watching over me!"

Read-Thru-the-Bible
1 John 1-5  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201-5%20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Tuesday, December 24

Miracle and Mystery

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

Recommended Reading
Isaiah 7:10-14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%207:10-14&version=NKJV )

Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said of Christmas: "Here is the Ancient of Days becoming a babe in Bethlehem. Here is He who thunders in the Heavens, crying in the cradle. Here is the One who made all flesh now being made of flesh. Here is He who could summon the legions of angels and He's wrapped in swaddling clothes ... the Mighty God becoming a helpless child."

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

This is the marvel and mystery of the virgin birth. Without the supernatural conception of Christ, there is no Christmas and no Christianity. We believe Jesus was miraculously born through Mary without the agency of a human father, having been conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit. This explains: (1) our Lord's dual nature as both God and man; and (2) His pure and sinless life. Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM" (John 8:58). He is the preexisting, self-existent, everlasting God whose goings forth are from old, even from eternity.

That's why we sing His praise and worship His name. That's why we say, as they did of old, "What manner of man is this!"

Read-Thru-the-Bible
2 John 1-3 John 1  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20John%201-3%20John%201&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, December 25

By Prophet Bards Foretold

We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote -- Jesus of Nazareth
John 1:45

Recommended Reading
John 1:1-14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-14&version=NKJV )

Every aspect of our Lord's birth, life, personality, character, ministry, arrest, trial, death, resurrection, and ascension were predicted hundreds of years in advance. The entire Old Testament is simply a preview of the life of Christ. We're told He would be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15); to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14); of the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3); of the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10); through the line of David (Isaiah 9:7); in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); and that His name would be Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

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

The virgin birth and all the other aspects of our Lord's life, having been accurately predicted, were wondrously fulfilled, proving His origin and identity. Jesus told His enemies to search the Old Testament Scriptures, for "these are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39).

The same Bible that pinpointed His first coming is brimming with references to His return. Let's rejoice in His virgin birth today, and await His victorious return.

"For lo! The days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold, when with the ever circling years comes round the age of gold."1

1 Edmund H. Sears, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear."

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Luke 2:1-20, Jude 1  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%20(Luke%202:1-20),%20Jude%201&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Thursday, December 26

Lyin'

You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth.
Psalm 119:151

Recommended Reading
Psalm 119:145-152 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20119:145-152&version=NKJV )

The zoo in Luohe, in the Chinese province of Henan, was closed temporarily last summer because zookeepers tried to pull the wool over patrons' eyes. It happened when the resident lion was removed for breeding purposes and workers substituted a Tibetan mastiff, which is a large, hairy breed of dog resembling the king of the jungle. But when the lion barked, the cat was out of the bag.

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

The world lies to us all the time, and the devil is always offering substitutes for the truth. Our culture is now predicated on the concept of relativity -- that there is no absolute truth, that everything is relative, that all standards are flexible and changeable, and the truth is whatever we want it to be. We must get back to the Word of God, which is the absolute truth for our age and every age. God's revealed Word has sustained us through the old year; it will carry us through the new. It is clear and unchanging; and we can say with the psalmist:  You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth.

The Bible is the repository of God's eternal, non-negotiable truths .... The Bible is God's perfect and complete message to humankind.
Robert Jeffress in Outrageous Truth

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 1-4  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%201-4%20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Friday, December 27

Living Words

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

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

Wildfires race up a mountainside like they are alive; the flames in our fireplace spread the same way. God compared His words to a fire (Jeremiah 23:29) and the disciples on the Emmaus road said Jesus' words "burned" within them (Luke 24:32).

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

What sets God's words apart from any other? Moses gave the first clue, telling the Israelites that the word of the covenant "is your life" (Deuteronomy 32:47). Stephen, in his speech to Jewish leaders, describes the words Moses received on Mount Sinai as "living oracles" (Acts 7:38). Finally, the writer to the Hebrews expands the idea of "living" words, saying the "word of God" is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). It's not that God's words seem to be alive like fire -- they are alive. God is life, His words are life, and they create life in us as the Holy Spirit conforms us to  them.  Life begets life!

As you read the Word of God today, read it with expectancy and anticipation for the changes it will make in you.

The only true reformation is that which emanates from the Word of God.
J. H. Merle d'Aubigné

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 5-9  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%205-9%20&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Weekend, December 28

Visions of Christmas: Seeing Gold

The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
Revelation 21:18

Recommended Reading
Revelation 21:21 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:21&version=NKJV )

Three times in Revelation 21 the apostle John uses the word "gold" to describe various aspects of the eternal city (verses 15, 18, 21). That's because, in the ancient world and still today, gold remains the most sought-after symbol of wealth and purity. The only way John knew to assign ultimate value and beauty to the New Jerusalem was to describe it as "pure gold" (verses 18, 21).

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

The combination of gold and white is often seen at Christmas, especially in ornaments on "Chrismon Trees" -- trees decorated with symbols depicting Jesus Christ. White (for purity) and gold (for value) are two appropriate colors by which to depict Christ. Combining those with John's vision of gold reminds us of the ultimate meaning of Christmas: God's eternally valuable gift to us. Yes, Christmas is about Christ's birth. But it is ultimately about why Christ was born -- to live a perfect life before God and qualify as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

Let every gift, every card, every festive occasion this Christmas be a reminder that the eternal celebration is yet to come in the city of gold!

Worldlings make gold their god; saints make God their gold.
Matthew Henry

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 10-17  ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2010-17&version=NKJV )

[Judy Harder]

Monday, December 30

The Detour Is the Route

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret....
Psalm 37:7

Recommended Reading
Psalm 37:1-8 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037:1-8&version=NKJV )

If life is a highway, most of us are racing down the interstate, hitting the breaks in the congestion, overheating our engines, and running out of gas. Well, take a detour for a moment and read Psalm 37:7. Think of this verse as a winding mountain road with relaxed speeds, glorious overlooks, and scant traffic. Now consider: This detour is the quickest way to the destination. We can accomplish so much more when we're relaxed as we trust the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

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

Resting in the Lord means recognizing He's in control. Your problems are His concern, and His promises are your inheritance. You may have reasons to worry, but you have better reasons not to. The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms, and the Lord knows your needs before you even ask. He will take care of you.

Resting in the Lord is the exact opposite of the spirit of our age. But who wants the spirit of this age anyway? Let the Spirit of God fill you with all joy and peace as you rest in the Lord.

Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art; I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Jean S. Pigott

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Revelation 18-19 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2018-19&version=NKJV )