According to the NCAA, only six percent of high school athletes are selected to play at the collegiate level, and fewer than two percent of those student-athletes go on to become professional athletes.1 The competition is fierce. Every detail of a team’s training and equipment can make the difference between success and failure. In the world of sports, sponsorships play a … [Read more...] about Confidence, Joy, and Victory: Claim Your Identity in Christ
Search Results for: heaven
4 Strategies for Confronting Spiritual Darkness on Halloween
Americans spent $9 billion on Halloween in 2018 with more than a third of that spending allocated to costumes. Top costumes for adults included witches, vampires, zombies, pirates, and Avengers characters. Children dressed as princesses, superheroes, Batman, Star Wars characters, and witches.1 Did you notice the costume that appears on both lists? Witches. With its … [Read more...] about 4 Strategies for Confronting Spiritual Darkness on Halloween
Embracing Eternity: Is There Life After Death?
In This Article: What Is Death? Who Goes to Heaven? What About Children? How Are Angels Involved With Death? What Can We Learn From Angels? I heard a story about a doctor who visited a young man. The doctor grimly announced, “I’ve examined your reports. There is bad news, and there is worse news.” The young man replied, “Go ahead. Give me the bad news.” The doctor … [Read more...] about Embracing Eternity: Is There Life After Death?
What Happens When We Die? 4 Biblical Answers to Common Questions
In This Article: What Happens If I Die Before the Rapture? What If My Body Is Cremated? Can I Lose My Salvation? Does Everyone Go to Heaven When They Die? Disneyland has been dubbed “the happiest place on earth.” And for most children, it probably is. If you’ve ever taken a child to one of the Disney resorts, you’ve probably enjoyed the anxious anticipation almost as much as … [Read more...] about What Happens When We Die? 4 Biblical Answers to Common Questions
3 Biblical Truths for Handling Grief
Every day at Turning Point, we receive stacks of letters from our readers and listeners, and we take each one seriously. I’m grateful our friends around the world feel they can confide in our counsel and prayers. A large number of these letters are written with tears as people grapple with death, dying, and the loss of loved ones. Some readers have lost the dearest person on … [Read more...] about 3 Biblical Truths for Handling Grief
The Loss of a Loved One: Moving From Grief to Hope
It is, perhaps, the most intimidating part of supporting a friend who has lost a loved one: What do we say to them? “I’m sorry” often feels overused and empty. “They’re in a better place now” is vague and potentially misleading. It is hard to see someone we love in the grip of loss and not know how to encourage them through it. It is hard for us to experience that sort of … [Read more...] about The Loss of a Loved One: Moving From Grief to Hope
Do I Have a Guardian Angel? And Other Questions Answered About Angels
Mystery surrounds the topic of angels. While they are mentioned about 280 times in Scripture, there is much we don’t know about them. I’ve noticed throughout the years that many Christians today are lacking awe and a sense of mystery when they consider the things of God. My prayer is that this deficit will start to be corrected as we gain respect for the mystery surrounding … [Read more...] about Do I Have a Guardian Angel? And Other Questions Answered About Angels
What Does the Bible Say About the Origins of Angels, Demons, and Lucifer?
In This Article: What Are Demons? Who Do Demons Work For? What Do Demons Do? Origins of the Nephilim Good News About Demons What Can I Do About Demons? C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence, and the other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About the Origins of Angels, Demons, and Lucifer?
Q&A: Seeking Jesus in the Last Days
Time is running out. The rapid escalation of catastrophic events around the world suggests that we are living in the Last Days, and the Apocalypse is drawing near. Christians have a responsibility to treat each day as a new opportunity to serve the Lord and lead others to Him. This collection of questions and answers from David Jeremiah’s recent book, Answers to Questions About … [Read more...] about Q&A: Seeking Jesus in the Last Days
Why COVID? Finding Shelter in God During Times of Crisis
Where can we go during times of trouble? One answer is Zahara de la Sierra in the Cádiz province of southern Spain. Originally built as a castle and fortress in the Andalusian Mountains, Zahara has endured as a place of refuge and security for nearly a thousand years. The town was founded as an outpost for the Moors of the Maghreb; its location between the cities of … [Read more...] about Why COVID? Finding Shelter in God During Times of Crisis
Celebrating Memorial Day in the Wake of COVID-19
Every year Memorial Day comes and goes and is often marked by parades, backyard picnics and the onset of warm summer days. But this Memorial Day, the pageantry will be limited with many of us around the United States still sheltering in place. Nevertheless, I want to remind Americans that it is still a day to pause and reflect on the sacrifice of those who have made us … [Read more...] about Celebrating Memorial Day in the Wake of COVID-19
10 Bible Contradictions About Jesus Explained
1. Is Jesus From History or Eternity? Jesus was born to a young Jewish couple in the first century A.D. and spent His life in the Middle East. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was … [Read more...] about 10 Bible Contradictions About Jesus Explained
Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?
It’s been said that a picture’s worth a thousand words, and that’s probably accurate. If you had never witnessed a sunset, I could spend hours describing one, and your mental picture might still be inadequate. In the absence of the real thing, it would require a picture for you to appreciate the immensity and beauty of a sunset. But then there are abstract concepts, like … [Read more...] about Why Did Jesus Teach in Parables?
Meet The Jesus You May Not Know
I want to introduce you to the Man who has rescued me from death, filled me with hope, directed me in the decisions that have shaped my destiny, employed me in His global work, and is currently preparing a new home for me in a place where I’ll never grow old. He is my Mentor and Master; and it’s a joy to introduce you to the Jesus you may not know. None of us know Him … [Read more...] about Meet The Jesus You May Not Know
5 Takeaways From the Life of Daniel
At some point in our life, we long for a mentor—someone who can wisely mold and shape our thoughts and habits, who can give us insights and help us find our way through life. You may not have a mentor right now, but there’s one very close to you—as close as your Bible. Think of the prophet Daniel as a personal mentor. God placed his remarkable story in the heart of the Bible to … [Read more...] about 5 Takeaways From the Life of Daniel
30 Reassuring Promises From God's Word
We’re living in unsettling times. Politics and economies are volatile; natural disasters and disease outbreaks are affecting millions; fear is a pandemic. It’s time for a change! While we cannot always alter our circumstances, let’s determine to transform our hearts, minds, and relationships through a renewed perspective of Christ’s imminent return and eternal promises. These … [Read more...] about 30 Reassuring Promises From God's Word
Facing the Coronavirus: 6 Strategies for Christians
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has created an unprecedented crisis in our nation and the world. For the first time in my lifetime, major events and activities have been canceled to stem the tide of a lethal virus. Schools at all levels are either closed for a time or have transitioned to online learning. Broadway theaters have gone dark. Professional sporting events have been … [Read more...] about Facing the Coronavirus: 6 Strategies for Christians
31 Encouraging Bible Verses PLUS 15 Meaningful Choices You Can Make Today
Throughout the ages, God’s Word has been a source of hope in troubled times. Today the coronavirus is creating chaos on a global scale; its reach is unprecedented in our lifetime. Yet God’s Word remains steady, constant, and true. Like the North Star, it directs our gaze upward, and it will guide us through these dark days if we keep it in our sight. 31 Hope-Filled … [Read more...] about 31 Encouraging Bible Verses PLUS 15 Meaningful Choices You Can Make Today
Feeling Powerless? Discover 4 Power Principles in Daniel’s 70-Weeks Prophecy
Throughout history, God has raised up men and women to be world changers. Some people, like Daniel, make such an impact on society that they continue to be well known beyond their lifetime. Have you ever wondered what sets them apart? How does God select individuals for such important work? Sometimes God appoints powerful people to serve Him, but He often chooses more … [Read more...] about Feeling Powerless? Discover 4 Power Principles in Daniel’s 70-Weeks Prophecy
3 Reasons to Study the Book of Daniel
(Including Interesting Facts About the End of the World) If you spent any time in Sunday school as a child, you know about Daniel. You may have been treated to a flannelgraph presentation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego emerging from the fiery furnace or a rousing reenactment of Daniel proclaiming God’s deliverance on his way out of the lions’ den. You may even be aware … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons to Study the Book of Daniel
Why Was Daniel Taken to Babylon?
When we think about the future of our children, our thoughts tend toward things like their education, their future spouse, and their walk with the Lord. Long hours are invested as we encourage them to obey God, hoping they learn from our mistakes rather than making their own. We imagine them enjoying the same comforts we have and maybe a few more. Certainly, Daniel’s … [Read more...] about Why Was Daniel Taken to Babylon?
How to Pray for Your Family
Prayer may be the greatest blessing God gives us here on this earth. Each of us has tremendous potential to serve God and others through the ministry of prayer. It’s available to every believer, no matter who we are or what our life circumstances. God designed it to bless us beyond all imagining, and yet it is easily within our reach. As accessible and powerful as … [Read more...] about How to Pray for Your Family
5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times
We all encounter difficult seasons and circumstances in our life. Perhaps the desires of our heart long to be fulfilled. Perhaps we are struggling through family or financial difficulties. Perhaps we’ve been confronted with a sudden loss or diagnosis that has shaken our world to its core. When we face difficult times, how do we hold on to hope? King David knew a … [Read more...] about 5 Psalms for Hope in Hard Times
15 Benefits to Reading Psalms and Proverbs
Change the oil in the car. Cook at home more often. Get adequate sleep. Play with the kids. Balance the budget. Walk the dog. Read the Bible. With so many worthwhile things to do, we often struggle to fit everything in. According to LifeWay Research, most Americans have a favorable view of the Bible, but only 57% say they’ve read at least half of it.1 We may feel … [Read more...] about 15 Benefits to Reading Psalms and Proverbs
Why Are You Here? Discover Your God-Given Purpose
I want to begin by asking you a question: Why are you here? I’m not asking why you live in a certain area or how you found my blog. What I’m asking is, Why has God placed you on this earth? The process of developing a vision for your life begins by answering this fundamental question. It’s very difficult to live a meaningful life without a sense of purpose, a dream … [Read more...] about Why Are You Here? Discover Your God-Given Purpose
40 Bible Verses for Navigating God's Promises and Blessings
Second Peter 1:3-11 is a remarkable passage of Scripture. It starts with a promise, ends with a blessing, and lists eight things we need to add to our faith to move from the promise to the blessing. What is this promise? Peter vows that those who intently pursue spiritual growth “will never stumble” on their journey “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus … [Read more...] about 40 Bible Verses for Navigating God's Promises and Blessings
What Does the Bible Say About God's Promises?
We’ve all done it. Maybe we promised to take the kids to the movies, but the show they wanted to see was sold out. Perhaps a traffic jam caused us to miss an important celebration. Or maybe a long overdue coffee date had to be rescheduled because of an illness. We don’t intend to break our promises, but sometimes unforeseen obstacles make it impossible to keep … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Say About God's Promises?
How to Experience God's Blessing
We’re constantly aware of what the world thinks. Our self-images are fragile, and we become upset if someone criticizes us.… We seem to need a lot of affirmation. But when we focus on the favor of God, His affirmation and love for us become the foundation of our self-esteem. We have value and worth because He made us, He is preparing a place for us, He is coming again for us, … [Read more...] about How to Experience God's Blessing
10 Encouraging Verses and Devotionals About the Second Coming of Christ
The study of biblical prophecy provides encouragement for today and hope for tomorrow. Knowing that one day our Lord will welcome us to the Holy City with open arms is not just good news, it’s the best news imaginable! I hope you will use these specially selected devotionals as you reflect on that marvelous truth. Day 1: No Condemnation There is therefore now no … [Read more...] about 10 Encouraging Verses and Devotionals About the Second Coming of Christ
Daily Scriptures for Finding Inner Peace
Samson was betrayed by a beautiful woman. David was hunted by Saul and eventually by his own son. Job lost his family and fortune. All but one of the disciples were martyred. It’s no secret: God’s people experience pain and hardship. How can we be at peace when our world is crashing in around us? The Bible offers wisdom that has the power to steady us in any … [Read more...] about Daily Scriptures for Finding Inner Peace
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Our pain is real. Even a quick look at the Bible bears witness to the fact that we aren’t the first to walk down the difficult roads of disappointment, persecution, and bitterness. In God’s Word, we find hope for stormy times. Whenever I have suffered, the psalms have been a source of strength and healing. Are you facing a bend in the road? An unexpected diagnosis? A … [Read more...] about Why Does God Allow Suffering?
7 Biblical Answers for Dealing With Adversity
Perhaps the only thing worse than experiencing adversity firsthand is watching a loved one go through difficulties. What can you do? What should you say? Should you say anything at all? Each circumstance requires sensitivity and prayer. There are no easy answers, but God’s Word provides reliable advice for every situation. Here are a few pointers to get you … [Read more...] about 7 Biblical Answers for Dealing With Adversity
What Is Godliness?
Put simply, godliness is living a fruitful, obedient Christian life. It is one of seven qualities we are instructed to add to our faith after we become Christians. There are sixteen references to godliness in Scripture. All of them are in the New Testament, and most of them occur in 1 Timothy and 2 Peter. Let’s examine what it is, what it’s not, its prerequisites, its barriers, … [Read more...] about What Is Godliness?
7 Steps to a Closer Walk With God
When you think about climbing a mountain, what comes to mind? Do you envision breathtaking vistas from the mountaintop or breathless wheezing along the way? As different as they are, both perspectives capture aspects of the same journey. Reaching the summit requires grit and determination. Spiritual growth is no different. It demands perseverance, but the view from the top is … [Read more...] about 7 Steps to a Closer Walk With God
Is Faith Enough?
A Case for Simple Faith Jesus told a story about a wayward son who wasted his inheritance on wild living and ended up destitute. Filled with guilt and shame, the young man returned to his father’s house in hopes of working as a servant—he didn’t dare believe he could return as a son. When the boy arrived home, his father rushed to greet him, threw his arms around him, and … [Read more...] about Is Faith Enough?
10 Powerful Prayers Packed With Promise
The Bible is packed with powerful, life-transforming promises. God has given us this vault of infinite riches to be an instruction book for life. Why, then, do we often feel drained and powerless? Imagine a house on a pretty lot, surrounded by shrubs and flowers. A state-of-the-art power plant stands next door. That plant can produce enough energy to power the entire … [Read more...] about 10 Powerful Prayers Packed With Promise
5 Biblical Strategies for When Life Is Hard
Walking the Persistent Christian Journey The Christian life is a journey of persistence and endurance. Each morning when we wake up, we have no idea what the day will bring—a flat tire, a troubling phone call, a medical diagnosis. The question isn’t whether we’ll have trouble but when and how. Following the example of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to Antarctica, we … [Read more...] about 5 Biblical Strategies for When Life Is Hard
4 Ways to Meet God in Hard Times
Paul Jergan’s bend in the road came in the middle of the night, May 1, 2001, when he was jolted from bed by the ringing of the phone. Half-asleep, groping in the darkness for the phone, he muttered a groggy “hello.” A half-second later he was fully alert. It was the emergency room of a distant hospital. Paul’s son, Travis, a university student in another state, was in critical … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Meet God in Hard Times
Globalism and Europe's Role in Bible Prophecy
About 2,500 years ago, the Jewish prophet Daniel received a panoramic revelation from God that revealed the sweep of world history from his own day up until a future time when Jesus Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom. This revelation about the future came in the form of two dreams. One dream is recorded in the second chapter of Daniel, and it is a dream of the … [Read more...] about Globalism and Europe's Role in Bible Prophecy
5 Principles for Biblical Decision Making
“I pray and talk to God, but I must be doing something wrong. I can’t seem to make wise decisions, and I have trouble knowing what God wants me to do in various situations.” Can you relate to this thought process? We can find ourselves stuck in holding patterns because we can’t decide what to do. I am reminded of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s comment … [Read more...] about 5 Principles for Biblical Decision Making
Understanding Old and New Testament Prophecy
Prophecy fascinates us because it points to something beyond our physical world and reminds us of God’s hand at work in creation. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has “set eternity in the human heart” (NIV). We yearn to discover eternity because we were created for it (John 3:16). Everything that can be known about the future is revealed through Old and New Testament … [Read more...] about Understanding Old and New Testament Prophecy
What Is Prophecy?
In the United States, there were approximately 1.7 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2018.1 Globally, there were at least 25 ongoing, armed conflicts with vast humanitarian, political, and economic consequences.2 In 2016, 815 million people were undernourished.3 Many people look at these statistics of human suffering and wonder where God is in all of this. Does He see … [Read more...] about What Is Prophecy?
Love Letters from God
The husbands and wives who committed themselves to founding the fledgling republic that became the United States of America sacrificed dearly for their cause— particularly the leaders of the first Continental Congress. John Adams, for one, endured long months of separation from his wife and children. Massachusetts was their home, but the demands of statehood kept him in … [Read more...] about Love Letters from God
Angels and Demons Q&A
Bible-Based Answers to Burning Questions About Angels, Demons, and the Afterlife What are spirits? A spirit is “an immaterial intelligent being.”1 Each spirit possesses intellect, emotion, and will. Biblically speaking, there are three categories of spiritual beings: God, humans, and angels. Of course, humans are distinct from God and angels because we also possess a … [Read more...] about Angels and Demons Q&A
Solve the Mystery of Revelation Through Daniel and John
The history of the world has been altered frequently by the flow of secret intelligence and vital information. For thousands of years, informants have played a crucial role in the destinies of nations. The End Times are no different. Today we’ll meet three men whose inside information has helped to prepare the way for earth’s final days. Whenever I visit the Holy Land, I … [Read more...] about Solve the Mystery of Revelation Through Daniel and John
What Is the Millennium? 7 Answers to 7 Questions
Can you imagine a world with no fear? No disease? No pain? No worry? That is what the Millennial Kingdom will be like. For a thousand years, there will be peace—we will live in a perfect world with Christ as our ruler. It is something we can look forward to when our lives are difficult and when our world is filled with chaos, immorality, and despair. As we go through hard … [Read more...] about What Is the Millennium? 7 Answers to 7 Questions
Benefits of Biblical Prophecy in the World Today
Doom and gloom? That’s how many think of the book of Revelation. Oftentimes, Christians shy away from the study of prophecy because they believe it is too complex or irrelevant to spend time examining. But this is not true. Revelation gives us insight into things that will come to pass and helps us understand the things that are happening in our world. It gives us heavenly … [Read more...] about Benefits of Biblical Prophecy in the World Today
What Does the Bible Really Say About Guardian Angels?
Is there one particular angel whose God-given assignment is serving me—just me? One of the most common beliefs about angels is that each of us has a guardian angel. But the Bible does not explicitly state this. As far as I can determine, there are just two verses in the Bible that indicate there might be guardian angels in the world today: The first is Matthew 18:10 and the … [Read more...] about What Does the Bible Really Say About Guardian Angels?
The Tower of Babel Story for Kids
Genesis 11:1-9 Do you know what happened in the book of Genesis when people thought they could build a tower to the heavens and show God and others their greatness? Keep reading to find out... After the flood, God told Noah and his family to have children and spread out around the world. But instead, the people settled in one place. Then, they began building a tower so … [Read more...] about The Tower of Babel Story for Kids
Understanding the Book of Hebrews
The president of a Christian university was famous for telling discouraged students: “It’s always too soon to quit.” Those words ring true for all of us, because life is difficult and we sometimes want to give up. Hebrews was written to tell us to persevere, to keep going, to focus on our great high priest, and to run with patience the race before us. According to … [Read more...] about Understanding the Book of Hebrews
Why Study Revelation?
Warning! Watching the news could trouble your heart. We’ve never had so many sources of breaking news beamed nonstop into our homes and phones, and most of the stories leave us perplexed and disheartened. Who could imagine times like these? Political upheaval. Global terrorism. Mass killings. Rogue states. Economic peril. Rampant secularism. Worldwide pandemics. Racism. … [Read more...] about Why Study Revelation?
Bountiful Feast: What to Do With the Abundance God Gives
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.2 Corinthians 9:8 The widow saw a handful of flour and a little oil. Peter saw the crashing waves. Moses and the Israelites saw the sea before them and the Egyptian army rushing toward them. The disciples saw five loaves and … [Read more...] about Bountiful Feast: What to Do With the Abundance God Gives
4 Answers to Your Questions About Salvation
Can a saved person ever be lost? Can you lose your salvation after you’ve become a Christian? No. But you can lose the joy of it, can't you? You can lose the productiveness of it. If you aren't living for the Lord, your salvation is "like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames" (1 Corinthians 3:15 NLT). Who would want to do that? Let's go on. Let's be the people … [Read more...] about 4 Answers to Your Questions About Salvation
Why Your Circumstances Don’t Define Your Spiritual Growth
What advice would you give these people? SITUATION 1: In World War II, a patrol of Soviet soldiers captures a German woman who was foraging for food for her three children. Her husband is already in a POW camp in England, and she is taken to a POW camp in Russia. When her husband returns to Germany, he locates their children but is unable to find his wife. The wife, interred … [Read more...] about Why Your Circumstances Don’t Define Your Spiritual Growth
The Surprising Secret to Genuine Joy
If you like “The Amazing Race” or “Survivor,” you might be interested to know that so-called reality TV had its beginnings in old black-and-white programs like “Candid Camera.” These were unscripted shows with hidden cameras and microphones designed to show people reacting to practical jokes. One episode showed a new secretary at a desk with drawers that kept popping open. … [Read more...] about The Surprising Secret to Genuine Joy