Meet Mave, comic artist for HOME
In a nutshell: A hobby comic artist masquerading as a scientist. D/P.O.B 1981, Malaysia Likes Drawing, internet surfing, studying (geek alert!), ballroom dancing Dislikes Wasting resources (time, money and energy). Imagine having to rewrite that long document which was accidentally deleted/lost. Or this scenario: “That stinkin’ parking fine just cost me 2-3 new manga books! [...]
war in heaven
May 19, 2009
READ: Revelation 12:7-12
War broke out in heaven . . . . [And Satan] was cast to the earth. —Revelation 12:7-9
Philip Pullman is a gifted writer of fantasy books. His Dark Materials trilogy includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass and is very popular among young readers. But below the surface of these sympathetic characters and compelling subplots is a sinister purpose. The story culminates in a great war against God.
In these books, Pullman views the fall of Satan as a righteous cause for personal independence from God’s “tyrannical” control. He implies that Satan’s attempt to usurp the throne of God was the right thing to do!
In the book of Revelation, we read of the endtimes: “War broke out in heaven . . . . [And Satan] was cast to the earth” (Rev. 12:7-9). That future war is being preceded by an earthly conflict on the battlefield of our minds.
We must recognize Satan for what he is—a liar (John 8:44). His strategy is to take God’s words out of context and twist them into falsehood (Gen. 3:1-7). Our best defense against him is to hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word (Eph. 6:10-18).
Our loving heavenly Father is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). But neither will He force our obedience. He leaves the choice to us. — Dennis Fisher
When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...strong love
So why do you scorn My sacrifices and offerings? Why do you give your sons more honor than you give Me—for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of My people (v.29).
READ: 1 Samuel 2:12-36
You’re being mean!” “Nobody loves me.” As a mom, I’ve heard these words often. Though my children are night and day in personality, they share a common dislike for discipline. After having dealt with numerous “time outs,” I’ve learned that parenting is all about the long-haul (Galatians 6:9). This is a difficult concept to embrace in a drive-thru, self-serve culture.
Central to God’s heart is His selfless consistency. Forever faithful and unchanging, His love stands as a bulwark in the storms of life (Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:9-11). Like the foundation of a structure, in His love boundaries provide great strength. Society wrongfully portrays love as unrestrained permissiveness. Boundaries do not confine; they protect, give life, and demonstrate love (Proverbs 19:18). Because He wants to tell us “yes” to so much, He must sometimes tell us “no.”
God intended for the love of a parent to be a reflection of His love toward us. To raise our children without discipline is to portray a false understanding of the heart of God (Deuteronomy 8:5). A parent must see past the conflict of the moment to the path of truth and righteousness (what is right according to the Word). Parents face the temptation to avoid or to be inconsistent in discipline. The story of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2 reveals the root of giving in to such temptations: self. Eli profited by not dealing with his sons. Though he chastised them for their behavior, he grew fat from their sin (1 Samuel 2:29). Talk is cheap when not followed by action (vv.22-25). Parents serve self when they refuse to discipline their children because they’re too busy, want to avoid confrontation, or care more about being their “friend.”
The greatest demonstration of love is a willingness to die to self for the sake of another. —Regina Franklin
If Jesus were to stand in front of you and say, “Follow Me,” what would you say? What do you need to surrender to Him today?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...the heavenly alternative
May 18, 2009
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. —2 Corinthians 5:8
Recently, I wished a young friend “happy birthday” and asked him how it felt to be a year older. His playful response? “Well, I guess it’s better than the alternative!”
We laughed together, but I later stopped to think—is it really? Don’t misunderstand me. I’m happy to live as long as the Lord allows me to live and to watch my kids and grandkids grow and experience life. I’m not excited about the inevitability of death. But as a believer, the alternative to getting older is heaven—and that’s not bad!
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about the reality of living with the aches and pains of our physical bodies, our “tents” of flesh. But we should not live in despair about aging. In fact, the apostle calls us to just the opposite. He wrote, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (v.8). Confident! Pleased! Why? Because our alternative to earthly life is that we will be present with the Lord—forever! The heavenly perspective of what awaits us can give us confidence for living now.
If you know Christ, His promise can give you what the hymnwriter called, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” What a great alternative! — Bill Crowder
Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness, and Him!
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...don’t pout
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (vv.2-3).
READ: James 1:2-8
In the first half of the 20th century, racial segregation laws were enforced in the United States. Even jazz great Duke Ellington was prevented from staying in the guest rooms of hotels where he and his band performed. When asked how this discrimination made him feel, Ellington replied, “I took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.” He allowed an ugly, race-based situation to build up his character.
Isn’t that what James was after in the opening chapter of the book that bears his name? He reminded his readers that trials are inevitable (v.2). He wanted us to fully grasp the idea that they can be used to help us grow and develop spiritually (v.3). James wanted his audience to read his letter and walk away with the understanding that trials can build character and faith in the believer, and it requires three things:
• Trials can build character if we respond to them appropriately. Our response should be one of joy (James 2:2). James was not telling us to be happy about the pain experienced, but to find joy in a relationship with Jesus and the fact that we have been counted worthy to suffer for Him (Philippians 1:29).
• Trials can build character if we accurately understand the reason for our trials. The purpose of trials is to produce patience and to allow patience to help us develop into more mature Christians (James 1:3-4).
• Trials can build character if we rely on God absolutely. We should ask God for wisdom and answers as we go through various trials (v.5).
God is still looking for people who will not pout about their trials, but who will allow Him to use their them to make beautiful music for the world. “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (1:3). —Marvin Williams
What good has come out of a difficult situation in your life? What is God teaching you this week through the trials you’re facing?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)wake-up music
May 17, 2009
READ: Deuteronomy 31:16-22
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. — Colossians 3:16
In a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, a group of international refugees has been singing songs that they hope will wake up their homeland. According to the BBC, the group Waayah Cusub has been enjoying extensive airplay on radio stations and television channels by using bold lyrics to address social issues. One of the musicians says, “We are not happy with what is happening back home; in fact we have recorded a thought-provoking song that we hope will bring our leaders back to their senses.”
Long before Waayah Cusub began using songs to call for an end to social pain and violence, God taught Moses to use music in a bold and provocative way. Knowing that His people’s sinful inclinations would distract them when they began to enjoy the prosperity of the Promised Land (Deut. 31:21), God told Moses to teach them the song of chapter 32. It is a shocking song of warning, designed to get the attention of those who would forget God and fill their lives with trouble.
Could our wise and loving God be repeating that strategy with us? Is there a psalm, a hymn, or a spiritual song that is calling us back to His faithfulness and amazing grace? What song might He be using to get under the radar of our natural defenses and renew our hearts today? — Mart De Haan
Where words fail, music speaks. —Hans Christian Andersen
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...slowing down
On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work (v.2).
READ: Genesis 2:1-3
When the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the US climbed above $4.00, I began to notice many people around me driving their cars considerably slower. Rather than quickly racing to their next destination, more and more drivers started taking a more economical approach. Less speed = better gas mileage!
I eased off on putting the pedal to the metal myself, and began to experience an unexpected benefit from slowing down. Though I didn’t fully comprehend what was happening at first, something inside of me began to slow down too. As I was driving to work or to the store, it hit me that I didn’t feel as rushed—as if my soul was catching its breath. It was a surprising, yet welcomed, relief.
We’re built to take breaks. The Bible refers to it as “Sabbath.” It’s a part of the normal rhythm of life God instilled in us when He Himself rested after He finished His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Right from the start, God meant for humans to work and to accomplish projects (Genesis 2:15), but He also meant for us to rest. Too often, however, the tendency is to plow through our days and weeks without any time for Sabbath rest.
Taking a break can be a real challenge. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in rushing through life and forget the importance of dialing it down. Driving slower helped me realize how true that was for me. Most of us need to practice pulling back from the busyness of life. Whether it is slowing down on the roads, choosing not to work through lunch, or taking a few days of needed rest, we need to pause, put our feet up, and remember the One who made us. Let’s find our ultimate rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). —Jeff Olson
What is keeping you overly busy these days? What will happen if you establish a time of Sabbath rest?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...the gift of self-indulgence
May 16, 2009
READ: Ezekiel 16:48-57
She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. —Ezekiel 16:49
An upscale London department store launched a new gift card with the slogan, “The Gift of Self-Indulgence.” Throughout the store, signs, slogans, and even nametags called attention to the cards. According to one employee, sales of the gift cards during the first weeks of the promotion had been very strong, far exceeding company expectations. Generosity may prompt a person to give a luxurious gift to someone special, but too often we find it easier to purchase what we want for ourselves.
The prophet Ezekiel sheds light on an ancient city whose people suffered God’s judgment, in part, because they embraced a self-indulgent lifestyle. “This was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” (Ezek. 16:49-50).
Historically, the Lord has dealt harshly with His people who became arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned (v.49). The antidote to the poison of self-indulgence is the desire to please God and serve others, not ourselves (Phil. 2:4).
Self-indulgence is a gift we don’t need. — David C. McCasland
The more we serve Christ, the less we serve self.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...cultural christianity
Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment (v.36).
READ: John 3:27-36
Every culture contains values that may compromise the gospel. The early church was too Platonic, the medieval church too Aristotelian, the modern church too Enlightenment, and now the postmodern church is becoming too pluralistic. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that 57 percent of evangelical churchgoers believe that other religions may lead to everlasting life.
Just as we easily see where early Christians read Plato into their Scriptures, so future generations will be shocked at how uncritically we allowed our culture’s virtues of diversity and inclusion—though valuable in their own right—to undermine our faith.
We will resist compromise if we remember our countercultural belief in original sin. Though unpopular in our postmodern context, virtually every Christian denomination teaches that we are born guilty and polluted from Adam’s sin. Paul explained: “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Romans 5:12).
This inherited corruption is why Jesus told a good Jew like Nicodemus that he must be “born again” to “see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). When asked how a new birth was possible, Jesus explained that this occurs when the Holy Spirit uses the truth of the gospel to change our
hearts (John 3:5-18).
And so Jesus said that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), Peter declared, “There is salvation in no one else!” (Acts 4:12), and Paul proclaimed, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15). Contrary to what a growing number of churchgoers believe, belief in Jesus is required for salvation. —Mike Wittmer
How have you been ridiculed for believing that Jesus is the only path to salvation? In what ways does our culture reveal our need for real faith?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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