ODB: beware the rupert
August 18, 2009 READ: 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 12-15 Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. —2 Corinthians 11:14 In the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe, an armada of Allied ships assaulted the beaches of Normandy, France. Simultaneously, thousands of airplanes dropped paratroopers into the action. Along with the paratroopers, the Allies [...]
ODJ: get going
I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me (v.12).
READ: Philippians 3:7-14
Every spring, we plant nearly 40 tomato plants. Every fall, when we find that we have more tomatoes than we can possibly eat, can, or turn into sauce or salsa, we give lots away to grateful friends and family. It makes me wonder, however, why our thankful recipients—lovers of tomatoes that they are—don’t grow even one plant of their own? It’s not appropriate to say that they’re lazy, for they work hard in other pursuits. So I think it’s simply a case of inertia. Despite hearty appetites for tomatoes, they never get around to doing anything about it.
How much of our lives are mediocre because of inertia? We would like to pray more, enjoy deeper intimacy in our marriages and friendships, take more outings with our children, read more books, find a more satisfying job, eat better, and exercise more—but we never actually do anything about it. So we continue to coast, settling for the way things are now rather than working toward what they could be.
I’m challenged by Paul, who—being far more mature in his spiritual walk—humbly declared, “I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” (Philippians 3:13-14).
What area of your life would you like to move beyond mediocrity? If you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’re likely to get what you’ve always gotten. So make a change. Go ahead—pursue a stronger marriage or better parenting or a closer walk with God. What steps can you take in that direction? First commit your goal to God in prayer. Then write it down. Now go do it—and press on! —Mike Wittmer
What area of your life most needs work? What will it take for you to do something about it?
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Loading ...ODB: sing a new song
August 17, 2009
READ: Psalm 98
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. —Psalm 98:4
At age 94, Pastor Willis was admitted into a care facility. From his wheelchair, he shared with joy how God had given him a new mission field to share the gospel. When he was bedridden a few years later, he spoke with enthusiasm of being in the best possible position to look up to God. When he died at age 100, Pastor Willis left behind a legacy of one who sang a new song of praise at every turn of his earthly life.
Psalm 98 exhorts us to sing a new song for God who “has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory” (v.1). We ought to praise Him —even in times of difficulty—for God remembers “His mercy and His faithfulness” (v.3). Though this psalm is about God freeing the Israelites from slavery, it is prophetically also about our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. And as we remember what God has done for us, we can trust Him to help us with today’s difficulties as well as tomorrow’s uncertainties.
The psalmist wrote: “Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; . . . let the hills be joyful together before the Lord” (vv.7-9). Let us join God’s creation in singing praise to our Savior! — Albert Lee
A heart in tune with God sings melodies of praise.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: plumb-lined
I saw the Lord standing beside a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was using a plumb line to see if it was still straight (v.7).
READ: Amos 7:7-9
A must-see for tourists visiting Italy is the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Tuscany. The 8-story tall cathedral bell tower, completed in 1370, was once upright. Today, however, it’s tilted. In 1990, the tower’s top was 15 feet (4.5m) off vertical and the whole thing was in danger of toppling. So it underwent 12 years of extensive stabilizing work, and—for the first time since the 12th century—the tower finally stopped tilting. It was declared “safe for the next 300 years” in 2001.
In the third of 5 visions given to Amos, God is seen holding a plumb line beside a wall that “had been built using a plumb line” (7:7). Israel was built according to the plumb line. Just 3 months after exiting Egypt (Exodus 19:1-2), God gave Israel His commandments (ch. 20), to be a holy nation (19:6). God established a clear standard: “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
Seven hundred years later, God plumb-lined His people “to see if [they were] still straight” (Amos 7:7). And, like the leaning Tower of Pisa, Israel had become seriously tilted. God could not ignore the aberrant angle (v.8). A wall in danger of collapsing had to be toppled (v.9).
God has set His standards for us in His Word. We’re to live holy and godly lives (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Peter 3:11). One day, we too will be plumb-lined. Yet, God is patient with us, for He wants us to repent (Romans 2:4-6; 2 Peter 3:9,15). But we shouldn’t take His patience for granted. For there will come a time when He says, “Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer” (Amos 7:8 NIV).
When God uses His plumb line, will you be found upright or tilted? —K.T. Sim
What has God’s plumb line revealed in your life? What excuses have you been offering to God for not living a holy life?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Abandoned
By Cora Cheung, Hong Kong People walk in and out of his life every day. He couldn’t help but feel a tinge whenever someone said to him the cursed words: “Goodbye.” He would unconsciously wonder when that person was coming back—if that person was ever coming back. He had been left behind too many times. [...]
(1 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: royalty recognised
August 16, 2009
READ: Philippians 2:5-11
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, . . . [and] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. —Philippians 2:10-11
As a kid, I loved watching the film Little Lord Fauntleroy. The story focuses on Cedric, a boy growing up in a poor home with his mother in Brooklyn. He discovers the stunning news that he is actually the direct descendant of the Earl of Dorincourt and the heir of a vast fortune. One day he’s a nobody playing “kick the can” on the streets of New York, and then suddenly he’s traveling through an English town to the cries of “Your lordship!” from adoring villagers.
If you had seen Jesus playing in the streets of Nazareth as a boy, you wouldn’t have taken any special notice of Him (except that He probably wasn’t playing “kick the can”). If you had seen Him in the carpentry shop, you wouldn’t have had a clue about His deity. And if you had seen Him hanging on the cross, that horrific scene wouldn’t have enticed your heart to adore Him if you didn’t know what was behind it.
But in His resurrection, Jesus revealed His true identity. He is the conquering King—ultimate royalty! Since “God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9), how much more should we adoringly worship Him who, in such surrendered humility, died so that He could become our victorious King! — Joe Stowell
Recognize and respond to the royalty of God—worship Him!
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: show us the way
He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name (v.3).
READ: Psalm 23:1-4
I read of an Indian guru who will sell you “inner peace” for about $300. His brand of self-controlled breathing and meditation is all the rage among India’s stress-worn business people and millions of others worldwide. Fortunately, it can be learned in one weekend and requires just 30 minutes of practice each day to keep the good vibes coming.
Sure, taking a few deep breaths may help lower our blood pressure, but stress relief for our souls comes from God. We need Him to show us the way to peace. David pointed this out in his famous psalm when he wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (23:1). This thought is simple, but it floors me every time I read it. When I feel the pressure build and my thoughts begin to rotate like a whirlwind, I remember that “His peace will guard [our] hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7). He is all we need.
Because He is sufficient, God is more than able to “[guide us] along right paths, bringing honor to His name” (Psalm 23:3). The real antidote for stress is to overcome it with His power—to honor Him!
Maybe you’re thinking, That’s just great, but my mailbox is overflowing with bills and I can’t sleep. There’s chaos at our house 24/7. When David was stressed, he wrote, “I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me” (v.4). God’s guidance is a close, protective leadership meant to “restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10).
Whether you work in an office or a factory or with a busy 2-year-old, stress is unavoidable. Fortunately, God can help us manage it, and His brand of inner peace is not for sale. He just wants to show us the way. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
How have you attempted to relieve the stress in your life? Why does God want us to overcome stress His way?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: running every day
August 15, 2009
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]. —1 Corinthians 9:24
The Pikes Peak Ascent is a challenging mountain foot race, covering 13.32 miles while gaining 7,815 feet in altitude. My good friend Don Wallace ran it 20 times. In his final race, he crossed the finish line one week before his 67th birthday! Instead of training just before a race, Don ran 6 miles a day, year round, with rare exceptions, wherever he happened to be. He’s done that for most of his adult life and continues to this day.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses running as a picture of his own discipline as a Christian in the race of life. He ran with purpose and discipline to win an eternal crown, and he encouraged others to do the same: “Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]” (v.24).
The word temperate in verse 25 carries the meaning of self-control practiced by athletes who train to win the prize. As a consistent habit of life, regular discipline is of far greater value to any athlete than last-minute preparation.
Are we approaching “the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1) with a hit-or-miss spiritual regimen or with purpose and discipline born from a desire to please God?
The key to going the distance is the discipline of running every day. — David C. McCasland
Running the Christian race takes dedication and discipline.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: land and deeds
[Barnabas] sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles (v.37).
READ: Acts 4:32-5:11
Do you have a special place where you’d like to be right now—a place you feel passionate about? I love serving others at Upper Peninsula Bible Camp. It’s a beautiful place in the woods of northern Michigan where campers have enjoyed God’s creation and heard the Good News for more than 70 years.
Recently, a family donated a cabin to the camp—allowing for even more people to come and experience God at UPBC. The gift was a selfless act with God’s work clearly in mind.
In Acts, just prior to the infamous account of Ananias and Sapphira, we read of a man who sold a field and gave the money to the apostles (4:37). His nickname, given by the church fathers, was Barnabas—“Son of Encouragement” (v.36). Unlike Ananias and Sapphira, who died as a result of their financial deceit (5:1-11), Barnabas gave all the money he received for his land. He willingly signed over the deed to help meet the needs of other believers. But he went on to do so much more . . .
This Jewish believer showed grace and acceptance to a newly converted Saul of Tarsus (Paul) in Jerusalem (9:27). He then left his home church to strengthen the church in Antioch (11:22).
Do you get the picture? Barnabas gave his land, but then he gave his life away for Jesus—showing grace to others, leaving behind what was familiar to strengthen new believers, and serving with a warm, encouraging heart.
It’s great to bless others by giving cash and gifts for God’s work. But the example of Barnabas shows us there’s so much more to living for Jesus. Go ahead and “sign over that deed,” but don’t forget to live out the deeds God has laid before you—selfless acts that glorify Him and encourage others.
—Tom Felten
Why is it easier to write a check than to show grace, strengthen others, and serve? What “good deeds” has God called you to do this week?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: the deadliest disease
August 14, 2009
READ: Joshua 7:1,19-26
[Jesus] was wounded for our transgressions, . . . and by His stripes we are healed. —Isaiah 53:5
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was identified in 2003 in Vietnam. By the time it was brought under control, SARS had spread globally and killed nearly 800 people. One reason for the high mortality rate was that the virus was not recognized initially. But once recognized and understood, SARS was contained.
An even more dangerous disease is on the loose in our world—sin. It too is difficult to bring under control because many people do not recognize its deadliness. And many dispute the Bible’s diagnosis of sin.
In Joshua 7, we read the tragic story of Achan. We may recoil at the extreme way God dealt with him. Against God’s command, he had taken some of the spoils from Jericho and hid them in his tent (v.21). He and his entire family paid with their lives (v.25).
Thankfully, God does not deal with us in that way. If He did, none of us would remain alive. Yet we must never underestimate sin’s deadliness. It sent Christ to the cross for us.
Like SARS, the first step to deal with sin is to recognize it for what it is. Receive with gratitude the gift of eternal life. Then “put to death your members which are on the earth”—the selfish things that displease God (Col. 3:5). That’s the way to deal with our deadliest disease. — C. P. Hia
Sin is a heart disease that can be cured only by the Great Physician.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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