ODB: the measure of love
September 30, 2009 READ: John 15:9-17 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. —John 15:13 On October 2, 1954, First Lieutenant James O. Conway was taking off from Boston Logan Airport, flying a plane that carried a load of munitions. When his plane became airborne, he [...]
ODJ: stay in your lane
As long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success (v.5).
READ: 2 Chronicles 26:3-21
Stay in your lane!” bellowed the sergeant at the trainee. “You’ve got help. Trust your buddies!” The brash young private liked to take charge and do things by himself. And now he had turned from his assigned position on the patrol’s right flank to help defend against an ambush from the left. But the sergeant knew what the trainee didn’t: The “enemy” would attack from the right. The ambush was merely a planned ruse in the exercise.
Military training humbles individuals, breaking them down to rebuild them as part of a team. Life has a way of doing that as well.
Long ago, a great military leader learned that lesson when he tried to take on too much. And the real tragedy was that it brought him down after a lifetime of solid service.
Uzziah was an excellent king who implemented badly needed reforms in Judah. Under the tutelage of the prophet Zechariah, he followed God and enjoyed military victories against his enemies. “But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall” (2 Chronicles 26:16).
One day, Uzziah entered the sanctuary to usurp the priestly duties. When the high priest Azariah and 80 priests confronted the arrogant king, Uzziah became enraged. Yet as he railed against the priests, “leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead” (v.19). Uzziah lived the rest of his days in quarantine, unable to lead his people.
Many who claim to love Jesus don’t show it by serving Him. But others—perhaps trying to pick up the slack—take too much on themselves. They want to fix the world’s problems in their own strength.
Both approaches are wrong. But as we “stay in our lane,” relying on the Lord each day for strength and wisdom, He can use us for His glory—not ours.
—Tim Gustafson
Do you tend to try to do too much for God? What’s the one thing you can do differently that will please Him today?
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Written by Chia Poh Fang when she was fresh out of University. Ten years have since elapsed. Finding the right work is like discovering your own soul in the world. —Thomas Moore What should I be? Should I be a writer, a civil servant, or …? Somehow as I seek the Lord’s will concerning my [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: struggling to kneel
September 29, 2009
READ: Colossians 4:1-12
Always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. —Col. 4:12
Just before John Ashcroft was being sworn in as a US senator, he met with family and friends for prayer. As they gathered around him, he saw his dad trying to get up from the couch where he sat. Since his father was in frail health, Ashcroft told him, “That’s okay, Dad. You don’t have to stand up to pray for me.” His father replied, “I’m not struggling to stand up. I’m struggling to kneel.”
His father’s effort reminds me of the exertion it sometimes takes to intercede for a fellow believer. In Colossians, Paul refers to Epaphras as a bondservant who is “always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). “Laboring fervently” is the translation of a Greek word from which we get our word agony. It was used of wrestlers who in the Greek gymnastic games strained to overcome an opponent.
Epaphras interceded for other believers to become mature in their walk with the Savior. Asking God to overcome obstacles to spiritual growth in the lives of others requires our concentration and discipline. Are we willing to labor “fervently” in prayer to ask God to meet the needs of our loved ones? — Dennis Fisher
Intercessory prayer is life’s real work.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: why break the pencil?
I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise. . . . I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table! (v.7).
READ: 2 Samuel 9
I was listening to a radio call-in program that was discussing the making and breaking of promises. One presenter summed up the consensus when he said, “Most of us break promises as often as we break pencils. That’s just the way of life, and it’s what people expect today.”
King David didn’t see it that way. In 2 Samuel 9 we see his commitment to promises he made some 15 years earlier to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). His actions would have astounded the people at that time. For when a new king came to power he usually treated the old royal family as the enemy—totally wiping them out.
In contrast, we see David showing them the “kindness of God” (v.3). How? In verse 7 we see that David offers Mephibosheth protection, provision, and position. David didn’t just show him mercy and protect his life, he restored his inheritance. He not only saved him from the shadow of death, but also prepared a place for him at the king’s table and treated him like a son.
We see the depth of God’s kindness in His promises under the new covenant He made with us. He offers us protection, provision, and position much beyond what David could offer Mephibosheth. He assures us of our salvation when we come in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ—promising to never leave us or forsake us. His provisions for us are Jesus, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His church, and the meeting of our physical and spiritual needs. In His grace He gives us the position of being His children and heirs of eternal life.
David showed extreme grace and mercy—in the eyes of the world—to Mephibosheth, but it is only a faint reflection of the grace and mercy that God shows to us each day. —Kevin Gregory
How has the protection, provision, and position God has given you affected your life? What will you do to thank and praise Him for His mercy and grace?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: beware of jumping to conclusions
September 28, 2009
READ: Joshua 22:10-34
Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools. —Ecclesiastes 7:9
The e-mail contained nothing but Bible verses, and it came from someone I didn’t know very well at a time when there was disagreement among members of a church committee I was on. I assumed that the verses were aimed at me in an accusing way, and I was angry that someone who didn’t know all the issues involved would use Scripture to attack me.
Before I could retaliate, my husband, Jay, suggested I give her the benefit of the doubt instead of assuming the worst. “Perhaps there’s an innocent explanation,” he said. I couldn’t imagine what it would be, but I followed his advice and called. “Thank you so much for calling,” she said. “My computer has a virus and it spewed out e-mails using pieces of our Sunday school lesson to random people in my address book.” Gulp. I’m thankful that God used Jay to keep me from creating a problem where none existed.
By jumping to a conclusion that was logical but untrue, I came dangerously close to unnecessary conflict. The Israelites did the same thing. They were ready to go to war because they wrongly assumed that the altar built by their brothers was a sign of rebellion against God (Josh. 22:9-34). To avoid making wrong judgments, we must be careful to get the facts right. — Julie Ackerman Link
To avoid an embarrassing fall, don’t jump to a wrong conclusion.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Walk in the Light of Life
Illustrated by Alwyn Ng (Singapore, 25-year-old) In all I think and say and do, I long, O God, to honor You; But may my highest motive be To love the Christ who died for me. —D. De Haan YMI Note: If you have done any illustrations inspired by God’s Word, send it in to us!
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: molding a young heart
Direct your children onto the right path (Proverbs 22:6).
READ: Proverbs 22:6-16
Recently, my 5-year-old son Seth got angry with me. The incident was partly my fault (for not giving Seth my full attention) and partly his fault (for not being obedient). I gave him a timeout, but when he returned he was still miffed. I could tell he was searching for something to say—for the words that would deliver the best blow. “Dad,” Seth said, “I don’t believe in God anymore.” Obviously, Seth was not facing a crisis of faith. But he was asking something like, Will you talk with me, engage my heart, and discover what’s not right in my soul?
The oft-quoted Proverb (22:6) offers distinct wisdom for how to nurture children. The proverb encourages parents to pour their energy into the long art of discovering the intimate contours and unique textures of their children’s hearts. When the wisdom writer instructs us to move our children toward the life-path they are to walk, he invites us to the hard work of discerning the “right path”—the best way to instruct them based on their distinct personality, gifts, and inclinations.
We understand that this “right path” includes leading them down the spiritual and moral path we all are to walk. Teaching them to be diligent, honest, and submissive to God. Directing our children from foolishness to behaviors that He desires (v.15). The verse, however, adds this clarifying touch: The “right path” instruction includes taking into account the uniqueness of each child. So as we raise and educate them, we should recognize how they’re wired—using the best ways for them to individually grow and mature.
Throughout our lives, God has uniquely sought and taught each of us—presenting to us His timeless truths in ways that acknowledged our individual designs. Our children need the same kind of “right path” instruction from us. —Winn Collier
How did your parents succeed or fail in helping you discover the right path? How will you begin to understand the heart of your children?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: known
I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations (v.5).
READ: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Hey, Gina.” The greeting was casual, but nonetheless surprising. Granted, I like my venti, decaf, nonfat, extra hot mocha all the way to the top, but I don’t go to Starbucks every day. I can only assume my high-maintenance order had emblazoned my name on the barrista’s mind. Amid my surprise, a lesson from the Lord hit home. I am known.
Who am I? Where am I going? Does my life matter? These are questions we all ponder, even believers. Drowning in the enemy’s lies of our insignificance, we sometimes hide away. Thinking no one sees, we suddenly hear a voice. Looking up, we realize that the God of the universe has just spoken our name (Isaiah 43:1)! We are not just seen. We are known.
The weeping prophet Jeremiah was a young man who had been set apart from the womb. Appointed for a daunting task, Jeremiah was called to facilitate God’s redemptive plan by bringing the Israelites to repentance. For Jeremiah, however, the difficulty of his task at times led to doubts.
Just like the prophet, life’s challenges may have caused you to question what you know is true. Does God really know how many hairs are on my head? Does He really see the deep places I’m walking? Jeremiah himself asked questions like these (Jeremiah 15:15-18).
First Peter 2:9 tells us we are “royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” Our purpose is not found on a billboard from God that states: “Go this way.” We are His vessels called to carry His redemptive message in our lives. He wants us to rest in the assurance that we are known and that He is a God who is “watching, and . . . will certainly carry out all [His] plans” (Jeremiah 1:12). —Regina Franklin
What hinders you from believing God is intimately acquainted with your life? Do you believe you carry the message of God’s redemption in you? How does this affect you?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: nailed to the cross
September 27, 2009
READ: Colossians 2:9-17
[Jesus] has made [you] alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses. —Colossians 2:13
It was a touching church service. Our pastor talked about Jesus taking our sins upon Himself and dying in our place to take our punishment. He asked if anyone still felt guilt over confessed sins and was therefore not enjoying the forgiveness of God.
We were to write the sin or sins on a piece of paper, walk to the front of the church, and nail the paper to the cross that was placed there. Many went forward, and you could hear the pounding of nails for several minutes. That act didn’t give us forgiveness, of course, but it was a physical reminder that Jesus had already taken those sins on Himself as He hung on the cross and died.
That’s what the apostle Paul taught the church at Colosse. The people were being influenced by false teachers who presented Christ as less than adequate for their needs. But Paul explained that Jesus paid the price for our sins. He said, “The handwriting of requirements that was against us, . . . He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:14).
If we confess our sin to God, seeking His cleansing, He will forgive (1 John 1:9). We don’t need to hold on to the guilt. Our sins have been nailed to the cross; they’ve been taken away. Jesus has forgiven them all. — Anne Cetas
Guilt is a burden God never intended His children to bear.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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