ODJ: resisting the boot
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way (v.11). READ: Hebrews 12:6-11 British builder Ian Taylor tried to make a point by sawing his Ford Fiesta in half after parking officers “booted” the car. It was [...]
ODB: retirement time
October 19, 2009
READ: Matthew 16:24-28
Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. —Matthew 16:25
After working for 40 years as a teacher, Jane Hanson retired. She and her husband were looking forward to the arrival of their first grandchild.
Retirement is that time of life when many people simply relax, travel, or enjoy hobbies. But Jane heard about a ministry to at-risk youth in a city near her home, and she knew she had to get involved. “I realized there are kids just waiting, and I could make a difference,” she said. She began teaching English to a young Liberian man who had been forced to flee his home country because of civil war. Though he was in a safe environment, he didn’t understand the new language. Of this ministry opportunity, Jane said with a smile, “I could just go shopping to stay busy, but what fun would that be?”
Jane is making a difference. Perhaps she has learned a little of what Jesus meant when He said, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). Giving ourselves to the Lord through helping others takes self-denial, yet one day Jesus will reward that effort (v.27).
Let’s follow Jane’s example of love for God and others—no matter what our stage of life may be. — Anne Cetas
Work for the Lord—His retirement plan is out of this world.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...ODJ: “omg”
Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness (v.2).
READ: Psalm 29
With the advent of cell phones, texting, and online chat, an abbreviated form of language has emerged. Texters and chatters regularly communicate with shortcuts like “lol” (laugh out loud) or “idk” (I don’t know).
For the most part, these abbreviations are harmless. One popular shortcut, however, is truly offensive to believers in Jesus—“omg.” The most common meaning given to this abbreviation is the expression “Oh, my God.”
Should we be concerned by its use? Or are we making something out of nothing? Consider this: Although the Bible doesn’t legalistically regulate every single word that comes out of our mouths, it does plainly state that we are not to use God’s name in a way that regards it as trivial (Exodus 20:7). Even though blurting out “Oh, my God” or texting and e-mailing “omg” have become socially acceptable, they’re still examples of using God’s name wrongly.
It boils down to an issue of respect. To refer to the God of the universe in this manner, even as an expression of shock or surprise, is flippant and dishonoring. It treats “the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9) as irrelevant, as if it carries little weight or special meaning. To be fair, some may not intend to use “omg” in this way. They may believe that it is an innocent expression that—for them—means “Oh, my goodness.” Given how it’s most widely used and interpreted, however, it would be wise to use another abbreviation.
God’s name is to be revered, not to be misused or treated as meaningless. Whenever we refer to God, may we reflect the spirit of the psalmist who wrote, “Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2). —Jeff Olson
What common expressions do you use frequently? What would be a better phrase or abbreviation you could use to express shock or surprise?
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(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: teach your children well
October 18, 2009
READ: Deuteronomy 11:13-21
You shall teach [God’s Word] to your children . . . when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. —Deut. 11:19
The Sleeping Beauty Waltz, the 1812 Overture, and The Nutcracker Suite were all part of the music of my childhood.
Sometimes a narrator told stories or—as in the case of Tubby the Tuba and Peter and the Wolf—introduced my sisters and me to the sounds of different instruments. In their desire to pass on their love for music, my parents used this method as a teaching tool. It worked! Weaving the classic tales with classical tunes made a powerful impact on us.
When an adult wants to impart important information to a child, it’s often best related in a story because it is more easily understood and enjoyed. Telling children the stories in God’s Word is especially crucial because the Bible’s enduring truth can shape character and show consequences of actions (1 Cor. 10:11). Tiny seeds of faith can be cultivated in fertile soil and help children to see how God has worked in the lives of His followers throughout history. Bible stories also show how God is intimately involved in our lives.
What we have seen God do for us and what He has done for His people throughout history must be passed on to the next generation (Deut. 11:1-21). Their future depends on it. Teach your children well. — Cindy Hess Kasper
The character of your children tomorrow depends on what you put into their hearts today.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: on shoulders of giants
October 17, 2009
READ: Joshua 1:1-9
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. —Joshua 1:5
Giants hold a special place in our lore—both historical and literary. From the real giant Goliath to the fictional giant of Jack and the Beanstalk fame, we are fascinated by these larger-than-life characters.
Sometimes we use the word giant to honor ordinary-size people who have done extraordinary things. One example is the 17th-century physicist Sir Isaac Newton. A committed Christian, he credited his success to other “giants” who had gone before. “If I have seen a little further,” he said, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Indeed, Newton became a giant on whose shoulders later scientists stood—even as they used his observations in the conquest of space flight.
When God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua certainly had a giant’s shoulders to stand on. He had watched Moses’ leadership for 40 years, and now he would put what he had learned into action.
Joshua had another advantage—his walk with God sustained his life’s mission. Therefore, he had both Moses’ example and God’s promised presence as he led Israel.
Looking for help as you face the future? Look for a giant to follow. And never underestimate the importance of your walk with God. — Dennis Fisher
A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: dealing with dragons
This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels (Revelation 12:9).
READ: Acts 19:11-20
The bumper sticker on the road-worn Saab in front of me caused me to laugh out loud. Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for you are crunchy, and good with ketchup.
The owner of that car has a great sense of humor. But the saying presents a profound truth: Don’t tangle with those who have the potential to devour you.
Scripture refers to the devil as a dragon (Revelation 12). Though weakened from his original state, he remains the powerful leader of those angels who rebelled against God. The “dragon” is real, and he is not to be meddled with.
As Paul served God in Ephesus, some local religious leaders envied his ability to perform miracles. So they tried to imitate him by casting out evil spirits. Luke the historian tells us: “They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!’ . . .
The evil spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’” (Acts 19:13-15). For their troubles, the men received the thrashing of their lives (v.16). How presumptuous they were to think they could have power over demons without knowing Jesus! Even Michael, one of God’s most powerful angels, did not dare to argue with the devil. Instead, he simply said, “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9).
Yet it is equally wrong to fear the devil unnecessarily. In a passage that warns us about those who oppose the things of God, John gives us these comforting words: “You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people [who serve Satan], because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The Lamb was slain for us (Revelation 5:6-10). We don’t need to slay dragons. Someone far more powerful has already defeated our foe. —Tim Gustafson
Do you make the mistake of not believing in the devil? Do you obsess over his power? What’s dangerous about either extreme?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Obedience to God is the key to freedom
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(3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: yielded and still
Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission? (v.37).
READ: Lamentations 3:37-40
Adelaide Pollard, born in 1862 in the US, had faithfully served God for many years through her gifts of teaching and writing. Her longtime desire, however, was to be a missionary in Africa. Finally the details were worked out and she was ready to set sail. But then, unexpectedly, she was forced to cancel her plans. Not being able to go left Adelaide disappointed and depressed. God spoke to her heart and she penned these words, “Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.” Her complete poem became the well-known hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”
The prophet Jeremiah had also experienced depression over his circumstances as recorded in the book of Lamentations. He had seen Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians and God’s people placed under their harsh rule (Jeremiah 39:1-14, 52:12-14).
But, like Adelaide Pollard, instead of sinking deeper into sorrow, Jeremiah became yielded and still. He realized that his people had been sinning against God. That’s something Adelaide owned up to, as she acknowledged that “man’s own will is the basic sin he commits against God.” Through repentance and looking to God for guidance, both songwriter and prophet were able to see this truth: God is sovereign (Lamentations 3:37). It’s about His will, not our own.
Instead of complaining and becoming bitter (v.39), they wisely chose to examine their ways and “turn back to the Lord” (v.40). This is a wise formula for us to adopt when we face unexpected changes in our plans. As we seek God’s ways, not our own, we’ll find ourselves becoming quiet and still.
In time, the people of Judah were freed and rebuilt the city of Jerusalem. And, in time, Adelaide Pollard was permitted by God to minister for Him in Africa—yielded and still. —Tom Felten
How have I reacted to a recent change in my plans? What will I do to become yielded and still before God?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: the defeat of death
October 16, 2009
READ: 1 Thess. 4:15-18
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. —1 Corinthians 15:57
Christian faith ought to make a difference in how we live from day to day. But the final test of our trust in the gospel is how we react in the face of death. When we attend a memorial service for a departed friend who loved the Lord Jesus, we gather to honor a believer whose stalwart trust has richly blessed the lives of those who knew him. The words spoken are more an expression of praise to God than a tribute to an admired fellow pilgrim. The service is a God-glorifying testimony to our Savior’s victory over death and the grave (1 Cor. 15:54-57).
How different from the funeral service of Charles Bradlaugh, a belligerent British atheist. Writer Arthur Porritt recalls: “No prayer was said at the grave. Indeed, not a single word was uttered. The remains, placed in a light coffin, were lowered into the earth in a quite unceremonious fashion as if carrion were being hustled out of sight. . . . I came away heart-frozen. It only then dawned on me that loss of faith in the continuity of human personality after death gives death an appalling victory.”
Christians, however, believe in a face-to-face fellowship with our Lord after death and the eventual resurrection of our bodies (1 Cor. 15:42-55; 1 Thess. 4:15-18). Does your faith rejoice in victory over death? — Vernon C. Grounds
Because Christ is alive, we too shall live.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: do I love?
Anyone who does not love does not know God (v.8).
READ: 1 John 4:7-12
In the 1940s, Fred Craddock began serving as a missionary to India. When World War II ended, Craddock’s church wired him funds for a steamer ticket to return home. Arriving in his port of departure on Christmas day, Craddock discovered a disturbing sight. A ship of German-Jewish refugees had been allowed to temporarily dock, and these exiles had been stuffed in small spaces with no human comforts. Craddock used his money to buy pastries for as many as he could. When he informed his church, they asked, “Don’t you know they don’t believe in Jesus?”
“Yes,” Craddock replied. “But I do.”
When we believe in Jesus, our world becomes radically reordered. For we are infused with the Spirit of the living Jesus, and our heart and eyes and hopes are (if we will allow them to be) freshly attuned to seeing our world the way God sees it.
If we’re curious to know whether or not our faith is growing . . . if we’re curious to know whether or not our actions are becoming more Jesus-like, if we’re curious to know if in fact we “know God,” we must answer this: Do we love? “Anyone who loves . . . knows God” (1 John 4:7). It’s rare these days to come upon an unequivocal answer, a black-and-white, right-or-wrong way forward. But in 1 John 4 we have an acid test. If you truly love—you know God. If you do not truly love—you do not know God. Period.
When a friend leaves me feeling lonely, when my father walks away from my family, when I encounter another’s need—in these moments, do I love? And this love isn’t simply an act of mustering up some inner reservoir of goodwill. To truly love is to give away what God has generously given to us. —Winn Collier
How does it change your understanding of love to know that God has already filled you with His love? How have you been responding to your opportunities to love others?
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