ODB: how was I to know?
November 7, 2009
READ: 1 Thess. 4:1-12
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. —Ephesians 4:30
It was high-school concert season, and the music students were preparing for the big Christmas extravaganza. The teacher had clearly communicated every detail to the students and to the parents—on two different occasions—and the time for mandatory rehearsal was clearly spelled out.
But on rehearsal day one panicky mother called during practice to see what time her teenager was supposed to show up. Another called to say, “Oh, we’re taking Tommy to Grandma’s. It’s okay if he misses rehearsal, right?” When the teacher reminded the parents that this required practice had already started, she heard, “Why didn’t somebody tell me? How was I to know?”
Just as this teacher was troubled that her clear instructions were ignored, is it possible that God is troubled by our tendency to ignore His clear instructions? In 1 Thessalonians, Paul reminds us that his God-inspired message tells us “how to live in order to please God” and that those instructions have “the authority of the Lord Jesus” (4:1-2 niv). The Lord is grieved, Paul explains, when we ignore His teaching and live our own way (Eph. 4:30-5:2).
Let’s make a point to read God’s instructions and then live by them—with no excuses. — Dave Branon
There is no good excuse for ignoring God.
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Loading ...ODJ: perspective
November 7, 2009
READ: Matthew 6:25-33
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (vv.32-33).
I recently visited “The First Baptist Church in America.” Founded by Roger Williams in 1638 in Providence, Rhode Island, the present church building was constructed in 1775. Its colonial structure is impressive, with its towering steeple, high pulpit, and boxed pews. Each pew is surrounded by a low wall and gate, and was possessed by families who sat together during church services.
These Baptists took their pew-sitting seriously, for the following note is displayed in the church: “To all persons whom it may consearn, know you that we . . . have agreed to changed Pewes that we drawd in the new Babtis meeting house in Providence. As witness own hands this ninth day of June, 1778.”
I laughed when I saw the date, for it meant that the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) could not distract these Baptists from carefully maintaining who sat in which pew. Indeed, if they were like my Baptist church, the war over the pews inside the church may have been more intense than the war going on outside!
This pew contract shows our need for perspective. Everything matters, but not everything matters equally. That’s good to remember when dinner is late, your child has a cavity, the car won’t start, your team blew a big lead, or falling stocks wiped out half of your life savings.
These things are important, but they don’t compare to the value of the kingdom of God. Jesus said that His saving rule in our lives “is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (Matthew 13:45-46).
What went wrong today? Unload your troubles on God, knowing that He cares for you (Matthew 6:30-33). But also thank Him for what hasn’t changed. Isn’t that what matters most? —Mike Wittmer
Thank God for three important things that you did not lose today. How does seeking “the Kingdom of God above all else” give you the right perspective?
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