ODJ: count the cost
If you do not carry your own cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost (vv.27-28). READ: Luke 14:25-35 When world-renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti was a youth, he became the pupil of a professional tenor in Italy. Later, he studied music education in college. Upon graduating, he [...]
ODB: the beauty of forgiveness
March 31, 2010
READ: Luke 15:11-24
When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran . . . and kissed him. —Luke 15:20
What started out as a collection has grown into a ministry opportunity for Larry and Mary Gerbens. For the past 10 years they’ve been collecting artistic works based on the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. Their collection includes a painting by Rembrandt and a number of items by other artists depicting this story.
The Gerbens wanted to share their collection, so they put it on display at a local college. Larry said, “The artists have ministered to us, and we hope their work will minister to others.”
As I wandered through the displays, I was touched by the deep need of the prodigal, his honest repentance, and the beautiful forgiveness of the father portrayed in the variety of art pieces—paintings, etchings, engravings, glasswork, sketches, and silk screens.
We have all been like the son in this story, who had other plans for his life than what his father had for him. We have all run away from our heavenly Father (Rom. 3:10-12). But He welcomes us when we come to Him.
You too will see the beauty of forgiveness in your heavenly Father’s face when you cry out to Him, “Father, I have sinned . . .” (Luke 15:18). If you’re away from Him, head home now and experience His love. — Anne Cetas
When God forgives, He removes the sin and restores the soul.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...ODJ: faith and fear
“Don’t be afraid,” [Jesus] said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said (vv.27-29).
READ: Matthew 14:22-36
Death scares me. I love my life, and I don’t want it to end. There’s also a part of me that wonders what the afterlife is really like. What if it’s different from what the Bible says?
Some people might think that my fears are unchristian and a threat to my faith. On the contrary, I think that they’re not only normal—who honestly isn’t afraid of the great beyond?—but they also play an important role in my faith. Fear doesn’t prevent me from having faith; fear actually presents the possibility for great faith.
It was no great thing for Peter to walk on land, but to lower himself over the side of the boat and splash through whitecaps toward our Lord—that took faith. We can, of course, allow fear to overwhelm us to the point of losing faith. But we can also channel our fear into Peter’s desperate cry as he began to sink, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30).
Having faith does not mean that we’re not afraid. It gives us the courage to stand tall and to hang on in the middle of our fears. And the greater our fears, the stronger our faith can become.
We place our faith in Jesus, whose resurrection has defeated death. If we minimize death and claim that it’s no big deal, then we inadvertently also cheapen Christ’s resurrection that conquered it. But if we honestly admit that death is the enemy that terrifies us, then we can begin to appreciate the unparalleled power of the resurrection.
Faith isn’t about suppressing fear and pretending that everything is okay. But it does allow us to swallow hard—with shaky knees and sweaty palms—and cling to God’s promise that we will live again. Death is frightening, and for that reason it provides the ultimate test of our faith. —Mike Wittmer
In what sense is faith the opposite of fear? Do faith and fear cancel each out other, or is it possible to have both at the same time?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: the kingdom of me?
March 30, 2010
READ: 1 Peter 3:8-17
Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. —1 Peter 3:15
In 1977, 15-year-old Kevin Baugh and a teenage friend decided to create their own country, just for fun. The Republic of Molossia began as they drew a map, created paper money, and made a flag. Today, Mr. Baugh continues his micro-nation the same way it began—just for fun. When Chicago Tribune reporter Colleen Mastony toured his 1.3 acre kingdom in the Nevada desert, Baugh assured her he still pays US taxes, which he calls “foreign aid.”
“It’s always tongue-in-cheek,” Baugh admits. “I’m doing this for the pleasure and enjoyment of having my own country.”
Not many of us will create our own nation, but we all have a kingdom of the heart where we decide who will rule. The apostle Peter wrote: “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15). “Sanctify” means to set apart Christ as Lord or Ruler of our life.
There is something within each of us that longs to be in control of our lives. It may be only a small corner where we assert our spiritual independence and answer to no one but ourselves.
But true freedom comes when we allow Christ to rule our hearts. — David C. McCasland
When Christ rules in our heart, our feet will walk in His ways.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Comic: The Messenger [Full]
Story and Illustration by Beng Poh Neo, Singapore This comic is a modern adaptation of the Bible story Jonah. In the book of Jonah, we can learn many lessons. But the thread that connects them all together is the mercy of God. We see it in His pursuit and restoration of Jonah, His sparing of [...]
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: hold on loosely
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (v.4).
READ: Philippians 2:4-8
Recently, I stopped at a fast-food restaurant for a quick bite to eat. I placed my order at the drive- thru, picked up my beverage and chicken sandwich (minus the sauce), and was all set for an uneventful meal—or so I thought. A minute later, as I went to take a sip of my soft drink, the plastic lid on my paper cup popped off. Instinctively, I squeezed the cup to minimize the mess, but it only made things worse.
Along with again being certain I was born to spill things, the incident reminded me how much can go wrong in a relationship when we hold on too tight. If we turn into the clingy smothering type where it becomes all about us, we’ll end up squeezing the life out of those we claim to love.
The New Testament speaks about a more balanced approach to relationships: “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:4). We’re talking mutual consideration. Without it, relationships often become one-sided and oppressive.
If we feel as if the lid is coming off a friendship, dating relationship, or marriage, putting the squeeze on others is anything but mutually thoughtful. Conversely, the lyrics of a 1980s song encourages listeners to “hold on loosely,” but not “let go,” Not bad advice. In our close relationships, we need to always give the other person “someone to believe in” and lots of room “to breathe in.”
Even Jesus exhibited the importance of holding things loosely in relationships. The Bible says, “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (Philippians 2:6).
Everyone has legitimate needs. But if we’re after healthy and Christlike relationships—let’s remember to “hold on loosely” by thinking of what’s best for others. —Jeff Olson
In what way might you be holding too tightly to a relationship? How does Jesus’ example help you to hold on loosely?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: thanks, God!
March 29, 2010
READ: Psalm 105:1-5
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! —Psalm 105:1
At RBC Ministries, our human resources team has developed an effective and encouraging program that centers around gratefulness.
When an employee notices something good another employee does here at the office, he or she can take a special “Thank You” card provided by human resources and write a note of appreciation. It’s a good feeling to walk into your office and find one of those cards on your desk.
Isn’t it great to be thanked for a job well done? Doesn’t a good, hearty “thank you” brighten your day? And doesn’t it make your relationships a little more special—just to know that your work is not being taken for granted?
Everybody loves to be thanked. Even God. Our heavenly Father finds pleasure in our expression of thanks to Him. It’s His will that we tell Him “Thank You.” “Give thanks in all circumstances,” Paul said, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18 niv). The writer of Hebrews took it a step further by saying, “Let us be thankful, and so worship God” (12:28 niv).
Keep looking for ways to improve your relationship with God. Don’t forget what may be the most basic way to worship and honor Him: Tell Him “Thanks.” — Dave Branon
The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful heart.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...The truth will set you free
By Jude Dias, 20, Sri Lanka I was so excited when I bought a new Bible for myself. For years, our family shared a common Bible. Since it was used by all of us, it is old and discolored. But no matter how old it got, the words in the Book remained forever unchanged. Nevertheless, [...]
(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: maximum sentence
But the [one] who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself (v.32).
READ: Proverbs 6:32-35
South Korean courts sentenced actress Ok So-ri to 8 months in jail for cheating on her husband. During court proceedings, So-ri fought to stay out of prison, claiming the 1953 law against adultery was an invasion of privacy. The courts upheld the law, but suspended her sentence for 2 years.
Even though most countries don’t recognize adultery as a criminal offense, God is offended by this sin (Exodus 20:14). Unfaithfulness carries a maximum sentence that none of us can escape.
This penalty includes public disgrace. Even if an affair never hits the front pages, believe me—word gets around. The Bible claims that cheaters will “be wounded and disgraced. [Their] shame will never be erased” (Proverbs 6:33). This shame not only permanently trashes a person’s reputation, but it scars children and extended families as well—not to mention the other individual involved in the affair.
The Bible warns, “Sexual immorality is a sin against your own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18), and “the [one] who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32). Adultery can destroy us through disease, emotional entanglement with another person, and a messed-up marriage.
Once a relationship is polluted by unfaithfulness, the jealous spouse “will be furious and . . . will show no mercy when he [or she] takes revenge” (v.34). Divorce, neglect, reciprocal affairs, and even murder are all forms of revenge that stem from the business of betrayal.
God asks us to “remain faithful to one another in marriage” (Hebrews 13:4). As both our advocate and judge, He wants us to avoid the maximum sentence that adultery carries. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
How can you guard your heart and marriage against adultery? Why do you think the Bible is so opposed to breaking the covenant of marriage?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: God needs you!
March 28, 2010
READ: Mark 11:1-7
If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” say, “The Lord has need of it.” —Mark 11:3
For His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus chose a donkey to serve as His royal transportation. His disciples were instructed to say, “The Lord has need of it” (Mark 11:3). Isn’t it astounding that the Son of God should use such lowly means to accomplish His purposes? Alexander MacLaren commented on this: “Christ comes to us in like fashion, and brushes aside all our convenient excuses. He says, ‘I want you, and that is enough.’ ”
Think of it! The Creator of the universe needs us and desires to fit us into His eternal design! Though all-powerful and not dependent on any creature, He has chosen to carry out His plans through lowly human instruments. If this were not so, He would have taken us to heaven as soon as He saved us by His grace.
Someone once asked Francis of Assisi how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, “This may be why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?’ Then He saw me and said, ‘I’ve found him. I will work through him, and he won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.’ ”
You may be small in your own eyes, but God has need of you! — Paul Van Gorder
God is looking for ordinary people for extraordinary work.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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