YOG: Longing for Unity
By Chaz Oswald, 22, USA YOG Closing Ceremony Amazing lights, dance choreography, music, and spectacular fireworks marked the grand finale of the first-ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG) held in Singapore. As customary traditions would have it, the Olympic flag was passed to the next host nation for the 2014 YOG summer games, China. The closing [...]
ODJ: no benchwarmers
I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns (v.6).
READ: Philippians 1:3-11
I always felt a little sad for the guys on my high school basketball team who were put into a game during the waning seconds when the outcome was already decided. I was glad to see them finally get a chance to play, especially if we were winning, but it always seemed a bit nominal.
Unfortunately, nominal is how more than a few Christians view their role in God’s kingdom. Many see themselves as nothing but benchwarmers, sitting on the sidelines while others—like pastors or missionaries—do meaningful kingdom work. If I’m fortunate, they think, maybe God will give me some token playing time near the end of the game.
That’s hardly the way God sees it. Check out what the apostle Paul wrote to a group of Christians in the Roman colony of Philippi: “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).
In some ways, the Philippians weren’t really different from us. They were a diverse group of people who worked and lived and loved. But because of Jesus, they were called up into a greater story that was hardly anything but normal. And Paul was confident that each one played an active role.
The apostle Paul would say a similar thing about another group of believers who lived in the town of Thessalonica: “So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).
None of us know how much time is left in the “game” before Jesus returns. Whether it’s a little or a lot, there are no benchwarmers in God’s kingdom. He has cleared the bench and called all of us to join Him in advancing His kingdom. —Jeff Olson
How do you view the significance of your role in God’s kingdom? What does God want you to do for the “team”?
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Loading ...ODB: rescued
August 31, 2010
READ: Ephesians 2:1-10
God, who is rich in mercy, . . . made us alive together with Christ. —Ephesians 2:4-5
Lauren nervously yet excitedly hopped into a one-person kayak for a white-water rafting experience. After strapping herself in, she headed down the river with a group of kayakers and guides.
Lauren became even more nervous when she laid eyes on the falls ahead. Suddenly, as the kayak tossed and turned in the white water, it flipped over. She had been instructed on how to get out quickly if this were to happen. But she became disoriented as she hung upside-down in the water and couldn’t find the release bar to get out. She knew she couldn’t hold her breath much longer and thought she would soon be in the Lord’s presence. Then help came just in time and she was saved. Lauren was very grateful for her rescue from physical death.
An even greater rescue has been provided for us—rescue from spiritual death has come in the Person of Jesus Christ. While we were drowning in sin, God sent His Son Jesus to bring life through His own death and resurrection (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:5). He did so because He is “rich in mercy” and because of “His great love” (Eph. 2:4).
Out of gratefulness, we can help others by telling them of the Rescuer they so desperately need. —Anne Cetas
Those who’ve been rescued should be ready and willing to help in the rescue of others.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...The Gift of Friendship
By Melisa Manampiring, Indonesia In my younger days, I used to be a bookworm. My time was spent mainly in studying, going to school and attending church services. I was dead focused on getting the best grades at school. I was a quiet person and my schoolmates considered me strange. I felt that socializing would [...]
(1 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: zealous for Jesus
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically (v.11).
READ: Romans 12:9-21
All of us are capable of being zealous, regardless of our personality type. Even the most phlegmatic person can be passionate about something. Some people are into soccer, for others it’s food. So the issue isn’t whether or not one can be zealous, but where a person’s devotion lies.
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul provides some instruction that includes being zealous in serving the Lord. John Piper paraphrased it this way: “Do lots of work for Christ, passionately.”
The words “never be lazy, but work hard . . . enthusiastically” (v.11) emphasize being earnest and devoted in getting things done. What does that look like? Consider the following questions:
Are we efficient, or do we procrastinate?
Do we work hard to get things done, or do we give up halfway?
Romans 12:11 also contains this idea: Do lots of work for the Lord passionately—not being grouchy. A person passionate about serving the Lord doesn’t consider the number of hours he has clocked in for the Lord. He’s willing to do more, and he does it without complaint or protest. The reason is simple. Serving Jesus is the highest privilege in the universe for human beings.
In a Billy Graham biography written by John Pollock, there was a conversation recorded between Billy Graham and President Lyndon B. Johnson. President Johnson asked Billy, with whom he had been a friend for years, what position he would like to have in his administration. Billy Graham replied: “Sir, I believe that Jesus Christ has called me to preach His gospel. To me this is the highest calling any man could have on earth.”
In view of God’s mercy, let’s strive to be zealous Christians—passionately serving Jesus. —Poh Fang Chia
How would you rate your zeal quotient? What does it mean for you to passionately serve God?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: common language
August 30, 2010
READ: Read Acts 17:22-32
As I was . . . considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To The Unknown God.—Acts 17:23
During the high schoolers’ spring ministry trip to Jamaica, they visited a home for troubled teens who had run afoul of the law or whose families could not handle them.
This was not a comfortable situation for the kids from either culture. What would they say? How would they connect?
It didn’t take long to find out. Minutes after they arrived, a soccer match began as a number of the US students engaged some of the Jamaican teens in spirited competition.
The soccer match was a great icebreaker as the kids kicked the ball around and got to know each other. After the game, conversation was easier and friendships were established quicker because of a common interest.
In Acts 17, the apostle Paul demonstrated how to break through barriers and establish dialogue. He talked with the Athenians about something of common interest—worship. In a similar way, we can use sports talk with a co-worker or lawn conversation with a neighbor. The possibilities are endless.
To reach out to people who need to hear about God’s love, look for common language—and watch the barriers fall. —Dave Branon
God’s love can break down barriers.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: Our Father’s voice
Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left (v.21).
READ: Isaiah 30:18-22
I host a live, call-in radio program. Recently we explored the tricky topic of hearing God’s voice. “Does God speak personally to people?” I asked listeners. “If so, how? And how can we be sure it’s His voice we’re hearing and not our own thoughts?” Maryanne was my first caller.
“Fifteen years ago I heard God speak to me—audibly,” she said. “I was in the New Age movement, was desperately lonely, and one day called out to God for help.”
“What words did you hear this voice say?” I asked. “He told me to visit a particular church,” she replied; “the last church I’d have thought of visiting.” Maryanne described how she obeyed that voice, visited the church, was introduced to the Bible, and became a Christian.
We can be skeptical of such stories, but doesn’t Maryanne’s experience ring true to God’s character?
Isaiah addressed the Israelites during a time of calamity. They had abandoned God and were now reaping the consequences. Yet God still longed to love them (Isaiah 30:18). “He will be gracious if you ask for help,” Isaiah said (v.19). At their earnest cry, the responsive God would speak, His voice guiding them to His side (v.21). As a result, they would reject the idols and spiritualities that had led them astray (v.22). Isn’t this Maryanne’s story?
God’s voice may be heard as thunder (John 12:29), as a thought (Acts 20:22), and even as a human voice (1 Kings 19:12; 1 Samuel 3:4). “I think God primarily speaks to us through the Bible,” Maryanne went on to say. “But I will never forget that experience.”
As we study the Bible and listen to God (Hebrews 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:16), let’s be ready for His voice today—that strong, authoritative, fatherly voice.
—Sheridan Voysey
When was the last time you “heard” the voice of God? How do you think we can discern between His voice and our own thoughts and desires?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: how can we keep from singing?
August 29, 2010
READ: Psalm 146
While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. —Psalm 146:2
Robert Lowry felt that preaching would be his greatest contribution in life. However, this 19th-century pastor is best remembered for his gospel music and hymns. Lowry composed words or music for more than 500 songs, including “Christ Arose,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Shall We Gather at the River?”
In 1860, as the United States teetered on the brink of civil war, Lowry wrote these enduring words that focus not on threatening circumstances but on the unchanging Christ:
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
Lowry’s confidence in God during difficult times echoes the psalmist’s words: “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. . . . Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Ps. 146:3-5).
Whether we react to life with faith or fear depends on our focus. Knowing that “the Lord shall reign forever” (v.10), how can we keep from singing? —David McCasland
If you keep in tune with Christ, you can sing even in the dark.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: your version of joy
You will have abundant joy (v.24).
READ: John 16:16-24
So I was surfing the Web when the words of an online banner ad caught my eye. “Find your version of happiness now.” Interesting, huh? The fine print in the ad explained that it was for Personals—designed to link people in search of dates with other like-minded individuals.
Whether it’s finding Mr. or Ms. Right or simply ordering that deluxe pizza with anchovies you’ve been dying for, happiness waxes and wanes with the events of our lives. It’s a fickle and elusive emotion.
Joy, on the other hand, is not found in personals and pizzas. In John 16, Jesus said to His disciples, “You will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to Me, but the world will rejoice” (v.20). He was preparing them for His journey to the cross. They would experience intense grief over His death, while the world would celebrate.
But then Jesus told them, “Your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy” (v.20). The gloom and darkness of Jesus’ passing would be dispelled by His bright and glorious reappearance—by His resurrection from the dead.
We too are recipients of this joy. It flows from the realization that Jesus has died for us—taking the punishment for our sins on Himself—and that He rose again, proving that His promise of eternal life is real. Now that’s something to rejoice in!
Life is filled with twists and turns, sorrows and happy times. But Jesus tells us that our lives can and should be marked by “abundant joy” (v.24). This isn’t our “version of happiness,” it’s His provision of something real and lasting.
Have you been looking for happiness in all the wrong places? Instead, consider what Jesus has provided. He said, “No one can rob you of that joy” (v.22). —Tom Felten
What’s the difference between happiness and joy? What will it take for you to fully realize the joy found in Jesus?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: the slowness of wisdom
August 28, 2010
READ: John 8:1-11
Whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. —John 12:50
When the Pharisees came to Jesus with the woman caught in adultery and asked Him what should be done with her, He knelt for a moment and scribbled in the sand (John 8:6-11). We have no idea what He wrote. But when they continued asking Him, Jesus responded in one short sentence: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (v.7). His few words accomplished much in confronting the Pharisees with their own sin, for they walked away one by one. Even today those words resound around the world.
Jesus had such a closeness to and dependence on His Father that He said of Himself, “Whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (12:50). Oh, that we had such a relationship with our Father that we knew how to respond with His wisdom!
Perhaps it begins with obeying James’ challenge to be “swift to hear, slow to speak” (1:19). This is not the slowness of ignorance, emptiness, timidity, guilt, or shame. But the slowness of wisdom born of dwelling quietly on the Lord and His thoughts.
We’re often told to stop and think before we speak. But I think we should take it much further and live a life where we’re always listening for God’s wisdom. —David Roper
Listen to God before you speak for God.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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