ODB: sunshine chaser
August 25, 2010 READ: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure. —Ecclesiastes 2:10 Diana and Dave love to ride their jet skis on the lake, skimming across the water on warm sunny days. But one morning the weather was cool and mostly cloudy, and Diana couldn’t convince Dave to go out. [...]
in an instant
reading from the playbook› James 4:13-17 Life is unpredictable. It can change in a moment. The tragic death of legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. is a harsh reminder of how life can forever change in an instant. Think about it. Merely seconds before his untimely death in the 2001 Daytona 500, the “Terminator” listened [...]
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Interview with Peter George, 22, Australia Related Resource: How Can I Share My Faith Without An Argument?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: His perfect timing
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, He kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people (v.41).
READ: Mark 6:30-44
One hour and 36 minutes until deadline. Having returned to full-time teaching this year, I’m learning the complexities of balancing a job along with working with my husband in ministry and continuing my writing. All of which trail the two main roles in my life—wife and mom. Life is far from predictable. Some days—most days—it feels impossible. Tempted to live in the land of “never enough time,” I can either become overwhelmed or wait expectantly on the Lord. Only one choice allows my life to become a daily transfer of the impossible to the possible (Luke 1:37).
Because the secular world thrives on a treadmill of activity, we can mistakenly demonize any level of busyness. While we need to be aware of the reasons for our packed schedules and regularly assess their validity, the need for time does not always suggest a lack of order. Sometimes it is the presentation of a divine opportunity.
When Jesus ministered to the multitudes and became aware of their hunger, He didn’t chastise them for their lack of preparation (Mark 6:35-37). He fed them. Their need was not a result of sin; it came as a revelation of the kingdom—both in their spiritual hunger and their physical satisfaction (vv.42-44).
God wants to unfold in our lives His principle of kingdom provision—where “not enough” becomes the assurance that He “is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Not because we are asking for our own desires, but because we are working for His (James 4:3).
When we’ve given all we have with the heart of a faithful steward, we have only to wait. He will provide. Present the need to Him and wait on His perfect timing. —Regina Franklin
How can your need be an opportunity to develop a heart of expectation in Jesus? How are you a steward of God’s resources?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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August 24, 2010
READ: Philippians 4:4-13
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Apoet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”
What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?
For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (niv). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ.
Paul reminds us that contentment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that we learn. As our relationship with God develops over time and through experiences, we learn to trust God more and ourselves less. Paul knew that Christ would give him the strength to persevere in whatever situation he encountered (v.13).
No matter what you’re facing today, through prayer you can receive the strength to be content. —Albert Lee
We find contentment at the same place we find salvation—in Christ.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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reading from the playbook› Ephesians 2:4-9 Because of the nature of sports, athletes are put under a spotlight. They perform for an audience, and they provide entertainment for society. This is what entices many to become the best at their sport. Those people want to reach stardom, and fame becomes the goal. I by no [...]
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(10 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)Because Of Your Youth
By Rachel Ang, 21, Singapore Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. —1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT) When I was younger, I was very determined to assert myself among [...]
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Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (v.16).
READ: James 5:12-18
In 2006, confession of sin became an artistic expression. Two artists, Laura Barnett and Sandra Spannan, created an exhibit in a storefront in Manhattan, which allowed passersby to confess their sins. They sat in the storefront, dressed as 19th-century washerwomen. The words on the window read, “Air your dirty laundry. 100-percent confidential. Anonymous. Free.” Onlookers were encouraged to confess their sins on pieces of paper. When those who “confessed” walked away, however, the women collected their written sins and displayed them for all to see.
James commanded believers in Jesus to confess their sins to one another (5:16). The context for this verse is praying and caring for the physically sick. Praying for the sick, however, included a command for mutual confession and prayer. James was teaching that all sin, especially unconfessed sin, is a dangerous enemy to the body of Jesus. It leads to the breaking of fellowship with God and others, the building of relational walls and the destruction of community, and the prevention of moral change in the lives of believers. Confession brought healing—physical and spiritual.
Scripture reveals that we should first confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9). Then, despite the risks (rejection, embarrassment), we can and should “confess [our] sins to each other.” How? Sin that has affected the body of Christ should be confessed to the body. Sin against a fellow believer should be confessed to that individual. For sin that is not against the body of Christ or a person, we should use wisdom and find a fellow believer to whom we can admit our sins. God gives us divine help as we confess our sins to Him.
There’s great power in a community that is serious about mutual confession and prayer. —Marvin Williams
What are some of the risks and rewards involved in confessing our sins to one another? To what mature believer can you confess your sins?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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August 23, 2010
READ: Proverbs 2
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, . . . you will understand the fear of the Lord. —Proverbs 2:1,5
Addie was a bit worried. Before we all sat down for Sunday dinner, someone had started eating. That’s when our 3-year-old granddaughter said, “We haven’t prayed yet.” She was concerned that we might forget to give thanks.
Her concern was a good sign. It showed that at her young age, Addie was beginning to form one of those good habits that parents teach their children as part of their instructions for life. This little routine, for instance, helps her see the value of prayer and thanksgiving, which can be a powerful resource for her in the years ahead.
Raising children in an age of hostility toward the Christian faith is not easy. Parents wonder how best to help their little ones learn to trust the Savior and live to please Him. Proverbs indicates that a key to directing children is through purposeful instruction by parents (Prov. 1:8) on such things as listening to wisdom (2:2), seeking discernment (2:3), understanding the fear of the Lord (2:5), recalling parents’ teaching (3:1), and gaining insight (4:1). These become habitual when parents give instruction and when children “retain” those words of teaching (4:1-4).
Got kids or grandkids? It’s never too early to begin instructing them in wise living. —Dave Branon
The character of your children tomorrow depends on what you put into their hearts today.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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