(Not) Always Coca-Cola
By Tracy Phua, 22, Singapore It was at least 35 degree Celsius. The sun was shining brightly in the sky—too brightly, I felt. The altitude of the land made the heat all the more unbearable. I could feel my skin slowly getting charred by the unusually strong UV rays. And then I saw it. A [...]
ODB: wholesome words
September 8, 2010
READ: Ephesians 4:25-32
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. —Eph. 4:29
In November 2008, the US Supreme Court debated the constitutional limits on foul language. The Federal Communications Commission cited a national broadcasting company for allowing two entertainers to use two common profanities on the air. The broadcasting company argued that “fleeting” profanity that was not blatantly sexual should not be punished. Others countered that it is our duty to protect children from such language.
The issue of inappropriate language was not up for debate in the church at Ephesus. Paul instructed believers that one of the ways they were to respond to the blessings of redemption and being made alive in Christ was by guarding their speech (4:29).
Paul did not want them to be characterized by their old way of living, which included corrupt and unwholesome speech, profanity, malicious gossip, slander, or anything that injures another and sparks dissension. Instead, he wanted the Ephesians through their words to “impart grace” and encouragement, as the need arose.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we want the words that flow from our hearts and out of our mouths to be a life-giving spring. And may all who hear our words receive a blessing. —Marvin Williams
God’s Word should shape our words.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...ODJ: my friends and i
Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself (v.3).
READ: 1 Samuel 18
John Chrysostom wrote: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. . . . It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”
There’s no better example of the sweetness of a godly friendship than Jonathan and David’s story. The Bible records that “there was an immediate bond between them” (1 Samuel 18:1). Friends share a oneness of spirit.
The two warriors established their friendship after David had killed the giant Goliath in battle. Jonathan also overcame great odds in war (14:6). So they shared the belief that one should risk great odds for a God who could overcome any obstacle.
Their friendship was sustained by the constant renewing of their loyalty to one another (18:3; 20:16,42; 23:18), as well as nurtured by true expressions of concern. These expressions took the form of gifts as well as guidance. Jonathan shared with David gifts of prominence and practicality (18:4), and he also shielded his friend by means of warnings and acts of protection (19:1-2; 20:12-13). Friends help solve problems and share alternate solutions.
The apex of Jonathan and David’s friendship is found in these words: “Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God” (23:16).
Friends help you find strength in God during the low ebb times of life. In a world where most relationships are about what I can get, let’s be the type of friend who is focused on what I can give. Jesus, our perfect Friend, told us, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Let’s follow His example. —Poh Fang Chia
How will you selflessly serve your friends today? How does Christlike friendship bring glory to God?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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