ODB: The Stones
March 20, 2011 READ: Joshua 4 When your children ask . . . “What are these stones?” then you shall let [them] know, saying, “Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land.” —Joshua 4:21-22 Not long ago, our friends had a gathering at their house and invited a group of people who were all music [...]
ODJ: gaia needs God
Understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior (vv.10-11).
READ: Isaiah 43:10-13
I had mixed feelings watching the film Avatar. Like most, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of Pandora. Like some, I was put off by the film’s political preachiness. The portrayal of the Na’vi people’s perfect harmony with nature and each other seemed naïve. But make no mistake, the movie gripped me from beginning to end.
What really caught my attention in the flick was Eywa—the Great Mother goddess whom the Na’vi worship. Given Avatar’s ecological themes, it isn’t surprising that Eywa is made up of “all living things,” being the “spirit” and “energy” that animates Pandora, its plants and creatures, and the Na’vi themselves.
Eywa is not new. She’s like Gaia reborn. Gaia is the Greek earth goddess with parallels in Native American and other pantheistic cultures—popular today in New Age movements. In Avatar, Gaia shimmers with beauty. Her character and power, however, is a little ambivalent:
• In Avatar, the whole Pandoran forest pulsates as Eywa tries to save a scientist named Grace. But Grace dies. Is there One who has the power to heal and resurrect?
• In Avatar, Eywa is the spirit behind both beautiful flora and Pandora’s wild dogs. Is there One without this dangerous element of evil?
• In Avatar, Eywa is said to not take sides in battles. She can “protect only the balance of life.” Is there One who comes to the aid of the oppressed?
“I, yes I, am the Lord,” our Almighty God says (Isaiah 43:11), in whom “there is no darkness” (1 John 1:5). “Is anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27), asks this God who raises the dead (Acts 2:24). “There is no other God,” says this One who fights for the powerless (Isaiah 41:10-11,17).
Gaia has become popular again—by the name Eywa. But why revere a “god” who desperately needs the one true God? —Sheridan Voysey
Why might environmental enthusiasts be drawn to Eywa/Gaia? How could you respond to their spiritual interest?
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Loading ...ODB: Suit Up
March 19, 2011
READ: Ephesians 6:13-21
Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. —Ephesians 6:13
When I played American football as a kid, one thing that took some getting used to was all the equipment we had to wear. Running effectively in a helmet, shoulder pads, and a variety of other protective items can feel awkward and clumsy at first. But over time the protective gear becomes like a familiar friend that provides welcome protection against serious injury. When a football player suits up, he knows that his equipment is designed to protect him in battle against a dangerous opponent.
As followers of Christ, we also face a dangerous foe—a spiritual enemy who seeks our downfall and destruction. Fortunately, our Lord has provided us with protection, and He challenges us to suit up for spiritual battle.
In Ephesians 6:13, we read, “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Paul then describes our armor—helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, belt, and shoes. These pieces of spiritual equipment are effective only if we put them on and use them—even if they might feel uncomfortable at first. Faithfulness in the Word (v.17), in prayer (v.18), and in witness (vv.19-20) are critical to making our armor feel like a part of us. So suit up! The battle is on!
— Bill Crowder
God’s armor is tailor-made for you, but you must put it on.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: discerning the darkness
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them (v.11).
READ: Ephesians 5:1-18
While working through a recent unit on Shakespeare with my sophomore students, I was reminded that the power of media is nothing new. Although its presentation today is perhaps more vivid, and therefore more memorable, the world of entertainment has had its place in culture for thousands of years. An ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, saw the cathartic nature of drama which, by engaging the audience, brings people into the action and allows them to become part of the story without leaving their seats. Media isn’t passive; it embraces us.
Colossians 1:13 reminds us, “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” When considering the media we take in on a daily basis, we need to ask ourselves if it belongs in the kingdom of light or of darkness. Our flesh will not willingly expose its darkness (John 3:19-20). The more intimate we are with the Spirit, however, the more we readily discern light from darkness (Hebrews 5:14).
In a world that aggressively blurs the lines between good and evil, we must not forget that God is serious about our leaving behind the darkness to walk in the light of His Word. Excusing things as “no big deal” or refusing to surrender areas of our lives to God opens a door for the enemy to take us down a dangerous path. What may become a casual interest or attraction to things that are ungodly can later become an area of bondage in our lives.
God is amazingly powerful, and He has already overcome the darkness. He won’t take something out of our lives, however, if we’re unwilling to let it go. The choice is ours—light or darkness. We can’t have both. —Regina Franklin
In what ways has media been influential in your life—positively as well as negatively? In what ways is your media consumption filled with the Spirit?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: Keep Me from Wrath
March 18, 2011
READ: Psalm 37:8-11
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. —Psalm 37:8
I have a friend whose note cards are imprinted with a picture of Rodin’s The Thinker, the famous sculpture depicting a man in sober reflection. Below the picture is this inscription: “Life is not fair.”
Indeed, it is not. And any theory that insists that this life is fair is illusory and deceptive.
Despite the overwhelming unfairness of life, however, David in Psalm 37 prays that he will not retaliate but will instead rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him to bring justice to the earth in due time (v.7). “For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth” (v.9).
Our wrath tends to be vindictive and punitive. God’s wrath is untainted by self-interest and tempered by mercy. His wrath can even be His relentless love that brings our antagonists to repentance and faith. We must not then avenge ourselves, “for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord . . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:19,21).
This must begin in the heart, the wellspring from which the issues of our lives flow. May we cease from anger, forsake wrath, and wait patiently for the Lord.
— David H. Roper
Revenge restrained is a victory gained.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: simply profound
Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously (v.7).
READ: Isaiah 55:1-9
A Malaysian gangster was extorting money from a dental clinic. When the dentist gave him the cash “payment” he was forced to make, he also gave him a booklet. He said, “Read this. It’s good for you.” The gangster was angry with the dentist for giving him a religious booklet—a copy of Our Daily Bread (sister publication of Our Daily Journey). But the dentist replied, “Please keep it. Wait till you are in a good mood, then read it.” Nine months later, when the booklet accidentally dropped to the floor, the gangster picked it up. As he read its pages, he was convicted of his sins and received Jesus as his Savior.
What an incredible way to be confronted with God’s Word! But was this story extraordinary? Maybe not. For the God of the Bible is the God of the extraordinary. Everything is possible with Him (Mark 10:27). God has said of Himself: “My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (Isaiah 55:8).
God’s ways may be inscrutable to us (v.9), but the way to God is simple: Turn away from your sins and turn to God (vv.6-7; Acts 3:19). Isaiah says, “Let the wicked change their ways. . . . Let them turn to the Lord that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously” (55:7). And that’s exactly what the Malaysian gangster experienced. He’s now an ex-gangster who loves God and others.
The invitation to come to God is given three times in verses 1 to 3. Come is one of the most inviting words in Scripture. God invites anyone and everyone to come to Him, to find life, and to experience His love (v.3). “It’s all free!” (v.1). Come. If God can change the heart of a gangster, He can change you. —K.T. Sim
God has invited us to come to Him. Have you accepted His invitation? What must you do to come to Him today?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Abba Father
By Trevor Shockey, 20, Indiana USA Abba Father! Come rest Your feet on the earth Come find Your home in our hearts Reside in us Abide in us We will abide in You Abba Father Creator God Your love is deeper than the sea You sent Your only Son for me Abba Father I love [...]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: Becoming a Go-to Person
March 17, 2011
READ: Luke 7:1-10
When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. —Luke 7:3
“Would you pray for my sister?” the burly worker asked awkwardly. I eyed him suspiciously.
Months earlier, muggy August heat intensified emotions in the pre-strike atmosphere of the assembly plant where I was working that summer. Managers drove production at a frenzied pace and union members resisted. During breaks, we were coached by union officials on slowing down our output. My faith and idealism got me in the doghouse because I didn’t think God would accept anything but my best effort. I naively tried to explain.
My co-workers’ response was harassment, and this burly worker asking for prayer had been the ringleader. An undesirable task? I got the assignment. Off-color jokes had me as the star.
So now I greeted this prayer request with suspicion. “Why me?” His answer jarred me: “Because she’s got cancer,” he said gruffly, “and I need someone God will hear.” The bitter rancor between us eased as I prayed for his sister.
Like the centurion in Luke 7, people in the storms of life don’t waste time or mince words. They go directly to the people whose faith they’ve tagged as real. We need to be those people. Do our lives mark us as a go-to person in touch with God?
— Randy Kilgore
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: why work?
Warn those who are lazy (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
READ: Proverbs 12:24-13:4
Think back to a time when you were part of a team through school, church, business, volunteer work, or sports. With that experience fresh in your mind, answer the following: What was your team’s primary goal? Prepare a class presentation? Share the gospel with 500 people? Increase sales by 25 percent in three districts? Win a state or national championship? Did your team meet its goals? Why did your group effort succeed or fail? Who worked the hardest on your team? Did anyone fail to put forth the effort needed to achieve the desired results?
On almost every team, there’s a standout performer, the one who works tirelessly and who diligently makes “use of everything they find.” There’s also often a person who’s rich with talent, but who’s lazy and poor at execution; the type of person who doesn’t “even cook the game they catch” (Proverbs 12:27).
People who fail to make the most of opportunities or to follow through with their responsibilities hurt not only themselves, but also their teammates. God’s Word has much to say about the value of work. For example:
• “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper” (13:4).
• “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty” (21:5).
• Be happy in [your] work. That is why we are here!” (Ecclesiastes 3:22).
• “Enjoy your work . . . this is indeed a gift from God” (5:19).
• “Those who work [hard] deserve their pay” (Luke 10:7).
Jesus also said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27 NIV). Make it your goal to complete what God calls you to do, keeping in mind that no work “you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58). —Roxanne Robbins
What is something God is calling you to do? How are you putting forth the required work to complete it?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: God’s Answers
March 16, 2011
READ: Daniel 9:20-27
While I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel . . . reached me. —Daniel 9:21
Daniel poured out his heart to God (Dan. 9:2). He had read Jeremiah and rediscovered God’s promise that Israel’s captivity in Babylon would last 70 years. So, in an effort to represent his people before God, Daniel fasted and prayed. He pleaded with God not to delay in rescuing His people (v.19).
When we pray, there are things we can know and other things we cannot. For instance, we have the assurance that God will hear our prayer if we know Him as our heavenly Father through faith in Jesus, and we know that His answer will come according to His will. But we don’t know when the answer will come or what it will be.
For Daniel, the answer to his prayer came in miraculous fashion, and it came immediately. While he was praying, the angel Gabriel arrived to provide the answer. But the nature of the answer was as surprising as the quick reply. While Daniel asked God about “70 years,” the answer was about a prophetic “70 weeks of years.” Daniel asked God for an answer about the here and now, but God’s answer had to do with events thousands of years into the future.
Focused as we are with our immediate situation, we may be shocked by God’s answer. Yet we can know that the answer will be for His glory.
— Dave Branon
God’s answers to our prayers may exceed our expectations.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
